THE family name of Kilby and Swindon speedway go hand-in-hand like Hovis and bread and that is set to continue with the appointment of Lee Kilby to a new-look commercial department.

Kilby junior, son of Swindon legend Bob, will join Brian Sims, who was the commercial director for Benetton F1 and Lola Ferrari F1, and work closely with Swindon Robins’ CEO Mike Bowden on a new marketing strategy for the club.

Lee admitted it took little persuasion to convince him to take the part-time role, with a view to make it permanent further down the line, and is looking forward to the challenge.

“The relationship between the Kilby’s and speedway goes back to when it started,” he said.

“As much as I have always been there in a supportive capacity, to be able to work for the good of the club is something I have always wanted to do.

“The opportunity came out of the blue.

“I have got so many ideas and such a rich history with the club, it seems like a natural fit for me.

“I think the initial plan is to get out there in the local community and talk to a few new businesses and try and introduce the sport to them.

“I still don’t think we have blanketed the area. I still think there are companies who haven’t thought of speedway as a business opportunity.

“It’s not just about the hospitality side of things, it’s about what we can do for their business and make the partnership work for both sides.”

While the sport appears to be in the midst of a difficult period, with Coventry Bees being forced to ride their home meetings at Leicester Lions and Belle Vue having their own problems before committing to the new season, Kilby is optimistic about where the sport is in the town.

With a new stadium on its way, he wants to capitalise on that momentum.

“Speedway seems to drag itself through the mud at times and the picture is often painted quite badly, whereas it actually isn’t,” he added.

“Speedway is growing, we just always highlight the negatives of it.

“It’s about showing where Swindon speedway is at and it is a growing sport.

“With us moving into a new stadium this season, it is just set up to get some interested partners in there to help us grow further.”