Glasgow Speedway have, once again, turned to Australia to complete our starting line up for the forthcoming season.
Following a lengthy search and consultation with several well known Australian speedway commentators and experts – including Mick and Chris Holder – Tigers have moved to snap up NSW rider Joey Ringwood.
22 year old Ringwood has been making the Australian speedway fraternity sit up and take notice over the past 2 years having switched motorcycle disciplines from the Aussie moto x scene.
Joey, who despite suffering from a broken thumb, competed in Friday night’s extremely tough race off event at Gillman speedway for a place in the Australian Solo Title series, has put pen to paper in agreeing terms with the Tigers.
Whilst he failed to qualify in last week’s race off event, he did show a glimpse of his ability in managing to beat Eastbourne’s Cameron Woodward en route to a disappointing 3 point tally. Eagle eyed Tigers fans may previously have noted Joey as being one of just two riders recently (the other being meeting winner Ty Proctor) to lower the colours of one Shane Parker in the Jack Young Cup meeting staged at Gillman Speedway, Adelaide.
The Glasgow management will now seek work sponsorship certificates for Joey and Harley Horwood, and subject to the necessary authorisations being granted, both will jet in to Glasgow in good time for the new season.
Speaking about dipping back in to the Aussie marketplace, co promoter Colin Hamilton was pleased that the club have got their man:
”Each of Joey and Harley have come highly recommended to us by a number of independent speedway experts Down Under.
When asked about being able to handle making their UK debuts and standing up to the rigour and challenges involved, it was these lads who were repeatedly identified. They are both in their early 20s and that, in our opinion, gives them an additional advantage when it comes to having the maturity to handle the challenges ahead.
”Both riders know one another and that will be an advantage when they travel across to Scotland and have to stand up to their first season of UK speedway.
”Thinking in bigger picture terms, both riders will enrich the asset base of the club which is something we are very keen to do something about. Yes, we have to now go through the certification process to enable these lads to race here in the UK, we are hopeful that both will be rubber stamped in due course.”
Welcome to the Stripes Joey!