THE future looks bright for a cycle speedway club as they returned to full league racing after four years away.

Heckmondwike Cycle Speedway Club got back in the saddle earlier this month after a long absence and are now on a recruitment drive to attract the next generation of members.

The club, who race at Firth Park in Heckmondwike, stopped racing four years ago due to dwindling numbers, but are now back.

After more than four years away from full league racing, Team Heckmondwike made a triumphant return in the first Division Two match against Manchester-based team, Astley & Tyldesley. Heckmondwike grabbed a 78-72 victory.

Heckmondwike compete in a number of different leagues over the spring and summer months, including Division Two where they battle in a regional section of the league against teams from Manchester, Sheffield and Hull and in the Northern Fours league. They also have junior competitions in a busy fixture list.

Team Heckmondwike's strength is growing, with 17 riders Inc juniors now signed up for its team, a new sponsor, Encon Insulations, for the 2022 season.

Justin Naylor, who holds a variety of roles at the club including promotion officer, coach and welfare officer, says the future is looking good for them. Darren Kent, who is club chairman, treasurer and secretary, also runs the club.

Justin said: "It's busy, busy.

"It's an exciting time for the club. It's looking brilliant for us.

"A lot of people are quite happy to see us back to where we are.

"A lot of the other clubs can't believe we are building back up to where we were.

"The club is over 50 years old now.

"The park is getting busier on racedays, there is more and more interest in us. The future looks bright."

"We need to get our track sorted out at Firth Park. It is quite dated. We need to get it in line with British Cycling."

They also plan a nod to the club's past with its former name, Heckmondwike Saints, featuring on its soon-to-be-revealed race shirts.

Heckmondwike are always looking for new members and their training sessions are held at Firth Park, Heckmondwike, every Wednesday from 7.30pm and Saturdays from 10.30am. Everyone is welcome to attend and sessions are priced £1.50 each, which includes bike loan, gloves and helmet.

For more information on the club, call Justin Naylor on 07799 367370 or email him at jusycom@yahoo.co.uk. They also have a Facebook page; Heckmondwike-cycle-speedway-club.