SOMERSET Orchard FM Rebels have made an audacious bid to sign American speedway star Chris Manchester of Elite Leaguers Belle Vue Aces.

"The Kansas City Kid," as he is nicknamed, has just returned to British speedway after a break. Because of this, he would start with a nine-point average if he rode for Rebels, rather than the 11 that usually applies to Elite riders in the Premier League.

Rebels' consultant Eric Boocock has spoken to Manchester, who burst onto the British speedway scene in spectacular style a few years ago and he is interested. But the British Speedway Promoters' Association has so far failed to agree to him riding for both teams.

Read the latest speedway news in this week's Weekly News sports pages.