LEE KILBY IS JOINING the Eastbourne Lee was also excited to start work Robins’ fans: “Swindon is my club and HG AEROSPACE EAGLES SPEEDWAY MAGAZINE HG Aerospace Eagles management with Eastbourne’s all-British team who, that is where my heart is. I want them team on a season-long loan from he said, connected well with to come back in 2022, of course I do, Swindon. supporters. but for this year I am going to be 100 He will take responsibility for “You sense that from the moment per cent Eastbourne. commercial and community activities you step into Arlington and from a “I am looking to bring some new as well as having oversight of match commercial and promoting initiatives to the club and doing day arrangements. perspective that’s all you can ask for. everything I can to help the progress Eastbourne Speedway director Ian “It builds so many bridges. Once you and have a good year.” Jordan said Lee would be a great can hook a kid and it’s someone they Ian Jordan commented: “I think it's addition to the team during the year can look up to, the kid is hooked. You always important to clarify as clearly as Swindon cannot run while their retain that youngster and he or she possible any questions before they are No. 4 stadium is rebuilt. brings mum and dad with them,” Lee asked in any communication and, Lee is the son of Bob Kilby who was a said. therefore, it's very important for us to legend for the Swindon Robins and “Eastbourne already have a base and tell everyone not only how delighted scored more than 4,000 points for the there are great opportunities to bring we are by this appointment, but to Wiltshire club. people into the club. It’s the best night stress that we sincerely hope that the Lee told Flying High that speedway is out and we’ve had great success at Swindon Robins are back on track in in his blood and was hugely looking Swindon in bringing in new 2022 with Lee and Alun back there at forward to getting started with businesses. I am excited about a club the helm. Eastbourne. which has as much history as “This move is massively to the When it became known Swindon Eastbourne has and it is only going to benefit of the Eastbourne HG would not run in 2021, Lee said in an progress and become a bigger club,” Aerospace Eagles and is seen purely in article in the Speedway Star that he Lee said. the context of the 2021 season. I LEWI KERR hoped to find a way of staying involved Lee has an outgoing personality with would liken the scenario to that of a in the sport this year. a way of working which is all about soccer context with Eastbourne as an His comments attracted interest from meeting and greeting people and ambitious Championship Speedway a number of clubs but aer speaking to finding out what the fans are thinking. Club acquiring the services of Lee "on Ian Jordan he realised Eastbourne was He said: “The key to the commercial loan for a season" as being the where he wanted to come. success is listening to people.” equivalent of an EFL soccer Club “I thought this is fantastic, it will work He promised to give his all to the acquiring the services of Pep for everybody. The main focus initially Eagles in 2021 but wanted to assure Guardiola on loan for a season. is to help Ian out with the commercial work and get out and about and spread the word on the Eagles. There are loads of opportunities at Eastbourne. There are so many Looking forward initiatives in place. It’s like having loads of coaches ready to go but they just to a ‘miracle’ need a driver to take it to the destination and make it a good thing. I am super excited about the season opportunity. THE BIKE! “I know more about Speedway than anything else on the planet and if I cannot sell Speedway, I can’t sell anything. I can’t wait to get going. I am proud to be working for a club with such great history and one that is forward thinking.” Lee became commercial manager of Swindon at the end of 2016, a position he still holds. He added to his involvement with the Robins by becoming co-promoter at the start of Secrets from 2019 when Colin Pratt le the role for Peterborough. EXCLUSIVEthe pit lane He joined Birmingham as full-time commercial manager in 2018 and continued in the role during 2019 on a part-time consultancy basis. During this time he has also helped individual riders including Bradley Wilson-Dean, who was such a stand-out star in the Eagles first year in the National League in 2015, and Zach Wajtknecht. BEN MORLEY KO CUP FINAL 1985 Welcome FRANK to BETTIS Eagles new appointment

“Lee brings Premier league Speedway “In business, which is my background, Director, and our excellent Press and winning skills and expertise on and off the you very quickly learn that you cannot Media Team, to take our off-track track and we can all learn so much from ever have enough top quality people. business on to a whole new level. him; and it can only be to the benefit of “I passionately believe in our team on “During this period we hope to build everyone at Arlington. the track, and whilst we have some and grow our commercial function and “The role that Lee had at Blunsdon outstanding talent off the track, this was for Lee to work with Ken Burnett on the dovetails perfectly for us as in Trevor Geer simply too good an opportunity to miss. outstanding work started by David we have an outstanding servant of the “In a number of long conversations with Rollison in 2019 on the community side, Eagles as team manager and co-promoter Lee, the synergy between our hopes and where we have some exciting plans in the in very much the role Alun Rossiter has at aspirations at Eastbourne to be the very post Covid future. Swindon, and Lee's skills very much cover best we can be, and Lee's proven track “When I took over the running of the the business side of the operation and record and keenness to work in the Speedway side of the operation in 2019 allow us to bring in a consummate highly environment of gradual progression and and was subsequently joined by Les skilled professional, to help us, guide us pushing the boundaries that we see as Fineing as Director, we set upon a and offer a valuable mentor service to part of our evolution, just fit so perfectly. five-year plan to firstly stabilise the Club, everyone at Eastbourne; who may be “Lee will have a completely free role, secondly to grow and improve it on and keen to learn from Lee's skills and working in tandem with the outstanding off the track and thirdly to turn it in to a experience. Ian Smalley, our Creative Media and PR successful business; capable of winning silverware on the track and being profitable and successful and seen as visionary off the track, in that regard Lee will be a very important part of the jigsaw. “We can never forget that everything we do is in recognition of the great traditions of the Club; it drives my thinking and passion for the Club, built by Charlie and Bob Dugard over many how completely focused we are; in our decades and still fantastically supported custodian role of that proud tradition; to by The Dugard family. secure and build it for future generations. “The fact that we now have on board a “I know I can't wait to start working with growing number of top quality people Lee and learning from him; and I couldn't only serves to show how great their be more excited about the season ahead, immense contribution was in the past and both on and off the track.” LEE KILBY IS JOINING the Eastbourne Lee was also excited to start work Robins’ fans: “Swindon is my club and HG Aerospace Eagles management with Eastbourne’s all-British team who, that is where my heart is. I want them team on a season-long loan from he said, connected well with to come back in 2022, of course I do, Swindon. supporters. but for this year I am going to be 100 He will take responsibility for “You sense that from the moment per cent Eastbourne. commercial and community activities you step into Arlington and from a “I am looking to bring some new as well as having oversight of match commercial and promoting initiatives to the club and doing day arrangements. perspective that’s all you can ask for. everything I can to help the progress HG AEROSPACE EAGLES SPEEDWAY MAGAZINE Eastbourne Speedway director Ian “It builds so many bridges. Once you and have a good year.” ISSUE 4 | FEBRUARY 2021 Jordan said Lee would be a great can hook a kid and it’s someone they Ian Jordan commented: “I think it's addition to the team during the year can look up to, the kid is hooked. You always important to clarify as clearly as Swindon cannot run while their retain that youngster and he or she possible any questions before they are stadium is rebuilt. brings mum and dad with them,” Lee asked in any communication and, Lee is the son of Bob Kilby who was a said. therefore, it's very important for us to legend for the Swindon Robins and “Eastbourne already have a base and tell everyone not only how delighted WE'VE CERTAINLY ALL had a cold blast from the East since the last The fact that the 2020 season was effectively lost has if anything I've had ringing me from all parts of the globe to inquire about team Career paths scored more than 4,000 points for the Edition of Flying High but the mornings are certainly getting lighter, enforced my passion to ensure that we achieve more both on and spaces there, it's a message that's spread far and wide. there are great opportunities to bring we are by this appointment, but to It also gives a career path to Nathan Ablitt and in time Vinnie Joe Wiltshire club. people into the club. It’s the best night stress that we sincerely hope that the earlier and the aernoons are starting to draw out towards off the track and a lot of work is and will go on behind the scenes to One thing though, that has convinced me that we are absolutely Foord. What is currently of major concern to me, is that clubs like Lee told Flying High that speedway is out and we’ve had great success at Swindon Robins are back on track in evenings ...a sure sign that Spring is on its way. ensure that. right here at Eastbourne is our “all-British" strategy, is the sheer Eastbourne don't develop and nurture riders who can be then in his blood and was hugely looking Swindon in bringing in new 2022 with Lee and Alun back there at On the track we have an excellent seven-man team. I would not amount and complexity of work permit, visa and other paperwork We cannot ignore or forget the fact that we are still in lockdown, whisked away by clubs who don't give a jot about development, as forward to getting started with businesses. I am excited about a club the helm. swap any of them for anyone. required for overseas riders in the Covid and post Brexit era. part of a proposed dra scheme. but with infection and death rates falling and the vaccination Eastbourne. which has as much history as “This move is massively to the I'm doing my best to avoid it at Plymouth, no matter how hard Mark programme racing ahead, the prospects for a Speedway season We have the seven we want and they will have our maximum These issues though are concerns that we can and will raise and I When it became known Swindon Eastbourne has and it is only going to benefit of the Eastbourne HG certainly look a lot brighter than they did a month ago. support. We will set them up to succeed and support them all the (Phillips) tries to delegate it. It’s not an issue we have to deal with am confident that they will be noted and listened to as the overall and worry about in 2021 at Eastbourne and whilst you'd be unwise would not run in 2021, Lee said in an progress and become a bigger club,” Aerospace Eagles and is seen purely in The BSPL requested that all clubs prepare a League Fixture season way, in return, and particularly from these seven guys. aims of the scheme are very laudable and positive. to say "never", I think the way to go is definitely "all British" and a article in the Speedway Star that he Lee said. the context of the 2021 season. I I think we will see a far greater intensity and will to win than maybe commencing in May. We have done so and it's very important to philosophy of developing young and progressive British talent. As with anything, however, communication is key, if you try to work hoped to find a way of staying involved Lee has an outgoing personality with would liken the scenario to that of a place on record our thanks to a number of clubs with whom we've we saw on occasions in 2019, especially away from home, yet I out all of the questions that any communication you issue may National Development League in the sport this year. a way of working which is all about soccer context with Eastbourne as an had dialogue with requests either to them, or from them, to amend believe we will have a lot of laughs and humour and great team result in, and explain them in the communication before they are His comments attracted interest from meeting and greeting people and ambitious Championship Speedway As part of this strategy we have continued in our application to the original fixture dra and there has certainly been fantastic spirit along the way. Trevor will get the most out of them as Team asked, it does help and avoids a lot of confusion. a number of clubs but aer speaking to finding out what the fans are thinking. Club acquiring the services of Lee "on Manager and Promoter. field a National Development League (NDL) team in 2021, co-operation all round. Ian Jordan he realised Eastbourne was He said: “The key to the commercial loan for a season" as being the provided that we have sufficient space and time in the calendar. I think in the case of Rising Stars, more needs to be explained about I'd particularly like to thank Rob Grant at Newcastle who assisted in Sometimes on a Sunday the qualifying criteria, who has assessed the riders in terms of their where he wanted to come. success is listening to people.” equivalent of an EFL soccer Club The league format is being developed, it looks like seven-man helping us to resolve a particularly late issue. We'll do our best to I'm pleased overall with the fixtures and we do have a number of Star Rating, and fundamentally, a better definition between an “I thought this is fantastic, it will work He promised to give his all to the acquiring the services of Pep teams and a 35 point limit. ensure that the team are fighting fit for their first away match on Sunday home dates, that will always please some and not others. In Under 24 / 21 or whatever genuine Rising Star" and those riders for everybody. The main focus initially Eagles in 2021 but wanted to assure Guardiola on loan for a season. May 19 at Birmingham and the first home fixture on May 22 against all the surveys we've done it does seem Sundays are more popular That is quite restrictive and definitely not as strong a league as it who have been around longer and who are fundamental to the is to help Ian out with the commercial Newcastle. especially with younger families. was in 2018, but I am sure that we could put together a strong and third tier, but who by no definition are in the same bracket as a Tom work and get out and about and competitive and very entertaining team. Brennan, Drew Kemp, Jason Edwards, Jordan Palin, Leon Flint etc. Unfortunately, the announcement that sporting venues WON'T be There is though a very specific reason for some of the Sunday spread the word on the Eagles. There Dra team permutations include some outstanding young able to re-open until May 17, whilst great news in terms of the fixtures and that is to fully support the health and welfare of the It’s not fair on some great entertainers and stalwarts on the NDL to are loads of opportunities at prospects who will become top class riders I'm sure, an out and bigger picture, has scuppered our initial plans for early May, for riders in particular. There are four teams in the Championship who not make that definition and hopefully the clarity and explanations Eastbourne. There are so many race on a Friday night and three of them are extreme distance trips. out number 1 who is Championship Class and not currently in a CL will emerge. It is though, I think in terms of concept and initiatives in place. It’s like having loads now at least. Team and also some guys who I am 100% are, and will ,always be opportunity, a credit to its creators and a quantum leap forward. of coaches ready to go but they just We had decided to try to get the lads some competitive track I think we saw on a few occasions in 2019, that to arrive home at 3 very popular at Arlington. or 4am on a Saturday morning aer a 700-800 mile drive and then need a driver to take it to the action by arranging a 2021 version of the famous Championship of This together with our MSDL Team will give us a proper ladder of Ian Jordan have to be back at Arlington at 5pm ready for a big match is far from destination and make it a good thing. I Sussex for our opening Meeting on May 1. No amount of practice progression. With pre and post-match pits access being sadly DIRECTOR an ideal scenario. am super excited about the can replicate those hard and sometimes brutal first turns at this prohibited by Covid-19 restrictions for the foreseeable future, we *The Management of Eastbourne HG Aerospace Eagles and opportunity. level, so better to get the team fully race fit before embarking on a We've tried where possible to avoid that eventuality as we want a fit will also seek to introduce a "short old fashioned second half" to The Eastbourne Seagulls powered by The Save Thurrock “I know more about Speedway than season that holds a lot of promise and one we aim to deliver as and fresh team whenever possible on their "A game", and hopefully incorporate NDL and MSDL level junior races for those that wish to Hammers Campaign. anything else on the planet and if I much as possible. everyone will appreciate those reasons and be able to come to as stay and watch the Stars of The Future, so there will be 3-4 added many matches as possible on both Saturdays and Sundays. races, starting quickly aer the main event to look forwards to. cannot sell Speedway, I can’t sell We will have to wait and see what any crowd number restrictions anything. I can’t wait to get going. I am Strong addition Rising Stars are from May 17 but we will do our best to reorganise The proud to be working for a club with Championship of Sussex meeting for later in the season. It's also very important that we have a team and structure off the Finally, another big topic of conversation has been the such great history and one that is track to match our ambitions on it, and you will see that we have announcement of "The Rising Star" Scheme. Clearly "crowd restrictions and Covid-19 compliance" will remain forward thinking.” made what I believe to be an outstanding acquisition for 2021. The in place until at least the end of June, and in reality probably for the A number of people have asked questions about it and how it Lee became commercial manager of full details are an EXCLUSIVE, later in this Edition. It is as important, whole of the 2021 season, so from MONDAY, March 1, we will be works and a lot of people have seemingly made their mind up that Swindon at the end of 2016, a position if not more so, than any rider signing and I can't wait to get started it's either far too complicated and/or utterly confusing. putting ON SALE a new tranche of 5 and 10 match ticket options he still holds. He added to his off the track as well as on it. and making match tickets available for ONLINE BOOKING for our From my/our perspective at Eastbourne it certainly has some merit involvement with the Robins by first five fixtures against Newcastle (May 22), Poole (May 29), Kent Bjarne and Jason but equally there are a lot of questions still to be answered. It's becoming co-promoter at the start of (June 6), Edinburgh (June 12) and Leicester (June 27), so keep an Talking of signings, what an impact Plymouth have made within definitely helped Tom to secure a fantastic opportunity at Belle Vue 2019 when Colin Pratt le the role for which is richly deserved and a great move for all concerned. eye on the cub website and social media for details of ticket days of being approved to join The Championship, the signing of Peterborough. availability. three-times World Champion and still the guy with the highest Tom knows that we will always put his interests first and always He joined Birmingham as full-time number of GP wins (23) in Jason Crump, still joint track record back him. He also knows that for as long as he wants a place at A reminder to everyone who purchased 2020 Season + 10 Match commercial manager in 2018 and Eastbourne he has one, and that it's as much about us matching his holder at Arlington and also former Eagle Bjarne Pedersen, who continued in the role during 2019 on a Tickets that you will have GUARANTEED access to matches in 2021 ambitions as him matching ours. Equally, it allowed us to nominate himself was a GP winner and who competed in 71 Grand Prix. part-time consultancy basis. and we will explain fully how things will work for 2021 on Monday, Jason as our Rising Star No 7 for 2021 and that removed any doubt We will welcome them to Arlington on July 31. We particularly March 1. that we may have had to split our 2020 1-7 up. During this time he has also helped wanted to have them when we felt crowds would not be as restricted individual riders including Bradley The will to win That would frankly have happened over my dead body; and I'm as they may be initially and it's a date for all of your diaries. I'm not as Wilson-Dean, who was such a relieved and mightily pleased that sanity has prevailed. It seems a long time ago now since we started 2019 with so much directly involved at Plymouth as I was on the Speedway side there stand-out star in the Eagles first year in optimism and momentum and by and large we delivered and now, focusing more on stadium events. There are some very exciting Tom, Jason and indeed Drew now have a clear career path and IF the National League in 2015, and Zach exceeded expectations of many on and off the track, in no small plans down there, but it's great to see and feel a similar buzz to what we wish to retain them, there are ways we can do that, as long as Wajtknecht. measure due to your fantastic loyalty and support. we had at the start of 2019 and judging from the number of riders that is their wish too.

