JUSTIN Elkins can't wait to lead the re-formed Weymouth Wildcats into speedway's Conference League next season.

And the former Poole Pirate, who won last week's inaugural Wessex Rosebowl title at the club's new Radipole Lane venue, says he ready to come out of semi-retirement to captain the side.

Elkins, 28, hung up his leathers to concentrate on work commitments a year ago but was tempted back into the saddle by Weymouth promoter Brian White on a 'short-term' basis.

But having taken 41 points out of a possible 42 in a Wildcats' jacket this summer, the grasstrack specialist has rediscovered his appetite for the shale.

He explained: "I made the decision to take a year out of speedway to concentrate on my engineering job and I didn't really have any plans to get back racing in the near future. I agreed to help Brian out by riding for Weymouth this season and I've really enjoyed myself.

"I've only ridden in three meetings this summer but I've been delighted with my form. The only point I dropped was up in the four-team tournament at Somerset last month and it really couldn't have gone any better.

"I'm not certain of what will happen next year but I definitely hope I'm still here at Weymouth. I believe Brian wants me to captain the team into the Conference League and fingers crossed, that will happen.

"I've got to work on both my bikes and my fitness over the winter. It's okay turning out in a handful meetings here and there, but if you're going to be racing two or three times a week then you've got to look after both your machinery and your health.

"At 28 I'm fast becoming one of the old men of the sport and so hopefully I can pass on a bit of experience and know-how to the younger lads at Weymouth. Personally I can't wait for next summer to come. But for now we'll keep doing our best this year to get the Wildcats' name back on the boards."

After winning all five of his heats on the opening night of the new Wessex Stadium circuit, it's no surprise that Elkins is impressed with the Wildcats headquarters.

"The track was a little bit patchy in places," he added, "but on the whole it rode really well. I certainly found it good to race on and it can only get better with time.

"One thing I was really impressed with was the enthusiasm of the fans. They really got behind the riders last week and I think they'll have a big part to play when it comes to league meetings next year."

* Elkins leads the Wildcats into the first of a two-legged challenge match with the Bristol Bulldogs at Somerset's Oak Tree Arena on Friday night. The return fixture is at the Wessex Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday (start 6.30pm).