By Paul Baker - Dorset Echo

Phil Bartlett is the new owner of Weymouth speedway. Bartlett yesterday assumed control of the Conference League club after completing a deal with former promoter Brian White for the British Speedway Promoters’ Association operating licence. White, who reformed the Wildcats in 2003, was evicted by landlords Weymouth Football Club following disputes over planning and finances before Christmas. He now plans to open a track near Yeovil and is hopeful of being up and running in time for the new season. Bartlett, who runs resort firm Active Mobility and was last year co-chairman at Radipole Lane, said he was ‘delighted’ to be in charge. He added: “I’m pleased to announce that Brian and I have brokered a deal for the Weymouth speedway operating licence. It’s been a long, drawn out affair, but now things are sorted everyone is looking forward to moving on in the right direction.”

“Despite me having purchased the licence, there is no guarantee that speedway will run this season and so I’d ask supporters to remain cautious at this stage. Firstly, I have to gain acceptance into the Conference League from the competition organisers and that, I’m hoping, will come at a club chairman’s meeting on Monday.

Meanwhile Bartlett today paid tribute to out-going promoter White, who led the Wildcats to the Conference Fours and Knockout Cup titles last season. “Brian worked tremendously hard to bring speedway back to Weymouth,” added Bartlett, “and will always be remembered and appreciated for doing so, on top of the team success he enjoyed, he also played a big part in the development of young rider Lewis Bridger who is being tipped, quite rightly, as a future world champion. I wish Brian the very best for the future and particularly in his quest to start a track up in Yeovil, the prospect of Weymouth versus Yeovil derbies is fantastic and we all hope that will happen one day soon.”

“Then of course there’s the planning issue to consider which will be decided by West Dorset District Council on February 16.” He added: “Hopefully everything will work out. Certainly I’m confident it will, otherwise I wouldn’t have purchased the licence. Beyond that, there’s lots of work to be done such as track maintenance and team building, but for now it’s first things first which means entry to the league and the planning.”