Andy Smith has become the second former Bradford Dukes rider to sign up for the indoor ice international at Telford on Sunday, February 18.

The 34-year-old joins ex-Odsal team-mate Kelvin Tatum at the meeting.

Smith, who rescued an undistinguished 2000 season by claiming a Grand Prix place again via the GP Challenge in Abensberg, Germany, is returning to the Shropshire venue after an 11-year absence.

His only outing there was when he finished a disappointing 14th in the British Open Championship, and he fared even worse in the European Ice Masters Championship that followed.

However, the Congleton-based rider is ready for another crack.

Smith was so disillusioned last season, when he was dogged by mechanical problems and poor form, that he was on the brink of quitting speedway for good, but getting through the Grand Prix Challenge has boosted his flagging spirits.

"I certainly don't want another year like the last one, but qualifying for the 2001 Grand Prix series did wonders for my confidence," said Smith.

His track future, however, is still undecided, although it is likely he will again be wearing the colours of Belle Vue Aces now that the Manchester track has survived a close-down threat. Others to sign up for Telford are madcap Swede Magnus 'Zorro' Zetterstrom and Stoke Potters hero Mark 'Buzz' Burrows.

Stoke's former Bradford Dukes rider Paul Pickering has learnt he doesn't need a shoulder operation and will therefore be fit for the start of the season in March.

Ex-Duke Sean Wilson has signed for a third successive season with Sheffield, and will be their captain.