TEENAGE star Luke Goody has been reflecting on the aches and pains of pursuing a speedway career ahead of Sittingbourne Crusaders' trips north to Cleveland Bays and Scunthorpe Scorpions this weekend.

The 16-year-old from Ashford is relishing the chance to add another track to his growing CV.

He said: "I’ve ridden Scunthorpe before – in fact I made my competitive debut there earlier this year when I had a spell in the Conference League with Mildenhall; but the track in Middlesbrough will be a brand new experience.

"The last few weeks have seen me travelling to a number of new circuits for me – it’s been helpful having opportunities on some of the country’s top tracks like Eastbourne, Poole and Swindon representing the Young Crusaders in the Southern Area Junior League."

Goody is in fine form and his assured performances sometimes make it difficult to remember that this time last year he had never even sat on a 500cc speedway bike. He remains upbeat about his progress this season.

"I’ve left school now and am able to combine working for the family business with my racing career," he added.

"I am so grateful my dad, Steve, the Sittingbourne club chairman Graham Arnold and team boss Chris Hunt, who looks after my bikes."