Tom Brennan has been told he will celebrate his 15th birthday by riding for Eastbourne Eagles – against the champions.

The British 250cc champion from Hassocks is being thrown into the National League on July 2 as Eagles host title rivals Birmingham.

He will also ride at home to powerful Kent on July 23 plus one more home fixture.

Brennan, arguably the hottest prospect in British speedway, will have at least one away fixture this year but he will not be a permanent team member for now.

Eagles will take him out of the side before he establishes an average which could hinder him next season.

He will also continue his assault on the British Youth Championship for 500cc, a competition he leads by a single point ahead of Sunday’s round at Rye House.

Brennan’s debut will see him race against the league-leading Brummies and the best reserve pairing in the league in Jack Smith and Jack Parkinson-Blackburn.

He will partner Charley Powell at reserve against Birmingham with Luke Harris stepping down for the meeting.

Eagles chairman Martin Dugard said: “It will be a hard one for him but he will be under no pressure from us.

"We have faith in Tom to score points and it will be good for him to have a taste of speedway at that level.”