WITH the arrival of Dakota North back at the Abbey for the new Elite League season Swindon Robins’ contingent of riders from down under grows to five.

Led by Grand Prix star Jason Doyle, North’s re-signing means the Robins’ top five for next season made up half of Australia boss Mark Lemon’s World Cup selections for last year’s event. Josh Grajczonek, Nick Morris and Justin Sedgmen complete the set.

Whilst that says a lot about the strength of the sport in Australia, it also offers North and his teammates a unique bond, something the 24-year-old is looking forward to.

“It’s got the makings of a really good team and I’m sure we can do well,” said North.

“There’s a fair few Aussies there next season – it will be like being back home. Our sense of humour is like no one else’s so I’m sure we’re going to have a lot of fun together next season.

“Me and Josh (Grajczonek) are really good friends. We’ve known each other a while and we usually have a couple of holidays a year together.

“It will be good to be in a team with him. And Jason (Doyle) is a really good rider, he’s a great guy to have at number one.”

North impressed in his first spell with the Robins in 2014 and did enough to earn a deal at Poole, where he picked up the Elite League crown last season.

Although the Pirates ended last season on a high, the Victorian was less impressed by his own contribution and is looking to rediscover his form.

“I started the year well last year and the middle was good too but I didn’t end the year how I wanted to,” North added.

“But you can’t be really good forever and you are always going to have a few dips. I let a few things get to me and distract me and I wasn’t really into my racing towards the end of last year but I’m feeling refreshed and refocused now.

“It’s a long season and we’re away in the UK for a long time so it’s always good to get back for a bit. I’m not racing in Australia next year and I’ll be coming back to the UK around February time to get everything ready for the new season.”

Meanwhile, Robins team manager Alun Rossiter will be helping to launch the club’s 2016 season tickets by selling them at the Swindon Wildcats club shop this Saturday.

Rossiter will be on hand at the Link Centre from 10am-1pm for those supporters who want to buy season tickets as Christmas presents.

“There’s a good crossover between the sports, I know a lot of supporters attend both and it works nicely as our season starts just as theirs is ending, and vice versa,” said the Robins boss.

“I’ve spent quite a bit of time with the Wildcats, I’ve also been in the dressing room with the players, listening to the team talks and it’s given me fresh ideas.

“I’m always looking to improve myself in the managerial sense.

“I’ve got to know the players and we’ve been pleased to welcome several of them to the speedway over the last few years, and hopefully we’ll be seeing them again next season.”