DAKOTA North says his breakthrough year in British speedway came at Swindon as he prepares to go wheel to wheel with his old team tomorrow.

The Aussie ace was a key member of the Robins side that reached the Elite League play-off semi-finals in 2014 ahead of his full transfer to Poole Pirates from parent club Peterborough.

But despite his affection for Swindon, the 23-year-old hopes to deal an early body blow to the Blunsdon club's top-four ambitions as Pirates open their title defence at Wimborne Road (11am) and the Abbey Stadium (7.30pm).

North told the Daily Echo: "I haven't always done as well as I should in England but I was consistent last season. After I had signed for Swindon I didn't run many last places and that's what turned things around.

"If I can be consistent again this year, I'll be happy.

"I've done really well abroad for a few years and have set myself up well over there. In England the tracks are a little bit different and it's harder to pass so you have to rely on your gating more and that's where I've been lacking.

"I made OK starts in England last season and that helped a lot. If I can do that again it will make things a lot easier because most races are won from the gate."

North, named after the Dakota aircraft by father and ex-rider Rod, is relishing the chance to reunite with countrymen Nick Morris and Troy Batchelor, as well as former boss Alun Rossiter.

The Pirates star added: "There's no bad blood between me and Swindon and I will enjoy going back there as the fans were good to me so, hopefully, I will be welcomed.

"I'm looking forward to racing against Nick and Troy again. Rosco is a little immature sometimes but, hopefully, he will be a big boy on the day and we can talk to each other like men!"

Pirates are set to track temporary signing Josh Grajczonek at Wimborne Road in place of the sidelined Davey Watt, while Rory Schlein and Nathan Greaves will guest at Swindon.

Pirates: (11am, from) Josh Grajczonek, Kacper Gomolski, Chris Holder, Maciej Janowski, Dakota North, Kyle Newman, Paul Starke. Team manager: Neil Middleditch.

Robins: (11am, from) Troy Batchelor, Kyle Howarth, Adrian Miedzinski, Nick Morris, Grzegorz Zengota, Lewis Rose, Charles Wright. Team manager Alun Rossiter.

Robins: (7.30pm, from) Troy Batchelor, Kyle Howarth, Adrian Miedzinski, Nick Morris, Grzegorz Zengota, Lewis Rose, James Wright (guest).

Pirates: (7.30pm, from) Kacper Gomolski, Chris Holder, Maciej Janowski, Dakota North, Rory Schlein (guest), Nathan Greaves (guest), Kyle Newman.