Backup For Barker
Created on Friday, 10 February 2012 15:22
Birmingham Brummies boss Graham Drury says that the final member of his 2012 team will provide backup for Ben Barker.
The Brummies will be led by Grand Prix rider Bjarne Pedersen following his move from Eastbourne, the Dane will be joined by Pole Sebastian Ulamek at the top of the team.
British Internationals Ben Barker & Danny King return for a second year at Perry Berr, and at reserve will be Tomasz Piszcz and doubling up duo Josh Auty and Tyson Nelson.
German Martin Smolinski was the last rider to join the Midlands club, it now leaves just one place left to fill, a doubling up partner for Barker.
23-year-old Barker from Cornwall was in good form for both the Brummies and Premier League club Plymouth last season as well as for Great Britain in the World Cup.
Team manager Graham Drury believes that Barker is too good to ride in the Premier League and wanted him on a full time basis, but Barker insisted on keeping his place with the Devils for a second year.
Dury had to make sure he would be available for the majority of Elite meetings this year before handing him a deal for this season, and the Brit will be the main rider in the doubling up position this year.
“I need to add a rider to share the double-up spot with Ben Barker but the problem is whoever signs will do so on the understanding that Ben is first choice,’’ said Drury to birminghammail.net
“It’s almost impossible to replace Ben and that’s why I signed him only after negotiating with the fixture compilers to ensure we have him available."