MARK PLUMMER catches up with a Great Britain international, an Elite League captain and a Premier League number one . . . it's DANNY KING.
The last time Danny King rode regularly in the Premier League, Jason Crump was on top of the speedway world, Tony Blair was still at number 10 and Gnarls Barkley was at number one.
Quite a while ago then. Eight years in fact. But King is now back in the second tier of the sport after agreeing a surprise switch to Newcastle recently.
A need to boost his form and his finances led to the Great Britain international circulating his availability to all Premier League clubs.
And the Diamonds were quick to declare their interest as they attempted to revamp a side which has struggled in the early weeks of the season.
"I need time on the track and this is a great way to get it," said King, who will race off a mark of 11.18 in the Premier League. "Speedway is not a cheap sport these days and I have to earn a living.
"I also need to get back to my best after a difficult start to the season so taking a spot in the Premier League seemed like the sensible thing to do.
"The top Swedish riders all race in two leagues over there and I think it is something that can work for me.
"I let all the clubs in the league know I was available and there was a bit of interest even though I come in on such a high average.
"Most teams wouldn't have been keen on changing two or three riders to accommodate me, but Newcastle opted to bring me in and I'm looking forward to getting started.
"Realistically my average may drop, but I will be doing everything I can to keep it as high as I possibly can."
King has been reunited with two former title-winning team-mates in the North East.
He and Chris Schramm both emerged from the Peterborough production line that provided the Conference League-winning Pumas back in 2002, while King and Diamonds captain Stuart Robson were both part of the Rye House team that stormed to the Premier League title in 2005.
That was the first of the two seasons (the longest time permitted in those days) in which King doubled up between the Elite League and second tier.
The 27 year-old, who enjoyed a testimonial last year, also raced at Mildenhall in 2006, but he has been seen exclusively in the top-flight ever since.
"There was a time when dropping down to the Premier League might have been seen as a backward step for a rider, but that's not the case in my opinion," added King.
"You only have to look through the teams at this level to realise how strong the league is. You've got people like Craig Cook, Ryan Fisher, Ales Dryml, Ben Barker, Edward Kennett and "˜Robbo' (Stuart Robson) who either are still good Elite League riders or have been in the past.
"It is going to be a big challenge and it's one I'm relishing. I'm sure plenty of people will be keen to beat me, but that will just keep me on my toes.
"It would be great if I could pick up some silverware again after having such a good season at Rye all those years ago."
Heavy rain denied King a debut when the Diamonds' home clash against Peterborough was called off on Sunday, but he hopes to be in action when they make the long trek to Plymouth tonight (Friday).
It could be a baptism of fire and the tiny St Boniface Arena is the only second tier venue that he has never visited in the past, but King travels south in good heart after a couple of promising performances for Elite League side Birmingham in the past few days.
"People have told me it is a tricky little place, but I'm looking forward to it," continued King, who has no overseas racing lined up this year. "It is the only place in the league I've never seen before.
"I haven't raced at Scunthorpe either, but I have done plenty of practice laps there so know what to expect.
"I feel as though my form is gradually coming back. I had a maximum at Birmingham last week and got double-figures again last night, so that bodes well for the future."
