Bradley Wilson-Dean reckons new machinery is helping him to find form for Swindon in the build-up to Thursday’s showdown with Wolverhampton (7.30).
Reigning top-flight champions Wolves sit second ahead of their visit to Blunsdon with two meetings in hand on leaders Belle Vue, a 100 per cent home record and two wins from five road trips.
It leaves Robins with the tough task of trying to build on a first home Premiership win of the season, particularly with Jason Doyle missing through injury. King’s Lynn’s Troy Batchelor steps in.
However, after scoring seven-paid-eight in the success over Rye House and recently boosting his contributions to Championship club Peterborough’s cause, Wilson-Dean thinks his new engines are doing the trick.
“I have one new engine up and running now with another on the way because the stuff I had been on in the first part of the season didn’t give me what I needed,” he said.
“It has meant spending a bit of money but when you have good meetings, it shows it was a change that needed to be made.”
Swindon remain hopeful of including heat-leader Nick Morris in the line-up after the in-form Australian international was given the all clear to ride following independent medical assessment.
The final decision rests with Speedway Control Bureau chiefs. If permission is not granted the Robins will have to run rider replacement, a situation that has irked boss Alun Rossiter.
“I find it absolutely crazy that you can have a facility for any rider who doubles up but not necessarily for someone who is injured, dependent on their position in the team,” said Rossiter.
“How can teams arguably strengthen their sides while we can’t get a rider in? Nick regularly gets double figures around our place and having to go with rider replacement would severely deplete us.”
Wolverhampton will be without Kyle Howarth due to Championship duties with Sheffield, while reserve Mark Riss remains sidelined by injury. Former British champion Danny King and Poole’s Paul Starke take the guest bookings.
This will be the club’s first meeting since the release of the new Premiership averages. Dany Gappmaier steps up to the main body of the team and rides from number two with Adam Ellis, formerly at number three, taking his reserve berth.
*To read Wilson-Dean’s interview in full, including how he deals with online criticism, pick up a copy of the club’s official programme. It is jam packed with content and a bargain at just £3.
SWINDON: Troy Batchelor, Dany Gappmaier, David Bellego, Bradley Wilson-Dean, Nick Morris, Adam Ellis, Zach Wajtknecht.
WOLVERHAMPTON: Freddie Lindgren, Danny King, Rory Schlein, Jacob Thorssell, Sam Masters, Paul Starke, Nathan Greaves.
