More than three seasons after making an emotional exit from their Plough Lane home, Wimbledon are set to take to the speedway track again in a visit to Conference League side Weymouth Wildcats on Saturday (first race 7.30pm), writes Barry Pickering.
The homeless Dons arrive at Radipole Lane, Weymouth boosted by in-form Lee Strudwick's presence in the pivotal reserve berth, fresh from his good performance in the British U21 qualifier at the same Dorset circuit.
Rye House rider Strudwick notched up an impressive 12 points, and more importantly secured his berth in the British U21 final at Lakeside, to underline his fine start to the 2008 campaign.
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His addition to the Dons septet has delighted Wimbledon organiser Nick Taylor.
"We feel that the pairing of Lee and Terry Day gives us a solid platform from the reserve berth," said Taylor.
"Terry scored 15 points in the corresponding fixture last year, and the opportunity to give both riders a maximum of seven rides greatly assists our chances of success."
"We are also delighted to confirm the inclusion of Boston skipper Matt Wright, who we feel will lead the team from the front as captain on the day.
"Matt has improved each year and is fondly remembered by all Dons fans for his efforts in the 2004 and 2005 seasons at Plough Lane."
Wright is joined in the heat leader stakes by the spectacular Tom Brown, a crowd favourite for Plymouth Devils and a former Weymouth rider.
The number one berth will be filled by New Zealander Andrew Bargh, who had a brief spell with Dons in early 2005.
Ex-Dons Andre Cross and Nathan Irwin complete the septet, although Cross is a slight doubt after crashing at Weymouth at the weekend.
Taylor paid tribute to Weymouth promoter Phil Bartlett for arranging this fixture.
"Phil has been superb in giving us an opportunity to raise the profile of Wimbledon Speedway," he said.
"It would be fantastic to see as many Dons fans as possible making the trip down to Dorset to cheer on the side."
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