2 FLYING HIGH

“Lee brings Premier league Speedway “In business, which is my background, Director, and our excellent Press and winning skills and expertise on and off the you very quickly learn that you cannot Media Team, to take our off-track track and we can all learn so much from ever have enough top quality people. business on to a whole new level. him; and it can only be to the benefit of “I passionately believe in our team on “During this period we hope to build everyone at Arlington. the track, and whilst we have some and grow our commercial function and “The role that Lee had at Blunsdon outstanding talent off the track, this was for Lee to work with Ken Burnett on the dovetails perfectly for us as in Trevor Geer simply too good an opportunity to miss. outstanding work started by David we have an outstanding servant of the “In a number of long conversations with Rollison in 2019 on the community side, Eagles as team manager and co-promoter Lee, the synergy between our hopes and where we have some exciting plans in the in very much the role Alun Rossiter has at aspirations at Eastbourne to be the very post Covid future. Swindon, and Lee's skills very much cover best we can be, and Lee's proven track “When I took over the running of the the business side of the operation and record and keenness to work in the Speedway side of the operation in 2019 allow us to bring in a consummate highly environment of gradual progression and and was subsequently joined by Les skilled professional, to help us, guide us pushing the boundaries that we see as Fineing as Director, we set upon a and offer a valuable mentor service to part of our evolution, just fit so perfectly. five-year plan to firstly stabilise the Club, everyone at Eastbourne; who may be “Lee will have a completely free role, secondly to grow and improve it on and keen to learn from Lee's skills and working in tandem with the outstanding off the track and thirdly to turn it in to a experience. Ian Smalley, our Creative Media and PR successful business; capable of winning silverware on the track and being profitable and successful and seen as visionary off the track, in that regard Lee will be a very important part of the jigsaw. “We can never forget that everything we do is in recognition of the great traditions of the Club; it drives my thinking and passion for the Club, built by Charlie and Bob Dugard over many how completely focused we are; in our decades and still fantastically supported custodian role of that proud tradition; to by The Dugard family. secure and build it for future generations. “The fact that we now have on board a “I know I can't wait to start working with growing number of top quality people Lee and learning from him; and I couldn't only serves to show how great their be more excited about the season ahead, immense contribution was in the past and both on and off the track.” LEE KILBY IS JOINING the Eastbourne Lee was also excited to start work Robins’ fans: “Swindon is my club and HG Aerospace Eagles management with Eastbourne’s all-British team who, that is where my heart is. I want them team on a season-long loan from he said, connected well with to come back in 2022, of course I do, Swindon. supporters. but for this year I am going to be 100 He will take responsibility for “You sense that from the moment per cent Eastbourne. commercial and community activities you step into Arlington and from a “I am looking to bring some new as well as having oversight of match commercial and promoting initiatives to the club and doing day arrangements. perspective that’s all you can ask for. everything I can to help the progress Eastbourne Speedway director Ian “It builds so many bridges. Once you and have a good year.” Jordan said Lee would be a great can hook a kid and it’s someone they Ian Jordan commented: “I think it's addition to the team during the year can look up to, the kid is hooked. You always important to clarify as clearly as 4 10 17 37 Swindon cannot run while their retain that youngster and he or she possible any questions before they are stadium is rebuilt. brings mum and dad with them,” Lee asked in any communication and, Lee is the son of Bob Kilby who was a said. therefore, it's very important for us to legend for the Swindon Robins and “Eastbourne already have a base and WE'VE CERTAINLY ALL had a cold blast from the East since the last The fact that the 2020 season was effectively lost has if anything I've had ringing me from all parts of the globe to inquire about team tell everyone not only how delighted Career paths scored more than 4,000 points for the Edition of Flying High but the mornings are certainly getting lighter, enforced my passion to ensure that we achieve more both on and spaces there, it's a message that's spread far and wide. there are great opportunities to bring we are by this appointment, but to It also gives a career path to Nathan Ablitt and in time Vinnie Joe Wiltshire club. people into the club. It’s the best night stress that we sincerely hope that the earlier and the aernoons are starting to draw out towards off the track and a lot of work is and will go on behind the scenes to One thing though, that has convinced me that we are absolutely Foord. What is currently of major concern to me, is that clubs like Lee told Flying High that speedway is out and we’ve had great success at Swindon Robins are back on track in evenings ...a sure sign that Spring is on its way. ensure that. right here at Eastbourne is our “all-British" strategy, is the sheer Eastbourne don't develop and nurture riders who can be then in his blood and was hugely looking Swindon in bringing in new 2022 with Lee and Alun back there at On the track we have an excellent seven-man team. I would not amount and complexity of work permit, visa and other paperwork We cannot ignore or forget the fact that we are still in lockdown, whisked away by clubs who don't give a jot about development, as forward to getting started with businesses. I am excited about a club the helm. swap any of them for anyone. required for overseas riders in the Covid and post Brexit era. part of a proposed dra scheme. but with infection and death rates falling and the vaccination Eastbourne. which has as much history as “This move is massively to the I'm doing my best to avoid it at Plymouth, no matter how hard Mark programme racing ahead, the prospects for a Speedway season We have the seven we want and they will have our maximum These issues though are concerns that we can and will raise and I When it became known Swindon Eastbourne has and it is only going to benefit of the Eastbourne HG certainly look a lot brighter than they did a month ago. support. We will set them up to succeed and support them all the (Phillips) tries to delegate it. It’s not an issue we have to deal with am confident that they will be noted and listened to as the overall and worry about in 2021 at Eastbourne and whilst you'd be unwise would not run in 2021, Lee said in an progress and become a bigger club,” Aerospace Eagles and is seen purely in The BSPL requested that all clubs prepare a League Fixture season way, in return, and particularly from these seven guys. aims of the scheme are very laudable and positive. to say "never", I think the way to go is definitely "all British" and a article in the Speedway Star that he Lee said. the context of the 2021 season. I I think we will see a far greater intensity and will to win than maybe commencing in May. We have done so and it's very important to philosophy of developing young and progressive British talent. As with anything, however, communication is key, if you try to work hoped to find a way of staying involved Lee has an outgoing personality with would liken the scenario to that of a place on record our thanks to a number of clubs with whom we've we saw on occasions in 2019, especially away from home, yet I out all of the questions that any communication you issue may National Development League in the sport this year. a way of working which is all about soccer context with Eastbourne as an had dialogue with requests either to them, or from them, to amend believe we will have a lot of laughs and humour and great team result in, and explain them in the communication before they are His comments attracted interest from meeting and greeting people and ambitious Championship Speedway As part of this strategy we have continued in our application to the original fixture dra and there has certainly been fantastic spirit along the way. Trevor will get the most out of them as Team asked, it does help and avoids a lot of confusion. a number of clubs but aer speaking to finding out what the fans are thinking. Club acquiring the services of Lee "on Manager and Promoter. field a National Development League (NDL) team in 2021, co-operation all round. Ian Jordan he realised Eastbourne was He said: “The key to the commercial loan for a season" as being the provided that we have sufficient space and time in the calendar. I think in the case of Rising Stars, more needs to be explained about I'd particularly like to thank Rob Grant at Newcastle who assisted in Sometimes on a Sunday the qualifying criteria, who has assessed the riders in terms of their where he wanted to come. success is listening to people.” equivalent of an EFL soccer Club The league format is being developed, it looks like seven-man helping us to resolve a particularly late issue. We'll do our best to I'm pleased overall with the fixtures and we do have a number of Star Rating, and fundamentally, a better definition between an “I thought this is fantastic, it will work He promised to give his all to the acquiring the services of Pep teams and a 35 point limit. ensure that the team are fighting fit for their first away match on Sunday home dates, that will always please some and not others. In Under 24 / 21 or whatever genuine Rising Star" and those riders for everybody. The main focus initially Eagles in 2021 but wanted to assure Guardiola on loan for a season. May 19 at Birmingham and the first home fixture on May 22 against all the surveys we've done it does seem Sundays are more popular That is quite restrictive and definitely not as strong a league as it who have been around longer and who are fundamental to the is to help Ian out with the commercial Newcastle. especially with younger families. was in 2018, but I am sure that we could put together a strong and third tier, but who by no definition are in the same bracket as a Tom work and get out and about and competitive and very entertaining team. Brennan, Drew Kemp, Jason Edwards, Jordan Palin, Leon Flint etc. Unfortunately, the announcement that sporting venues WON'T be There is though a very specific reason for some of the Sunday spread the word on the Eagles. There Dra team permutations include some outstanding young able to re-open until May 17, whilst great news in terms of the fixtures and that is to fully support the health and welfare of the It’s not fair on some great entertainers and stalwarts on the NDL to are loads of opportunities at prospects who will become top class riders I'm sure, an out and bigger picture, has scuppered our initial plans for early May, for riders in particular. There are four teams in the Championship who not make that definition and hopefully the clarity and explanations Eastbourne. There are so many race on a Friday night and three of them are extreme distance trips. out number 1 who is Championship Class and not currently in a CL will emerge. It is though, I think in terms of concept and initiatives in place. It’s like having loads now at least. Team and also some guys who I am 100% are, and will ,always be opportunity, a credit to its creators and a quantum leap forward. of coaches ready to go but they just We had decided to try to get the lads some competitive track I think we saw on a few occasions in 2019, that to arrive home at 3 very popular at Arlington. or 4am on a Saturday morning aer a 700-800 mile drive and then need a driver to take it to the action by arranging a 2021 version of the famous Championship of This together with our MSDL Team will give us a proper ladder of Ian Jordan have to be back at Arlington at 5pm ready for a big match is far from destination and make it a good thing. I Sussex for our opening Meeting on May 1. No amount of practice progression. With pre and post-match pits access being sadly DIRECTOR an ideal scenario. am super excited about the can replicate those hard and sometimes brutal first turns at this prohibited by Covid-19 restrictions for the foreseeable future, we *The Management of Eastbourne HG Aerospace Eagles and opportunity. level, so better to get the team fully race fit before embarking on a We've tried where possible to avoid that eventuality as we want a fit will also seek to introduce a "short old fashioned second half" to The Eastbourne Seagulls powered by The Save Thurrock “I know more about Speedway than season that holds a lot of promise and one we aim to deliver as and fresh team whenever possible on their "A game", and hopefully incorporate NDL and MSDL level junior races for those that wish to Hammers Campaign. anything else on the planet and if I much as possible. everyone will appreciate those reasons and be able to come to as stay and watch the Stars of The Future, so there will be 3-4 added many matches as possible on both Saturdays and Sundays. races, starting quickly aer the main event to look forwards to. cannot sell Speedway, I can’t sell We will have to wait and see what any crowd number restrictions anything. I can’t wait to get going. I am Strong addition Rising Stars are from May 17 but we will do our best to reorganise The proud to be working for a club with Championship of Sussex meeting for later in the season. It's also very important that we have a team and structure off the Finally, another big topic of conversation has been the such great history and one that is track to match our ambitions on it, and you will see that we have announcement of "The Rising Star" Scheme. Clearly "crowd restrictions and Covid-19 compliance" will remain forward thinking.” made what I believe to be an outstanding acquisition for 2021. The in place until at least the end of June, and in reality probably for the A number of people have asked questions about it and how it Lee became commercial manager of full details are an EXCLUSIVE, later in this Edition. It is as important, whole of the 2021 season, so from MONDAY, March 1, we will be works and a lot of people have seemingly made their mind up that Swindon at the end of 2016, a position if not more so, than any rider signing and I can't wait to get started it's either far too complicated and/or utterly confusing. putting ON SALE a new tranche of 5 and 10 match ticket options he still holds. He added to his off the track as well as on it. and making match tickets available for ONLINE BOOKING for our From my/our perspective at Eastbourne it certainly has some merit involvement with the Robins by first five fixtures against Newcastle (May 22), Poole (May 29), Kent Bjarne and Jason but equally there are a lot of questions still to be answered. It's becoming co-promoter at the start of (June 6), Edinburgh (June 12) and Leicester (June 27), so keep an Talking of signings, what an impact Plymouth have made within definitely helped Tom to secure a fantastic opportunity at Belle Vue 2019 when Colin Pratt le the role for which is richly deserved and a great move for all concerned. eye on the cub website and social media for details of ticket days of being approved to join The Championship, the signing of CLICK TO JOIN OUR Peterborough. availability. three-times World Champion and still the guy with the highest Tom knows that we will always put his interests first and always He joined Birmingham as full-time number of GP wins (23) in Jason Crump, still joint track record back him. He also knows that for as long as he wants a place at A reminder to everyone who purchased 2020 Season + 10 Match MAILING LIST commercial manager in 2018 and Eastbourne he has one, and that it's as much about us matching his holder at Arlington and also former Eagle Bjarne Pedersen, who continued in the role during 2019 on a Tickets that you will have GUARANTEED access to matches in 2021 ambitions as him matching ours. Equally, it allowed us to nominate himself was a GP winner and who competed in 71 Grand Prix. Contributors: Ken Burnett, Chris Geer, Tiffani Graveling, Keith and Yvonne part-time consultancy basis. and we will explain fully how things will work for 2021 on Monday, Jason as our Rising Star No 7 for 2021 and that removed any doubt We will welcome them to Arlington on July 31. We particularly Hall, Mike Hinves, Lauren Hinves, Phil Lanning, Taylor Lanning, John Ling, March 1. that we may have had to split our 2020 1-7 up. During this time he has also helped wanted to have them when we felt crowds would not be as restricted Kevin Ling, Pete Lulham, Mark Sexton, Jeff Scott, Alan South, Kate individual riders including Bradley The will to win That would frankly have happened over my dead body; and I'm Patterson, Paul Watson, Ian Smalley. as they may be initially and it's a date for all of your diaries. I'm not as Wilson-Dean, who was such a relieved and mightily pleased that sanity has prevailed. It seems a long time ago now since we started 2019 with so much directly involved at Plymouth as I was on the Speedway side there Design by Barry Cross Artwork stand-out star in the Eagles first year in optimism and momentum and by and large we delivered and now, focusing more on stadium events. There are some very exciting Tom, Jason and indeed Drew now have a clear career path and IF Thanks to John Somerville - www.skidmarks1928.com the National League in 2015, and Zach exceeded expectations of many on and off the track, in no small plans down there, but it's great to see and feel a similar buzz to what we wish to retain them, there are ways we can do that, as long as Wajtknecht. measure due to your fantastic loyalty and support. we had at the start of 2019 and judging from the number of riders that is their wish too. All content Copyright of Eastbourne Speedway Ltd 2021

FLYING HIGH 3

“Lee brings Premier league Speedway “In business, which is my background, Director, and our excellent Press and winning skills and expertise on and off the you very quickly learn that you cannot Media Team, to take our off-track track and we can all learn so much from ever have enough top quality people. business on to a whole new level. him; and it can only be to the benefit of “I passionately believe in our team on “During this period we hope to build everyone at Arlington. the track, and whilst we have some and grow our commercial function and “The role that Lee had at Blunsdon outstanding talent off the track, this was for Lee to work with Ken Burnett on the dovetails perfectly for us as in Trevor Geer simply too good an opportunity to miss. outstanding work started by David we have an outstanding servant of the “In a number of long conversations with Rollison in 2019 on the community side, Eagles as team manager and co-promoter Lee, the synergy between our hopes and where we have some exciting plans in the in very much the role Alun Rossiter has at aspirations at Eastbourne to be the very post Covid future. Swindon, and Lee's skills very much cover best we can be, and Lee's proven track “When I took over the running of the the business side of the operation and record and keenness to work in the Speedway side of the operation in 2019 allow us to bring in a consummate highly environment of gradual progression and and was subsequently joined by Les skilled professional, to help us, guide us pushing the boundaries that we see as Fineing as Director, we set upon a and offer a valuable mentor service to part of our evolution, just fit so perfectly. five-year plan to firstly stabilise the Club, everyone at Eastbourne; who may be “Lee will have a completely free role, secondly to grow and improve it on and keen to learn from Lee's skills and working in tandem with the outstanding off the track and thirdly to turn it in to a experience. Ian Smalley, our Creative Media and PR successful business; capable of winning silverware on the track and being profitable and successful and seen as visionary off the track, in that regard Lee will be a very important part of the jigsaw. “We can never forget that everything we do is in recognition of the great traditions of the Club; it drives my thinking and passion for the Club, built by Charlie and Bob Dugard over many how completely focused we are; in our decades and still fantastically supported custodian role of that proud tradition; to by The Dugard family. secure and build it for future generations. “The fact that we now have on board a “I know I can't wait to start working with growing number of top quality people Lee and learning from him; and I couldn't only serves to show how great their be more excited about the season ahead, immense contribution was in the past and both on and off the track.” LEE KILBY IS JOINING the Eastbourne Lee was also excited to start work Robins’ fans: “Swindon is my club and Flying High Feature HG Aerospace Eagles management with Eastbourne’s all-British team who, that is where my heart is. I want them team on a season-long loan from he said, connected well with to come back in 2022, of course I do, Swindon. supporters. but for this year I am going to be 100 He will take responsibility for “You sense that from the moment per cent Eastbourne. commercial and community activities you step into Arlington and from a “I am looking to bring some new as well as having oversight of match commercial and promoting initiatives to the club and doing day arrangements. perspective that’s all you can ask for. everything I can to help the progress Eastbourne Speedway director Ian “It builds so many bridges. Once you and have a good year.” Jordan said Lee would be a great can hook a kid and it’s someone they Ian Jordan commented: “I think it's addition to the team during the year can look up to, the kid is hooked. You always important to clarify as clearly as Swindon cannot run while their retain that youngster and he or she possible any questions before they are stadium is rebuilt. brings mum and dad with them,” Lee asked in any communication and, Lee is the son of Bob Kilby who was a said. therefore, it's very important for us to legend for the Swindon Robins and “Eastbourne already have a base and tell everyone not only how delighted scored more than 4,000 points for the there are great opportunities to bring we are by this appointment, but to Wiltshire club. people into the club. It’s the best night stress that we sincerely hope that the Lee told Flying High that speedway is out and we’ve had great success at Swindon Robins are back on track in Lee Kilby in his blood and was hugely looking Swindon in bringing in new 2022 with Lee and Alun back there at forward to getting started with businesses. I am excited about a club the helm. Eastbourne. which has as much history as “This move is massively to the When it became known Swindon Eastbourne has and it is only going to benefit of the Eastbourne HG would not run in 2021, Lee said in an progress and become a bigger club,” Aerospace Eagles and is seen purely in article in the Speedway Star that he Lee said. the context of the 2021 season. I 'delighted' hoped to find a way of staying involved Lee has an outgoing personality with would liken the scenario to that of a in the sport this year. a way of working which is all about soccer context with Eastbourne as an His comments attracted interest from meeting and greeting people and ambitious Championship Speedway a number of clubs but aer speaking to finding out what the fans are thinking. Club acquiring the services of Lee "on Ian Jordan he realised Eastbourne was He said: “The key to the commercial loan for a season" as being the where he wanted to come. success is listening to people.” equivalent of an EFL soccer Club “I thought this is fantastic, it will work He promised to give his all to the acquiring the services of Pep to be joining for everybody. The main focus initially Eagles in 2021 but wanted to assure Guardiola on loan for a season. is to help Ian out with the commercial work and get out and about and spread the word on the Eagles. There are loads of opportunities at Eastbourne. There are so many the Eagles initiatives in place. It’s like having loads of coaches ready to go but they just need a driver to take it to the destination and make it a good thing. I am super excited about the

Les Aubrety Les opportunity. “I know more about Speedway than anything else on the planet and if I cannot sell Speedway, I can’t sell anything. I can’t wait to get going. I am proud to be working for a club with such great history and one that is forward thinking.” Lee became commercial manager of Swindon at the end of 2016, a position he still holds. He added to his I know more about involvement with the Robins by becoming co-promoter at the start of 2019 when Colin Pratt le the role for Speedway than anything Peterborough. He joined Birmingham as full-time else on the planet! commercial manager in 2018 and continued in the role during 2019 on a ...I am proud to be working part-time consultancy basis. During this time he has also helped for a club with such great individual riders including Bradley Wilson-Dean, who was such a history and one that is stand-out star in the Eagles first year in Lee Kilby celebrates Swindon Robins becoming Premiership champions in 2019 with his son Max, skipper the National League in 2015, and Zach Jason Doyle and the rest of the Robins team. Lee will be hoping for similar successes with the HG Aerospace forward thinking. Wajtknecht.

Eagles in 2021. Aubrey Les

4 FLYING HIGH

“Lee brings Premier league Speedway “In business, which is my background, Director, and our excellent Press and winning skills and expertise on and off the you very quickly learn that you cannot Media Team, to take our off-track track and we can all learn so much from ever have enough top quality people. business on to a whole new level. him; and it can only be to the benefit of “I passionately believe in our team on “During this period we hope to build everyone at Arlington. the track, and whilst we have some and grow our commercial function and “The role that Lee had at Blunsdon outstanding talent off the track, this was for Lee to work with Ken Burnett on the dovetails perfectly for us as in Trevor Geer simply too good an opportunity to miss. outstanding work started by David we have an outstanding servant of the “In a number of long conversations with Rollison in 2019 on the community side, Eagles as team manager and co-promoter Lee, the synergy between our hopes and where we have some exciting plans in the in very much the role Alun Rossiter has at aspirations at Eastbourne to be the very post Covid future. Swindon, and Lee's skills very much cover best we can be, and Lee's proven track “When I took over the running of the the business side of the operation and record and keenness to work in the Speedway side of the operation in 2019 allow us to bring in a consummate highly environment of gradual progression and and was subsequently joined by Les skilled professional, to help us, guide us pushing the boundaries that we see as Fineing as Director, we set upon a and offer a valuable mentor service to part of our evolution, just fit so perfectly. five-year plan to firstly stabilise the Club, everyone at Eastbourne; who may be “Lee will have a completely free role, secondly to grow and improve it on and keen to learn from Lee's skills and working in tandem with the outstanding off the track and thirdly to turn it in to a experience. Ian Smalley, our Creative Media and PR successful business; capable of winning silverware on the track and being profitable and successful and seen as visionary off the track, in that regard Lee will be a very important part of the jigsaw. “We can never forget that everything we do is in recognition of the great traditions of the Club; it drives my thinking and passion for the Club, built by Charlie and Bob Dugard over many how completely focused we are; in our decades and still fantastically supported custodian role of that proud tradition; to by The Dugard family. secure and build it for future generations. “The fact that we now have on board a “I know I can't wait to start working with growing number of top quality people Lee and learning from him; and I couldn't only serves to show how great their be more excited about the season ahead, immense contribution was in the past and both on and off the track.” LEE KILBY IS JOINING the Eastbourne Lee was also excited to start work Robins’ fans: “Swindon is my club and HG Aerospace Eagles management with Eastbourne’s all-British team who, that is where my heart is. I want them team on a season-long loan from he said, connected well with to come back in 2022, of course I do, Swindon. supporters. but for this year I am going to be 100 He will take responsibility for “You sense that from the moment per cent Eastbourne. commercial and community activities you step into Arlington and from a “I am looking to bring some new as well as having oversight of match commercial and promoting initiatives to the club and doing day arrangements. perspective that’s all you can ask for. everything I can to help the progress Eastbourne Speedway director Ian “It builds so many bridges. Once you and have a good year.” Jordan said Lee would be a great can hook a kid and it’s someone they Ian Jordan commented: “I think it's addition to the team during the year can look up to, the kid is hooked. You always important to clarify as clearly as Swindon cannot run while their retain that youngster and he or she possible any questions before they are stadium is rebuilt. brings mum and dad with them,” Lee asked in any communication and, Lee is the son of Bob Kilby who was a said. therefore, it's very important for us to legend for the Swindon Robins and “Eastbourne already have a base and tell everyone not only how delighted scored more than 4,000 points for the there are great opportunities to bring we are by this appointment, but to Wiltshire club. people into the club. It’s the best night stress that we sincerely hope that the Lee told Flying High that speedway is out and we’ve had great success at Swindon Robins are back on track in in his blood and was hugely looking Swindon in bringing in new 2022 with Lee and Alun back there at forward to getting started with businesses. I am excited about a club the helm. Eastbourne. which has as much history as “This move is massively to the When it became known Swindon Eastbourne has and it is only going to benefit of the Eastbourne HG would not run in 2021, Lee said in an progress and become a bigger club,” Aerospace Eagles and is seen purely in article in the Speedway Star that he Lee said. the context of the 2021 season. I hoped to find a way of staying involved Lee has an outgoing personality with would liken the scenario to that of a in the sport this year. a way of working which is all about soccer context with Eastbourne as an His comments attracted interest from meeting and greeting people and ambitious Championship Speedway a number of clubs but aer speaking to finding out what the fans are thinking. Club acquiring the services of Lee "on Ian Jordan he realised Eastbourne was He said: “The key to the commercial loan for a season" as being the where he wanted to come. success is listening to people.” equivalent of an EFL soccer Club “I thought this is fantastic, it will work He promised to give his all to the acquiring the services of Pep for everybody. The main focus initially Eagles in 2021 but wanted to assure Guardiola on loan for a season. is to help Ian out with the commercial work and get out and about and spread the word on the Eagles. There are loads of opportunities at Eastbourne. There are so many initiatives in place. It’s like having loads of coaches ready to go but they just need a driver to take it to the destination and make it a good thing. I am super excited about the opportunity. “I know more about Speedway than anything else on the planet and if I cannot sell Speedway, I can’t sell anything. I can’t wait to get going. I am proud to be working for a club with such great history and one that is forward thinking.” Lee became commercial manager of Swindon at the end of 2016, a position he still holds. He added to his involvement with the Robins by becoming co-promoter at the start of 2019 when Colin Pratt le the role for Peterborough. He joined Birmingham as full-time commercial manager in 2018 and continued in the role during 2019 on a part-time consultancy basis. During this time he has also helped individual riders including Bradley Wilson-Dean, who was such a stand-out star in the Eagles first year in the National League in 2015, and Zach Wajtknecht. Lee at the Celebration of Speedway event at Paradise Wildlife Park in February 2020.

FLYING HIGH 5

“Lee brings Premier league Speedway “In business, which is my background, Director, and our excellent Press and winning skills and expertise on and off the you very quickly learn that you cannot Media Team, to take our off-track track and we can all learn so much from ever have enough top quality people. business on to a whole new level. him; and it can only be to the benefit of “I passionately believe in our team on “During this period we hope to build everyone at Arlington. the track, and whilst we have some and grow our commercial function and “The role that Lee had at Blunsdon outstanding talent off the track, this was for Lee to work with Ken Burnett on the dovetails perfectly for us as in Trevor Geer simply too good an opportunity to miss. outstanding work started by David we have an outstanding servant of the “In a number of long conversations with Rollison in 2019 on the community side, Eagles as team manager and co-promoter Lee, the synergy between our hopes and where we have some exciting plans in the in very much the role Alun Rossiter has at aspirations at Eastbourne to be the very post Covid future. Swindon, and Lee's skills very much cover best we can be, and Lee's proven track “When I took over the running of the the business side of the operation and record and keenness to work in the Speedway side of the operation in 2019 allow us to bring in a consummate highly environment of gradual progression and and was subsequently joined by Les skilled professional, to help us, guide us pushing the boundaries that we see as Fineing as Director, we set upon a and offer a valuable mentor service to part of our evolution, just fit so perfectly. five-year plan to firstly stabilise the Club, everyone at Eastbourne; who may be “Lee will have a completely free role, secondly to grow and improve it on and keen to learn from Lee's skills and working in tandem with the outstanding off the track and thirdly to turn it in to a experience. Ian Smalley, our Creative Media and PR successful business; capable of winning silverware on the track and being profitable and successful and seen as visionary off the track, in that regard Lee will be a very important part of the jigsaw. “We can never forget that everything we do is in recognition of the great traditions of the Club; it drives my thinking and passion for the Club, built by Charlie and Bob Dugard over many how completely focused we are; in our decades and still fantastically supported custodian role of that proud tradition; to by The Dugard family. secure and build it for future generations. “The fact that we now have on board a “I know I can't wait to start working with growing number of top quality people Lee and learning from him; and I couldn't only serves to show how great their be more excited about the season ahead, immense contribution was in the past and both on and off the track.” LEE KILBY IS JOINING the Eastbourne Lee was also excited to start work Robins’ fans: “Swindon is my club and HG Aerospace Eagles management with Eastbourne’s all-British team who, that is where my heart is. I want them team on a season-long loan from he said, connected well with to come back in 2022, of course I do, Swindon. supporters. but for this year I am going to be 100 He will take responsibility for “You sense that from the moment per cent Eastbourne. commercial and community activities you step into Arlington and from a “I am looking to bring some new as well as having oversight of match commercial and promoting initiatives to the club and doing day arrangements. perspective that’s all you can ask for. everything I can to help the progress Eastbourne Speedway director Ian “It builds so many bridges. Once you and have a good year.” Jordan said Lee would be a great can hook a kid and it’s someone they Ian Jordan commented: “I think it's addition to the team during the year can look up to, the kid is hooked. You always important to clarify as clearly as Swindon cannot run while their retain that youngster and he or she possible any questions before they are stadium is rebuilt. brings mum and dad with them,” Lee asked in any communication and, Lee is the son of Bob Kilby who was a said. therefore, it's very important for us to legend for the Swindon Robins and “Eastbourne already have a base and tell everyone not only how delighted scored more than 4,000 points for the there are great opportunities to bring we are by this appointment, but to Wiltshire club. people into the club. It’s the best night stress that we sincerely hope that the Lee told Flying High that speedway is out and we’ve had great success at Swindon Robins are back on track in in his blood and was hugely looking Swindon in bringing in new 2022 with Lee and Alun back there at forward to getting started with businesses. I am excited about a club the helm. Eastbourne. which has as much history as “This move is massively to the When it became known Swindon Eastbourne has and it is only going to benefit of the Eastbourne HG would not run in 2021, Lee said in an progress and become a bigger club,” Aerospace Eagles and is seen purely in article in the Speedway Star that he Lee said. the context of the 2021 season. I hoped to find a way of staying involved Lee has an outgoing personality with would liken the scenario to that of a in the sport this year. a way of working which is all about soccer context with Eastbourne as an His comments attracted interest from meeting and greeting people and ambitious Championship Speedway a number of clubs but aer speaking to finding out what the fans are thinking. Club acquiring the services of Lee "on Ian Jordan he realised Eastbourne was He said: “The key to the commercial loan for a season" as being the where he wanted to come. success is listening to people.” equivalent of an EFL soccer Club “I thought this is fantastic, it will work He promised to give his all to the acquiring the services of Pep for everybody. The main focus initially Eagles in 2021 but wanted to assure Guardiola on loan for a season. is to help Ian out with the commercial work and get out and about and spread the word on the Eagles. There are loads of opportunities at Eastbourne. There are so many initiatives in place. It’s like having loads of coaches ready to go but they just need a driver to take it to the destination and make it a good thing. I am super excited about the opportunity. “I know more about Speedway than anything else on the planet and if I cannot sell Speedway, I can’t sell anything. I can’t wait to get going. I am proud to be working for a club with such great history and one that is forward thinking.” Lee became commercial manager of Swindon at the end of 2016, a position he still holds. He added to his involvement with the Robins by becoming co-promoter at the start of 2019 when Colin Pratt le the role for Peterborough. He joined Birmingham as full-time commercial manager in 2018 and continued in the role during 2019 on a part-time consultancy basis. During this time he has also helped individual riders including Bradley Wilson-Dean, who was such a stand-out star in the Eagles first year in the National League in 2015, and Zach Wajtknecht.

