Whizkid Bridger signs for Eagles

The Bexhill youngster will be one of the first riders in modern history to race in the top league in the country without the experience of second division racing and will also not double up with a lower league team.

He becomes the third confirmed starter of Eagles's seven for next season joining Nicki Pedersen and Adam Shields.

Promoter Jon Cook said: 'I have been in talks with Lewis and his advisors over the past few months, and once it became clear that he wished to pledge his future to the Eagles we looked at the options open to us and with our total support we have backed Lewis's wish to go straight into Elite League racing.

'He is under no illusion as to the size of the task he is taking on but is an extremely talented and driven young man and we will be backing him all the way.

'We all know there will be highs and lows, but I have not seen a rider better prepared for the job in terms of support from the team around him and most importantly his own natural talent.'

Eagles's fans will not have to wait too long to see Lewis in action as the team are likely to start the season on March 11.

Magham Down teenager Edward Kennett is the king of indoor speedway in Britain.

He retained his Brighton Bonanza title on Sunday, holding off hot challenges from Americans Chris Kerr and veteran Bobby Schwartz (30 years older than Kennett).

Kennett, who is an Eastbourne Speedway asset, also won the meeting's pairs title. He teamed up with Bexhill's Lewis Bridger to snatch the title from veteran Martin Dugard and his partner Czech Lubos Tomicek.