EXPERIENCED National League rider Luke Priest has spoken of his delight at joining a winning team after replacing the injured Luke Chang in the Storm side.
Crang faces six to eight weeks on the sidelines with a broken shoulder-blade, and with several fixtures coming up over the coming weeks Storm have brought in a new face rather than rely on the rider-replacement facility.
Priest, 29, captained Stoke last season and subject to BSPA approval he will make his debut in Friday’s double-header against Buxton and King’s Lynn.
With no team place forthcoming over the winter Priest spent an extended spell in Australia, but having recently returned to the UK he is excited to get his chance with the Storm.
He said: “I’ve been back in the country for just over a month, and this is a really good move for me.
“I’ve got to make the most of being at reserve, some people might see it as a backward step but it’s a good opportunity to score some big points for the club.
“My equipment is top-notch and I feel good in myself, so although inevitably I’m not going to go out and win every race I’m confident and I like riding at Coventry.”
Storm boss Laurence Rogers said Priest is a rider that is always guaranteed to give 100 per cent but is hoping Crang makes a full recovery.
He added: “I’ve discussed it with Crangy, who doesn’t know exactly how long he’ll be out for, and he understands that we have to do the best we can – he wants us to win the League.
“I really feel sorry for him having got his bikes all sorted again, he’s gutted about the injury but I’m sure he’ll be back.”
