By Paul Baker - Dorset Echo

Phil Bartlett is set to become the new owner of Weymouth speedway. The resort based businessman, who co-promoted the club last season, says he is 'on the verge' of a deal to buy-out former Wildcats boss Brian White, who was evicted from the Wessex Stadium just before Christmas.

Bartlett originally had a £10,000 bid for White's British Speedway Promoters Association (BSPA) operating license turned down earlier this month, but an increased offer has now been accepted. "Brian and I are on the verge of completing a deal," explained Bartlett, " and I'm very pleased. Since my first offer bidders have joined in, one of whom I understand was Mildenhall promoter Mick Horton. "After a bit of soul searching, I decided to match the new offers because I believe it's important that the ownership and running of the Wildcats should remain in local hands. But its not all cut and dried. There is still a bit of work to be done before every thing is official. "The ball is now in Brian's court in terms of completing the necessary paperwork. The BSPA has written to both parties to say that a deal has to be completed by Thursday and I'm hopeful of that happening. "If it's not then they (the BSPA) have warned that Weymouth will not be allowed to enter the Conference League because the meeting to decide the competition's make-up for 2006 takes place next Monday. He added: "As I say, I'm hopeful and confident that the deal will be completed this week. It's not about individuals or egos, its all about Weymouth speedway. If the team is to run and run successfully, we need to be getting on with things as soon as possible."

White, who hopes to open a new track in Yeovil during the summer, was today also confident of a deal being done by Thursday. He said: " I can confirm that I have agreed a price for the license with Phil and it should all be finalised in a day or so. BSPA chairman Peter Toogood returns from a trip to Spain today and I just need to check a couple of details with him. "Once that's done, the license will be sold to Phil and I wish him and Weymouth speedway all the best for the future."

With Lewis Bridger having moved to Eastbourne and Dan Giffard snapped up by Redcar, Bartlett admits there's a lot of work to be done on building a team for the 2006 campaign. "But that's certainly not my priority at this stage," he said. "There are a lot of riders out there looking for team places and so really team building is the last thing on my mind. "There are far more important things to worry about if Weymouth is to be up and running by the start of the season and that's why it's vital to get the deal done and dusted and put to bed."