Newcastle announce second signing.

Newcastle Speedway are pleased to announce the signing of Czech star Josef 'Pepe' Franc. The promotion have agreed terms with Pepe yesterday and he comes in on loan from Berwick on an average of 7.25 (thats on the new 2006 basis without bonus points).

He made great progress riding for Newcastle in 2005 and he's one of the few riders whose average this winter is higher than last winter.

This will be Pepe's 5th British season, having been with Berwick in 2001, 2003 and 2004 after missing the 2002 season altogether, deciding to race in his home country and Poland when he was squeezed out of the Bandit's side due to their team averages.

Franc said: "I enjoyed my first year with Newcastle more than any other season I've had in Britain so I really wanted to stay with the team. The fans at Brough Park were so good to me that it'll be great to race again for them and I've got the rest of the winter to think of some new celebrations."

Promoter Darryl Illingworth went on to say after the agreement was reached, "Pepe was such as big hit with out supporters that we had to make sure we snapped him up for a second season and we're confident he can still improve his average further. He wasn't sure whether he could live up to becoming our second heat-leader back in June but he fully justified that role and now we're aiming to make him the third heat-leader in next year's team, ready to keep out top two on their toes all season."

"We've received several more season-ticket applications since announcing George Stancl's arrival last week and we're hoping this news of Pepe's return will be just as well received."