BERWICK have made the shock move to release Bastian Borke after just two meetings.
The Dane has been replaced by Jack Smith after struggling to recover from a serious leg injury sustained at Poole last season.
Smith, son of former British Champion Andy, comes in at reserve this weekend with Sam Hagon moving up into the main body of the team.
Team boss Stewart Dickson said: “It’s a real shame because Bastian has worked very hard to get back on a bike. Let’s not forget at one point there was a question over whether he would walk properly again let alone race speedway.
“Anyone who watched our first two meetings knows that despite his efforts Bastian is nowhere near fully fit and it’s in his interests as much as ours to take a step back and concentrate on rehabilitation and further recovery.
“Jack was available and keen to come. He will hit the ground running and maybe have a point to prove to some clubs.
“We’re happy for him to do that in Berwick colours.”
Borke sustained a bad ACL injury and also restricted movement of his left leg and spent ten months fighting to get back on track.
He said: “I am very gutted by the decision of the club. The first meeting was absolute chaos for myself, struggling with my leg, but after this I worked very hard and intense, and managed to do major work on my leg before the last meeting, feeling very comfortable on the bike again, just struggling with the setup and speed in the bike.
“Also, 10 months away from meetings means a little rust that I need to get off.
“A very rubbish Monday you could say. I was in the hospital in the morning, where I learned that at the moment it looks like my foot will stay as it is.
“If we don’t see improvement before November, that means the chances are gone.
“Didn’t make it back from the hospital before I got the call from the club. I was promised to be able to show my fitness this upcoming weekend.
“I want to make it very clear that I will still be racing, just not in Berwick for now. What the future holds is unknown.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Berwick.”
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.