by Paul Burbidge - Dorset Echo

WEYMOUTH Football Club could be the next promoters of speedway in the resort. Terras representatives have met with the sport’s governing body the British speedway Promoters Association (BSPA) and are believed to be interested in taking over the Wildcats’ licence from former operator Brian White.

White, who last month was evicted from the Wessex Stadium due to financial and planning concerns, holds exclusive rights to run speedway within a 30-mile radius of the town. Echo sport understand the Terras are keen to obtain the licence in time to enter a side in next season’s Conference League competition. Football club chief executive Gary Calder confirmed that a meeting had taken place with BSPA chairman Peter Toogood, who is also owner of Premier League outfit Somerset Rebels.

Calder said: “At no time have we ever said we didn’t want speedway at the Wessex Stadium. We are keen for the sport to continue and I can confirm that BSPA chairman Peter Toogood has been down for talks and for a general look around the place. Details of our talks will remain private at this stage. When there is something to report an announcement will be made.

Meanwhile Toogood stressed that the BSPA were also keen to see the Wildcats back in action this summer. “We work for the good of speedway and obviously we’re hoping racing will continue in a successful speedway town like Weymouth,” he said “I have been down and had a meeting with the football club about the future and have also talked in depth to Brian White about the situation. I am now awaiting a reply from Brian on a couple of matters and that is all I and the BSPA are prepared to say at this time.”

White, who has put his licence up for sale, added: “After all the work that went into bringing speedway back to Weymouth, I am desperate to see it continue. My licence is now up for sale and I have had a number of enquires, both locally and from up country but I have had no contact with Weymouth Football Club about it, or anyone representing them. The only firm offer has come from my co-chairman from last season Phil Bartlett. He had talks with me about taking the licence over, but we were some way apart on a price. The BSPA has valued my licence at one figure, Phil was looking to pay another. What’s important is that Weymouth speedway fans have some speedway to watch in the town next summer.”

If the Wildcats are to race again next season a deal will need to be brokered by the end of this month when the BSPA meet to decide the league set-up and arrange fixtures for 2006.