Sheffield Tigers: Damien Bates hails British talent ahead of Development League Pairs

Sheffield Tigers co-promoter Damien Bates believes there’s an exciting amount of talent coming through the British Speedway ranks.

The Tigers’ Chief has been speaking ahead of Sunday’s National Development League Pairs tournament at Owlerton (5.30) as it returns to the sport’s calendar.

Sheffield’s own Drew Kemp is included as part of the line-up for third tier side Kent and Bates hopes the stars of the future get the turnout they deserve.

“This is a big meeting for the riders involved and it’s almost impossible to pick a winner when you look at the line-up,” Bates said.

“There is a lot of doom and gloom and negativity that often overshadows all the good things in British Speedway – and the reality is we’ve still got a brilliant sport that we should be very proud of.

“Obviously Tai Woffinden, a three-times World Champion, and Robert Lambert, who has been in the Grands Prix this year, have led the resurgence of British riders mixing it on the world stage again.

“But when you look at the National League now and the kids coming through there, the future is looking pretty bright.