A LIFETIME ambition will be fulfilled at the Abbey Stadium on Sunday afternoon as long-time speedway fan and sponsor Dale Curson takes charge of the Swindon Sprockets in the first meeting of their two-legged challenge series against Kent Kings (4pm).

Curson, of Curson Consulting Ltd, watched his first speedway meeting just six months after he was born – and his love for the sport has been ever present since.

He was heavily involved in Sprockets’ 2017 National Trophy campaign, and has been a sponsor of the Robins team for several seasons.

But a new challenge will dawn on the 44-year-old tomorrow afternoon, as he takes on the role as a speedway team manager for the first time in his life.

There might not be any nerves in his system just yet, but that hasn’t stopped the new Sprockets boss from casting a quick eye over the sport’s official rulebook.

He said: “I’ve been reading the rulebook - I was surprised by the small print!

“Everyone thinks they can manage a team, there are a lot of armchair critiques. And I’m probably one of those that would make a comment, and now I’m being put in that position.

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

The Sprockets will be led by Royal Wootton Bassett teenager Anders Rowe, with Danyon Hume, David Wallinger, Richard Andrews, Jordan Pail and brother Joe and Dan Thompson confirmed.

Kent meanwhile travel with Ben Morley in their ranks to fill the void left by Rowe, who was granted clearance to ride for his hometown club by the Kings’ management.

Sprockets boss Curson hopes supporters that have called for more regular racing at the Abbey Stadium will turn out in force for tomorrow’s meeting, which will be immediately followed by the fifth round of the British Youth Championships.

A crowd of 500 is required for bosses to balance the books, and a positive afternoon could lead to the Sprockets racing on a more regular basis throughout 2020.

Curson added: “I’m hoping that there will be lots of people interested in watching them race.

“Whether the Sprockets run in the National League or Development League in the future – that conversation is yet to be had.

“It’s a cliché, but the British youngsters are the future. A lot of top riders aren’t racing in this country now, and we have to fill the teams in one way or another.

“The youngsters love the sport, and can’t wait for another opportunity to get on the bike. That’s why all the youngsters jumped at the opportunity to join the Sprockets for this two-legged tie.

“Swindon fans keep saying ‘we wish there were more meetings’ – so here you go, hopefully this is a win-win for everyone.

“The riders will benefit from track time, and the supporters have more racing to watch with the Youth Championship thrown in as well.”