Wood confirmed as fifth Academy rider

Popular Dayle Wood starts his second second season of National Development League racing with Stellar Monarchs Academy later this year with a point to prove.

Wood admitted he had doubts about coming back but added: “I have put in all the hard work, time, money and effort. Not to come back after a not so good first UK season would be giving up too easily. When Edinburgh offered me a spot I couldn’t say no.”

Wood has been racing in Australia over the winter and said: “My plans are to keep working hard, training on and off the bike and do as many meetings as I can so when it comes time to start the UK season I’ll hit the ground running and be ready to go.”

Scott Wilson, the team’s manager said the improvement in the rider from April to September last year was clear to see.

Wilson added: “I have spoken about him taking on more responsibility and leadership this year, which is something he is keen to embrace.

“It’s a big year for Dayle and, if the team is going to be successful, we will need him to perform at a heat leader level. He must do this to achieve his own goals and ambitions so he will be determined to be a big points scorer for us this season.”

PICTURE: Dayle Wood in action captured by Jamie Kenny