“Lee brings Premier league Speedway “In business, which is my background, Director, and our excellent Press and infectious Stonehenge smile and laugh is “He was just preparing her for the Addenbrooke’s [hospital in Cambridge] winning skills and expertise on and off the you very quickly learn that you cannot Media Team, to take our off-track back as he approaches a testimonial year worst, give her the harsh reality that this for ten days and for the last couple of days track and we can all learn so much from ever have enough top quality people. business on to a whole new level. which he refers to as a “miracle”. could be a really horrible situation. I was kicking off because I wanted to go him; and it can only be to the benefit of “I passionately believe in our team on “During this period we hope to build Kerr, 30, looks like a hybrid of David “I vividly remember Jessie saying that home. everyone at Arlington. the track, and whilst we have some and grow our commercial function and Beckham and Bruce Willis. Not much hair, I’d had a crash. When I came round and “I felt completely fine in hospital, other “The role that Lee had at Blunsdon outstanding talent off the track, this was for Lee to work with Ken Burnett on the fit as a butcher’s dog with an a la Becks out of the coma for the first time she burst than a bit slow and I couldn’t read dovetails perfectly for us as in Trevor Geer simply too good an opportunity to miss. outstanding work started by David accent and body art. Not so much Die into tears and I was very emotional too. properly, I felt 100 per cent and was so we have an outstanding servant of the “In a number of long conversations with Rollison in 2019 on the community side, Hard, but refuse to die. “The trouble was I was in happy to get out. Eagles as team manager and co-promoter Lee, the synergy between our hopes and where we have some exciting plans in the As we sit in his house, I ask to see his “But that was the worst thing ever in the in very much the role Alun Rossiter has at aspirations at Eastbourne to be the very post Covid future. battle scars from speedway. He reveals: end. When I got home I just felt Swindon, and Lee's skills very much cover best we can be, and Lee's proven track “When I took over the running of the “That’s the stupid thing, I don’t have any completely lost. Where we were living at the business side of the operation and record and keenness to work in the Speedway side of the operation in 2019 scars from speedway whatsoever. I have a the time we had to move out because I allow us to bring in a consummate highly environment of gradual progression and and was subsequently joined by Les mark on my knee from a motocross crash, couldn’t remember living there and we’d skilled professional, to help us, guide us pushing the boundaries that we see as Fineing as Director, we set upon a that’s all. been there previously for three years. and offer a valuable mentor service to part of our evolution, just fit so perfectly. five-year plan to firstly stabilise the Club, “I’ve obviously had two biggies in “That’s when the crash hit me really, everyone at Eastbourne; who may be “Lee will have a completely free role, secondly to grow and improve it on and speedway and almost died, but not a that’s when it dawned on me just the keen to learn from Lee's skills and Lee gets an early taste of speedway action working in tandem with the outstanding off the track and thirdly to turn it in to a thing to show for it. The lucky thing is that extent of what I had been through. experience. on the terraces with his late father Bob Kilby. Ian Smalley, our Creative Media and PR successful business; capable of winning I don’t remember much about the head “In the hospital I then had to have a lot silverware on the track and being injury. of physiotherapy. They sent me down to profitable and successful and seen as “I know a little bit more now. Some bits the gents hairdressers and asked how visionary off the track, in that regard Lee are coming back to me from the morning much a haircut was. But for me to will be a very important part of the jigsaw. of the meeting when I turned up at physically go in and do that was nearly “We can never forget that everything Peterborough. I actually remember impossible. we do is in recognition of the great parking next to my mechanic big Stevo “I can’t tell you why, whether I Bob Kilby’s great day at Arlington traditions of the Club; it drives my (Steve Norman). But that’s it. couldn’t speak properly or just for thinking and passion for the Club, built by “Usually though from a brain injury FOR MOST OF Bob Kilby’s illustrious career, Swindon and Hackney won the meeting: Hackney 32, Oxford 27, my brain to work out any social Charlie and Bob Dugard over many how completely focused we are; in our you do get some side effects and I Eastbourne were in different divisions. As a result, he only Eastbourne 17, ex-Eagles 16. Oxford's ambition was skills. I couldn’t walk properly decades and still fantastically supported custodian role of that proud tradition; to don’t have a single thing wrong rode at Arlington a handful of times. hampered somewhat when a certain Gordon Kennett crashed yet I hadn’t broken a single by The Dugard family. secure and build it for future generations. with me from the aer-effects of Records appear to show that his first visit was in the June in his first heat and took no further part in the meeting. bone. “The fact that we now have on board a “I know I can't wait to start working with the crash. 1974, riding for the Oxford Rebels in a four team tournament Bob’s first official fixtures against Eastbourne were at the “My brain wasn’t telling growing number of top quality people Lee and learning from him; and I couldn't “To be honest, if I could against Eastbourne, Hackney and a team comprising end of his career in 1979. The first of which was at the Abbey my body what to do so I only serves to show how great their be more excited about the season ahead, remember anything from the ex-Eastbourne riders. and saw Swindon victorious by 48-30 on June 23 when he was having to learn the immense contribution was in the past and both on and off the track.” crash it’s debatable whether Bob scored seven points from four rides including one win. scored an untroubled 12- point maximum. simple things again like I I’d still be racing. It sounded Interestingly and with a link to Lee’s upcoming relationship One week later, the Robins visited Arlington and again was a kid, it was so hell for Jessie and my family. with the Eagles, Trevor Geer racing for Eastbourne beat Bob in prevailed victorious by 47-31 with Bob scoring nine points bizarre. “I’m not sure exactly the one heat as Trevor too scored seven points. from four rides. “I was sent into first time I came round. I another shop in the was still in the coma so I hospital and told to don’t have any read the headline on recollection of actually The Sun and it took doing this consciously, if me ages just to that makes sense. But complete a simple Jessie was pregnant with task like that. Not our first baby Cooper at many people know the time and I remember what I’ve been touching her belly. through and how far “Because they asked I’ve come.” me what is his name and I Kerr is then the actually said Cooper. Jessie miracle man returning to always says she knew I was the sport with two solid normal from that moment. seasons before joining Mainly because nobody knew King’s Lynn and Glasgow what we were going to call him and raking in massive points at the time. before another heartbreaking “At that stage the docs were just crash at the Adrian Flux Arena. LEWI KERR GRADUALLY opens his eyes. From pitch black looking for signs of life and that there The x-rays revealed a broken darkness, he gradually manages to focus on a blurry object in was no brain damage because I was le tibia, spiral fracture and broke front of him. still in the coma. They kept trying to four metatarsals in his right foot - It’s his wife Jessie. They both burst into floods of tears. bring me round and to see if I could and 16 weeks in a wheelchair to Aer a terrifying handful of days, it’s the first sign that Kerr breathe on my own. come. “Jessie’s dad had been quite high Mike Kilby - The John Somerville Collection Mike was going to live aer being put in an induced coma having He adds: “This time I was on the This Mike Kilby photograph, part of the John Somerville Collection, is from the Robins v Eagles KO Cup meeting from at the Abbey stadium in May 1980. Mike was sustained a bleed on the brain following a horror crash in the up in the Met Police so he’d seen lots track screaming at King’s Lynn. I Bob's brother and Swindon track photographer for many years. It shows heat two which ended: Bob Kilby,. Kai Niemi, Eric Dugard, Malcolm Holloway (ef). Swindon Fours at Peterborough on August 2, 2015. of similar situations. When he saw me remember everything about this won 62-46 on the night and 117.5 - 98.5 on aggregate in an 18- heat format. Bob scored 10 points from five rides at the Abbey stadium and a superb 15 points from Fast forward a shade under three years and it’s disaster deja at the hospital he pulled her aside crash, hitting the airfence legs six rides at Arlington as he showed his liking for the tight, technical track. The big story of the tie though was the performance of Gordon Kennett and Kai Niemi at and said he wasn’t going to feed her Swindon. Gordon scored a faultless 21 point maximum for the Eagles and Kai backed him up with 19 points. Amazing.! Gordon and Kai scored all but six of vu. Kerr ploughs into the fence at King’s Lynn with a resulting first. At the time I was swearing Eastbourne's point - an unreal performance. broken leg and foot. bulls***. He told her that people in my head saying ‘not again, Yet here we are just over two years later and Kerr’s don’t come out of here normal. give me a break’.

6 FLYING HIGH

“I’ve never had pain like that before. It happened so fast, I jumped off the bike because I knew I was going into the fence. “I was absolutely devastated. My best season so far and for that to happen, I knew instantly both of my legs were gone and that’s my season over. “I’ll be honest there were some dark days because it was sickening to lie there helpless on my sofa at home having put in all the effort for the season and how well it was going to see it end like that again. Kerr laughs when it seems incredible Kerr was one of the lucky ones to get “It was the second time I’d had a big that he has survived to celebrate 10 years four meetings in the UK’s constricted crash and both of them hadn’t been my on track at King’s Lynn in 2021. 2020 campaign but was certainly fault. I was gutted. It was tough when I He said: “I think it probably is a miracle. impressive when he was on track. got home because we had the heatwave, We’ve certainly had a few scary moments He added: “Strangely enough I had Jessie was pregnant and Cooper is a along the way but it’s a special thing to a really good 2020 with the four toddler and you need to watch him 24/7. achieve. meetings I did. I really enjoyed the “Of course I need to do one meeting in Belle Vue track and put in some of my 2021 for King’s Lynn for me to gain a best performances. testimonial I believe. I would imagine that “I went into all the meetings with no we’ll probably for March 2022 for an pressure, just to earn some money and actual testimonial meeting. enjoy myself. In the end I beat some “I’m really lucky that I race for two decent guys and had good speed. brilliant clubs that I love. I’ve been “Now I want to take that sort of confirmed in Eastbourne’s team for this form into 2021. I remain very positive season but obviously with so much about the season ahead. I know change at King’s Lynn, I’ve got to wait a things are tough now but I’m hopeful bit longer for any team news. that we can get on track in May and “I’m gutted that Robert Lambert and beyond. Erik Riss won’t be returning. But I “I continue to work for one of my “I just couldn’t do anything but lie on completely understand why they have sponsors doing decking and all sorts. I the sofa. It was probably harder to Jessie made those decisions. They are brilliant will continue that job even when looking aer me and herself as I was to race with in a team so obviously it’s speedway returns. trying to get my head around what had disappointing personally. “My bikes are gleaming and ready happened.” “There’s no doubt that both of them are to go and I keep my targets that I want Now admits that he is eager for a new going to be hugely successful in the to have another solid season in both season to start and is focused on his sport. I hope I get the opportunity to ride leagues and hopefully make my mark future “miracle” testimonial. with them again.” for Great Britain again.” LEE KILBY IS JOINING the Eastbourne Lee was also excited to start work Robins’ fans: “Swindon is my club and HG Aerospace Eagles management with Eastbourne’s all-British team who, that is where my heart is. I want them team on a season-long loan from he said, connected well with to come back in 2022, of course I do, Swindon. supporters. but for this year I am going to be 100 He will take responsibility for “You sense that from the moment per cent Eastbourne. commercial and community activities you step into Arlington and from a “I am looking to bring some new as well as having oversight of match commercial and promoting initiatives to the club and doing day arrangements. perspective that’s all you can ask for. everything I can to help the progress Eastbourne Speedway director Ian “It builds so many bridges. Once you and have a good year.” Jordan said Lee would be a great can hook a kid and it’s someone they Ian Jordan commented: “I think it's addition to the team during the year can look up to, the kid is hooked. You always important to clarify as clearly as Swindon cannot run while their retain that youngster and he or she possible any questions before they are stadium is rebuilt. brings mum and dad with them,” Lee asked in any communication and, Lee is the son of Bob Kilby who was a said. therefore, it's very important for us to legend for the Swindon Robins and “Eastbourne already have a base and tell everyone not only how delighted scored more than 4,000 points for the there are great opportunities to bring we are by this appointment, but to Wiltshire club. people into the club. It’s the best night stress that we sincerely hope that the Lee told Flying High that speedway is out and we’ve had great success at Swindon Robins are back on track in in his blood and was hugely looking Swindon in bringing in new 2022 with Lee and Alun back there at forward to getting started with businesses. I am excited about a club the helm. Eastbourne. which has as much history as “This move is massively to the When it became known Swindon Eastbourne has and it is only going to benefit of the Eastbourne HG would not run in 2021, Lee said in an progress and become a bigger club,” Aerospace Eagles and is seen purely in article in the Speedway Star that he Lee said. the context of the 2021 season. I hoped to find a way of staying involved Lee has an outgoing personality with would liken the scenario to that of a in the sport this year. a way of working which is all about soccer context with Eastbourne as an His comments attracted interest from meeting and greeting people and ambitious Championship Speedway a number of clubs but aer speaking to finding out what the fans are thinking. Club acquiring the services of Lee "on Ian Jordan he realised Eastbourne was He said: “The key to the commercial loan for a season" as being the where he wanted to come. success is listening to people.” equivalent of an EFL soccer Club “I thought this is fantastic, it will work He promised to give his all to the acquiring the services of Pep for everybody. The main focus initially Eagles in 2021 but wanted to assure Guardiola on loan for a season. is to help Ian out with the commercial work and get out and about and spread the word on the Eagles. There are loads of opportunities at Eastbourne. There are so many initiatives in place. It’s like having loads of coaches ready to go but they just need a driver to take it to the destination and make it a good thing. I am super excited about the opportunity. “I know more about Speedway than anything else on the planet and if I cannot sell Speedway, I can’t sell anything. I can’t wait to get going. I am proud to be working for a club with such great history and one that is forward thinking.” Lee became commercial manager of Swindon at the end of 2016, a position he still holds. He added to his involvement with the Robins by becoming co-promoter at the start of 2019 when Colin Pratt le the role for Peterborough. He joined Birmingham as full-time commercial manager in 2018 and continued in the role during 2019 on a part-time consultancy basis. During this time he has also helped individual riders including Bradley Wilson-Dean, who was such a stand-out star in the Eagles first year in the National League in 2015, and Zach Wajtknecht.

“Lee brings Premier league Speedway “In business, which is my background, Director, and our excellent Press and infectious Stonehenge smile and laugh is “He was just preparing her for the Addenbrooke’s [hospital in Cambridge] winning skills and expertise on and off the you very quickly learn that you cannot Media Team, to take our off-track back as he approaches a testimonial year worst, give her the harsh reality that this for ten days and for the last couple of days track and we can all learn so much from ever have enough top quality people. business on to a whole new level. which he refers to as a “miracle”. could be a really horrible situation. I was kicking off because I wanted to go him; and it can only be to the benefit of “I passionately believe in our team on “During this period we hope to build Kerr, 30, looks like a hybrid of David “I vividly remember Jessie saying that home. everyone at Arlington. the track, and whilst we have some and grow our commercial function and Beckham and Bruce Willis. Not much hair, I’d had a crash. When I came round and “I felt completely fine in hospital, other “The role that Lee had at Blunsdon outstanding talent off the track, this was for Lee to work with Ken Burnett on the fit as a butcher’s dog with an a la Becks out of the coma for the first time she burst than a bit slow and I couldn’t read dovetails perfectly for us as in Trevor Geer simply too good an opportunity to miss. outstanding work started by David accent and body art. Not so much Die into tears and I was very emotional too. properly, I felt 100 per cent and was so we have an outstanding servant of the “In a number of long conversations with Rollison in 2019 on the community side, Hard, but refuse to die. “The trouble was I was in happy to get out. Eagles as team manager and co-promoter Lee, the synergy between our hopes and where we have some exciting plans in the As we sit in his house, I ask to see his “But that was the worst thing ever in the in very much the role Alun Rossiter has at aspirations at Eastbourne to be the very post Covid future. battle scars from speedway. He reveals: end. When I got home I just felt Swindon, and Lee's skills very much cover best we can be, and Lee's proven track “When I took over the running of the “That’s the stupid thing, I don’t have any completely lost. Where we were living at the business side of the operation and record and keenness to work in the Speedway side of the operation in 2019 scars from speedway whatsoever. I have a the time we had to move out because I allow us to bring in a consummate highly environment of gradual progression and and was subsequently joined by Les mark on my knee from a motocross crash, couldn’t remember living there and we’d skilled professional, to help us, guide us pushing the boundaries that we see as Fineing as Director, we set upon a that’s all. been there previously for three years. and offer a valuable mentor service to part of our evolution, just fit so perfectly. five-year plan to firstly stabilise the Club, “I’ve obviously had two biggies in “That’s when the crash hit me really, everyone at Eastbourne; who may be “Lee will have a completely free role, secondly to grow and improve it on and speedway and almost died, but not a that’s when it dawned on me just the keen to learn from Lee's skills and working in tandem with the outstanding off the track and thirdly to turn it in to a thing to show for it. The lucky thing is that extent of what I had been through. experience. Ian Smalley, our Creative Media and PR successful business; capable of winning I don’t remember much about the head “In the hospital I then had to have a lot silverware on the track and being injury. of physiotherapy. They sent me down to profitable and successful and seen as “I know a little bit more now. Some bits the gents hairdressers and asked how visionary off the track, in that regard Lee are coming back to me from the morning much a haircut was. But for me to will be a very important part of the jigsaw. of the meeting when I turned up at physically go in and do that was nearly “We can never forget that everything Peterborough. I actually remember impossible. we do is in recognition of the great Lee in his role as Commercial manager at Swindon visits Southfields Primary school in 2018 to explain everything parking next to my mechanic big Stevo “I can’t tell you why, whether I traditions of the Club; it drives my about Speedway to over 200 children. (Steve Norman). But that’s it. couldn’t speak properly or just for thinking and passion for the Club, built by “Usually though from a brain injury my brain to work out any social Charlie and Bob Dugard over many how completely focused we are; in our you do get some side effects and I skills. I couldn’t walk properly decades and still fantastically supported custodian role of that proud tradition; to don’t have a single thing wrong yet I hadn’t broken a single by The Dugard family. secure and build it for future generations. with me from the aer-effects of bone. “The fact that we now have on board a “I know I can't wait to start working with the crash. “My brain wasn’t telling growing number of top quality people Lee and learning from him; and I couldn't “To be honest, if I could my body what to do so I only serves to show how great their be more excited about the season ahead, remember anything from the was having to learn the immense contribution was in the past and both on and off the track.” crash it’s debatable whether simple things again like I I’d still be racing. It sounded was a kid, it was so hell for Jessie and my family. bizarre. “I’m not sure exactly the “I was sent into first time I came round. I another shop in the was still in the coma so I hospital and told to don’t have any read the headline on recollection of actually The Sun and it took doing this consciously, if me ages just to that makes sense. But complete a simple Jessie was pregnant with task like that. Not our first baby Cooper at many people know the time and I remember what I’ve been touching her belly. through and how far “Because they asked I’ve come.” me what is his name and I Kerr is then the actually said Cooper. Jessie miracle man returning to always says she knew I was the sport with two solid normal from that moment. seasons before joining Mainly because nobody knew King’s Lynn and Glasgow what we were going to call him and raking in massive points at the time. before another heartbreaking “At that stage the docs were just crash at the Adrian Flux Arena. LEWI KERR GRADUALLY opens his eyes. From pitch black looking for signs of life and that there The x-rays revealed a broken darkness, he gradually manages to focus on a blurry object in was no brain damage because I was le tibia, spiral fracture and broke front of him. still in the coma. They kept trying to four metatarsals in his right foot - It’s his wife Jessie. They both burst into floods of tears. bring me round and to see if I could and 16 weeks in a wheelchair to Aer a terrifying handful of days, it’s the first sign that Kerr breathe on my own. come. was going to live aer being put in an induced coma having “Jessie’s dad had been quite high He adds: “This time I was on the sustained a bleed on the brain following a horror crash in the up in the Met Police so he’d seen lots track screaming at King’s Lynn. I of similar situations. When he saw me Lee with one of his speedway heroes Phil Crump in 1984. Fours at Peterborough on August 2, 2015. remember everything about this One of the talking points of the 2021 season is the return Fast forward a shade under three years and it’s disaster deja at the hospital he pulled her aside crash, hitting the airfence legs to track of Phil’s son, three-time world champion Jason vu. Kerr ploughs into the fence at King’s Lynn with a resulting and said he wasn’t going to feed her first. At the time I was swearing Mike Hinves Mike Crump aer retiring in 2012. Jason has signed for bulls***. He told her that people Lee is excited to be working with Eastbourne’s all-British team with youngsters including Tom Brennan. Lee is more Championship club Plymouth and his appearance for the broken leg and foot. in my head saying ‘not again, than familiar with Tom’s talent as he made a guest appearance for the Robins in 2018. Gladiators at Arlington will be eagerly anticipated. Yet here we are just over two years later and Kerr’s don’t come out of here normal. give me a break’.

