VETERAN speedway rider Jan O Pedersen proved youth can’t beat experience when he thrashed Dudley Heathens newcomers in a go-carting race.

Team coach Mr Pedersen, who was a star rider for the Heathens in the 90s and World Champion in 1991, won a Grand Prix style event at Wheelspin Carting Centre in Dudley Road, Halesowen.

The race was organised as part of a team bonding day to mark the upcoming start of the new speedway season on Tuesday April 3.

All the side’s riders were present except team captain Adam Roynon, who also rides for Coventry Speedway and was practising at its ground.

Those present included newcomers Byron Bekker, Dan Greenwood and James White-Williams.

Team manager Will Pottinger said: “We didn’t know Jan would do so well, but there was no stopping him once he got going!”

Carting centre owner Matt Ralph is a fan of the Heathens and regularly takes his two children to watch races.

After the race the team went for a meal before attending a sell-out event at Cradley Liberal Club with around 200 fans present who enjoyed a performance from musician and Heathens fan Neil Davidson.

Mr Pottinger said the side had been practising together this week.

He said: “We have got a good team with all our riders having the potential to improve. We can’t wait to get going now - we have got as good a chance as everybody else.”

Dudley Heathens will compete against Stoke at Wolverhampton Speedway on April 3.