Eastbourne's new heat-leader is ready to be Eastbourne’s shining Knight – more than two decades after his dad passed up the opportunity.

Jake Knight is one of four new faces taking to the track for the Eagles this season, starting in today’s double-header against Kent.

He wants to challenge fellow winter signing Kyle Hughes for the No.1 spot and reignite a career which was hit by injury and mechanical problems at King’s Lynn last year.

But the 23–year-old has revealed how his dad Richard might have trodden the same path back in his racing days had Eagles not been outbid.

Richard was a contemporary of current Eagles chairman Martin Dugard, riding against him in the 1990 World Final at Odsal.

Knight, potentially a key man for the National League track, said: “Eastbourne’s a bit different to King’s Lynn and the bigger tracks I am used to. Connor Dugard approached me during the winter and I wasn’t really sure if I would ride this year.

“But I spoke to Dad about it and he said they were a really good club to ride for. It was quite funny because he said he nearly signed for Eastbourne when he was riding. Then Berwick came up with a different offer.

“But he said Eastbourne are such a good club and what I like about them is they are family-based.

“I think Connor and I spoke for a couple of months sorting everything out. Then one day it clicked and I thought ‘Yeah – I want to prove to myself that I’m good enough to do it’.

“Eastbourne have helped out a lot behind the scenes with machinery. Hopefully big things happen.

“I’ve never ridden here before. I was a bit nervous when I first came down to practise because I hadn’t ridden a bike for seven or eight months. But it just seemed to click.”

Eagles are tackling their second season of National League speedway after dropping down from the Elite.

The change was embraced by fans and there was a rejuvenated feel about the club last year as they won all three knockout trophies after coming second to Birmingham in the league.

Something similar this season would make them champions with the title being decided by play-offs between the top four.

As well as Hughes and Knight, there are newcomers at reserve in Charley Powell and Nick Phillips. Richie Andrews takes over as skipper and last season’s success story Georgie Wood remains along with Ben Hopwood, an inspired mid-term signing last year.

Birmingham are again likely to provide stiff opposition along with their West Midlands neighbours Cradley, who were the powerhouses of the league until Eastbourne came along.

The Argus:

New boys Nick Phillips and Kyle Hughes in conversation

Team manager Glenn Martin said: “We will be targets. Everyone will want to come and beat us. But Cradley were unbeatable until last year and we turned them over – and turned most people over.

“It’s exciting. New team, new year. We will see how different riders react to bring here. Jake has come from King’s Lynn to Eastbourne, which is a big difference. He has practised really well so he will be exciting to watch.

“Georgie has got brand new bikes and looks good, looks quick. Richie is captain, Kyle is good anywhere he goes, we know what Ben can do.

“Charlie and Nick will have to just do what they can, get used to it and enjoy themselves,”

Today’s double-header Challenge gives the new boys a great chance to settle in. The sides meet at Arlington at noon and Sittingbourne at 6.30pm.

The first 100 children through the gates at Eastbourne will each receive a free Easter egg from last season’s skipper Marc Owen.

Admission this season costs £13 for adults and £6 for 13-to-17-year-olds. Under-13s get in free. The £1 car parking charge has been scrapped.