Eastbourne speedway chiefs name another returning fan favourite

He is the second name on the team’s roster and more announcements are expected shortly.

Andrews, who enjoyed great success with Eastbourne in 2015, became a firm favourite with fans and is delighted to be heading back to Sussex. He said: “I cannot wait to come back. It’s long overdue, as I said to my dad [Gary].”

The 29-year-old said he would aim to bring some silverware to Arlington for the NDL team, known as the Seagulls, as well as helping the side’s younger riders.

“I have a bit of knowledge of the Eastbourne track and I am well known for riding the outside line. Hopefully, I can bring some knowledge of the track to the youngsters.

“The crowd was absolutely cracking when I was there in 2015 and at the beginning of the following season.”

He said he did a guest booking in 2019 and the number of supporters had grown a lot from when he previously rode for the club.

“I am going to see some new faces and it will be good to see everyone who remembers me and say hello to all the new supporters,” he commented.

Andrews was one of only a few riders who took part in competitive speedway in 2020 when he rode for Plymouth Gladiators who have now moved up a league to the Championship.

“It wasn’t as much as what we wanted but it was enough to get some experience back on the bike again.

“Hopefully, we can get tracing fit again and kick-off a new season as it should be,” he said.

Eastbourne director Ian Jordan said: “When we began to consider an NDL team for Eastbourne, Richard was the guy who was top of my list for possible recruits, irrespective of what league Plymouth may have been in.

“The National League has to have a place for riders like Richard Andrews, an out-and-out entertainer, racer, a great team man and a guy that fans of every club can enjoy and look forward to watching race.

“The fact that Richard brings with him his dad Gary, one of the nicest and most knowledgeable and equally popular guys on the circuit, is really the icing on the cake and it will be a huge benefit to our NDL project that they are both on board.

“We know that all Eastbourne fans will welcome Richard and Gary back with open arms; and that their attitude and commitment will be of huge benefit to everyone else in and around the team.

“I think that Richard is great value for his 6.55 average, at home and especially away on those bigger faster tracks like Belle Vue and Berwick.

“We know that Richard has the speed to be a Championship rider, his achilles heel has always been his gating prowess.

“Whether that’s in his head or with his technique, we’ll aim to get to the bottom of, and with our Championship team being full of outstanding mentors and good gaters, I’m sure that we can give Richard all the support he needs to find that missing chink in his armoury.

“That’s what the NDL and our overall club philosophy is all about, development, optimising what we have, a team bonded and together and with a level of intensity combined with a fun element to give us the best chance of achieving our objectives on and off the track.