Edward Kennett will ride for Eastbourne Eagles in the Elite League next season.

The Sussex wonder-kid has signed a full-time contract to ride for the club in the top flight as he fast tracks his way in the sport.

Eastbourne promoter Jon Cook said: "I am absolutely delighted at Edward's decision. It is typical of a young rider who I feel is destined for great things."

Kennett, 17, stunned the speedway world this year with a series of outstanding displays leading to qualification as first reserve for the world under-21 final after he rode in the semi-final in Slovenia.

The son of ex-Eastbourne star Dave Kennett and nephew of former world championship runner-up Gordon Kennett, he spent last season on loan to Rye House, where he rocketed from riding in their Conference team to become established as the club's No. 1 Premier League rider.

He was expected to remain with Rye House for at least another year, but he has now opted to move up into the Elite League and will also ride regularly in Sweden.

Kennett joins new Australian signing Adam Shields, who has joined the club from the Isle of Wight for a £10,000 fee, as a certain starter for 2004 in the Eastbourne line-up, which is also expected to include Finnish star Joonas Kylmakorpi.

Added Cook: "We are determined to build a young team which we feel will serve the club for future years."

The Elite League will have ten teams next season, two more than this year, after Swindon and Arena Essex announced they were joining the line-up at the sport's annual meeting in Tenerife.

The league will operate a revolutionary grading system to determine team strengths after promoters voted to scrap the points limit.

Tactical substitutes will be replaced by a new ruling which allows managers to nominate two riders whose points will count double if a team are eight points behind.

Promoters also decided to restrict the use of guest riders. Next year a guest will only be allowed for the top rider in a team, with the rider replacement facility operating for other positions.

To cover for injuries, Elite League teams will be allowed to sign two Premier League riders as squad members.