Birmingham have beaten a host of rival speedway clubs to sign talented teenager Richard Sweetman.

Sweetman, 18, arrives at Perry Barr in a loan deal from Elite League giants Swindon and is highly rated by Grand Prix hero Leigh Adams.

Last season he scored an impressive 10+2 with the Isle of Wight on his first visit to Birmingham. He became available when the Islanders opted for a move into the new National League.

Brummies boss Graham Drury said: “He had a host of other clubs showing an interest in him, but Leigh Adams was so impressed with the professionalism of Birmingham Speedway when we hosted the Elite League Riders’ Championship that he suggested it would be a good club for Richard to join.

“It shows we’re doing something right when you get a rider like Leigh saying things like that.

“He feels the lad has what it takes to go all the way in the sport and he had a good season with the Isle of Wight but feels the time is right to take it to another level.”