FLYING HIGH 7

“I’ve never had pain like that before. It happened so fast, I jumped off the bike because I knew I was going into the fence. “I was absolutely devastated. My best season so far and for that to happen, I knew instantly both of my legs were gone and that’s my season over. “I’ll be honest there were some dark days because it was sickening to lie there helpless on my sofa at home having put in all the effort for the season and how well it was going to see it end like that again. Kerr laughs when it seems incredible Kerr was one of the lucky ones to get “It was the second time I’d had a big that he has survived to celebrate 10 years four meetings in the UK’s constricted crash and both of them hadn’t been my on track at King’s Lynn in 2021. 2020 campaign but was certainly fault. I was gutted. It was tough when I He said: “I think it probably is a miracle. impressive when he was on track. got home because we had the heatwave, We’ve certainly had a few scary moments He added: “Strangely enough I had Jessie was pregnant and Cooper is a along the way but it’s a special thing to a really good 2020 with the four toddler and you need to watch him 24/7. achieve. meetings I did. I really enjoyed the “Of course I need to do one meeting in Belle Vue track and put in some of my 2021 for King’s Lynn for me to gain a best performances. testimonial I believe. I would imagine that “I went into all the meetings with no we’ll probably for March 2022 for an pressure, just to earn some money and actual testimonial meeting. enjoy myself. In the end I beat some “I’m really lucky that I race for two decent guys and had good speed. brilliant clubs that I love. I’ve been “Now I want to take that sort of confirmed in Eastbourne’s team for this form into 2021. I remain very positive season but obviously with so much about the season ahead. I know change at King’s Lynn, I’ve got to wait a things are tough now but I’m hopeful bit longer for any team news. that we can get on track in May and “I’m gutted that Robert Lambert and beyond. Erik Riss won’t be returning. But I “I continue to work for one of my “I just couldn’t do anything but lie on completely understand why they have sponsors doing decking and all sorts. I the sofa. It was probably harder to Jessie made those decisions. They are brilliant will continue that job even when looking aer me and herself as I was to race with in a team so obviously it’s speedway returns. trying to get my head around what had disappointing personally. “My bikes are gleaming and ready happened.” “There’s no doubt that both of them are to go and I keep my targets that I want Now admits that he is eager for a new going to be hugely successful in the to have another solid season in both season to start and is focused on his sport. I hope I get the opportunity to ride leagues and hopefully make my mark future “miracle” testimonial. with them again.” for Great Britain again.” LEE KILBY IS JOINING the Eastbourne Lee was also excited to start work Robins’ fans: “Swindon is my club and HG Aerospace Eagles management with Eastbourne’s all-British team who, that is where my heart is. I want them team on a season-long loan from he said, connected well with to come back in 2022, of course I do, Swindon. supporters. but for this year I am going to be 100 He will take responsibility for “You sense that from the moment per cent Eastbourne. commercial and community activities you step into Arlington and from a “I am looking to bring some new as well as having oversight of match commercial and promoting initiatives to the club and doing day arrangements. perspective that’s all you can ask for. everything I can to help the progress Eastbourne Speedway director Ian “It builds so many bridges. Once you and have a good year.” Jordan said Lee would be a great can hook a kid and it’s someone they Ian Jordan commented: “I think it's addition to the team during the year can look up to, the kid is hooked. You always important to clarify as clearly as Swindon cannot run while their retain that youngster and he or she possible any questions before they are stadium is rebuilt. brings mum and dad with them,” Lee asked in any communication and, Lee is the son of Bob Kilby who was a said. therefore, it's very important for us to legend for the Swindon Robins and “Eastbourne already have a base and tell everyone not only how delighted WE'VE CERTAINLY ALL had a cold blast from the East since the last The fact that the 2020 season was effectively lost has if anything I've had ringing me from all parts of the globe to inquire about team Career paths scored more than 4,000 points for the we are by this appointment, but to Edition of Flying High but the mornings are certainly getting lighter, enforced my passion to ensure that we achieve more both on and spaces there, it's a message that's spread far and wide. there are great opportunities to bring It also gives a career path to Nathan Ablitt and in time Vinnie Joe Wiltshire club. people into the club. It’s the best night stress that we sincerely hope that the earlier and the aernoons are starting to draw out towards off the track and a lot of work is and will go on behind the scenes to One thing though, that has convinced me that we are absolutely Foord. What is currently of major concern to me, is that clubs like Lee told Flying High that speedway is out and we’ve had great success at Swindon Robins are back on track in evenings ...a sure sign that Spring is on its way. ensure that. right here at Eastbourne is our “all-British" strategy, is the sheer Eastbourne don't develop and nurture riders who can be then in his blood and was hugely looking Swindon in bringing in new 2022 with Lee and Alun back there at On the track we have an excellent seven-man team. I would not amount and complexity of work permit, visa and other paperwork We cannot ignore or forget the fact that we are still in lockdown, whisked away by clubs who don't give a jot about development, as forward to getting started with businesses. I am excited about a club the helm. swap any of them for anyone. required for overseas riders in the Covid and post Brexit era. part of a proposed dra scheme. but with infection and death rates falling and the vaccination Eastbourne. which has as much history as “This move is massively to the I'm doing my best to avoid it at Plymouth, no matter how hard Mark programme racing ahead, the prospects for a Speedway season We have the seven we want and they will have our maximum These issues though are concerns that we can and will raise and I When it became known Swindon Eastbourne has and it is only going to benefit of the Eastbourne HG certainly look a lot brighter than they did a month ago. support. We will set them up to succeed and support them all the (Phillips) tries to delegate it. It’s not an issue we have to deal with am confident that they will be noted and listened to as the overall and worry about in 2021 at Eastbourne and whilst you'd be unwise would not run in 2021, Lee said in an progress and become a bigger club,” Aerospace Eagles and is seen purely in The BSPL requested that all clubs prepare a League Fixture season way, in return, and particularly from these seven guys. aims of the scheme are very laudable and positive. to say "never", I think the way to go is definitely "all British" and a article in the Speedway Star that he Lee said. the context of the 2021 season. I I think we will see a far greater intensity and will to win than maybe commencing in May. We have done so and it's very important to philosophy of developing young and progressive British talent. As with anything, however, communication is key, if you try to work hoped to find a way of staying involved Lee has an outgoing personality with would liken the scenario to that of a place on record our thanks to a number of clubs with whom we've we saw on occasions in 2019, especially away from home, yet I out all of the questions that any communication you issue may National Development League in the sport this year. a way of working which is all about soccer context with Eastbourne as an had dialogue with requests either to them, or from them, to amend believe we will have a lot of laughs and humour and great team result in, and explain them in the communication before they are His comments attracted interest from meeting and greeting people and ambitious Championship Speedway As part of this strategy we have continued in our application to the original fixture dra and there has certainly been fantastic spirit along the way. Trevor will get the most out of them as Team asked, it does help and avoids a lot of confusion. a number of clubs but aer speaking to finding out what the fans are thinking. Club acquiring the services of Lee "on Manager and Promoter. field a National Development League (NDL) team in 2021, co-operation all round. Ian Jordan he realised Eastbourne was He said: “The key to the commercial loan for a season" as being the provided that we have sufficient space and time in the calendar. I think in the case of Rising Stars, more needs to be explained about I'd particularly like to thank Rob Grant at Newcastle who assisted in Sometimes on a Sunday the qualifying criteria, who has assessed the riders in terms of their where he wanted to come. success is listening to people.” equivalent of an EFL soccer Club The league format is being developed, it looks like seven-man helping us to resolve a particularly late issue. We'll do our best to I'm pleased overall with the fixtures and we do have a number of Star Rating, and fundamentally, a better definition between an “I thought this is fantastic, it will work He promised to give his all to the acquiring the services of Pep teams and a 35 point limit. ensure that the team are fighting fit for their first away match on Sunday home dates, that will always please some and not others. In Under 24 / 21 or whatever genuine Rising Star" and those riders for everybody. The main focus initially Eagles in 2021 but wanted to assure Guardiola on loan for a season. May 19 at Birmingham and the first home fixture on May 22 against all the surveys we've done it does seem Sundays are more popular That is quite restrictive and definitely not as strong a league as it who have been around longer and who are fundamental to the is to help Ian out with the commercial Newcastle. especially with younger families. was in 2018, but I am sure that we could put together a strong and third tier, but who by no definition are in the same bracket as a Tom work and get out and about and competitive and very entertaining team. Brennan, Drew Kemp, Jason Edwards, Jordan Palin, Leon Flint etc. Unfortunately, the announcement that sporting venues WON'T be There is though a very specific reason for some of the Sunday spread the word on the Eagles. There Dra team permutations include some outstanding young able to re-open until May 17, whilst great news in terms of the fixtures and that is to fully support the health and welfare of the It’s not fair on some great entertainers and stalwarts on the NDL to are loads of opportunities at prospects who will become top class riders I'm sure, an out and bigger picture, has scuppered our initial plans for early May, for riders in particular. There are four teams in the Championship who not make that definition and hopefully the clarity and explanations Eastbourne. There are so many race on a Friday night and three of them are extreme distance trips. out number 1 who is Championship Class and not currently in a CL will emerge. It is though, I think in terms of concept and initiatives in place. It’s like having loads now at least. Team and also some guys who I am 100% are, and will ,always be opportunity, a credit to its creators and a quantum leap forward. of coaches ready to go but they just We had decided to try to get the lads some competitive track I think we saw on a few occasions in 2019, that to arrive home at 3 very popular at Arlington. or 4am on a Saturday morning aer a 700-800 mile drive and then need a driver to take it to the action by arranging a 2021 version of the famous Championship of This together with our MSDL Team will give us a proper ladder of Ian Jordan have to be back at Arlington at 5pm ready for a big match is far from destination and make it a good thing. I Sussex for our opening Meeting on May 1. No amount of practice progression. With pre and post-match pits access being sadly DIRECTOR an ideal scenario. am super excited about the can replicate those hard and sometimes brutal first turns at this prohibited by Covid-19 restrictions for the foreseeable future, we *The Management of Eastbourne HG Aerospace Eagles and opportunity. level, so better to get the team fully race fit before embarking on a We've tried where possible to avoid that eventuality as we want a fit will also seek to introduce a "short old fashioned second half" to The Eastbourne Seagulls powered by The Save Thurrock “I know more about Speedway than season that holds a lot of promise and one we aim to deliver as and fresh team whenever possible on their "A game", and hopefully incorporate NDL and MSDL level junior races for those that wish to Hammers Campaign. anything else on the planet and if I much as possible. everyone will appreciate those reasons and be able to come to as stay and watch the Stars of The Future, so there will be 3-4 added many matches as possible on both Saturdays and Sundays. races, starting quickly aer the main event to look forwards to. cannot sell Speedway, I can’t sell We will have to wait and see what any crowd number restrictions anything. I can’t wait to get going. I am Strong addition Rising Stars are from May 17 but we will do our best to reorganise The proud to be working for a club with Championship of Sussex meeting for later in the season. It's also very important that we have a team and structure off the Finally, another big topic of conversation has been the such great history and one that is track to match our ambitions on it, and you will see that we have announcement of "The Rising Star" Scheme. Clearly "crowd restrictions and Covid-19 compliance" will remain forward thinking.” made what I believe to be an outstanding acquisition for 2021. The in place until at least the end of June, and in reality probably for the A number of people have asked questions about it and how it Lee became commercial manager of full details are an EXCLUSIVE, later in this Edition. It is as important, whole of the 2021 season, so from MONDAY, March 1, we will be works and a lot of people have seemingly made their mind up that Swindon at the end of 2016, a position if not more so, than any rider signing and I can't wait to get started it's either far too complicated and/or utterly confusing. putting ON SALE a new tranche of 5 and 10 match ticket options he still holds. He added to his off the track as well as on it. and making match tickets available for ONLINE BOOKING for our From my/our perspective at Eastbourne it certainly has some merit involvement with the Robins by first five fixtures against Newcastle (May 22), Poole (May 29), Kent Bjarne and Jason but equally there are a lot of questions still to be answered. It's becoming co-promoter at the start of (June 6), Edinburgh (June 12) and Leicester (June 27), so keep an Talking of signings, what an impact Plymouth have made within definitely helped Tom to secure a fantastic opportunity at Belle Vue 2019 when Colin Pratt le the role for which is richly deserved and a great move for all concerned. eye on the cub website and social media for details of ticket days of being approved to join The Championship, the signing of Peterborough. availability. three-times World Champion and still the guy with the highest Tom knows that we will always put his interests first and always He joined Birmingham as full-time number of GP wins (23) in Jason Crump, still joint track record back him. He also knows that for as long as he wants a place at A reminder to everyone who purchased 2020 Season + 10 Match commercial manager in 2018 and Eastbourne he has one, and that it's as much about us matching his holder at Arlington and also former Eagle Bjarne Pedersen, who continued in the role during 2019 on a Tickets that you will have GUARANTEED access to matches in 2021 ambitions as him matching ours. Equally, it allowed us to nominate himself was a GP winner and who competed in 71 Grand Prix. part-time consultancy basis. and we will explain fully how things will work for 2021 on Monday, Jason as our Rising Star No 7 for 2021 and that removed any doubt We will welcome them to Arlington on July 31. We particularly March 1. that we may have had to split our 2020 1-7 up. During this time he has also helped wanted to have them when we felt crowds would not be as restricted individual riders including Bradley The will to win That would frankly have happened over my dead body; and I'm as they may be initially and it's a date for all of your diaries. I'm not as Wilson-Dean, who was such a relieved and mightily pleased that sanity has prevailed. It seems a long time ago now since we started 2019 with so much directly involved at Plymouth as I was on the Speedway side there stand-out star in the Eagles first year in optimism and momentum and by and large we delivered and now, focusing more on stadium events. There are some very exciting Tom, Jason and indeed Drew now have a clear career path and IF the National League in 2015, and Zach exceeded expectations of many on and off the track, in no small plans down there, but it's great to see and feel a similar buzz to what we wish to retain them, there are ways we can do that, as long as Wajtknecht. measure due to your fantastic loyalty and support. we had at the start of 2019 and judging from the number of riders that is their wish too.

“Lee brings Premier league Speedway “In business, which is my background, Director, and our excellent Press and infectious Stonehenge smile and laugh is “He was just preparing her for the Addenbrooke’s [hospital in Cambridge] winning skills and expertise on and off the you very quickly learn that you cannot Media Team, to take our off-track back as he approaches a testimonial year worst, give her the harsh reality that this for ten days and for the last couple of days track and we can all learn so much from ever have enough top quality people. business on to a whole new level. which he refers to as a “miracle”. could be a really horrible situation. I was kicking off because I wanted to go him; and it can only be to the benefit of “I passionately believe in our team on “During this period we hope to build Kerr, 30, looks like a hybrid of David “I vividly remember Jessie saying that home. everyone at Arlington. the track, and whilst we have some and grow our commercial function and Beckham and Bruce Willis. Not much hair, I’d had a crash. When I came round and “I felt completely fine in hospital, other “The role that Lee had at Blunsdon outstanding talent off the track, this was for Lee to work with Ken Burnett on the fit as a butcher’s dog with an a la Becks out of the coma for the first time she burst than a bit slow and I couldn’t read dovetails perfectly for us as in Trevor Geer simply too good an opportunity to miss. outstanding work started by David accent and body art. Not so much Die into tears and I was very emotional too. properly, I felt 100 per cent and was so we have an outstanding servant of the “In a number of long conversations with Rollison in 2019 on the community side, Hard, but refuse to die. “The trouble was I was in happy to get out. Eagles as team manager and co-promoter Lee, the synergy between our hopes and where we have some exciting plans in the As we sit in his house, I ask to see his “But that was the worst thing ever in the in very much the role Alun Rossiter has at aspirations at Eastbourne to be the very post Covid future. battle scars from speedway. He reveals: end. When I got home I just felt Swindon, and Lee's skills very much cover best we can be, and Lee's proven track “When I took over the running of the THANKS TO THE HG AEROSPACE EAGLES “That’s the stupid thing, I don’t have any completely lost. Where we were living at the business side of the operation and record and keenness to work in the Speedway side of the operation in 2019 scars from speedway whatsoever. I have a the time we had to move out because I allow us to bring in a consummate highly environment of gradual progression and and was subsequently joined by Les RACE SUIT SPONSORS 2021 mark on my knee from a motocross crash, couldn’t remember living there and we’d skilled professional, to help us, guide us pushing the boundaries that we see as Fineing as Director, we set upon a that’s all. been there previously for three years. and offer a valuable mentor service to part of our evolution, just fit so perfectly. five-year plan to firstly stabilise the Club, “I’ve obviously had two biggies in “That’s when the crash hit me really, everyone at Eastbourne; who may be “Lee will have a completely free role, secondly to grow and improve it on and speedway and almost died, but not a that’s when it dawned on me just the keen to learn from Lee's skills and working in tandem with the outstanding off the track and thirdly to turn it in to a EDWARD KENNETT LEWI KERR RICHARD LAWSON thing to show for it. The lucky thing is that extent of what I had been through. experience. Ian Smalley, our Creative Media and PR successful business; capable of winning I don’t remember much about the head “In the hospital I then had to have a lot silverware on the track and being injury. of physiotherapy. They sent me down to profitable and successful and seen as “I know a little bit more now. Some bits the gents hairdressers and asked how visionary off the track, in that regard Lee are coming back to me from the morning much a haircut was. But for me to will be a very important part of the jigsaw. of the meeting when I turned up at physically go in and do that was nearly “We can never forget that everything Peterborough. I actually remember impossible. we do is in recognition of the great parking next to my mechanic big Stevo “I can’t tell you why, whether I traditions of the Club; it drives my (Steve Norman). But that’s it. couldn’t speak properly or just for thinking and passion for the Club, built by “Usually though from a brain injury my brain to work out any social SPONSORED BY SPONSORED BY SPONSORED BY Charlie and Bob Dugard over many how completely focused we are; in our you do get some side effects and I skills. I couldn’t walk properly decades and still fantastically supported custodian role of that proud tradition; to TRIANGLE KEVIN & DEAN SOUTH EAST don’t have a single thing wrong FIRE SYSTEMS TOOKEY METAL SERVICES LTD yet I hadn’t broken a single by The Dugard family. secure and build it for future generations. with me from the aer-effects of bone. “The fact that we now have on board a “I know I can't wait to start working with the crash. “My brain wasn’t telling growing number of top quality people Lee and learning from him; and I couldn't “To be honest, if I could my body what to do so I only serves to show how great their be more excited about the season ahead, KYLE NEWMAN TOM BRENNAN DREW KEMP JASON EDWARDS remember anything from the was having to learn the immense contribution was in the past and both on and off the track.” crash it’s debatable whether simple things again like I I’d still be racing. It sounded was a kid, it was so hell for Jessie and my family. bizarre. “I’m not sure exactly the “I was sent into first time I came round. I another shop in the was still in the coma so I hospital and told to don’t have any read the headline on recollection of actually The Sun and it took doing this consciously, if me ages just to SPONSORED BY SPONSORED BY SPONSORED BY SPONSORED BY that makes sense. But complete a simple WAYNE JC THE PARRY M SHUTTLEWOOD Jessie was pregnant with task like that. Not CLARKE REFRIGERATION FAMILY LTD our first baby Cooper at many people know the time and I remember what I’ve been touching her belly. through and how far “Because they asked I’ve come.” me what is his name and I Kerr is then the actually said Cooper. Jessie miracle man returning to always says she knew I was the sport with two solid normal from that moment. seasons before joining Mainly because nobody knew King’s Lynn and Glasgow what we were going to call him and raking in massive points at the time. before another heartbreaking “At that stage the docs were just crash at the Adrian Flux Arena. LEWI KERR GRADUALLY opens his eyes. From pitch black looking for signs of life and that there The x-rays revealed a broken darkness, he gradually manages to focus on a blurry object in was no brain damage because I was le tibia, spiral fracture and broke front of him. still in the coma. They kept trying to four metatarsals in his right foot - It’s his wife Jessie. They both burst into floods of tears. bring me round and to see if I could and 16 weeks in a wheelchair to Mobile Disco Aer a terrifying handful of days, it’s the first sign that Kerr breathe on my own. come. was going to live aer being put in an induced coma having “Jessie’s dad had been quite high He adds: “This time I was on the Eastbourne / Sussex sustained a bleed on the brain following a horror crash in the up in the Met Police so he’d seen lots track screaming at King’s Lynn. I Fours at Peterborough on August 2, 2015. of similar situations. When he saw me remember everything about this Fast forward a shade under three years and it’s disaster deja at the hospital he pulled her aside crash, hitting the airfence legs vu. Kerr ploughs into the fence at King’s Lynn with a resulting and said he wasn’t going to feed her first. At the time I was swearing www.elitediscos.net broken leg and foot. bulls***. He told her that people in my head saying ‘not again, Yet here we are just over two years later and Kerr’s don’t come out of here normal. give me a break’.

