Speedway: Ex-Weymouth Wildcat George Piper on the comeback trail

Piper, who has been snapped up by Isle of Wight for the 2016 season, completed his first laps on a speedway bike in nine years last Saturday.

The 24-year-old travelled to a track day in Scunthorpe to get in some much-needed practice before the new campaign gets underway.

And as well as riding for his club this term, Piper will also represent Weymouth in a four-team tournament on the Isle of Wight in April.

Speaking about his trip to Scunthorpe, Piper said: “It was a great day which had a bit of everything, sunshine, rain and snow.

“A whole load of work is still needed but we’ve got to try different set-ups in different conditions and set a good base.

“We can now look to build up speed and get up to racing pace over the next few weeks.

“Many thanks to Wayne Carter for the on-track advice and James Canmore and Steve Piper on the tools for standing in a blizzard all day.”

It has been a long road back for Piper, who signed for the Wildcats on his 15th birthday in 2006 and last rode for Oxford in 2007.

Piper’s return has been heavily backed by Andy Hague and his Poole-based speedwayportal.com company.

Piper has received a lot of support from Martin Widman and Barry Bishop, the new Isle of Wight promoters who have revived the sport on the island.

Not only that but fellow riders and those in the speedway community have wished Piper well in his comeback, including former Weymouth promoter Brian White, who has also come forward to act as a sponsor.

Neil Middleditch, Piper’s early mentor and current Poole Pirates team manager, has given his backing, as has former promoter and ex-England under-21 coach Peter Oakes.

Piper started racing on a full-sized speedway bike at the age of 11 and was one of the youngest riders to be issued a 500cc racing licence.

The Isle of Wight four-team tournament takes place on Thursday, April 14 and features riders representing Exeter and Southampton, as well as Weymouth and the hosts.