Glasgow have moved to replace Connor Bailey with club asset and former rider, Jack Smith.
The 22-year-old last raced for the Tigers in 2017, when he was aged just 18.
He now steps in as the team’s ‘Rising Star’ for the 2021 season – following Bailey’s decision to step down from the side due to restrictions caused by the pandemic.
Team manager Cami Brown says he is “very happy” to have snapped-up the returning reserve. He said: “Jack has bags of talent, superb equipment as well as a great team around him.
“His father was a multiple British speedway champion and he will be there with Jack, so it’ll be great to have someone of his experience in the pits.
“Jack and I have spoken today and immediately I felt the boy was really up for the chance to ride for the best club in the country. We’re hoping he’ll form a good partnership with Sam Jensen at reserve.”
Smith says he is delighted to be back in the red and white stripes. “It feels amazing to be back at Glasgow once again,” he said.
“Obviously I spent my first season in the Championship with Glasgow back in 2017, and I’ve been eager to come back every season since, so I’m really looking forward to the season starting now.
“I honestly felt overwhelmed when I got the call, just so happy because I’ve been working so hard behind the scenes to get a Championship spot again, and it couldn’t have come from a better club or at a better time.
“Obviously it was hard for a lot of riders with last season not going ahead, we missed out on a lot of riding and progression, but I managed to keep occupied with some work here and there and training most days ready for when I was to be back on a bike.
“The time off has made me realise how much I love the sport and how keen I am to be back racing again.
“My goals for the season are to progress and become a better rider. I know I have the ability, equipment and support to succeed in what I set out to do.
“I’ve come a long way since my last time at Glasgow. I’m older, more mature, fitter and mentally stronger than ever. I’m not the finished product but I’m confident I can put in a strong shift for the team week in, week out.
“The team looks very strong thorough-out the 1-7. I’ve also ridden with most the lads before, if not all of them. In particular I know Craig Cook and Justin Sedgmen as I rode with both of them at Belle Vue Aces in 2017.
“To the fans, I’d just like to say I’m really excited to seeing some familiar faces around the stadium, and some new ones of course.
“The fans are awesome at Glasgow – they all supported me every step of the way in 2017 and always had my back. It’s a great club with a great fan base, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all again soon.”
Smith completes the Tigers line-up for the 2021 season – where along with Cook, Sedgmen and Jensen, he is also joined by Ricky Wells, Ulrich Ostergaard and Broc Nicol.