8 FLYING HIGH

“I’ve never had pain like that before. It happened so fast, I jumped off the bike because I knew I was going into the fence. “I was absolutely devastated. My best season so far and for that to happen, I knew instantly both of my legs were gone and that’s my season over. “I’ll be honest there were some dark days because it was sickening to lie there helpless on my sofa at home having put in all the effort for the season and how well it was going to see it end like that again. Kerr laughs when it seems incredible Kerr was one of the lucky ones to get “It was the second time I’d had a big that he has survived to celebrate 10 years four meetings in the UK’s constricted crash and both of them hadn’t been my on track at King’s Lynn in 2021. 2020 campaign but was certainly fault. I was gutted. It was tough when I He said: “I think it probably is a miracle. impressive when he was on track. got home because we had the heatwave, We’ve certainly had a few scary moments He added: “Strangely enough I had Jessie was pregnant and Cooper is a along the way but it’s a special thing to a really good 2020 with the four toddler and you need to watch him 24/7. achieve. meetings I did. I really enjoyed the “Of course I need to do one meeting in Belle Vue track and put in some of my 2021 for King’s Lynn for me to gain a best performances. testimonial I believe. I would imagine that “I went into all the meetings with no we’ll probably for March 2022 for an pressure, just to earn some money and actual testimonial meeting. enjoy myself. In the end I beat some “I’m really lucky that I race for two decent guys and had good speed. brilliant clubs that I love. I’ve been “Now I want to take that sort of confirmed in Eastbourne’s team for this form into 2021. I remain very positive season but obviously with so much about the season ahead. I know change at King’s Lynn, I’ve got to wait a things are tough now but I’m hopeful bit longer for any team news. that we can get on track in May and “I’m gutted that Robert Lambert and beyond. Erik Riss won’t be returning. But I “I continue to work for one of my “I just couldn’t do anything but lie on completely understand why they have sponsors doing decking and all sorts. I the sofa. It was probably harder to Jessie made those decisions. They are brilliant will continue that job even when looking aer me and herself as I was to race with in a team so obviously it’s speedway returns. trying to get my head around what had disappointing personally. “My bikes are gleaming and ready happened.” “There’s no doubt that both of them are to go and I keep my targets that I want Now admits that he is eager for a new going to be hugely successful in the to have another solid season in both season to start and is focused on his sport. I hope I get the opportunity to ride leagues and hopefully make my mark future “miracle” testimonial. with them again.” for Great Britain again.” LEE KILBY IS JOINING the Eastbourne Lee was also excited to start work Robins’ fans: “Swindon is my club and HG Aerospace Eagles management with Eastbourne’s all-British team who, that is where my heart is. I want them team on a season-long loan from he said, connected well with to come back in 2022, of course I do, Swindon. supporters. but for this year I am going to be 100 He will take responsibility for “You sense that from the moment per cent Eastbourne. commercial and community activities you step into Arlington and from a “I am looking to bring some new as well as having oversight of match commercial and promoting initiatives to the club and doing day arrangements. perspective that’s all you can ask for. everything I can to help the progress Eastbourne Speedway director Ian “It builds so many bridges. Once you and have a good year.” Jordan said Lee would be a great can hook a kid and it’s someone they Ian Jordan commented: “I think it's addition to the team during the year can look up to, the kid is hooked. You always important to clarify as clearly as Swindon cannot run while their retain that youngster and he or she possible any questions before they are stadium is rebuilt. brings mum and dad with them,” Lee asked in any communication and, Lee is the son of Bob Kilby who was a said. therefore, it's very important for us to legend for the Swindon Robins and “Eastbourne already have a base and tell everyone not only how delighted WE'VE CERTAINLY ALL had a cold blast from the East since the last The fact that the 2020 season was effectively lost has if anything I've had ringing me from all parts of the globe to inquire about team Career paths scored more than 4,000 points for the we are by this appointment, but to Edition of Flying High but the mornings are certainly getting lighter, enforced my passion to ensure that we achieve more both on and spaces there, it's a message that's spread far and wide. there are great opportunities to bring It also gives a career path to Nathan Ablitt and in time Vinnie Joe Wiltshire club. people into the club. It’s the best night stress that we sincerely hope that the earlier and the aernoons are starting to draw out towards off the track and a lot of work is and will go on behind the scenes to One thing though, that has convinced me that we are absolutely Foord. What is currently of major concern to me, is that clubs like Lee told Flying High that speedway is out and we’ve had great success at Swindon Robins are back on track in evenings ...a sure sign that Spring is on its way. ensure that. right here at Eastbourne is our “all-British" strategy, is the sheer Eastbourne don't develop and nurture riders who can be then in his blood and was hugely looking Swindon in bringing in new 2022 with Lee and Alun back there at On the track we have an excellent seven-man team. I would not amount and complexity of work permit, visa and other paperwork We cannot ignore or forget the fact that we are still in lockdown, whisked away by clubs who don't give a jot about development, as forward to getting started with businesses. I am excited about a club the helm. swap any of them for anyone. required for overseas riders in the Covid and post Brexit era. part of a proposed dra scheme. but with infection and death rates falling and the vaccination Eastbourne. which has as much history as “This move is massively to the I'm doing my best to avoid it at Plymouth, no matter how hard Mark programme racing ahead, the prospects for a Speedway season We have the seven we want and they will have our maximum These issues though are concerns that we can and will raise and I When it became known Swindon Eastbourne has and it is only going to benefit of the Eastbourne HG certainly look a lot brighter than they did a month ago. support. We will set them up to succeed and support them all the (Phillips) tries to delegate it. It’s not an issue we have to deal with am confident that they will be noted and listened to as the overall and worry about in 2021 at Eastbourne and whilst you'd be unwise would not run in 2021, Lee said in an progress and become a bigger club,” Aerospace Eagles and is seen purely in The BSPL requested that all clubs prepare a League Fixture season way, in return, and particularly from these seven guys. aims of the scheme are very laudable and positive. to say "never", I think the way to go is definitely "all British" and a article in the Speedway Star that he Lee said. the context of the 2021 season. I I think we will see a far greater intensity and will to win than maybe commencing in May. We have done so and it's very important to philosophy of developing young and progressive British talent. As with anything, however, communication is key, if you try to work hoped to find a way of staying involved Lee has an outgoing personality with would liken the scenario to that of a place on record our thanks to a number of clubs with whom we've we saw on occasions in 2019, especially away from home, yet I out all of the questions that any communication you issue may National Development League in the sport this year. a way of working which is all about soccer context with Eastbourne as an had dialogue with requests either to them, or from them, to amend believe we will have a lot of laughs and humour and great team result in, and explain them in the communication before they are His comments attracted interest from meeting and greeting people and ambitious Championship Speedway As part of this strategy we have continued in our application to the original fixture dra and there has certainly been fantastic spirit along the way. Trevor will get the most out of them as Team asked, it does help and avoids a lot of confusion. a number of clubs but aer speaking to finding out what the fans are thinking. Club acquiring the services of Lee "on Manager and Promoter. field a National Development League (NDL) team in 2021, co-operation all round. Ian Jordan he realised Eastbourne was He said: “The key to the commercial loan for a season" as being the provided that we have sufficient space and time in the calendar. I think in the case of Rising Stars, more needs to be explained about I'd particularly like to thank Rob Grant at Newcastle who assisted in Sometimes on a Sunday the qualifying criteria, who has assessed the riders in terms of their where he wanted to come. success is listening to people.” equivalent of an EFL soccer Club The league format is being developed, it looks like seven-man helping us to resolve a particularly late issue. We'll do our best to I'm pleased overall with the fixtures and we do have a number of Star Rating, and fundamentally, a better definition between an “I thought this is fantastic, it will work He promised to give his all to the acquiring the services of Pep teams and a 35 point limit. ensure that the team are fighting fit for their first away match on Sunday home dates, that will always please some and not others. In Under 24 / 21 or whatever genuine Rising Star" and those riders for everybody. The main focus initially Eagles in 2021 but wanted to assure Guardiola on loan for a season. May 19 at Birmingham and the first home fixture on May 22 against all the surveys we've done it does seem Sundays are more popular That is quite restrictive and definitely not as strong a league as it who have been around longer and who are fundamental to the is to help Ian out with the commercial Newcastle. especially with younger families. was in 2018, but I am sure that we could put together a strong and third tier, but who by no definition are in the same bracket as a Tom work and get out and about and competitive and very entertaining team. Brennan, Drew Kemp, Jason Edwards, Jordan Palin, Leon Flint etc. Unfortunately, the announcement that sporting venues WON'T be There is though a very specific reason for some of the Sunday spread the word on the Eagles. There Dra team permutations include some outstanding young able to re-open until May 17, whilst great news in terms of the fixtures and that is to fully support the health and welfare of the It’s not fair on some great entertainers and stalwarts on the NDL to are loads of opportunities at prospects who will become top class riders I'm sure, an out and bigger picture, has scuppered our initial plans for early May, for riders in particular. There are four teams in the Championship who not make that definition and hopefully the clarity and explanations Eastbourne. There are so many race on a Friday night and three of them are extreme distance trips. out number 1 who is Championship Class and not currently in a CL will emerge. It is though, I think in terms of concept and initiatives in place. It’s like having loads now at least. Team and also some guys who I am 100% are, and will ,always be opportunity, a credit to its creators and a quantum leap forward. of coaches ready to go but they just We had decided to try to get the lads some competitive track I think we saw on a few occasions in 2019, that to arrive home at 3 very popular at Arlington. or 4am on a Saturday morning aer a 700-800 mile drive and then need a driver to take it to the action by arranging a 2021 version of the famous Championship of This together with our MSDL Team will give us a proper ladder of Ian Jordan have to be back at Arlington at 5pm ready for a big match is far from destination and make it a good thing. I Sussex for our opening Meeting on May 1. No amount of practice progression. With pre and post-match pits access being sadly DIRECTOR an ideal scenario. am super excited about the can replicate those hard and sometimes brutal first turns at this prohibited by Covid-19 restrictions for the foreseeable future, we *The Management of Eastbourne HG Aerospace Eagles and opportunity. level, so better to get the team fully race fit before embarking on a We've tried where possible to avoid that eventuality as we want a fit will also seek to introduce a "short old fashioned second half" to The Eastbourne Seagulls powered by The Save Thurrock “I know more about Speedway than season that holds a lot of promise and one we aim to deliver as and fresh team whenever possible on their "A game", and hopefully incorporate NDL and MSDL level junior races for those that wish to Hammers Campaign. anything else on the planet and if I much as possible. everyone will appreciate those reasons and be able to come to as stay and watch the Stars of The Future, so there will be 3-4 added many matches as possible on both Saturdays and Sundays. races, starting quickly aer the main event to look forwards to. cannot sell Speedway, I can’t sell We will have to wait and see what any crowd number restrictions anything. I can’t wait to get going. I am Strong addition Rising Stars are from May 17 but we will do our best to reorganise The proud to be working for a club with Championship of Sussex meeting for later in the season. It's also very important that we have a team and structure off the Finally, another big topic of conversation has been the such great history and one that is track to match our ambitions on it, and you will see that we have announcement of "The Rising Star" Scheme. Clearly "crowd restrictions and Covid-19 compliance" will remain forward thinking.” made what I believe to be an outstanding acquisition for 2021. The in place until at least the end of June, and in reality probably for the A number of people have asked questions about it and how it Lee became commercial manager of full details are an EXCLUSIVE, later in this Edition. It is as important, whole of the 2021 season, so from MONDAY, March 1, we will be works and a lot of people have seemingly made their mind up that Swindon at the end of 2016, a position if not more so, than any rider signing and I can't wait to get started it's either far too complicated and/or utterly confusing. putting ON SALE a new tranche of 5 and 10 match ticket options he still holds. He added to his off the track as well as on it. and making match tickets available for ONLINE BOOKING for our From my/our perspective at Eastbourne it certainly has some merit involvement with the Robins by first five fixtures against Newcastle (May 22), Poole (May 29), Kent Bjarne and Jason but equally there are a lot of questions still to be answered. It's becoming co-promoter at the start of (June 6), Edinburgh (June 12) and Leicester (June 27), so keep an Talking of signings, what an impact Plymouth have made within definitely helped Tom to secure a fantastic opportunity at Belle Vue 2019 when Colin Pratt le the role for which is richly deserved and a great move for all concerned. eye on the cub website and social media for details of ticket days of being approved to join The Championship, the signing of Peterborough. availability. three-times World Champion and still the guy with the highest Tom knows that we will always put his interests first and always He joined Birmingham as full-time number of GP wins (23) in Jason Crump, still joint track record back him. He also knows that for as long as he wants a place at A reminder to everyone who purchased 2020 Season + 10 Match commercial manager in 2018 and Eastbourne he has one, and that it's as much about us matching his holder at Arlington and also former Eagle Bjarne Pedersen, who continued in the role during 2019 on a Tickets that you will have GUARANTEED access to matches in 2021 ambitions as him matching ours. Equally, it allowed us to nominate himself was a GP winner and who competed in 71 Grand Prix. part-time consultancy basis. and we will explain fully how things will work for 2021 on Monday, Jason as our Rising Star No 7 for 2021 and that removed any doubt We will welcome them to Arlington on July 31. We particularly March 1. that we may have had to split our 2020 1-7 up. During this time he has also helped wanted to have them when we felt crowds would not be as restricted individual riders including Bradley The will to win That would frankly have happened over my dead body; and I'm as they may be initially and it's a date for all of your diaries. I'm not as Wilson-Dean, who was such a relieved and mightily pleased that sanity has prevailed. It seems a long time ago now since we started 2019 with so much directly involved at Plymouth as I was on the Speedway side there stand-out star in the Eagles first year in optimism and momentum and by and large we delivered and now, focusing more on stadium events. There are some very exciting Tom, Jason and indeed Drew now have a clear career path and IF the National League in 2015, and Zach exceeded expectations of many on and off the track, in no small plans down there, but it's great to see and feel a similar buzz to what we wish to retain them, there are ways we can do that, as long as Wajtknecht. measure due to your fantastic loyalty and support. we had at the start of 2019 and judging from the number of riders that is their wish too.

“Lee brings Premier league Speedway “In business, which is my background, Director, and our excellent Press and infectious Stonehenge smile and laugh is “He was just preparing her for the Addenbrooke’s [hospital in Cambridge] winning skills and expertise on and off the you very quickly learn that you cannot Media Team, to take our off-track back as he approaches a testimonial year worst, give her the harsh reality that this for ten days and for the last couple of days track and we can all learn so much from ever have enough top quality people. business on to a whole new level. which he refers to as a “miracle”. could be a really horrible situation. I was kicking off because I wanted to go him; and it can only be to the benefit of “I passionately believe in our team on “During this period we hope to build Kerr, 30, looks like a hybrid of David “I vividly remember Jessie saying that home. everyone at Arlington. the track, and whilst we have some and grow our commercial function and SAY YOU’RE MY NUMBER ONE! Beckham and Bruce Willis. Not much hair, I’d had a crash. When I came round and “I felt completely fine in hospital, other “The role that Lee had at Blunsdon outstanding talent off the track, this was for Lee to work with Ken Burnett on the fit as a butcher’s dog with an a la Becks out of the coma for the first time she burst than a bit slow and I couldn’t read dovetails perfectly for us as in Trevor Geer simply too good an opportunity to miss. outstanding work started by David accent and body art. Not so much Die into tears and I was very emotional too. properly, I felt 100 per cent and was so THE No 1 SPOT in the team is much we have an outstanding servant of the “In a number of long conversations with Rollison in 2019 on the community side, Hard, but refuse to die. “The trouble was I was in happy to get out. A coveted and goes (these days) to B Eagles as team manager and co-promoter Lee, the synergy between our hopes and where we have some exciting plans in the As we sit in his house, I ask to see his “But that was the worst thing ever in the the rider with the highest average. in very much the role Alun Rossiter has at aspirations at Eastbourne to be the very post Covid future. battle scars from speedway. He reveals: end. When I got home I just felt Swindon, and Lee's skills very much cover best we can be, and Lee's proven track “When I took over the running of the Here’s a poser for you. “That’s the stupid thing, I don’t have any completely lost. Where we were living at the business side of the operation and record and keenness to work in the Speedway side of the operation in 2019 Here are some photographs of scars from speedway whatsoever. I have a the time we had to move out because I allow us to bring in a consummate highly environment of gradual progression and and was subsequently joined by Les some Eastbourne favourites in the mark on my knee from a motocross crash, couldn’t remember living there and we’d skilled professional, to help us, guide us pushing the boundaries that we see as Fineing as Director, we set upon a No 1 racejacket. that’s all. been there previously for three years. and offer a valuable mentor service to part of our evolution, just fit so perfectly. five-year plan to firstly stabilise the Club, Do you know who they are? “I’ve obviously had two biggies in “That’s when the crash hit me really, everyone at Eastbourne; who may be “Lee will have a completely free role, secondly to grow and improve it on and speedway and almost died, but not a that’s when it dawned on me just the And, do you know who is the keen to learn from Lee's skills and working in tandem with the outstanding off the track and thirdly to turn it in to a thing to show for it. The lucky thing is that extent of what I had been through. odd one out? experience. Ian Smalley, our Creative Media and PR successful business; capable of winning I don’t remember much about the head “In the hospital I then had to have a lot silverware on the track and being It’s just for fun. injury. of physiotherapy. They sent me down to profitable and successful and seen as The answers are on Page 45 “I know a little bit more now. Some bits the gents hairdressers and asked how visionary off the track, in that regard Lee are coming back to me from the morning much a haircut was. But for me to will be a very important part of the jigsaw. of the meeting when I turned up at physically go in and do that was nearly “We can never forget that everything Peterborough. I actually remember impossible. we do is in recognition of the great C D E parking next to my mechanic big Stevo “I can’t tell you why, whether I traditions of the Club; it drives my (Steve Norman). But that’s it. couldn’t speak properly or just for thinking and passion for the Club, built by “Usually though from a brain injury my brain to work out any social Charlie and Bob Dugard over many how completely focused we are; in our you do get some side effects and I skills. I couldn’t walk properly decades and still fantastically supported custodian role of that proud tradition; to don’t have a single thing wrong yet I hadn’t broken a single by The Dugard family. secure and build it for future generations. with me from the aer-effects of bone. “The fact that we now have on board a “I know I can't wait to start working with the crash. “My brain wasn’t telling growing number of top quality people Lee and learning from him; and I couldn't “To be honest, if I could my body what to do so I only serves to show how great their be more excited about the season ahead, remember anything from the was having to learn the immense contribution was in the past and both on and off the track.” crash it’s debatable whether simple things again like I I’d still be racing. It sounded was a kid, it was so hell for Jessie and my family. bizarre. “I’m not sure exactly the “I was sent into first time I came round. I another shop in the was still in the coma so I hospital and told to F G H don’t have any read the headline on recollection of actually The Sun and it took doing this consciously, if me ages just to that makes sense. But complete a simple Jessie was pregnant with task like that. Not our first baby Cooper at many people know the time and I remember what I’ve been touching her belly. through and how far “Because they asked I’ve come.” me what is his name and I Kerr is then the actually said Cooper. Jessie miracle man returning to always says she knew I was the sport with two solid normal from that moment. seasons before joining Mainly because nobody knew King’s Lynn and Glasgow what we were going to call him and raking in massive points at the time. before another heartbreaking I J K “At that stage the docs were just crash at the Adrian Flux Arena. LEWI KERR GRADUALLY opens his eyes. From pitch black looking for signs of life and that there The x-rays revealed a broken darkness, he gradually manages to focus on a blurry object in was no brain damage because I was le tibia, spiral fracture and broke front of him. still in the coma. They kept trying to four metatarsals in his right foot - It’s his wife Jessie. They both burst into floods of tears. bring me round and to see if I could and 16 weeks in a wheelchair to Aer a terrifying handful of days, it’s the first sign that Kerr breathe on my own. come. was going to live aer being put in an induced coma having “Jessie’s dad had been quite high He adds: “This time I was on the sustained a bleed on the brain following a horror crash in the up in the Met Police so he’d seen lots track screaming at King’s Lynn. I Fours at Peterborough on August 2, 2015. of similar situations. When he saw me remember everything about this Fast forward a shade under three years and it’s disaster deja at the hospital he pulled her aside crash, hitting the airfence legs vu. Kerr ploughs into the fence at King’s Lynn with a resulting and said he wasn’t going to feed her first. At the time I was swearing broken leg and foot. bulls***. He told her that people in my head saying ‘not again, don’t come out of here normal. Pictures by Mike Hinves, Tiffani Graveling, Mike Patrick, Eddie Garvey, The John Somerville Collection Garvey, Eddie Patrick, Mike Graveling, Tiffani Hinves, by Mike Pictures Yet here we are just over two years later and Kerr’s give me a break’.

FLYING HIGH 9

“I’ve never had pain like that before. It happened so fast, I jumped off the bike because I knew I was going into the fence. “I was absolutely devastated. My best season so far and for that to happen, I knew instantly both of my legs were gone and that’s my season over. “I’ll be honest there were some dark days because it was sickening to lie there helpless on my sofa at home having put in all the effort for the season and how well it was going to see it end like that again. Kerr laughs when it seems incredible Kerr was one of the lucky ones to get “It was the second time I’d had a big that he has survived to celebrate 10 years four meetings in the UK’s constricted crash and both of them hadn’t been my on track at King’s Lynn in 2021. 2020 campaign but was certainly fault. I was gutted. It was tough when I He said: “I think it probably is a miracle. impressive when he was on track. got home because we had the heatwave, We’ve certainly had a few scary moments He added: “Strangely enough I had Jessie was pregnant and Cooper is a along the way but it’s a special thing to a really good 2020 with the four toddler and you need to watch him 24/7. achieve. meetings I did. I really enjoyed the “Of course I need to do one meeting in Belle Vue track and put in some of my 2021 for King’s Lynn for me to gain a best performances. testimonial I believe. I would imagine that “I went into all the meetings with no we’ll probably for March 2022 for an pressure, just to earn some money and actual testimonial meeting. enjoy myself. In the end I beat some “I’m really lucky that I race for two decent guys and had good speed. brilliant clubs that I love. I’ve been “Now I want to take that sort of confirmed in Eastbourne’s team for this form into 2021. I remain very positive season but obviously with so much about the season ahead. I know change at King’s Lynn, I’ve got to wait a things are tough now but I’m hopeful bit longer for any team news. that we can get on track in May and “I’m gutted that Robert Lambert and beyond. Erik Riss won’t be returning. But I “I continue to work for one of my “I just couldn’t do anything but lie on completely understand why they have sponsors doing decking and all sorts. I the sofa. It was probably harder to Jessie made those decisions. They are brilliant will continue that job even when looking aer me and herself as I was to race with in a team so obviously it’s speedway returns. trying to get my head around what had disappointing personally. “My bikes are gleaming and ready happened.” “There’s no doubt that both of them are to go and I keep my targets that I want Now admits that he is eager for a new going to be hugely successful in the to have another solid season in both season to start and is focused on his sport. I hope I get the opportunity to ride leagues and hopefully make my mark future “miracle” testimonial. with them again.” for Great Britain again.” LEE KILBY IS JOINING the Eastbourne Lee was also excited to start work Robins’ fans: “Swindon is my club and HG Aerospace Eagles management with Eastbourne’s all-British team who, that is where my heart is. I want them team on a season-long loan from he said, connected well with to come back in 2022, of course I do, Swindon. supporters. but for this year I am going to be 100 He will take responsibility for “You sense that from the moment per cent Eastbourne. commercial and community activities you step into Arlington and from a “I am looking to bring some new as well as having oversight of match commercial and promoting initiatives to the club and doing day arrangements. perspective that’s all you can ask for. everything I can to help the progress Eastbourne Speedway director Ian “It builds so many bridges. Once you and have a good year.” Jordan said Lee would be a great can hook a kid and it’s someone they Ian Jordan commented: “I think it's addition to the team during the year can look up to, the kid is hooked. You always important to clarify as clearly as Swindon cannot run while their retain that youngster and he or she possible any questions before they are stadium is rebuilt. brings mum and dad with them,” Lee asked in any communication and, Lee is the son of Bob Kilby who was a said. therefore, it's very important for us to legend for the Swindon Robins and “Eastbourne already have a base and tell everyone not only how delighted scored more than 4,000 points for the there are great opportunities to bring we are by this appointment, but to Wiltshire club. people into the club. It’s the best night stress that we sincerely hope that the Lee told Flying High that speedway is out and we’ve had great success at Swindon Robins are back on track in in his blood and was hugely looking Swindon in bringing in new 2022 with Lee and Alun back there at forward to getting started with businesses. I am excited about a club the helm. Eastbourne. which has as much history as “This move is massively to the When it became known Swindon Eastbourne has and it is only going to benefit of the Eastbourne HG would not run in 2021, Lee said in an progress and become a bigger club,” Aerospace Eagles and is seen purely in article in the Speedway Star that he Lee said. the context of the 2021 season. I hoped to find a way of staying involved Lee has an outgoing personality with would liken the scenario to that of a in the sport this year. a way of working which is all about soccer context with Eastbourne as an His comments attracted interest from meeting and greeting people and ambitious Championship Speedway a number of clubs but aer speaking to finding out what the fans are thinking. Club acquiring the services of Lee "on Ian Jordan he realised Eastbourne was He said: “The key to the commercial loan for a season" as being the where he wanted to come. success is listening to people.” equivalent of an EFL soccer Club “I thought this is fantastic, it will work He promised to give his all to the acquiring the services of Pep for everybody. The main focus initially Eagles in 2021 but wanted to assure Guardiola on loan for a season. is to help Ian out with the commercial work and get out and about and spread the word on the Eagles. There are loads of opportunities at Eastbourne. There are so many initiatives in place. It’s like having loads of coaches ready to go but they just need a driver to take it to the destination and make it a good thing. I am super excited about the opportunity. “I know more about Speedway than anything else on the planet and if I cannot sell Speedway, I can’t sell anything. I can’t wait to get going. I am proud to be working for a club with such great history and one that is forward thinking.” Lee became commercial manager of Swindon at the end of 2016, a position he still holds. He added to his I know more about involvement with the Robins by becoming co-promoter at the start of 2019 when Colin Pratt le the role for Speedway than anything Peterborough. He joined Birmingham as full-time else on the planet! commercial manager in 2018 and continued in the role during 2019 on a ...I am proud to be working part-time consultancy basis. During this time he has also helped for a club with such great individual riders including Bradley Wilson-Dean, who was such a history and one that is stand-out star in the Eagles first year in the National League in 2015, and Zach forward thinking. Wajtknecht.

