The DUCTAIR Bulls have snapped up local lad Jack Roberts after deciding on a speedway comeback when the sport was brought back to the Derbyshire track.

Roberts was a promising young rider who, as a 15-year-old, made his Buxton debut in April 2006, scoring 6+1, including a third-ride race win against the visiting USA Dream Team – managed by now Buxton promoter Laurence Rogers!

He rode in 30 meetings, averaging over 7, including bonus points and had a home paid maximum before notching a paid 18 maximum at Middlesbrough to end a fine debut season.

His second season in 2007 saw him show a marked improvement, upping his overall average to 8.64 with two maximums and a 20-point haul at Weymouth.

2008 saw him double up with Birmingham in the Premier League. In 12 meetings for the Brummies, he averaged 4.23 and looked to be on his way to better things. In the Conference League, his average shot up to 9.24.

But he then surprised everyone by packing up to set up his life outside of Speedway, and everyone must have thought he was lost to the sport. He made a comeback on the grass, began to enjoy racing again, and met up with Laurence Rogers at several grass meetings, where they chatted.

Then, when it was announced that Buxton was returning to speedway, he popped in and offered help with the work going on, and conversations got round to having a spin on the track again. He was tempted and decided to have some laps … 18 years since he packed in, and he regained his racing enjoyment. Discussions then started for him to build up his bike and get a licence to ride in some of the challenge matches Buxton was organising,

The Buxton promotion then applied for a reduction in his average and, after being patient, received the news that he was being reassessed at 2.00, which is ideal for the Bulls. He will now take his place on the Buxton side, which is great news for the club. Being local is also a good selling point to the Buxton people, who hopefully will come along and support him.

Laurence Rogers is pleased with his capture, “Getting Jack back is a boost to us. He has shown good flashes at Buxton, and he will slot in well at reserve. Welcome back, “Cubby”, as he is known!

In addition, the final team spot has been something the club have been working on with excess points to utilise, but despite non-stop efforts to bring in a rider up to the average remaining, their search has not materialised. The decision has been made to give a chance to one of the young riders competing in the Midland Development League, with Ryan Ashcroft given his chance at reserve. With Jamie Etherington having taken a break from the sport for now, the situation will be monitored once his long-term decision is known.