NEW dad Danny Ayres says he’s determined to make a success of his big shot at Premier League speedway for the sake of his growing family.
The 29-year-old’s partner, Jodie Pledge, just gave birth to daughter Lilou on Friday. Yet the new Glasgow man has quit his job as a labourer in a bid to focus on his first year in the Premier League.
Ayres is so desperate to make a name for himself that he’s all set to travel north to start his fitness training ahead of tapes up on March 27.
Ayres, who’ll be entering only his second season in the sport, said: “I’m living, eating and breathing speedway.
“Now our beautiful baby daughter has arrived I’m getting set to head for Glasgow to spend as much time as I can there with the fitness trainer.
“Desperate isn’t the word. It’s like a drug – I’m addicted – and this is what I want. It’s being selfish for the right reasons and I know that sounds bad but the quicker I can get to Glasgow, the quicker I can get training. I want to be as fit as a fiddle and as light as a fiddle.
“By the time the season comes, I am going to be like a caged animal, wanting to be unleashed.
“I’m in the process of taking the National League over and next is the Premier League. I know it’s not all going to happen straight away but I know it is going to happen eventually, because I’m going to make it happen.
“Glasgow are not going to know what’s hit them when I come there – in a nice way. It’s not being big-headed; I’m passionate.
“People walk through those gates and pay money to watch riders. When I go and beat heatleaders, wait to see what happens – I’ve already got the plans in my head with Roary the Tiger, and Roxy, and the whole crowd. It’s all there – it’s just got to be put in motion.”
Ayres, who’ll be doubling up in the National League with Kent Kings, insists his family are on board with his decision and feels it’ll be worth the short-term pain for longer-term gain.
He said: “I’ve been with Jodie since about this time last year. Jodie is definitely the one. She’s the best thing that ever happened to me – sometimes I don’t realise it but I do know it.
“I’m doing it for my family because if I hit it how I want to hit it, we’re going to have a nice life.
“I was in Glasgow the other day to pick my van up. I was in the Den Diner at the stadium and saw the little playpen. I can see Jodie walking around there with Lilou while I’m out riding. At the moment, times are tough but this is how it’s got to be.”
He added: “I’m in a really good place. The fitness is starting to come and it’s all falling into shape. Money’s in a bad state at the moment but I’ll hopefully never be in this situation again.
“I know everyone is gifted this No. 7 spot but I’m not there to make the numbers up – I’m there to take over. I genuinely believe that after a couple of months, I will be mixing it with heatleaders in the Premier League.
“I’m struggling with the self-discipline needed when I’m at home – because I’ll have a snack or whatever. And financially, I wouldn’t be able to not work and do what I’m doing.
“I’m a very lucky boy with the sponsors that are helping me. There are no distractions whatsoever bar waking up in the morning, training, eating, working on the bikes, training and going to sleep. That is all I can do there. I want it that bad.
“Next year I’ll be more disciplined on my own but I have to do this to start the process for where I want to be.”
Ayres will be one of several 2016 Tigers meeting fans when Nigel Pearson and Kelvin Tatum visit Ibrox Stadium as part of their tour on Friday, March 4.
Everyone at Glasgow Tigers sends their best wishes to Danny, Jodie and baby Lilou.