Dan Halsey feels it would be "weird to be anywhere else" as he embarks on his seventh successive speedway campaign at Mildenhall as a rare, modern-day club stalwart.
The 28-year-old, who first arrived at West Row as a reserve in 2011 after five years at Rye House, does not start as the club's No 1 for the first time in three seasons, despite upping his average by 0.40 points to 8.64.
That coveted race-jacket goes to Connor Mountain, who claimed the team's top spot from Halsey early on last season, but then lost it when he broke his back and Halsey hit some of the best form of his career with three maximums in four meetings.
Halsey said: "I had a few meetings back at my best and being consistent after starting slowly.
"Connor was No 1 but after his injury I stepped up for the team and it showed on track.
"I'm glad to be back. It would be weird to be anywhere else.
"For a couple of years, I planned to move on as they say you shouldn't stay somewhere for too long, but I get on so well with everyone and enjoy racing the track."
Halsey hit the peak of his career so far three seasons ago when his average reached 9.23, he won the National League Riders' Championship and helped Mildenhall to National Trophy success.
But it was also a campaign where he struggled to handle the club captaincy and felt pressure as the team's talisman, which was rectified last year with Mountain, Jon Armstrong and Connor Coles all piling in with match-winning performances.
He added: "I'm hoping for a quick start. I was the main man in the team with not much support for some time but last season the top four were all vying for No 1 and there was less pressure.
"I'm happy as long as there's good competition in the team and our heat leaders look strong on paper up against others.
"I'm eating better and have got a couple of new bikes."
Source: www.bing.com