“Lee brings Premier league Speedway “In business, which is my background, Director, and our excellent Press and infectious Stonehenge smile and laugh is “He was just preparing her for the Addenbrooke’s [hospital in Cambridge] winning skills and expertise on and off the you very quickly learn that you cannot Media Team, to take our off-track Flying High Feature back as he approaches a testimonial year worst, give her the harsh reality that this for ten days and for the last couple of days track and we can all learn so much from ever have enough top quality people. business on to a whole new level. which he refers to as a “miracle”. could be a really horrible situation. I was kicking off because I wanted to go him; and it can only be to the benefit of “I passionately believe in our team on “During this period we hope to build Kerr, 30, looks like a hybrid of David “I vividly remember Jessie saying that home. everyone at Arlington. the track, and whilst we have some and grow our commercial function and Beckham and Bruce Willis. Not much hair, I’d had a crash. When I came round and “I felt completely fine in hospital, other “The role that Lee had at Blunsdon outstanding talent off the track, this was for Lee to work with Ken Burnett on the fit as a butcher’s dog with an a la Becks out of the coma for the first time she burst than a bit slow and I couldn’t read dovetails perfectly for us as in Trevor Geer simply too good an opportunity to miss. outstanding work started by David accent and body art. Not so much Die into tears and I was very emotional too. properly, I felt 100 per cent and was so we have an outstanding servant of the “In a number of long conversations with Rollison in 2019 on the community side, Hard, but refuse to die. “The trouble was I was in happy to get out. Eagles as team manager and co-promoter Lee, the synergy between our hopes and where we have some exciting plans in the As we sit in his house, I ask to see his “But that was the worst thing ever in the in very much the role Alun Rossiter has at aspirations at Eastbourne to be the very post Covid future. Lewi looks forward battle scars from speedway. He reveals: end. When I got home I just felt Swindon, and Lee's skills very much cover best we can be, and Lee's proven track “When I took over the running of the “That’s the stupid thing, I don’t have any completely lost. Where we were living at the business side of the operation and record and keenness to work in the Speedway side of the operation in 2019 scars from speedway whatsoever. I have a the time we had to move out because I allow us to bring in a consummate highly environment of gradual progression and and was subsequently joined by Les mark on my knee from a motocross crash, couldn’t remember living there and we’d skilled professional, to help us, guide us pushing the boundaries that we see as Fineing as Director, we set upon a that’s all. been there previously for three years. and offer a valuable mentor service to part of our evolution, just fit so perfectly. five-year plan to firstly stabilise the Club, “I’ve obviously had two biggies in “That’s when the crash hit me really, everyone at Eastbourne; who may be “Lee will have a completely free role, secondly to grow and improve it on and to his ‘miracle’ speedway and almost died, but not a that’s when it dawned on me just the keen to learn from Lee's skills and working in tandem with the outstanding off the track and thirdly to turn it in to a thing to show for it. The lucky thing is that extent of what I had been through. experience. Ian Smalley, our Creative Media and PR successful business; capable of winning I don’t remember much about the head “In the hospital I then had to have a lot silverware on the track and being injury. of physiotherapy. They sent me down to profitable and successful and seen as “I know a little bit more now. Some bits the gents hairdressers and asked how visionary off the track, in that regard Lee are coming back to me from the morning much a haircut was. But for me to will be a very important part of the jigsaw. season of the meeting when I turned up at physically go in and do that was nearly “We can never forget that everything Peterborough. I actually remember impossible. we do is in recognition of the great parking next to my mechanic big Stevo “I can’t tell you why, whether I traditions of the Club; it drives my (Steve Norman). But that’s it. couldn’t speak properly or just for thinking and passion for the Club, built by “Usually though from a brain injury my brain to work out any social Charlie and Bob Dugard over many how completely focused we are; in our you do get some side effects and I skills. I couldn’t walk properly decades and still fantastically supported custodian role of that proud tradition; to don’t have a single thing wrong yet I hadn’t broken a single by The Dugard family. secure and build it for future generations. with me from the aer-effects of bone. “The fact that we now have on board a “I know I can't wait to start working with the crash. “My brain wasn’t telling growing number of top quality people Lee and learning from him; and I couldn't “To be honest, if I could my body what to do so I only serves to show how great their be more excited about the season ahead, remember anything from the was having to learn the immense contribution was in the past and both on and off the track.” crash it’s debatable whether simple things again like I I’d still be racing. It sounded was a kid, it was so hell for Jessie and my family. bizarre. “I’m not sure exactly the “I was sent into first time I came round. I another shop in the was still in the coma so I hospital and told to don’t have any read the headline on recollection of actually The Sun and it took doing this consciously, if me ages just to that makes sense. But complete a simple Jessie was pregnant with task like that. Not our first baby Cooper at many people know the time and I remember what I’ve been touching her belly. through and how far “Because they asked I’ve come.” me what is his name and I Kerr is then the actually said Cooper. Jessie miracle man returning to always says she knew I was the sport with two solid normal from that moment. seasons before joining Mainly because nobody knew King’s Lynn and Glasgow

Taylor Lanning Taylor what we were going to call him and raking in massive points at the time. before another heartbreaking “At that stage the docs were just crash at the Adrian Flux Arena. King’s Lynn is very much home LEWI KERR GRADUALLY opens his eyes. From pitch black looking for signs of life and that there The x-rays revealed a broken darkness, he gradually manages to focus on a blurry object in was no brain damage because I was le tibia, spiral fracture and broke from home for Lewi Kerr but he front of him. still in the coma. They kept trying to four metatarsals in his right foot - soon found a happy ‘second home’ It’s his wife Jessie. They both burst into floods of tears. bring me round and to see if I could and 16 weeks in a wheelchair to Aer a terrifying handful of days, it’s the first sign that Kerr breathe on my own. come. when he joined the Eagles for the was going to live aer being put in an induced coma having “Jessie’s dad had been quite high He adds: “This time I was on the 2019 Championship campaign. sustained a bleed on the brain following a horror crash in the up in the Met Police so he’d seen lots track screaming at King’s Lynn. I Fours at Peterborough on August 2, 2015. of similar situations. When he saw me remember everything about this He’s on the cusp of a testimonial as Fast forward a shade under three years and it’s disaster deja at the hospital he pulled her aside crash, hitting the airfence legs vu. Kerr ploughs into the fence at King’s Lynn with a resulting and said he wasn’t going to feed her first. At the time I was swearing Phil Lanning discovered in this broken leg and foot. bulls***. He told her that people in my head saying ‘not again, exclusive story. Yet here we are just over two years later and Kerr’s don’t come out of here normal. give me a break’.

10 FLYING HIGH

“I’ve never had pain like that before. It happened so fast, I jumped off the bike because I knew I was going into the fence. “I was absolutely devastated. My best season so far and for that to happen, I knew instantly both of my legs were gone and that’s my season over. “I’ll be honest there were some dark days because it was sickening to lie there helpless on my sofa at home having put in all the effort for the season and how well it was going to see it end like that again. Kerr laughs when it seems incredible Kerr was one of the lucky ones to get “It was the second time I’d had a big that he has survived to celebrate 10 years four meetings in the UK’s constricted crash and both of them hadn’t been my on track at King’s Lynn in 2021. 2020 campaign but was certainly fault. I was gutted. It was tough when I He said: “I think it probably is a miracle. impressive when he was on track. got home because we had the heatwave, We’ve certainly had a few scary moments He added: “Strangely enough I had Jessie was pregnant and Cooper is a along the way but it’s a special thing to a really good 2020 with the four toddler and you need to watch him 24/7. achieve. meetings I did. I really enjoyed the “Of course I need to do one meeting in Belle Vue track and put in some of my 2021 for King’s Lynn for me to gain a best performances. testimonial I believe. I would imagine that “I went into all the meetings with no we’ll probably for March 2022 for an pressure, just to earn some money and actual testimonial meeting. enjoy myself. In the end I beat some “I’m really lucky that I race for two decent guys and had good speed. brilliant clubs that I love. I’ve been “Now I want to take that sort of confirmed in Eastbourne’s team for this form into 2021. I remain very positive season but obviously with so much about the season ahead. I know change at King’s Lynn, I’ve got to wait a things are tough now but I’m hopeful bit longer for any team news. that we can get on track in May and “I’m gutted that Robert Lambert and beyond. Erik Riss won’t be returning. But I “I continue to work for one of my “I just couldn’t do anything but lie on completely understand why they have sponsors doing decking and all sorts. I the sofa. It was probably harder to Jessie made those decisions. They are brilliant will continue that job even when looking aer me and herself as I was to race with in a team so obviously it’s speedway returns. trying to get my head around what had disappointing personally. “My bikes are gleaming and ready happened.” “There’s no doubt that both of them are to go and I keep my targets that I want Now admits that he is eager for a new going to be hugely successful in the to have another solid season in both season to start and is focused on his sport. I hope I get the opportunity to ride leagues and hopefully make my mark future “miracle” testimonial. with them again.” for Great Britain again.” LEE KILBY IS JOINING the Eastbourne Lee was also excited to start work Robins’ fans: “Swindon is my club and HG Aerospace Eagles management with Eastbourne’s all-British team who, that is where my heart is. I want them team on a season-long loan from he said, connected well with to come back in 2022, of course I do, Swindon. supporters. but for this year I am going to be 100 He will take responsibility for “You sense that from the moment per cent Eastbourne. commercial and community activities you step into Arlington and from a “I am looking to bring some new as well as having oversight of match commercial and promoting initiatives to the club and doing day arrangements. perspective that’s all you can ask for. everything I can to help the progress Eastbourne Speedway director Ian “It builds so many bridges. Once you and have a good year.” Jordan said Lee would be a great can hook a kid and it’s someone they Ian Jordan commented: “I think it's addition to the team during the year can look up to, the kid is hooked. You always important to clarify as clearly as Swindon cannot run while their retain that youngster and he or she possible any questions before they are stadium is rebuilt. brings mum and dad with them,” Lee asked in any communication and, Lee is the son of Bob Kilby who was a said. therefore, it's very important for us to legend for the Swindon Robins and “Eastbourne already have a base and tell everyone not only how delighted scored more than 4,000 points for the there are great opportunities to bring we are by this appointment, but to Wiltshire club. people into the club. It’s the best night stress that we sincerely hope that the Lee told Flying High that speedway is out and we’ve had great success at Swindon Robins are back on track in in his blood and was hugely looking Swindon in bringing in new 2022 with Lee and Alun back there at forward to getting started with businesses. I am excited about a club the helm. Eastbourne. which has as much history as “This move is massively to the When it became known Swindon Eastbourne has and it is only going to benefit of the Eastbourne HG would not run in 2021, Lee said in an progress and become a bigger club,” Aerospace Eagles and is seen purely in article in the Speedway Star that he Lee said. the context of the 2021 season. I hoped to find a way of staying involved Lee has an outgoing personality with would liken the scenario to that of a in the sport this year. a way of working which is all about soccer context with Eastbourne as an His comments attracted interest from meeting and greeting people and ambitious Championship Speedway a number of clubs but aer speaking to finding out what the fans are thinking. Club acquiring the services of Lee "on Ian Jordan he realised Eastbourne was He said: “The key to the commercial loan for a season" as being the where he wanted to come. success is listening to people.” equivalent of an EFL soccer Club “I thought this is fantastic, it will work He promised to give his all to the acquiring the services of Pep for everybody. The main focus initially Eagles in 2021 but wanted to assure Guardiola on loan for a season. is to help Ian out with the commercial work and get out and about and spread the word on the Eagles. There are loads of opportunities at Eastbourne. There are so many initiatives in place. It’s like having loads of coaches ready to go but they just need a driver to take it to the destination and make it a good thing. I am super excited about the opportunity. “I know more about Speedway than anything else on the planet and if I cannot sell Speedway, I can’t sell anything. I can’t wait to get going. I am proud to be working for a club with such great history and one that is forward thinking.” Lee became commercial manager of Swindon at the end of 2016, a position he still holds. He added to his involvement with the Robins by becoming co-promoter at the start of 2019 when Colin Pratt le the role for Peterborough. He joined Birmingham as full-time commercial manager in 2018 and continued in the role during 2019 on a part-time consultancy basis. During this time he has also helped individual riders including Bradley Wilson-Dean, who was such a stand-out star in the Eagles first year in the National League in 2015, and Zach Wajtknecht.

“Lee brings Premier league Speedway “In business, which is my background, Director, and our excellent Press and infectious Stonehenge smile and laugh is “He was just preparing her for the Addenbrooke’s [hospital in Cambridge] winning skills and expertise on and off the you very quickly learn that you cannot Media Team, to take our off-track back as he approaches a testimonial year worst, give her the harsh reality that this for ten days and for the last couple of days track and we can all learn so much from ever have enough top quality people. business on to a whole new level. which he refers to as a “miracle”. could be a really horrible situation. I was kicking off because I wanted to go him; and it can only be to the benefit of “I passionately believe in our team on “During this period we hope to build Kerr, 30, looks like a hybrid of David “I vividly remember Jessie saying that home. everyone at Arlington. the track, and whilst we have some and grow our commercial function and Beckham and Bruce Willis. Not much hair, I’d had a crash. When I came round and “I felt completely fine in hospital, other “The role that Lee had at Blunsdon outstanding talent off the track, this was for Lee to work with Ken Burnett on the fit as a butcher’s dog with an a la Becks out of the coma for the first time she burst than a bit slow and I couldn’t read dovetails perfectly for us as in Trevor Geer simply too good an opportunity to miss. outstanding work started by David accent and body art. Not so much Die into tears and I was very emotional too. properly, I felt 100 per cent and was so we have an outstanding servant of the “In a number of long conversations with Rollison in 2019 on the community side, Hard, but refuse to die. “The trouble was I was in happy to get out. Eagles as team manager and co-promoter Lee, the synergy between our hopes and where we have some exciting plans in the As we sit in his house, I ask to see his “But that was the worst thing ever in the in very much the role Alun Rossiter has at aspirations at Eastbourne to be the very post Covid future. Lewi looks forward battle scars from speedway. He reveals: end. When I got home I just felt Swindon, and Lee's skills very much cover best we can be, and Lee's proven track “When I took over the running of the “That’s the stupid thing, I don’t have any completely lost. Where we were living at the business side of the operation and record and keenness to work in the Speedway side of the operation in 2019 scars from speedway whatsoever. I have a the time we had to move out because I allow us to bring in a consummate highly environment of gradual progression and and was subsequently joined by Les mark on my knee from a motocross crash, couldn’t remember living there and we’d skilled professional, to help us, guide us pushing the boundaries that we see as Fineing as Director, we set upon a that’s all. been there previously for three years. and offer a valuable mentor service to part of our evolution, just fit so perfectly. five-year plan to firstly stabilise the Club, “I’ve obviously had two biggies in “That’s when the crash hit me really, everyone at Eastbourne; who may be “Lee will have a completely free role, secondly to grow and improve it on and to his ‘miracle’ speedway and almost died, but not a that’s when it dawned on me just the keen to learn from Lee's skills and working in tandem with the outstanding off the track and thirdly to turn it in to a thing to show for it. The lucky thing is that extent of what I had been through. experience. Ian Smalley, our Creative Media and PR successful business; capable of winning I don’t remember much about the head “In the hospital I then had to have a lot silverware on the track and being injury. of physiotherapy. They sent me down to profitable and successful and seen as “I know a little bit more now. Some bits the gents hairdressers and asked how visionary off the track, in that regard Lee are coming back to me from the morning much a haircut was. But for me to will be a very important part of the jigsaw. season of the meeting when I turned up at physically go in and do that was nearly “We can never forget that everything Peterborough. I actually remember impossible. we do is in recognition of the great parking next to my mechanic big Stevo “I can’t tell you why, whether I traditions of the Club; it drives my (Steve Norman). But that’s it. couldn’t speak properly or just for thinking and passion for the Club, built by “Usually though from a brain injury my brain to work out any social Charlie and Bob Dugard over many how completely focused we are; in our you do get some side effects and I skills. I couldn’t walk properly decades and still fantastically supported custodian role of that proud tradition; to don’t have a single thing wrong yet I hadn’t broken a single by The Dugard family. secure and build it for future generations. with me from the aer-effects of bone. “The fact that we now have on board a “I know I can't wait to start working with the crash. “My brain wasn’t telling growing number of top quality people Lee and learning from him; and I couldn't “To be honest, if I could my body what to do so I only serves to show how great their be more excited about the season ahead, remember anything from the was having to learn the immense contribution was in the past and both on and off the track.” crash it’s debatable whether simple things again like I I’d still be racing. It sounded was a kid, it was so hell for Jessie and my family. bizarre. “I’m not sure exactly the “I was sent into first time I came round. I another shop in the was still in the coma so I hospital and told to don’t have any read the headline on recollection of actually The Sun and it took doing this consciously, if me ages just to that makes sense. But complete a simple Jessie was pregnant with task like that. Not our first baby Cooper at many people know the time and I remember what I’ve been touching her belly. through and how far “Because they asked I’ve come.” me what is his name and I Kerr is then the actually said Cooper. Jessie miracle man returning to always says she knew I was the sport with two solid normal from that moment. seasons before joining Mainly because nobody knew King’s Lynn and Glasgow what we were going to call him and raking in massive points at the time. before another heartbreaking “At that stage the docs were just crash at the Adrian Flux Arena. LEWI KERR GRADUALLY opens his eyes. From pitch black looking for signs of life and that there The x-rays revealed a broken darkness, he gradually manages to focus on a blurry object in was no brain damage because I was le tibia, spiral fracture and broke front of him. still in the coma. They kept trying to four metatarsals in his right foot - It’s his wife Jessie. They both burst into floods of tears. bring me round and to see if I could and 16 weeks in a wheelchair to Aer a terrifying handful of days, it’s the first sign that Kerr breathe on my own. come. was going to live aer being put in an induced coma having “Jessie’s dad had been quite high He adds: “This time I was on the sustained a bleed on the brain following a horror crash in the up in the Met Police so he’d seen lots track screaming at King’s Lynn. I Fours at Peterborough on August 2, 2015. of similar situations. When he saw me remember everything about this Fast forward a shade under three years and it’s disaster deja at the hospital he pulled her aside crash, hitting the airfence legs vu. Kerr ploughs into the fence at King’s Lynn with a resulting and said he wasn’t going to feed her first. At the time I was swearing broken leg and foot. bulls***. He told her that people in my head saying ‘not again, don’t come out of here normal.

Yet here we are just over two years later and Kerr’s give me a break’. Hinves Mike

FLYING HIGH 11

“I’ve never had pain like that before. It happened so fast, I jumped off the bike because I knew I was going into the fence. “I was absolutely devastated. My best season so far and for that to happen, I knew instantly both of my legs were gone and that’s my season over. “I’ll be honest there were some dark days because it was sickening to lie there helpless on my sofa at home having put in all the effort for the season and how well it was going to see it end like that again. Kerr laughs when it seems incredible Kerr was one of the lucky ones to get “It was the second time I’d had a big that he has survived to celebrate 10 years four meetings in the UK’s constricted crash and both of them hadn’t been my on track at King’s Lynn in 2021. 2020 campaign but was certainly fault. I was gutted. It was tough when I He said: “I think it probably is a miracle. impressive when he was on track. got home because we had the heatwave, We’ve certainly had a few scary moments He added: “Strangely enough I had Jessie was pregnant and Cooper is a along the way but it’s a special thing to a really good 2020 with the four toddler and you need to watch him 24/7. achieve. meetings I did. I really enjoyed the “Of course I need to do one meeting in Belle Vue track and put in some of my 2021 for King’s Lynn for me to gain a best performances. testimonial I believe. I would imagine that “I went into all the meetings with no we’ll probably for March 2022 for an pressure, just to earn some money and actual testimonial meeting. enjoy myself. In the end I beat some “I’m really lucky that I race for two decent guys and had good speed. brilliant clubs that I love. I’ve been “Now I want to take that sort of confirmed in Eastbourne’s team for this form into 2021. I remain very positive season but obviously with so much about the season ahead. I know change at King’s Lynn, I’ve got to wait a things are tough now but I’m hopeful bit longer for any team news. that we can get on track in May and “I’m gutted that Robert Lambert and beyond. Erik Riss won’t be returning. But I “I continue to work for one of my “I just couldn’t do anything but lie on completely understand why they have sponsors doing decking and all sorts. I the sofa. It was probably harder to Jessie made those decisions. They are brilliant will continue that job even when looking aer me and herself as I was to race with in a team so obviously it’s speedway returns. trying to get my head around what had disappointing personally. “My bikes are gleaming and ready happened.” “There’s no doubt that both of them are to go and I keep my targets that I want Now admits that he is eager for a new going to be hugely successful in the to have another solid season in both season to start and is focused on his sport. I hope I get the opportunity to ride leagues and hopefully make my mark future “miracle” testimonial. with them again.” for Great Britain again.” infectious Stonehenge smile and laugh is “He was just preparing her for the Addenbrooke’s [hospital in Cambridge] back as he approaches a testimonial year worst, give her the harsh reality that this for ten days and for the last couple of days which he refers to as a “miracle”. could be a really horrible situation. I was kicking off because I wanted to go Kerr, 30, looks like a hybrid of David “I vividly remember Jessie saying that home. Beckham and Bruce Willis. Not much hair, I’d had a crash. When I came round and “I felt completely fine in hospital, other fit as a butcher’s dog with an a la Becks out of the coma for the first time she burst than a bit slow and I couldn’t read accent and body art. Not so much Die into tears and I was very emotional too. properly, I felt 100 per cent and was so Hard, but refuse to die. “The trouble was I was in happy to get out. As we sit in his house, I ask to see his “But that was the worst thing ever in the battle scars from speedway. He reveals: end. When I got home I just felt “That’s the stupid thing, I don’t have any completely lost. Where we were living at scars from speedway whatsoever. I have a the time we had to move out because I mark on my knee from a motocross crash, couldn’t remember living there and we’d that’s all. been there previously for three years. “I’ve obviously had two biggies in “That’s when the crash hit me really, speedway and almost died, but not a that’s when it dawned on me just the thing to show for it. The lucky thing is that extent of what I had been through. I don’t remember much about the head “In the hospital I then had to have a lot injury. of physiotherapy. They sent me down to “I know a little bit more now. Some bits the gents hairdressers and asked how are coming back to me from the morning much a haircut was. But for me to of the meeting when I turned up at physically go in and do that was nearly Peterborough. I actually remember impossible. parking next to my mechanic big Stevo “I can’t tell you why, whether I (Steve Norman). But that’s it. couldn’t speak properly or just for “Usually though from a brain injury my brain to work out any social you do get some side effects and I skills. I couldn’t walk properly don’t have a single thing wrong yet I hadn’t broken a single with me from the aer-effects of bone. the crash. “My brain wasn’t telling “To be honest, if I could my body what to do so I remember anything from the was having to learn the crash it’s debatable whether simple things again like I I’d still be racing. It sounded was a kid, it was so hell for Jessie and my family. bizarre. “I’m not sure exactly the “I was sent into first time I came round. I another shop in the was still in the coma so I hospital and told to don’t have any read the headline on recollection of actually The Sun and it took doing this consciously, if me ages just to that makes sense. But complete a simple Jessie was pregnant with task like that. Not our first baby Cooper at many people know the time and I remember what I’ve been touching her belly. through and how far “Because they asked I’ve come.” me what is his name and I Kerr is then the actually said Cooper. Jessie miracle man returning to always says she knew I was the sport with two solid normal from that moment. seasons before joining Mainly because nobody knew King’s Lynn and Glasgow what we were going to call him and raking in massive points at the time. before another heartbreaking “At that stage the docs were just crash at the Adrian Flux Arena. LEWI KERR GRADUALLY opens his eyes. From pitch black looking for signs of life and that there The x-rays revealed a broken darkness, he gradually manages to focus on a blurry object in was no brain damage because I was le tibia, spiral fracture and broke front of him. still in the coma. They kept trying to four metatarsals in his right foot - It’s his wife Jessie. They both burst into floods of tears. bring me round and to see if I could and 16 weeks in a wheelchair to Aer a terrifying handful of days, it’s the first sign that Kerr breathe on my own. come. was going to live aer being put in an induced coma having “Jessie’s dad had been quite high He adds: “This time I was on the sustained a bleed on the brain following a horror crash in the up in the Met Police so he’d seen lots track screaming at King’s Lynn. I Fours at Peterborough on August 2, 2015. of similar situations. When he saw me remember everything about this Fast forward a shade under three years and it’s disaster deja at the hospital he pulled her aside crash, hitting the airfence legs vu. Kerr ploughs into the fence at King’s Lynn with a resulting and said he wasn’t going to feed her first. At the time I was swearing broken leg and foot. bulls***. He told her that people in my head saying ‘not again, Yet here we are just over two years later and Kerr’s don’t come out of here normal. give me a break’.

“I’ve never had pain like that before. It happened so fast, I jumped off the bike I’m really lucky that I race for two because I knew I was going into the fence. “I was absolutely devastated. My brilliant clubs that I love. I’ve been best season so far and for that to happen, I knew instantly both of my legs were confirmed in Eastbourne’s team for this season but gone and that’s my season over. “I’ll be honest there were some dark obviously with so much change at King’s Lynn days because it was sickening to lie there helpless on my sofa at home having put in I’ve got to wait a bit longer for any team news. all the effort for the season and how well it was going to see it end like that again. Kerr laughs when it seems incredible Kerr was one of the lucky ones to get “It was the second time I’d had a big that he has survived to celebrate 10 years four meetings in the UK’s constricted crash and both of them hadn’t been my on track at King’s Lynn in 2021. 2020 campaign but was certainly fault. I was gutted. It was tough when I He said: “I think it probably is a miracle. impressive when he was on track. got home because we had the heatwave, We’ve certainly had a few scary moments He added: “Strangely enough I had Jessie was pregnant and Cooper is a along the way but it’s a special thing to a really good 2020 with the four toddler and you need to watch him 24/7. achieve. meetings I did. I really enjoyed the “Of course I need to do one meeting in Belle Vue track and put in some of my 2021 for King’s Lynn for me to gain a best performances. testimonial I believe. I would imagine that “I went into all the meetings with no we’ll probably for March 2022 for an pressure, just to earn some money and actual testimonial meeting. enjoy myself. In the end I beat some “I’m really lucky that I race for two decent guys and had good speed. brilliant clubs that I love. I’ve been “Now I want to take that sort of confirmed in Eastbourne’s team for this form into 2021. I remain very positive season but obviously with so much about the season ahead. I know change at King’s Lynn, I’ve got to wait a things are tough now but I’m hopeful beat me in the run off. Fair play he got bit longer for any team news. that we can get on track in May and there. “I’m gutted that Robert Lambert and beyond. “It didn’t happen.” Erik Riss won’t be returning. But I “I continue to work for one of my “I just couldn’t do anything but lie on completely understand why they have sponsors doing decking and all sorts. I the sofa. It was probably harder to Jessie made those decisions. They are brilliant will continue that job even when looking aer me and herself as I was to race with in a team so obviously it’s speedway returns. trying to get my head around what had disappointing personally. “My bikes are gleaming and ready happened.” “There’s no doubt that both of them are to go and I keep my targets that I want Now admits that he is eager for a new going to be hugely successful in the to have another solid season in both season to start and is focused on his sport. I hope I get the opportunity to ride leagues and hopefully make my mark future “miracle” testimonial. with them again.” for Great Britain again.”

