If there's one King's Lynn Stars rider who can go into tomorrow's Elite League derby double-header against Peterborough Panthers brimming with confidence it's David Howe.

The red-hot reserve has been simply sensational riding at number six, top-scoring for Lynn in both of their meetings, against Eastbourne Eagles.

The 30-year-old gated expertly on his way to 16 points from a possible 18 at the Norfolk Arena last week as Lynn won 59-31 before collecting a fine 12, paid 13, in the return leg at the Arlington Stadium during a narrow 49-41 defeat on Monday.

After winning the Star of Anglia at Ipswich last month the Leicester-born racer, doubling-up for Lynn along with captaining Premier League Scunthorpe this campaign, admits he's ecstatic at how his season has started.

Howe said: 'I'm delighted as I want to take the opportunity of being back in the Elite League with both hands.

'We worked hard all winter to prepare so I'm feeling good and I'm making good starts, which is key for a rider like myself. I'd say it's probably been my best start to a season ever.

'I can't recall scoring 16 points in a meeting without riding a tactical and to get 13 at Eastbourne – a track I used to hate going to – was a pretty big deal for me.

'I've got a few meetings at reserve to make hay while the sun shines so I'm getting extra rides to build my confidence and hopefully I can then work my way into the middle order of the team.'

The East of England Showground shale is familiar to Howe; he, Niels-Kristian Iversen and Mads Korneliussen have all ridden for the Panthers.

The evening's return tie at Saddlebow Road (7pm) will also see Peterborough trio Kenneth and Lasse Bjerre and Olly Allen race at the home of their former side on a day that Howe believes will be special one for speedway in East Anglia.

He said: 'I'm really looking forward to it as it's a big local derby and it's going to be a great day.

'There's a lot of ex-Lynn riders there and a lot of ex-Peterborough ones here, including me, which makes it interesting.

'We were a little bit disappointed we didn't get any points at Eastbourne because I think we rode well enough to get at least a point. However, it threw up more positives than negatives.

'Personally I'm enjoying myself and I'm really happy with how things have gone so far. I'm feeding off the vibe at Lynn which is a really professional club. It's making me raise my game.'

n Away leg tapes up: 2pm.