Chessell Aims for New Heights

Edi.31.07.16.026LEGGY Luke Chessell is aiming to hit new heights at Glasgow on Sunday – as he chases his dream of a permanent slot in the big time.

The 6ft 3in speedster has been called up to star again for the Tigers as a replacement for crocked Danny Ayres in the crunch Premier League tie with Workington.

Chessell rides in the third-tier National League for Cradley at the moment but wowed the Ashfield crowd with his all-action races on Sunday against Edinburgh, including a spectacular heat two win.

Team manager Stewart Dickson described him as a “leg trailer” – a style made famous by ex-world stars Joe Screen and Mark Loram – but Chessell insists it’s more to do with his lofty build.

The 26-year-old said: “I wouldn’t say I was a leg trailer – obviously being 6ft 3in with long legs, I look a little bigger on a bike.

“I have actually always admired 1980 World Champion Mike Lee’s style and I try to emulate that, as hard as it is.

“I am delighted to get a chance to come back to Glasgow. I feel the club and promotion are very professional and willing to do what they can to help. I enjoyed Sunday’s match and it was great to pick up the win in heat two.

I do hope this puts me in the shop window for next season – there’s no better chance to do that than now.

I think Glasgow would be a good place for me in 2017 – it’s a good shape of track, a good crowd and a great set-up. I would be over the moon to sign for them, but a lot can happen and obviously it comes down to the promotion and who they want to pick.”

Cult hero Ayres is set for a few weeks on the sidelines with a broken wrist, having cemented his place as a Premier League star after the introduction of the draft system for National League riders during the winter.

It’s a system that Chessell – who had to overcome two anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions during a teenage motocross career – hopes to be a part of come the close season.

He said: “It’s been a hard road to where I’m at today, and there’s still a long way to go. But hopefully the opportunity will arise over this winter where I can get a PL spot for next year.

“I really need to be racing with the fast lads to bring me on.”

Aaron Summers switches to No 1 for the meeting with the Comets after moving to the top of the Glasgow averages.

A win for the home side would see them taking another step towards securing their spot in the play-offs.

Tapes-up is at 3pm.