JAMES Sarjeant insists he’s staying positive despite being left without a team for 2017 – and plans to show what he’s made of in the Ben Fund Bonanza at Glasgow.
The 2015 Tiger was already facing going into the new campaign without a Championship club but had signed for Coventry in the Premiership.
However, now that the Bees have pulled out of the top flight, he must start the season unemployed.
Sarjeant had put his name forward to race in next Sunday’s season opener at the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium, and said: “I’ve never done it before and it’s obviously a good meeting to ride in. I’ve been to watch them, so I was pleased and excited when I got accepted to ride.”
The Yorkshireman is pleased at the prospect of returning to his former home track. He said: “I met a lot of good people up there so it will be nice to see some old friends and management. I’ve still got a few sponsors up there. I can’t wait for it really.”
Many were left surprised when Sarjeant – an Ipswich rider in 2016 – wasn’t picked up during the winter, but he hopes to use the meeting to put himself in the shop window.
He said: “I had talks with a few teams, I didn’t turn anyone down but it turned out that plans changed, and averages didn’t allow me to fit. I’m just unlucky really, it’s a shame when you are progressing year by year and this happens. They should be able to protect British riders more.
“I’m not worrying about it, though I’ve spent quite a lot on my bikes this year. I went practising on Sunday and blew an engine so it was a pretty unlucky day for me.
“I’ll keep practising and keep my head up. I found out about Coventry when Mick Horton texted me but it was pretty much the same time as it got released. I don’t know the full story so it’s not for me to say any more.
“Obviously I’m disappointed but there are six other riders who will say the same. It’s worse for me because I have not got a team at all.
“You’ve just got to keep going haven’t you?”
Meanwhile, the Ben Fund Bonanza’s line-up is almost complete – with the exciting Stuart Robson, Max Clegg and Nike Lunna now added to the bill.
Ben Fund chief Paul Ackroyd will reveal another name for the meeting on Sunday evening, exclusively on Tigers Live, which will be broadcast on the Glasgow Facebook page from 7pm.