The Mildenhall Fen Tigers moved swiftly on the weekend when the news that Birmingham were releasing Lee Smart was known.

The former Tiger had raced to an impressive paid 10 score at West Row on Saturday night for Birmingham before Brummies boss and former Mildenhall Manager Graham Drury axed him from the side.

Talks were immediately held with the rider, with the express permission of Birmingham, and a deal to bring the 20 year old back to West Row was concluded on Sunday. With a current average of 4.75 he fits straight into the team for the club’s northern tour this coming weekend coming to replace the injured Mark Baseby , who is unlikely to be back on a bike until next month after his back injury sustained at Sheffield on July 3rd.

Smart rode for Mildenhall in 2004 and 2005 and is looking forward to being back at West Row, “ Naturally I am disappointed at what has happened but I am really happy to be coming ‘home’ to Mildenhall. I have always ridden the track well and have a good rapport with the supporters who are brilliant fans. A new start may be just what I need and I know that my new team boss Laurence Rogers will get the best out of me as he knows me and how I tick ...I can’t wait!”

Mildenhall team manager is pleased with his capture, “ When I knew that Lee was available he became an immediate target. He had just scored paid 10 against us and ridden really well. I have known him since he started riding and when I used him as a guest he never let me down. With Mark out and with guests so difficult to cover for him this is the right move for us.”

“We are still also considering other options we have and await news off Michal Rajkowski over how long he is going to be out of action with his ankle injury and may make another team change before the Northern tour to Edinburgh, Berwick and Glasgow next weekend.”