ANDERS Rowe almost missed out on his Premiership debut with the Swindon Robins on Thursday night after not having an engine to race with.

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy student Rowe got the call from team manager Alun Rossiter to step in for the unavailable Jack Smith – who was racing for Championship club Sheffield - on Wednesday night.

But the teenager, who signed up as Robins’ number eight at the start of the season, had to act quickly to fulfil his duty as his main engine was not in his possession and instead being serviced.

A quick turnaround though ensured the 16 year old lined up at the tapes for his first taste of Premiership speedway and his first three rides in the sport’s top flight has only encouraged him to chase his dream of becoming a fully-established Robin further.

He said: “When I got the call on Wednesday night I didn’t think I’d get my engine back in time for the meeting.

“I told Alun (Rossiter) I’ll try and get it back. Luckily I did.

“I’ve got two bikes, but one engine went off for service so I was waiting for that to come back.

“It doesn’t look very professional turning up with one bike so I wanted another one with me.”

While Rowe only registered a point, he can claim to have raced in the company of speedway’s great modern-day racers – including seven-times British champion Scott Nicholls and former British Grand Prix winner Chris Harris.

While he admitted to a few pre-race nerves, Rowe completed three scheduled rides before Zach Wajtknecht took his remaining outing as the Robins eventually won 48-42.

Rowe said: “It was a good feeling getting the call-up and a nice confidence boost for me, especially riding with the top lads in the sport.

“It’s good to see how far off the pace you are when you’re racing against the guys in the Premiership, I wasn’t too far behind so it’s encouraging for me.

“I feel like I get better every time I get on the bike.

“My dad (Del, a former racer) first got me into the sport.

“It was a bit nerve wracking, but I coped okay. It’s awesome for me to be their number eight. Hopefully I can get some more appearances under my belt.”