By Dave GooderhamA TEENAGE speedway rider, hailed as a potential international star of the sport, has undergone life-saving surgery after he was critically injured in a horrific road crash.

By Dave Gooderham

A TEENAGE speedway rider, hailed as a potential international star of the sport, has undergone life-saving surgery after he was critically injured in a horrific road crash.

James Brundle, 17, who is tipped as a future England rider, was taken to Ipswich Hospital following a head-on two-car collision on the A12 at Little Glemham on Sunday night.

The Mildenhall Fen Tigers rider - whose condition was described last night as “stable” - suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash and needed an urgent operation.

But concerned speedway bosses are now hoping the youngster will make a full and swift recovery, and were confident he could still get to the top of his sport.

Mildenhall Fen Tigers team boss, Graham Drury, said yesterday: “We can confirm that James Brundle was involved in a horrific car accident and sustained internal injuries.

“He underwent an operation last night and he is currently in intensive care. We believe he will make a full recovery.

“This is a devastating blow to speedway in Mildenhall and King's Lynn (where he is also a rider) as James has been riding exceptionally well and our thoughts go out to him and we hope he will make full recovery.”

Tipped as a future England international rider, Mr Brundle has ridden for the national under-21s side and has also spent time competing in Australia.

Mr Drury said he was hopeful James' racing career at Mildenhall, and also in his hometown of Kings Lynn, would not be damaged by the injuries sustained in the crash.

“Surgeons have said it will be a lengthy progress, but they expect James to make a full recovery,” he added.

“This is James' third year at the current Conference champions and he has made remarkable progress in the sport. It is my opinion that he could go right to the top.

“He is a very amicable, nice young man and to be struck down like that is a devastating blow for the lad. But with his determination and grit, I know he can still reach the top of the sport.”

James, who was due to ride with the Fen Tigers last night in Swindon, has been competing since he was five years old.

Mildenhall Stadium owner, Terry Waters, said: “My thoughts go out to James and his family and I hope he will make a speedy recovery.”

Mr Brundle and three other people were taken to Ipswich Hospital following the car crash, which happened just after 5.50pm on Sunday.

Firefighters from Saxmundham, Framlingham and the rescue vehicle from Ipswich were called to release three people who were trapped in their vehicles after the crash.

dave.gooderham@eadt.co.uk