Mick Quinn is confident of a strong start in the Racing League

Mick Quinn aims for a strong start to help his North team break free from mid-table mediocrity and vie for the Racing League trophy.

Having secured fourth place in the past two editions of the multi-region competition, the former Newcastle and Liverpool striker is once again donning his managerial tracksuit to oversee the running and riding strategies for his squad.

Richard Fahey emerged as a key asset in Quinn’s training arsenal last year, but the proud northerner is now optimistic that adjustments to the race programme will enable his expanded group of trainers to make a significant impact over the six-week event.

While the competition kicks off with some “away games”, it will culminate in consecutive fixtures at Newcastle and Southwell. Quinn believes that if his team can seize some early victories, they will position themselves for a shot at the top honours.

“I’ve got Brian Ellison back and Adrian Nicholls is a new addition and I think the way there are  a few more 0-80 and 0-85s this year, it could bring my trainers into play and strengthen the North team. Hopefully, in those races, we will have more runners and that will give us more shots on goal.”

He went on: “There are some away games first, and we start off at Yarmouth and Chepstow. For me, if we can get off to a good start at those two meetings, then that will give us a chance to go close or win it when we get to the other meetings at the finish. I think getting off to a good start is important – Jamie Osborne got a fast start last year, and he lasted to the last race of the competition.”

“It was really exciting last year, and I’m hoping this year we will be in with a shout. We just ran out of gas last year, but if we can get off to a good start, with the way it is structured this year all my trainers can contribute, and we can give it a good go.”