Nicki Pedersen today warned his teenage sidekick: "Keep your mind on the track."

The new Eastbourne Eagles skipper is convinced 17-year-old team mate Lewis Bridger has the application to fulfil his massive potential.

If he does that, Pedersen reckons he will be succeeding where some of his compatriots have failed.

Two of the most exciting riders in the Elite League will be teaming up again at Arlington in 2007 after Bridger agreed a new one-year deal.

He is also likely to ride in Sweden, following in the footsteps of Pedersen, who competes in the Elitserien and Poland's Ekstraliga as well as matches in Russia and Denmark.

Bridger will also hope to eventually emulate Pedersen's feats in winning both the World Cup and World Championship.

Pedersen, who won two Grands Prix and captained Denmark last summer, said; "Lewis has lots to learn but you have to think he is only just 17.

"He has to be thinking of speedway as business.

"I've been telling him different set-ups and things.

"He is going to be even better in the new season. He has got experience of British speedway now.

"I think sometimes British riders aren't just thinking about the racing. They are thinking about how everybody likes them.

"You can lose out if you keep thinking I'm the best' or start believing what everybody thinks about you.

"You've got to get on your bike and enjoy it. Don't listen to too many other people.

"Don't think you are a movie star.

"But Lewis won't do that. He is very smart."

One of the men Bridger is likely to listen to in the Arlington pits is Pedersen himself.

The Bexhill boy has already confirmed Pedersen teaches him more than anyone else as they go through meetings.

He also revealed the appointment of Pedersen as captain was one of the reasons he was so happy to sign for another season.

Bridger, taking things easy ahead of his appearance at the Brighton Bonanza on December 10, said: "Knowing Nicki will be captain next season has made a lot of difference for me.

"He's serious about his game. He is 100 per cent focused and he wants to get our team winning.

"Nicki is one of the best and the best-organised riders in the world. When you have a rider of that status you should be looking to use him as your captain."

Asked why he stayed at Eastbourne as rival clubs circled for his signature, he said: "They got me where I am now.

"They deserve to have me for at least another year and I owe that to them. They came up with a good deal."

Bridger has high hopes for the 2007 season, both for Eagles and in terms of making the British Grand Prix at the Millennium Stadium in some capacity.

He said: "I want to start the season on fire. It's my year to shine. I want to get to the Grand Prix as a wild card or at least first reserve and take it from there."

Pedersen, who is also enjoying a holiday in the final weeks of the year, looks forward to helping guide Bridger, both at home and in his efforts to make an impact in Sweden.

The Dane said: "I've not been helping him that much but every time I see something I'll tell him to relax or to focus and stop thinking about other things.

"Riding in Sweden will help him. It's easy to stay in your home country.

"When you consider going abroad, getting up at 4am to catch a plane, it then becomes about tiredness and planning.

"That could cause a problem the first season you do it. I've been through it. I will try and teach him."

brian.owen@theargus.co.uk