The team building plans of Arena Essex move on apace with the confirmation that Troy Pratt bas become the third rider to sign a contract for next season.

Troy has been a Hammers stalwart for many years and this will be his tenth year in Arena's colours.

His return will hardly be considered a surprise as he has been sponsored for many years by new Arena Essex co-promoter Colin Brine through his Welling Power Tools concern.

Pratt made his first appearance in the Hammers colours in 1989 and has progressed into a class rider that saw him capped at International level against America and reach the British Final of the World Championship.

A surprise retirement halfway through the 1998 season was followed by a track return last year and he bounced back with performances that showed he could match any rider in the Premier League, despite suffering a broken collar bone in an early season challenge against a Swedish touring side.

Troy is eagerly looking forward to linking up once again with new team manager Martin Goodwin, the pair having ridden together for Arena at the start of the last decade.

Pratt's return to Arena Essex, is in addition to Leigh Lanham, who is back at the club on a loan arrangement from his parent club Ipswich, while Gary Corbett has also completed a contract for next season.

Colin Brine, speaking on behalf of the consortium now running speedway at the Purfleet Raceway stated: "I said that we would only announce names when everything had been concluded and we are delighted that Leigh and Gary are in the team.

"Although Leigh was top of our averages last season, our new team manager Martin Goodwin believes that the rider can do even better and will be working closely with Leigh prior to the season''.

Troy Pratt, for whom the 2000/2001 season will be his tenth for Arena Essex.

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