SPEEDWAY

LAKESIDE Hammers have signed up promising young Swedish rider Ricky Kling for another season.

Kling, who signed up for the Elite League club during the Speedway Riders Association presentation evening last Thursday, joined the Hammers midway through 2007. He proved to be a popular addition to the side and won the Young Rider of the Year award.

Kling said: "I am delighted to have got things sorted out for next season before I leave for Sweden. Joining the Hammers towards the end of the season was the best thing that happened to me.

"I have enjoyed my time here and am already looking forward to next year. I have been made very welcome at the club and their fantastic fans have really got behind me."

Hammers co-promoter and team manager Jon Cook was equally enthusiastic about the signing. He said: "Ricky is definitely a rider to look out for in the future and I am pleased that he has pledged his future in this country to be with the Hammers.

"In the relatively short time he has been with us he has shown his potential with some very impressive rides against far more established riders.

"He has become a firm favourite with our supporters and it was great to get his signature for next season."

Cook and co-promoter Stuart Douglas have in mind the nucleus of the team to compete in 2008 but are waiting for the outcome of the British Speedway Promoters Association annual conference, which is due to take place later this month, before they are able to finalise their plans.