National Modified Title: Reigning national champion Brock Atkins knows how tough it is to go back-to-back

Reigning national champion Brock Atkins is feeling the nerves ahead of his title defence in Albany this weekend. Atkins is a young speedway star out to become the first driver to win back-to-back national crowns since Mark Carlin in 2013-14 and 2014-15. The 24-year-old from Hamilton, in Victoria, said his preparation for the title had been less than ideal and was at a venue where he had never raced previously. “I’m a bit nervous,” Atkins said. “I’ve only finished one feature race for the season, we’ve had a few issues with the car and we haven’t done as much racing as we want. “We worked out a few of the problems and the car should be as good as it’s going to get this weekend.” Atkins is leaning on his father Greg Atkins and some WA drivers he knows for some track knowledge ahead of a big weekend of racing. “There is probably not the quantity of cars like on the east coast but you definitely have the quality there for the title,” Atkins said. “I haven’t raced there but Dad has raced a national title in Albany. “When I won one in juniors it was way harder to defend it, the pressure and everything that comes with it.”