LEWIS Bridger is keen to show new national boss Alun Rossiter what he’s capable of when Lakeside take on Swindon this evening.

Bridger enjoyed an impressive season with Hammers and in Poland in 2013, despite considering his future in the sport over the winter for financial reasons, and is back at Arena Essex Raceway for another season.

The Lakeside rider was part of the Great Britain side for last year’s World Cup Race-Off, and would loved to be involved again, meaning he’s keen for Rossiter to witness an impressive performance in a meeting in which he believes his side are favourites for.

“I get on very well with Rosco and we’ve known each other a while but of course I’d like to show him what I can do,” he said.

“I’m up to the challenge, I know that. I’ve got a few new engines this year and a new mechanic as well so there’s a lot of new challenges for me and a lot to learn, but I think it’s going to be a good year.

“Swindon came and beat us a couple of times last season so we’re keen to get one back over them,” he said.

“They’re a good side, Rosco always puts good sides together, and we all know what we need to do if we’re going to beat them.

“I think our team’s really strong and our reserves both know their way around our place really well which could be important. A lot of us have ridden here before in previous seasons and PK (Peter Karlsson) is almost unbeatable here so I think we will do well on the night.”

Bridger revealed last year that the financial rigors of riding speedway almost forced him out of the sport but feels he is in a better position 12 months on.

“There are still some tough times but people have really supported me and continue to believe in me so without them it would be an awful lot harder and it would be very difficult to carry on in the sport,” he said.

“With Hagon Shocks back sponsoring me and my Polish club president at Rybnik helping me with engines, I know if I don’t make money out the sport this year I never will.

“I need to knuckle down and get on with things and give it my all and see what happens.”