(SPEEDWAY 1)

SWINDON have been dealt a blow ahead of the new season with the news Dakota North will not be riding in Europe in 2016.The Australian racer was snapped up by the Robins in early December to complete their side, but he has informed the club he will be staying in his homeland when the Elite League campaign gets underway after his father suffered a setback in his recovery from a work accident.Swindon boss Alun Rossiter said: “I think the straw that broke the camel’s back was that his Dad went into work on his crutches, had a fall and did himself quite a bit of damage.“After that I think Dak just thought it would be too difficult to come across to Europe, and even though his Dad told him he should go he just didn’t feel he’d be in the right frame of mind.“I understand his decision, and whilst it’s a little bit frustrating because we were looking forward to bringing Dak back to Swindon we wish him and his family all the best.”