(SPEEDWAY 1)

EDINBURGH’S top two of Craig Cook and Sam Masters will both be back to defend the Premier League title next season.The Monarchs’ promotion were initially planning to confirm just the return of Masters when they attended a Video Night, as extra sponsorship was required to secure the deal for Cook.That proved forthcoming on the night itself, and Cook said: “This club is where my heart is. Anyone who watched the Championship Final video will know how much it means to me.”Masters added: “I’m stoked, couldn’t sign quick enough to be honest, especially after the year we had.”(SPEEDWAY 2)

PETERBOROUGH have confirmed their sixth signing of the winter with locally-based Simon Lambert joining the club.Lambert comes in at reserve for the Panthers on a 3.73 average after spells with Rye House and Workington this year, with a return to the Comets being ruled out due to work commitments.He said: “I’ve watched speedway at the Showground since I was four years old and it is a dream come true to get a ride for Panthers. I’ve done the odd guest booking down the years and I’m hugely looking forward to being part of the Peterborough team next season.“It is going to be an important year for me. I need to stay injury-free and try to push on. I’ve had an average of more than five points in the past and I know I can get there again.”

(SPEEDWAY 3)

BIRMINGHAM will have a double World Champion in their side next season after snapping up brilliant youngster Zach Wajtknecht.Wajtknecht, 16, is already being tipped for big things as he prepares to make his National League bow having twice won the Junior Grasstrack World Championship as well as the 2013 British Youth Championship (250cc).Former Brummies boss Phil Morris, who is working on team building on behalf of owner Tony Mole, said: “I’m highly delighted to have Zach on board, I’ve followed his career closely and he has what it takes to enjoy a very successful speedway career.“I’m not able to take charge of the team because of my other commitments, but I’m hoping to leave them in good shape for whoever takes over as manager. With Adam Ellis and Zach I don’t think we could have made any better start to our team building plans.”