IN HIS LAST YEAR as an Under-21, Dean went to Holsted tand won the qualifying. He and Joe Screen were then sent to Russia for the next round but the visas didn’t arrive. Aer a huge row, a run-off between Dean and Joe was staged at Coventry to get in the world under-21. “I think it was all wrong. I won the round before we went to Russia. We didn’t get to Russia. Screenie had a few years but he Taylor Lanning Taylor

12 FLYING HIGH infectious Stonehenge smile and laugh is “He was just preparing her for the Addenbrooke’s [hospital in Cambridge] back as he approaches a testimonial year worst, give her the harsh reality that this for ten days and for the last couple of days which he refers to as a “miracle”. could be a really horrible situation. I was kicking off because I wanted to go Kerr, 30, looks like a hybrid of David “I vividly remember Jessie saying that home. Beckham and Bruce Willis. Not much hair, I’d had a crash. When I came round and “I felt completely fine in hospital, other fit as a butcher’s dog with an a la Becks out of the coma for the first time she burst than a bit slow and I couldn’t read accent and body art. Not so much Die into tears and I was very emotional too. properly, I felt 100 per cent and was so Hard, but refuse to die. “The trouble was I was in happy to get out. As we sit in his house, I ask to see his “But that was the worst thing ever in the battle scars from speedway. He reveals: end. When I got home I just felt “That’s the stupid thing, I don’t have any completely lost. Where we were living at scars from speedway whatsoever. I have a the time we had to move out because I mark on my knee from a motocross crash, couldn’t remember living there and we’d that’s all. been there previously for three years. “I’ve obviously had two biggies in “That’s when the crash hit me really, speedway and almost died, but not a that’s when it dawned on me just the thing to show for it. The lucky thing is that extent of what I had been through. I don’t remember much about the head “In the hospital I then had to have a lot injury. of physiotherapy. They sent me down to “I know a little bit more now. Some bits the gents hairdressers and asked how are coming back to me from the morning much a haircut was. But for me to of the meeting when I turned up at physically go in and do that was nearly Peterborough. I actually remember impossible. parking next to my mechanic big Stevo “I can’t tell you why, whether I (Steve Norman). But that’s it. couldn’t speak properly or just for “Usually though from a brain injury my brain to work out any social you do get some side effects and I skills. I couldn’t walk properly don’t have a single thing wrong yet I hadn’t broken a single with me from the aer-effects of bone. the crash. “My brain wasn’t telling “To be honest, if I could my body what to do so I remember anything from the was having to learn the crash it’s debatable whether simple things again like I I’d still be racing. It sounded was a kid, it was so hell for Jessie and my family. bizarre. “I’m not sure exactly the “I was sent into first time I came round. I another shop in the was still in the coma so I hospital and told to don’t have any read the headline on recollection of actually The Sun and it took doing this consciously, if me ages just to that makes sense. But complete a simple Jessie was pregnant with task like that. Not our first baby Cooper at many people know the time and I remember what I’ve been touching her belly. through and how far “Because they asked I’ve come.” me what is his name and I Kerr is then the actually said Cooper. Jessie miracle man returning to always says she knew I was the sport with two solid normal from that moment. seasons before joining Mainly because nobody knew King’s Lynn and Glasgow what we were going to call him and raking in massive points at the time. before another heartbreaking “At that stage the docs were just crash at the Adrian Flux Arena. LEWI KERR GRADUALLY opens his eyes. From pitch black looking for signs of life and that there The x-rays revealed a broken darkness, he gradually manages to focus on a blurry object in was no brain damage because I was le tibia, spiral fracture and broke front of him. still in the coma. They kept trying to four metatarsals in his right foot - It’s his wife Jessie. They both burst into floods of tears. bring me round and to see if I could and 16 weeks in a wheelchair to Aer a terrifying handful of days, it’s the first sign that Kerr breathe on my own. come. was going to live aer being put in an induced coma having “Jessie’s dad had been quite high He adds: “This time I was on the sustained a bleed on the brain following a horror crash in the up in the Met Police so he’d seen lots track screaming at King’s Lynn. I Fours at Peterborough on August 2, 2015. of similar situations. When he saw me remember everything about this Fast forward a shade under three years and it’s disaster deja at the hospital he pulled her aside crash, hitting the airfence legs vu. Kerr ploughs into the fence at King’s Lynn with a resulting and said he wasn’t going to feed her first. At the time I was swearing broken leg and foot. bulls***. He told her that people in my head saying ‘not again, Yet here we are just over two years later and Kerr’s don’t come out of here normal. give me a break’.

“I’ve never had pain like that before. It happened so fast, I jumped off the bike because I knew I was going into the fence. “I was absolutely devastated. My best season so far and for that to happen, I knew instantly both of my legs were gone and that’s my season over. “I’ll be honest there were some dark days because it was sickening to lie there helpless on my sofa at home having put in all the effort for the season and how well it was going to see it end like that again. Kerr laughs when it seems incredible Kerr was one of the lucky ones to get “It was the second time I’d had a big that he has survived to celebrate 10 years four meetings in the UK’s constricted crash and both of them hadn’t been my on track at King’s Lynn in 2021. 2020 campaign but was certainly fault. I was gutted. It was tough when I He said: “I think it probably is a miracle. impressive when he was on track. got home because we had the heatwave, We’ve certainly had a few scary moments He added: “Strangely enough I had Jessie was pregnant and Cooper is a along the way but it’s a special thing to a really good 2020 with the four toddler and you need to watch him 24/7. achieve. meetings I did. I really enjoyed the “Of course I need to do one meeting in Belle Vue track and put in some of my 2021 for King’s Lynn for me to gain a best performances. testimonial I believe. I would imagine that “I went into all the meetings with no we’ll probably for March 2022 for an pressure, just to earn some money and actual testimonial meeting. enjoy myself. In the end I beat some “I’m really lucky that I race for two decent guys and had good speed. brilliant clubs that I love. I’ve been “Now I want to take that sort of confirmed in Eastbourne’s team for this form into 2021. I remain very positive season but obviously with so much about the season ahead. I know change at King’s Lynn, I’ve got to wait a things are tough now but I’m hopeful bit longer for any team news. that we can get on track in May and “I’m gutted that Robert Lambert and beyond. Erik Riss won’t be returning. But I “I continue to work for one of my “I just couldn’t do anything but lie on completely understand why they have sponsors doing decking and all sorts. I the sofa. It was probably harder to Jessie made those decisions. They are brilliant will continue that job even when looking aer me and herself as I was to race with in a team so obviously it’s speedway returns. trying to get my head around what had disappointing personally. “My bikes are gleaming and ready happened.” “There’s no doubt that both of them are to go and I keep my targets that I want Now admits that he is eager for a new going to be hugely successful in the to have another solid season in both season to start and is focused on his sport. I hope I get the opportunity to ride leagues and hopefully make my mark future “miracle” testimonial. with them again.” for Great Britain again.” Mike Hinves Mike

FLYING HIGH 13 infectious Stonehenge smile and laugh is “He was just preparing her for the Addenbrooke’s [hospital in Cambridge] back as he approaches a testimonial year worst, give her the harsh reality that this for ten days and for the last couple of days which he refers to as a “miracle”. could be a really horrible situation. I was kicking off because I wanted to go Kerr, 30, looks like a hybrid of David “I vividly remember Jessie saying that home. Beckham and Bruce Willis. Not much hair, I’d had a crash. When I came round and “I felt completely fine in hospital, other fit as a butcher’s dog with an a la Becks out of the coma for the first time she burst than a bit slow and I couldn’t read accent and body art. Not so much Die into tears and I was very emotional too. properly, I felt 100 per cent and was so Hard, but refuse to die. “The trouble was I was in happy to get out. As we sit in his house, I ask to see his “But that was the worst thing ever in the battle scars from speedway. He reveals: end. When I got home I just felt “That’s the stupid thing, I don’t have any completely lost. Where we were living at scars from speedway whatsoever. I have a the time we had to move out because I mark on my knee from a motocross crash, couldn’t remember living there and we’d that’s all. been there previously for three years. “I’ve obviously had two biggies in “That’s when the crash hit me really, speedway and almost died, but not a that’s when it dawned on me just the thing to show for it. The lucky thing is that extent of what I had been through. I don’t remember much about the head “In the hospital I then had to have a lot injury. of physiotherapy. They sent me down to “I know a little bit more now. Some bits the gents hairdressers and asked how are coming back to me from the morning much a haircut was. But for me to of the meeting when I turned up at physically go in and do that was nearly Peterborough. I actually remember impossible. parking next to my mechanic big Stevo “I can’t tell you why, whether I (Steve Norman). But that’s it. couldn’t speak properly or just for “Usually though from a brain injury my brain to work out any social you do get some side effects and I skills. I couldn’t walk properly don’t have a single thing wrong yet I hadn’t broken a single with me from the aer-effects of bone. the crash. “My brain wasn’t telling “To be honest, if I could my body what to do so I remember anything from the was having to learn the crash it’s debatable whether simple things again like I I’d still be racing. It sounded was a kid, it was so hell for Jessie and my family. bizarre. “I’m not sure exactly the “I was sent into first time I came round. I another shop in the was still in the coma so I hospital and told to don’t have any read the headline on recollection of actually The Sun and it took doing this consciously, if me ages just to that makes sense. But complete a simple Jessie was pregnant with task like that. Not our first baby Cooper at many people know the time and I remember what I’ve been touching her belly. through and how far “Because they asked I’ve come.” me what is his name and I Kerr is then the actually said Cooper. Jessie miracle man returning to always says she knew I was the sport with two solid normal from that moment. seasons before joining Mainly because nobody knew King’s Lynn and Glasgow what we were going to call him and raking in massive points at the time. before another heartbreaking “At that stage the docs were just crash at the Adrian Flux Arena. LEWI KERR GRADUALLY opens his eyes. From pitch black looking for signs of life and that there The x-rays revealed a broken darkness, he gradually manages to focus on a blurry object in was no brain damage because I was le tibia, spiral fracture and broke front of him. still in the coma. They kept trying to four metatarsals in his right foot - It’s his wife Jessie. They both burst into floods of tears. bring me round and to see if I could and 16 weeks in a wheelchair to Aer a terrifying handful of days, it’s the first sign that Kerr breathe on my own. come. was going to live aer being put in an induced coma having “Jessie’s dad had been quite high He adds: “This time I was on the sustained a bleed on the brain following a horror crash in the up in the Met Police so he’d seen lots track screaming at King’s Lynn. I Fours at Peterborough on August 2, 2015. of similar situations. When he saw me remember everything about this Fast forward a shade under three years and it’s disaster deja at the hospital he pulled her aside crash, hitting the airfence legs vu. Kerr ploughs into the fence at King’s Lynn with a resulting and said he wasn’t going to feed her first. At the time I was swearing broken leg and foot. bulls***. He told her that people in my head saying ‘not again, Yet here we are just over two years later and Kerr’s don’t come out of here normal. give me a break’.

“I’ve never had pain like that before. It happened so fast, I jumped off the bike because I knew I was going into the fence. “I was absolutely devastated. My best season so far and for that to happen, I knew instantly both of my legs were gone and that’s my season over. “I’ll be honest there were some dark days because it was sickening to lie there helpless on my sofa at home having put in all the effort for the season and how well it was going to see it end like that again. Kerr laughs when it seems incredible Kerr was one of the lucky ones to get “It was the second time I’d had a big that he has survived to celebrate 10 years four meetings in the UK’s constricted crash and both of them hadn’t been my on track at King’s Lynn in 2021. 2020 campaign but was certainly fault. I was gutted. It was tough when I He said: “I think it probably is a miracle. impressive when he was on track. got home because we had the heatwave, We’ve certainly had a few scary moments He added: “Strangely enough I had Jessie was pregnant and Cooper is a along the way but it’s a special thing to a really good 2020 with the four toddler and you need to watch him 24/7. achieve. meetings I did. I really enjoyed the “Of course I need to do one meeting in Belle Vue track and put in some of my 2021 for King’s Lynn for me to gain a best performances. testimonial I believe. I would imagine that “I went into all the meetings with no we’ll probably for March 2022 for an pressure, just to earn some money and actual testimonial meeting. enjoy myself. In the end I beat some “I’m really lucky that I race for two decent guys and had good speed. brilliant clubs that I love. I’ve been “Now I want to take that sort of confirmed in Eastbourne’s team for this form into 2021. I remain very positive season but obviously with so much about the season ahead. I know change at King’s Lynn, I’ve got to wait a things are tough now but I’m hopeful bit longer for any team news. that we can get on track in May and “I’m gutted that Robert Lambert and beyond. Erik Riss won’t be returning. But I “I continue to work for one of my “I just couldn’t do anything but lie on completely understand why they have sponsors doing decking and all sorts. I the sofa. It was probably harder to Jessie made those decisions. They are brilliant will continue that job even when looking aer me and herself as I was to race with in a team so obviously it’s speedway returns. trying to get my head around what had disappointing personally. “My bikes are gleaming and ready happened.” “There’s no doubt that both of them are to go and I keep my targets that I want Now admits that he is eager for a new going to be hugely successful in the to have another solid season in both season to start and is focused on his sport. I hope I get the opportunity to ride leagues and hopefully make my mark future “miracle” testimonial. with them again.” for Great Britain again.”

14 FLYING HIGH infectious Stonehenge smile and laugh is “He was just preparing her for the Addenbrooke’s [hospital in Cambridge] back as he approaches a testimonial year worst, give her the harsh reality that this for ten days and for the last couple of days which he refers to as a “miracle”. could be a really horrible situation. I was kicking off because I wanted to go Kerr, 30, looks like a hybrid of David “I vividly remember Jessie saying that home. Beckham and Bruce Willis. Not much hair, I’d had a crash. When I came round and “I felt completely fine in hospital, other fit as a butcher’s dog with an a la Becks out of the coma for the first time she burst than a bit slow and I couldn’t read accent and body art. Not so much Die into tears and I was very emotional too. properly, I felt 100 per cent and was so Hard, but refuse to die. “The trouble was I was in happy to get out. As we sit in his house, I ask to see his “But that was the worst thing ever in the battle scars from speedway. He reveals: end. When I got home I just felt “That’s the stupid thing, I don’t have any completely lost. Where we were living at scars from speedway whatsoever. I have a the time we had to move out because I mark on my knee from a motocross crash, couldn’t remember living there and we’d that’s all. been there previously for three years. “I’ve obviously had two biggies in “That’s when the crash hit me really, speedway and almost died, but not a that’s when it dawned on me just the thing to show for it. The lucky thing is that extent of what I had been through. I don’t remember much about the head “In the hospital I then had to have a lot injury. of physiotherapy. They sent me down to “I know a little bit more now. Some bits the gents hairdressers and asked how are coming back to me from the morning much a haircut was. But for me to of the meeting when I turned up at physically go in and do that was nearly Peterborough. I actually remember impossible. parking next to my mechanic big Stevo “I can’t tell you why, whether I (Steve Norman). But that’s it. couldn’t speak properly or just for “Usually though from a brain injury my brain to work out any social you do get some side effects and I skills. I couldn’t walk properly don’t have a single thing wrong yet I hadn’t broken a single with me from the aer-effects of bone. the crash. “My brain wasn’t telling “To be honest, if I could my body what to do so I remember anything from the was having to learn the crash it’s debatable whether simple things again like I I’d still be racing. It sounded was a kid, it was so hell for Jessie and my family. bizarre. “I’m not sure exactly the “I was sent into first time I came round. I another shop in the was still in the coma so I hospital and told to don’t have any read the headline on recollection of actually The Sun and it took doing this consciously, if me ages just to that makes sense. But complete a simple Jessie was pregnant with task like that. Not our first baby Cooper at many people know the time and I remember what I’ve been touching her belly. through and how far “Because they asked I’ve come.” me what is his name and I Kerr is then the actually said Cooper. Jessie miracle man returning to always says she knew I was the sport with two solid normal from that moment. seasons before joining Mainly because nobody knew King’s Lynn and Glasgow what we were going to call him and raking in massive points at the time. before another heartbreaking “At that stage the docs were just crash at the Adrian Flux Arena. LEWI KERR GRADUALLY opens his eyes. From pitch black looking for signs of life and that there The x-rays revealed a broken darkness, he gradually manages to focus on a blurry object in was no brain damage because I was le tibia, spiral fracture and broke front of him. still in the coma. They kept trying to four metatarsals in his right foot - It’s his wife Jessie. They both burst into floods of tears. bring me round and to see if I could and 16 weeks in a wheelchair to Aer a terrifying handful of days, it’s the first sign that Kerr breathe on my own. come. was going to live aer being put in an induced coma having “Jessie’s dad had been quite high He adds: “This time I was on the sustained a bleed on the brain following a horror crash in the up in the Met Police so he’d seen lots track screaming at King’s Lynn. I Fours at Peterborough on August 2, 2015. of similar situations. When he saw me remember everything about this Fast forward a shade under three years and it’s disaster deja at the hospital he pulled her aside crash, hitting the airfence legs vu. Kerr ploughs into the fence at King’s Lynn with a resulting and said he wasn’t going to feed her first. At the time I was swearing broken leg and foot. bulls***. He told her that people in my head saying ‘not again, Yet here we are just over two years later and Kerr’s don’t come out of here normal. give me a break’.

“I’ve never had pain like that before. It TALK ABOUT A TIGHT first corner ...spectacular action from the first happened so fast, I jumped off the bike turn at Arlington during an Eastbourne v Ipswich match in the Elite because I knew I was going into the League. It is certainly a case of no quarter asked and no quarter given. fence. “I was absolutely devastated. My The visiting rider in yellow certainly has the drop but the other three all best season so far and for that to happen, want to same piece of shale. I knew instantly both of my legs were Thanks to Pete Lulham, we reckon this action is from April 2010 and is gone and that’s my season over. heat one with the riders as follows (from le) Chris Holder (guest), “I’ll be honest there were some dark Scott Nicholls, Simon Gustafsson and Claus Vissing. days because it was sickening to lie there helpless on my sofa at home having put in Nicholls took the chequered flag from Holder with Gustafsson third all the effort for the season and how well THAT MOMENT with early leader at the back. The match ended 45-45. it was going to see it end like that again. Kerr laughs when it seems incredible Kerr was one of the lucky ones to get “It was the second time I’d had a big that he has survived to celebrate 10 years four meetings in the UK’s constricted crash and both of them hadn’t been my on track at King’s Lynn in 2021. 2020 campaign but was certainly fault. I was gutted. It was tough when I He said: “I think it probably is a miracle. impressive when he was on track. got home because we had the heatwave, We’ve certainly had a few scary moments He added: “Strangely enough I had along the way but it’s a special thing to a really good 2020 with the four

Jessie was pregnant and Cooper is a Hinves Mike toddler and you need to watch him 24/7. achieve. meetings I did. I really enjoyed the “Of course I need to do one meeting in Belle Vue track and put in some of my 2021 for King’s Lynn for me to gain a best performances. testimonial I believe. I would imagine that “I went into all the meetings with no we’ll probably for March 2022 for an pressure, just to earn some money and actual testimonial meeting. enjoy myself. In the end I beat some “I’m really lucky that I race for two decent guys and had good speed. brilliant clubs that I love. I’ve been “Now I want to take that sort of confirmed in Eastbourne’s team for this form into 2021. I remain very positive season but obviously with so much about the season ahead. I know change at King’s Lynn, I’ve got to wait a things are tough now but I’m hopeful bit longer for any team news. that we can get on track in May and “I’m gutted that Robert Lambert and beyond. Erik Riss won’t be returning. But I “I continue to work for one of my “I just couldn’t do anything but lie on completely understand why they have sponsors doing decking and all sorts. I the sofa. It was probably harder to Jessie made those decisions. They are brilliant will continue that job even when looking aer me and herself as I was to race with in a team so obviously it’s speedway returns. trying to get my head around what had disappointing personally. “My bikes are gleaming and ready happened.” “There’s no doubt that both of them are to go and I keep my targets that I want Now admits that he is eager for a new going to be hugely successful in the to have another solid season in both season to start and is focused on his sport. I hope I get the opportunity to ride leagues and hopefully make my mark future “miracle” testimonial. with them again.” for Great Britain again.”

THERE’S TIGHT, AND THEN THERE’S THIS!

FLYING HIGH 15 infectious Stonehenge smile and laugh is “He was just preparing her for the Addenbrooke’s [hospital in Cambridge] back as he approaches a testimonial year worst, give her the harsh reality that this for ten days and for the last couple of days which he refers to as a “miracle”. could be a really horrible situation. I was kicking off because I wanted to go Kerr, 30, looks like a hybrid of David “I vividly remember Jessie saying that home. Beckham and Bruce Willis. Not much hair, I’d had a crash. When I came round and “I felt completely fine in hospital, other fit as a butcher’s dog with an a la Becks out of the coma for the first time she burst than a bit slow and I couldn’t read accent and body art. Not so much Die into tears and I was very emotional too. properly, I felt 100 per cent and was so Hard, but refuse to die. “The trouble was I was in happy to get out. As we sit in his house, I ask to see his “But that was the worst thing ever in the battle scars from speedway. He reveals: end. When I got home I just felt “That’s the stupid thing, I don’t have any completely lost. Where we were living at scars from speedway whatsoever. I have a the time we had to move out because I mark on my knee from a motocross crash, couldn’t remember living there and we’d that’s all. been there previously for three years. “I’ve obviously had two biggies in “That’s when the crash hit me really, speedway and almost died, but not a that’s when it dawned on me just the thing to show for it. The lucky thing is that extent of what I had been through. I don’t remember much about the head “In the hospital I then had to have a lot injury. of physiotherapy. They sent me down to “I know a little bit more now. Some bits the gents hairdressers and asked how are coming back to me from the morning much a haircut was. But for me to of the meeting when I turned up at physically go in and do that was nearly Peterborough. I actually remember impossible. parking next to my mechanic big Stevo “I can’t tell you why, whether I (Steve Norman). But that’s it. couldn’t speak properly or just for “Usually though from a brain injury my brain to work out any social you do get some side effects and I skills. I couldn’t walk properly don’t have a single thing wrong yet I hadn’t broken a single with me from the aer-effects of bone. the crash. “My brain wasn’t telling “To be honest, if I could my body what to do so I remember anything from the was having to learn the crash it’s debatable whether simple things again like I I’d still be racing. It sounded was a kid, it was so hell for Jessie and my family. bizarre. “I’m not sure exactly the “I was sent into first time I came round. I another shop in the was still in the coma so I hospital and told to don’t have any read the headline on recollection of actually The Sun and it took doing this consciously, if me ages just to that makes sense. But complete a simple Jessie was pregnant with task like that. Not our first baby Cooper at many people know the time and I remember what I’ve been touching her belly. through and how far “Because they asked I’ve come.” me what is his name and I Kerr is then the actually said Cooper. Jessie miracle man returning to always says she knew I was the sport with two solid normal from that moment. seasons before joining Mainly because nobody knew King’s Lynn and Glasgow what we were going to call him and raking in massive points at the time. before another heartbreaking “At that stage the docs were just crash at the Adrian Flux Arena. LEWI KERR GRADUALLY opens his eyes. From pitch black looking for signs of life and that there The x-rays revealed a broken darkness, he gradually manages to focus on a blurry object in was no brain damage because I was le tibia, spiral fracture and broke front of him. still in the coma. They kept trying to four metatarsals in his right foot - It’s his wife Jessie. They both burst into floods of tears. bring me round and to see if I could and 16 weeks in a wheelchair to Aer a terrifying handful of days, it’s the first sign that Kerr breathe on my own. come. was going to live aer being put in an induced coma having “Jessie’s dad had been quite high He adds: “This time I was on the sustained a bleed on the brain following a horror crash in the up in the Met Police so he’d seen lots track screaming at King’s Lynn. I Fours at Peterborough on August 2, 2015. of similar situations. When he saw me remember everything about this Fast forward a shade under three years and it’s disaster deja at the hospital he pulled her aside crash, hitting the airfence legs vu. Kerr ploughs into the fence at King’s Lynn with a resulting and said he wasn’t going to feed her first. At the time I was swearing broken leg and foot. bulls***. He told her that people in my head saying ‘not again, Yet here we are just over two years later and Kerr’s don’t come out of here normal. give me a break’.

