SITTINGBOURNE Crusaders are preparing to celebrate their 35th anniversary with a return to competitive speedway racing in a new national competition, the Conference Shield.

Last year the Crusaders rode a full league campaign for the first time since 1996 and following essential track works - which prevented the Iwade-based side from participated in the Conference League proper this year - it's all systems go for the new Shield event.

The speedway authorities decided in March to have the League fixtures completed by August to allow for a separate league-style competition to take place in the second half of the season.

This has allowed the county's only speedway club, as well as Cleveland Bays and possibly the Weymouth Wildcats, a chance for competitive action in 2006.

As well as Cleveland and Weymouth, the national complexion of the Shield event is cemented by the inclusion of the Buxton Hitmen, the Stoke Spitfires and current League leaders, the Scunthorpe Scorpions.

New Crusaders team manager Chris Hunt said: "We’re champing at the bit to get into action next month."