Wolves speedway rider David Howe is celebrating a double boost. News that this year’s British Final is to be held on his home track was cause for celebration in itself.
But the 24-year-old has also landed a major sponsorship deal with SB Waste Management and Recycling Ltd - based just a sharp first turn away from the Monmore stadium.
An agreement was being negotiated with SB owner Steve Broadley before last season commenced only for Howe to fall victim to an unexpected decision by the sport’s bosses to cut the team points limit.
It meant he could not be fitted in at the Parrys International Wolves and was loaned out for a year to Oxford.
“Steve’s been a great help,” said Howe. “He was somebody we were speaking to before I left Wolverhampton.
“He promised he would stick by me and fortunately he has done.
“We are hoping that he will play a big part of my year, not just as a sponsor but coming to watch and getting more interested in the sport.”
For his part Broadley, whose firm has been running for 25 years and now employs 72 people, was happy to commit resources to a sport that could hardly be more local to his place of work.
“Our depot is right opposite the speedway stadium,” he said.
“The main reason I went with David is that I think he is a good, young British rider.
“I think he will do a good job for Wolves this season - I would like to see him back in the Grand Prix.”
Although SB’s backing of Howe is already substantial there is a possibility of increased support in the future.
“It may go up, depending on how he goes and if he needs any more help during the season,” said Broadley, whose firm started in the tyre trade before branching out into the green technology areas of waste management and recycling.
As if that were not incentive enough, Howe was “really pleased” by the prospect of stepping out at Monmore for the British Final on Monday, June 4.
“Normally they stick it on tracks I don’t like,” he said.
“I thought it was going to be at Swindon! To be at Wolverhampton . . .
“The British Final is one of my aims - it was one of the things I set out when I was planning the season back in October. It seems like everything’s fallen into place.”
n Top Premier League riders Magnus Zetterstrom and Andre Compton have been confirmed for Birmingham’s big reopening.
Both will ride in the Alan Hunt Memorial Trophy on March 21 at Perry Barr.
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