TWO IN FOR BRUMMIES

BIRMINGHAM have moved to bring former Grand Prix rider Troy Batchelor back into British racing.

Batchelor, who rode for Oxford last season in the Cab Direct Championship but was without a place this year, joins the Brummies along with teenager Sam Hagon who steps up for the first time.

The Perry Barr side have made their changes to replace long-term injury victim James Wright, with Aussie youngster James Pearson also missing out.

Team boss Stewart Dickson said: “Troy is a former Elite League Riders’ Champion, he’s won the top league on more than one occasion, he’s ridden in World Cups and GPs, and to be able to bring someone like him into your team in the second tier is quite remarkable really.

“In his last two meetings at Perry Barr he’s scored 28 points so it’s quite clear it’s a track he enjoys racing on.

“Sam has been impressing in a few meetings of a similar level to the Championship so far this year and he’s been riding very, very well in the National Development League for Belle Vue

“James Wright has spent most of the year on the sidelines so far and it doesn’t look as if he’s going to be back anytime soon, so it made sense to get someone in for him. As for James Pearson, I understand he’s quite a popular character with the Birmingham supporters but I’ve been brought in with the responsibility of making this team stronger and that means I’ve had to juggle a few things around.”