NEIL Middleditch admits he is honoured to be taking over as president of the World Speedway Riders’ Association.

The Pirates team boss will on Sunday travel to the National Speedway Museum in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire to formally assume the role.

Middleditch is set to take over from ex-Poole rider Mark Loram, who won the world title in 2000 alongside three British crowns.

Others to have held the position include six-time world champion Ivan Mauger, four-time world title winner Barry Briggs and 1974 British champion Eric Boocock.

Middleditch told the Daily Echo: “If you look down the list there are some fantastic riders who have been president, so it’s quite an honour.

“I’ve been a member for years. We have our annual gathering in Leicester where we chat about the old days. It’s good fun to keep in touch with people because you spend so much time racing together and then you don’t see each other for years.”

Alongside his extensive managerial achievements, Middleditch is the 10th highest-scoring rider in Pirates history.