SWINDON Robins team manager Alun Rossiter believes his side will be at a disadvantage as they prepare for their toughest meeting of the season so far.

Belle Vue Aces travel to the Abbey this evening and there will be a new look to the line-up of the Robins, with Charles Wright moving up into the main body of the team.

Rules decided at the British Speedway Annual General Meeting last October stated that clubs will continue to fast-track two draft riders – starting the season at reserve – but they will be given averages after four meetings, which gives them the chance to move into the top-five.

Wright has had an impressive start, lifting his average up to 6.60 to see him jump from reserve to a heat-leader role, with Josh Grajczonek (6.21) moving to number four and Rohan Tungate (4.64) dropping into number six.

Whilst Rossiter is happy with the form of Wright, he fears that his confidence will be knocked if he stutters in such an important role.

“It has been a really tough start and I am confident in the lads,” said Rossiter, who is calling for a change in the rules mid-season.

“I am very disappointed with the way the fast-track system is constructed; that it pushes Charles straight into a heat-leader position.

“The whole idea was for them to move up to positions two and four – they should have seen the pitfalls in what they had proposed.

“There are a couple of other riders who could end up doing the same, like Adam Ellis at Poole, if he continues the way he is going.

“I am happy for Charles to go up to number four or number two because he has done well, but where is the sense in him not riding against any fast-track riders?

“They will say he will come back down in two weeks’ time but it is not right.

“I am not complaining about my team. I am confident we have shown character in the last few meetings to come back, we have just got to get the beginnings right.

“However, this has totally demoralised us. He has just built up his confidence and done well and now they are going to chuck this at him.”

Mark Lemon’s Aces head to Wiltshire having won the opening two races of their season on the road against King’s Lynn Stars and Leicester Lions.

In contrast, Swindon have only won one of their opening four meetings and Rossiter is hoping that issues with the track during their defeat to Wolverhampton have been addressed.

“Belle Vue have had a great start and it is going to be our toughest test of the season,” added Rossiter.

“They are gating well and are strong all the way, but I hope the boys will rise to the occasion.

“Ronnie Russell has worked hard on the track in the last week to make sure the problems going into the corners are sorted.”