AUSTRALIAN Scott Smith (pictured) has become the third speedway rider to sign up for Newport Wasps' 2002 team, pledging his support for another year, writes Ryland James.

After being voted last season's Rider of the Year, Smith has told Newport promoter Tim Stone it will be same again next year as he links up with new signings Carl Wilkinson and Craig Watson.

Smith impressed the Hayley Stadium fans with his gutsy rides in a struggling team and has the sort of determination Stone is looking for.

Back home in Queensland, Smith is set to lock swords with his new team-mate Wilkinson, who has been selected for the Young Great Britain team on their ten-match tour of Australia due to start on December 29.

Wilkinson flies out to Australia on Sunday morning and it will be the first time the 20-year-old has travelled abroad.

Wilkinson is looking forward to the challenge, saying: "We are going out a bit early and will be getting plenty of riding in before facing the Australians. We are riding some support races including a side-event for the Australian Under-21 Championships."

He added he was hoping to link up with Smith and discuss their new team over a few beers before the serious business of preparing for the 2002 season begins in March Wilkinson, an engineer by trade, has done well since taking up speedway four years ago, impressing with home club Boston Barracuda-Braves before being snapped up by Stone.

He will continue to ride for Boston and not the Mavericks in the Conference, provided the meetings do not clash with Wasps' meetings.