Scorpions captain David Howe says his preparations are shaping up nicely for the new season.

The Scunthorpe number one won the New Year Classic at Newport, something he describes as a 'good feeling' to reflect on while waiting for the 2012 campaign to begin.

"It was a nice start to the season," said Howe, who will compete in the last ever Telford Indoor Ice event next month.

"My plans for this season weren't really affected.

"I just had the one bike, and it was an old bike, my new stuff is not quite ready and is being saved for the new season.

"But for me, it was better to have won it than come last.

"It's better to be sitting back going, that's a good feeling, rather than thinking, it didn't go too well there.

"You kind of take it as what it is, but everyone wants to win."

Howe added he is 'quite far on' when it comes to getting ready for a return to action.

"The bikes are near enough done, I'm just waiting for a couple of little bits and pieces here and there," he said.

"I'm fully fit and I'm more organised than I have been for a long while.

"I'm going to look as good as I've ever looked this year.

"I've really invested heavily in the equipment."