COVENTRY Cycle Speedway have continued their flurry of Elite League signings with the announcement of a trio of top rated northern riders.
Ahead of their 2016 Elite League campaign, the club – based in Hearsall Common – has secured the services of former British Junior champion Jake Read, free scoring Chris Parish and heat leader Ben Higham.
The trio have signed on Elite League terms, meaning they can only race for Coventry in the Elite League and for their parent clubs in regional racing.
27-year-old Parish came agonizingly close to winning the British Final in 2014 at his home Bury track in Greater Manchester.
He was one race away from a race-off for the title when an untimely exclusion deflated his chances.
Parish said: “I raced at Coventry a few years back.
“It’s a fantastic race track and the club work hard at promoting the sport.
“I am hoping to make the British Final podium sometime soon and racing in the Elite League for Coventry will help me in that ambition.”
Stockport based Read has also put pen to paper and will use his all-round ability to help Coventry reach the summit of the sport’s highest tier.
The 19-year-old won the British junior individual final in 2012 at East Newport in south Wales.
Joining Parish and Read in Coventry Elite League colours this year will be Ben Higham.
Like Read, Higham also hails from Stockport and has been a top scoring heat leader for his home town club for several seasons.
The 22-year-old said: “With the large Elite League squad we have I think there is a good chance of challenging for a top three position.
“It’s going to be an exciting season and I am looking forward to bringing my best regional league form to Elite league level.”
Club captain Myke Grimes said he is delighted with the recent recruitments and believes the addition of the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ trio will work wonders.
He added: “Elite League racing is another level and Chris, Jake and Ben are at that level.
“We welcome them to our colours as we continue to build our squad to be as competitive as possible.”
The side are set to land their biggest signing of the winter next week.
Coventry’s opening fixture will be on Sunday (April 3) at Hearsall Common when they tackle Ipswich.
The fixture will be free to attend and the club is anticipating a large turnout.
Visit www.coventrycyclespeedway.co.uk for more information.