THE Newport Wasps go into their Premier League speedway campaign from mid-March with a Newport-born rider in their ranks.

James White-Williams from the Ringland area of the city is named as number eight and is the first Newportonian since the late Mike Powell in 1975 to be promoted to the senior squad.

Mike was a second-half rider at Somerton Park in the days when no third tier existed in British Speedway whereas James has the plus of having been a member of the Newport Hornets National League team at Queensway Meadows in 2010 - a role he will continue with in 2011.

James said: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to feature in Wasps matches when there are absences plus I am, of course, looking forward to riding for the Hornets again this season. As a local boy it is all a dream come true.”

The Wasps are confirmed as: Robin Aspegren, Alex Davies, Mark Jones, Todd Kurtz, Leigh Lanham (Captain), Kyle Legault, Kim Nilsson and James White-Williams.

The first home fixture is the Prince of Wales Trophy meeting on the evening of Saturday March 19th.

Meanwhile, The Newport Hornets management have finalised their septet for the forthcoming National League speedway campaign with confirmation of two young Devonians. Newport asset Richards Andrews aged 18 and loanee Matt Bates aged 21 join Aussies Todd Kurtz and Jay Herne plus Newportonians David Gough, James White-Williams and Tom Young in the line-up.

Commented Newport Speedway co-promoter Nick Mallett who is co-ordinating the Hornets this season: “We are pleased to welcome Richard back into our ranks while Matt had a strong record with clubs such as Weymouth, Mildenhall and Plymouth in recent seasons and I am sure will provide good back-up for our top two Jay and Todd.

“With their geographic base we have added an Exeter Express to our ambitions.’ The season opens at Newport’s Queensway Meadows Stadium with the Prince of Wales Trophy on the evening of Saturday March 19.