BATES – BALANCE IS RIGHT

JOSH Bates says his life balance of work and racing is just what he needs right now.

The former British Under-21 Champion will combine his full-time role with PBHS Utilities with racing for Sheffield in the Premiership and Leicester in the Championship, meaning over 40 meetings are on his schedule.

Bates said: “You can’t beat the adrenaline rush of riding speedway. I’ve missed it badly.

“I know it’s going to be a busy time for me, but that’s how I like it, and I’ve missed it. There were times in the winter when the weather was terrible and I felt a bit down about not being able to be out on my bike.

“There have been concerns that some riders who have got jobs away from speedway might turn their back on the sport, but that’s far from the case with me, it’s just made me realise how much I love riding.”