“I’ve never had pain like that before. It happened so fast, I jumped off the bike because I knew I was going into the fence. “I was absolutely devastated. My best season so far and for that to happen, I knew instantly both of my legs were gone and that’s my season over. “I’ll be honest there were some dark days because it was sickening to lie there helpless on my sofa at home having put in all the effort for the season and how well it was going to see it end like that again. Kerr laughs when it seems incredible Kerr was one of the lucky ones to get “It was the second time I’d had a big that he has survived to celebrate 10 years four meetings in the UK’s constricted crash and both of them hadn’t been my on track at King’s Lynn in 2021. 2020 campaign but was certainly fault. I was gutted. It was tough when I He said: “I think it probably is a miracle. impressive when he was on track. got home because we had the heatwave, We’ve certainly had a few scary moments He added: “Strangely enough I had Jessie was pregnant and Cooper is a along the way but it’s a special thing to a really good 2020 with the four toddler and you need to watch him 24/7. achieve. meetings I did. I really enjoyed the “Of course I need to do one meeting in Belle Vue track and put in some of my 2021 for King’s Lynn for me to gain a best performances. testimonial I believe. I would imagine that “I went into all the meetings with no we’ll probably for March 2022 for an pressure, just to earn some money and actual testimonial meeting. enjoy myself. In the end I beat some “I’m really lucky that I race for two decent guys and had good speed. brilliant clubs that I love. I’ve been “Now I want to take that sort of confirmed in Eastbourne’s team for this form into 2021. I remain very positive season but obviously with so much about the season ahead. I know change at King’s Lynn, I’ve got to wait a things are tough now but I’m hopeful bit longer for any team news. that we can get on track in May and “I’m gutted that Robert Lambert and beyond. Erik Riss won’t be returning. But I “I continue to work for one of my “I just couldn’t do anything but lie on completely understand why they have sponsors doing decking and all sorts. I the sofa. It was probably harder to Jessie made those decisions. They are brilliant will continue that job even when looking aer me and herself as I was to race with in a team so obviously it’s speedway returns. trying to get my head around what had disappointing personally. “My bikes are gleaming and ready happened.” “There’s no doubt that both of them are to go and I keep my targets that I want Now admits that he is eager for a new going to be hugely successful in the to have another solid season in both season to start and is focused on his sport. I hope I get the opportunity to ride leagues and hopefully make my mark future “miracle” testimonial. with them again.” for Great Britain again.”

01323 763212

Hailsham Rd, Stone Cross, East Sussex BN24 5BU

16 FLYING HIGH infectious Stonehenge smile and laugh is “He was just preparing her for the Addenbrooke’s [hospital in Cambridge] back as he approaches a testimonial year worst, give her the harsh reality that this for ten days and for the last couple of days which he refers to as a “miracle”. could be a really horrible situation. I was kicking off because I wanted to go Kerr, 30, looks like a hybrid of David “I vividly remember Jessie saying that home. Beckham and Bruce Willis. Not much hair, I’d had a crash. When I came round and “I felt completely fine in hospital, other fit as a butcher’s dog with an a la Becks out of the coma for the first time she burst than a bit slow and I couldn’t read accent and body art. Not so much Die into tears and I was very emotional too. properly, I felt 100 per cent and was so Hard, but refuse to die. “The trouble was I was in happy to get out. As we sit in his house, I ask to see his “But that was the worst thing ever in the battle scars from speedway. He reveals: end. When I got home I just felt “That’s the stupid thing, I don’t have any completely lost. Where we were living at scars from speedway whatsoever. I have a the time we had to move out because I mark on my knee from a motocross crash, couldn’t remember living there and we’d that’s all. been there previously for three years. “I’ve obviously had two biggies in “That’s when the crash hit me really, speedway and almost died, but not a that’s when it dawned on me just the thing to show for it. The lucky thing is that extent of what I had been through. I don’t remember much about the head “In the hospital I then had to have a lot injury. of physiotherapy. They sent me down to “I know a little bit more now. Some bits the gents hairdressers and asked how are coming back to me from the morning much a haircut was. But for me to of the meeting when I turned up at physically go in and do that was nearly Peterborough. I actually remember impossible. parking next to my mechanic big Stevo “I can’t tell you why, whether I (Steve Norman). But that’s it. couldn’t speak properly or just for “Usually though from a brain injury my brain to work out any social you do get some side effects and I skills. I couldn’t walk properly don’t have a single thing wrong yet I hadn’t broken a single with me from the aer-effects of bone. the crash. “My brain wasn’t telling “To be honest, if I could my body what to do so I remember anything from the was having to learn the crash it’s debatable whether simple things again like I I’d still be racing. It sounded was a kid, it was so hell for Jessie and my family. bizarre. “I’m not sure exactly the “I was sent into first time I came round. I another shop in the was still in the coma so I hospital and told to don’t have any read the headline on recollection of actually The Sun and it took doing this consciously, if me ages just to that makes sense. But complete a simple Jessie was pregnant with task like that. Not our first baby Cooper at many people know the time and I remember what I’ve been touching her belly. through and how far “Because they asked I’ve come.” me what is his name and I Kerr is then the actually said Cooper. Jessie miracle man returning to always says she knew I was the sport with two solid normal from that moment. seasons before joining Mainly because nobody knew King’s Lynn and Glasgow what we were going to call him and raking in massive points at the time. before another heartbreaking “At that stage the docs were just crash at the Adrian Flux Arena. LEWI KERR GRADUALLY opens his eyes. From pitch black looking for signs of life and that there The x-rays revealed a broken darkness, he gradually manages to focus on a blurry object in was no brain damage because I was le tibia, spiral fracture and broke front of him. still in the coma. They kept trying to four metatarsals in his right foot - It’s his wife Jessie. They both burst into floods of tears. bring me round and to see if I could and 16 weeks in a wheelchair to Aer a terrifying handful of days, it’s the first sign that Kerr breathe on my own. come. was going to live aer being put in an induced coma having “Jessie’s dad had been quite high He adds: “This time I was on the sustained a bleed on the brain following a horror crash in the up in the Met Police so he’d seen lots track screaming at King’s Lynn. I Fours at Peterborough on August 2, 2015. of similar situations. When he saw me remember everything about this Fast forward a shade under three years and it’s disaster deja at the hospital he pulled her aside crash, hitting the airfence legs vu. Kerr ploughs into the fence at King’s Lynn with a resulting and said he wasn’t going to feed her first. At the time I was swearing broken leg and foot. bulls***. He told her that people in my head saying ‘not again, Yet here we are just over two years later and Kerr’s don’t come out of here normal. give me a break’.

“I’ve never had pain like that before. It happened so fast, I jumped off the bike because I knew I was going into the fence. “I was absolutely devastated. My best season so far and for that to happen, I knew instantly both of my legs were gone and that’s my season over. “I’ll be honest there were some dark days because it was sickening to lie there helpless on my sofa at home having put in BEN MORLEY all the effort for the season and how well You cannot mistake this guy with his cheeky grin who is it was going to see it end like that again. Kerr laughs when it seems incredible Kerr was one of the lucky ones to get “It was the second time I’d had a big that he has survived to celebrate 10 years four meetings in the UK’s constricted always up for a bit of fun. crash and both of them hadn’t been my on track at King’s Lynn in 2021. 2020 campaign but was certainly Ben Morley, formerly of this parish, who in 2021 is down fault. I was gutted. It was tough when I He said: “I think it probably is a miracle. impressive when he was on track. to ride for Kent in the Championship. got home because we had the heatwave, We’ve certainly had a few scary moments He added: “Strangely enough I had Jessie was pregnant and Cooper is a along the way but it’s a special thing to a really good 2020 with the four Ben was the first Eastbourne heat winner in The toddler and you need to watch him 24/7. achieve. meetings I did. I really enjoyed the Championship when he sped from the tapes in heat one “Of course I need to do one meeting in Belle Vue track and put in some of my of the Championship Shield match against Birmingham 2021 for King’s Lynn for me to gain a best performances. on April 6, 2019. Ben was shepherded home by skipper testimonial I believe. I would imagine that “I went into all the meetings with no Edward Kennett to give the Eagles a perfect start to the we’ll probably for March 2022 for an pressure, just to earn some money and new era. actual testimonial meeting. enjoy myself. In the end I beat some “I’m really lucky that I race for two decent guys and had good speed. We are able to bring you this Then and Now feature brilliant clubs that I love. I’ve been “Now I want to take that sort of thanks to incident recorder, Pete Lulham. confirmed in Eastbourne’s team for this form into 2021. I remain very positive season but obviously with so much about the season ahead. I know He has a collection of photographs shot over a number change at King’s Lynn, I’ve got to wait a things are tough now but I’m hopeful of years of up-and-coming riders taking their early bit longer for any team news. that we can get on track in May and speedway rides on the Arlington mini-track. “I’m gutted that Robert Lambert and beyond. Mike Hinves was the man with the camera for the Erik Riss won’t be returning. But I “I continue to work for one of my modern-day shots. “I just couldn’t do anything but lie on completely understand why they have sponsors doing decking and all sorts. I the sofa. It was probably harder to Jessie made those decisions. They are brilliant will continue that job even when looking aer me and herself as I was to race with in a team so obviously it’s speedway returns. trying to get my head around what had disappointing personally. “My bikes are gleaming and ready happened.” “There’s no doubt that both of them are to go and I keep my targets that I want Now admits that he is eager for a new going to be hugely successful in the to have another solid season in both season to start and is focused on his sport. I hope I get the opportunity to ride leagues and hopefully make my mark future “miracle” testimonial. with them again.” for Great Britain again.”

FLYING HIGH 17 18 FLYING HIGH Peter Morrish - The John Somerville Collection Peter Morrish - The John Somerville Collection Obituaries RIP DennisGray. condolences to allDennis'family. management sendtheirsincere retirement atSwanage. Farm oilfieldsinDorset. Helived in England andworked attheWytch moving to New Zealand. to work for London Transport before miner inAfrica, returned to England speedway, Dennisbecameacopper Rayleigh. Aer retiring from (1946/47), Wimbledon, Oxford and 1940s and50swere Eastbourne the teams Dennisrode for inthe home atSwanage, Dorset. Among aged 91attheendofJanuary. FORMER EagleDennisGray died RIP Ken Middleditch. members oftheMiddleditch family. send condolencesto Neilandall three seasons(1973-75). to Wimborne Road, Poole. Hastings in1948and1949. operation moved to thePilotFieldat Dugard whentheSussex speedway his namewhenridingfor Charlie Middleditch, died.Heinitiallymade AT THEbeginningofJanuary, Ken The EastbourneSpeedway He eventually moved backto He was91years andlivinginarest Everyone atEastbourneSpeedway His sonNeilrode for theEagles for When Hastingsclosed,Ken moved Witches. Tom hasbeenselected bythelegendaryBelleVue Aces. both Tom Brennan andDrew Kemp have RisingStarplaceswithPremiership teams. nation’s next generation ofriders. Andthere wasgoodnews (butnotsurprising) that BRITISH SpeedwayhaslaunchedaRisingStars schemeto promote anddevelop the Drew andTom are RisingStars much ofhiscareer with theEagles. the Lynn News, reported. Lewis spent the localnewsbrand inWest Norfolk, bought two bikes from Craig Cook, boost from hisgrandfather andhas Championship. rides for Eastbourneinthe of theNorfolk side, Lewi Kerr, who racer isgetting helpfrom thecaptain Premiership. ride for theKing’s Lynn Stars inthe return to Speedway racing andwill LEWIS Bridgerhasannouncedhis Lewis isaStar Congratulations to both. Drew, wholives inSuffolk andisanIpswich asset, willjoinhislocalclub, the And already, theSussex-based Lewis hasreceived ahugefinancial

Mike Hinves Mike Hinves Big names at Plymouth

Ian Charles PLYMOUTH have been making waves since they joined the Championship. First they signed former Eagle, Bjarne Pedersen, and if that wasn’t a big enough shock, the next name was bigger still - the Arlington joint track record holder, Jason Crump. Jason is pictured chasing HG Aerospace Eagles’ Drew Kemp at last season’s British Final at Belle Vue with Dan Bewley at the back. The three-time world champion’s return to Arlington with the Gladiators in the coming season is a mouth watering prospect.

Development League in 2021? Kent clash! EASTBOURNE Speedway managers are Eagles to the league title and what about IN CASE you missed it, Eastbourne will thinking about running a team at National the Spiller boys. face Kent in the KO Cup first round. The Development League level in 2021. Richie Andrews seems to be out of draw was regionalised to prevent We shall have to wait and see what favour at Plymouth and Charlie Brooks excessive travelling and to set-up some comes of the idea, which was first floated was a real prospect in 2018 and still local derbies. in the January edition of this magazine. looked mighty handy when he rode for The full fixture list is out with details There would surely be no shortage of Mildenhall the following year. on the website. We are due to start with riders to fill the seven places. Let’s think of There must be some more and the Championship of Sussex, one of the some from the past who might be possibly an ‘unknown’ who would come oldest individual meetings in the world. tempted to return. Jake Knight (below) in and really shake things up. was a huge favourite when he rode at Derby matches against Kent Royals CLICK TO Arlington, Mark Baseby captained the and the Isle of Wight - what’s not to like? 50/50LEARN MORE winners WINNERS winners in our 50/50 draw are: 1 C. Robinson £300 2 K. Patterson £125 3 T. Hayward £75. Congratulations. The aim is to have at least 100 participants each month. The cost is £10 per month for one number – you can by as many ‘shares’ as you wish. Fiy per cent of the total fund each month, which will be announced before each draw, will be allocated in prize money and 50% will go to the Club to fund a new Air Fence. The current fence is coming to the end of its life and the aim is to have a new fence in place for the 2022 season. So far the 50/50 draw has raised £1,500 which roughly equate to three

Mike Hinves Mike air bags - the progress is shown in the graphic below.

FLYING HIGH 19 For me, standing on the centre green is We made the hour and a quarter journey definitely one of the highlights of the down to the track and it soon became night. In the middle you get a completely obvious that we’d be back for more. My STAFF CARD different view of the racing. At first, I used parents loved the nostalgia of it and my to get quite dizzy trying to keep up with kids just loved it full-stop. the bikes circling around the track, but I’m We went to every match thereaer that NUMBER 4: happy to say that I’ve now got more than season and haven’t missed one since. used to it. What was speedway’s attraction? A special memory from the 2019 season Kate Patterson was watching Richard Lawson and Lewis The sound of bikes revving in the pits and Kerr clinch the match in the thrilling final at the gates, the rhythmic sounds of the heat when riding against Sheffield. engines as they tackle the straights and the turns. Aer the meeting is over, my final job of We turn the spotlight on the night is to accompany the Mascots, The smell of methanol, the klaxons, the their families and our community groups shale flying up, racing under floodlights. volunteers who play a big part back onto the centre green one last time The bravery and commitment of the behind the scenes in making sure for photographs with our riders and to sit riders racing flat-out for their teams, the on a bike. In the summer we also helped the riders to team riding, the changing places, the last

Tiffani Graveling Tiffani split-second steals, the celebratory laps. everything is all right on the night. Win or lose, our riders are always very collect donations for the Speedway Riders’ Sam Hagon, Tom Brennan, Ben Morley and Kyle Newman with this month’s Staff Card generous with their time, signing Benevolent Fund. That September our The fact that it’s fierce, furious and fast – This month, Kate Patterson. feature subject Kate Patterson, in the background. autographs and chatting with the team lead, David Rollison, organised the and live. youngsters way aer the meetings have spectacular Sykes Harley Davidson Who is your favourite Eagle? What do you do on a Speedway night? We also like to give people a bit of a Pretty much as soon as the track tours are finished. pre-match parade. They are all brilliant, it’s so hard to review of the Eagles’ season to date and completed, I then need to get ready for As a member of the Community Team, This is a great way to end the evening as When did you start watching speedway choose. From my first season of the form of the visiting teams. my second main duty of the night, aka The Yellow Hoodie Brigade, I arrive at you hear first-hand just how much people and where? supporting the Eagles in 2015, I’d say welcoming the Eaglet Mascots. the track at about 5.30pm to be briefed The people who come on our tours are have enjoyed the night. You see young My parents started taking me to see the Marc Owen. He had a very smooth, neat by Ian Jordan on my duties for the very interested and enjoy asking I meet the children and their families at the and old going home happy aer a great Wimbledon Dons at the Plough Lane style and made a great Team Captain, evening. questions which we do our best to pre-arranged assembly point by the pit night’s entertainment, with many vowing stadium in the 1970s when I was four years always looking out for everyone. From My main job is to conduct stadium tours answer. gate. We go over what will happen when to come back. old. We used to go every Thursday night. the 2019 campaign, I will say Lewi Kerr they join the home riders for the parade for invited local community groups, such By the end of the 30-minute tour, we feel It’s great fun volunteering as part of the I was a bit scared of the noise but I also because of his consistency and and give out the Eagles’ vests that they as the Scouts, football teams and other we’ve given our guests enough Community Team and I can’t wait for the absolutely loved the thrill of it. We usually commitment, a rider who doesn’t falter wear. youth groups. information to whet their appetites for the 2021 season to start. We are always sat on the terraces at turn three but when under intense pressure. But like I The stadium tours start at about 6pm with ensuing meeting. This is fun, as for the most part the children looking for new members, so if you think sometimes we were lucky enough to say, all the Eagles are great. a group welcome and safety briefing We end our tours by giving out badges to are buzzing with excitement and can’t you might like to join our Yellow Hoodie watch in style from the grandstand. This outside the track before moving inside the children and inviting them to sign up wait to find out which rider they are Brigade, do let us know as we are a was because my Auntie Glad worked in the the stadium. for our Eaglets Club. matched with. friendly bunch. finance department at the stadium. We then visit the pits area to watch the Occasionally, we have a few who are a How did you become involved? Sometimes, she would be able to get us riders and their mechanics getting ready little overcome with nervous butterflies I became involved aer responding to a free tickets and she would throw them out for the meeting. but we soon put them at ease when we request made by Ian Jordan. He was of her office window just above the Next, we embark on a walk of the stock introduce them to their riders who are asking for volunteers to join a new turnstiles and we’d have to try to catch car track stopping to hear our resident always so friendly and gracious of their initiative called the Community Team. them! time. bike expert, David Rollison, give the I put my name forward and aer a quick With the meetings running to a second low-down on the uniqueness of Soon aer, we hear ‘Sussex by the Sea’, chat on the phone with Ian, I soon found half, I was always amazed at how I got speedway bikes. the traditional music for the start of the myself meeting my new team mates, away with staying up so late on a school Then, it’s over to either me, Josh or Paul to parade strike up, and we’re off onto the David, Josh and Paul at the beginning of night. give the group some interesting track and lining up with the riders and the 2019 season. Straight away, we all got Living in Worcester Park, we were rarely anecdotes as well as a nostalgic insight their bikes. on like a house on fire and were soon home before 10.30pm. But I guess it was into the history of this wonderful sport. The mascots all enjoy hearing Kevin working out our strategy for running the down to my parents’ enthusiasm for the We then continue our lap of the track, Coombes announce their names to the guided tours. We played to our strengths, sport. pointing out the importance of the air crowd and very quickly all that is le to do with me taking on the resident historian My mum knitted me a red and yellow outfit fences, where the referees sit, how the is to stand back on the centre green and of speedway and mascot co-chaperone. to wear, complete with bobble hat and gates work and the significance of the watch the riders take a lap of the track How long have you been involved? scarf. I remember we use to stop for chips before the start of the meeting. flags and lights systems. I’ve been involved with the Community on the way home which were wrapped in Many people who come on our tours It is then that I need to check that everyone Team since its creation in 2019. In our first newspaper – imagine that now! have never seen speedway before, so it’s is returned safely back to the outside of season, we welcomed some pretty big Aer a 30-year break from following good to let them know what to expect the track, ready to watch the first heat. groups - one night we had 120 people. speedway, I started going again in 2015 from a meeting. Aer that I’m free to go and watch the When numbers are this high we split into when we were looking for something do Quite oen though we get people, meeting with my own family, smaller groups, staggering the tours. The one sunny, Sunday aernoon. especially parents and grandparents, remembering that I need to meet up again 2019 season saw the Community Team My Dad suggested we take the kids to telling us that they used come to with the Mascots and their families at the involved in distributing Easter eggs to Arlington to experience the thrill of speedway years ago and it’s really great end of heat 13 to escort them onto the children at our opening meeting and then watching four riders on four bikes doing to hear them reminisce, share stories and centre green to watch heat 14 and helping to run the Eaglet Disco for our four laps at break-neck speed with no name favourite riders from the past. Kate Patterson sometimes heat 15. youngest supporters. brakes!

20 FLYING HIGH For me, standing on the centre green is We made the hour and a quarter journey definitely one of the highlights of the down to the track and it soon became night. In the middle you get a completely obvious that we’d be back for more. My different view of the racing. At first, I used parents loved the nostalgia of it and my to get quite dizzy trying to keep up with kids just loved it full-stop. the bikes circling around the track, but I’m We went to every match thereaer that happy to say that I’ve now got more than season and haven’t missed one since. used to it. What was speedway’s attraction? A special memory from the 2019 season was watching Richard Lawson and Lewis The sound of bikes revving in the pits and Kerr clinch the match in the thrilling final at the gates, the rhythmic sounds of the heat when riding against Sheffield. engines as they tackle the straights and the turns. Aer the meeting is over, my final job of the night is to accompany the Mascots, The smell of methanol, the klaxons, the their families and our community groups shale flying up, racing under floodlights. back onto the centre green one last time The bravery and commitment of the for photographs with our riders and to sit riders racing flat-out for their teams, the on a bike. In the summer we also helped the riders to team riding, the changing places, the last split-second steals, the celebratory laps. Win or lose, our riders are always very collect donations for the Speedway Riders’ generous with their time, signing Benevolent Fund. That September our The fact that it’s fierce, furious and fast – autographs and chatting with the team lead, David Rollison, organised the and live. youngsters way aer the meetings have spectacular Sykes Harley Davidson Who is your favourite Eagle? What do you do on a Speedway night? We also like to give people a bit of a Pretty much as soon as the track tours are finished. pre-match parade. They are all brilliant, it’s so hard to review of the Eagles’ season to date and completed, I then need to get ready for As a member of the Community Team, This is a great way to end the evening as When did you start watching speedway choose. From my first season of the form of the visiting teams. my second main duty of the night, aka The Yellow Hoodie Brigade, I arrive at you hear first-hand just how much people and where? supporting the Eagles in 2015, I’d say welcoming the Eaglet Mascots. the track at about 5.30pm to be briefed The people who come on our tours are have enjoyed the night. You see young My parents started taking me to see the Marc Owen. He had a very smooth, neat by Ian Jordan on my duties for the very interested and enjoy asking I meet the children and their families at the and old going home happy aer a great Wimbledon Dons at the Plough Lane style and made a great Team Captain, evening. questions which we do our best to pre-arranged assembly point by the pit night’s entertainment, with many vowing stadium in the 1970s when I was four years always looking out for everyone. From My main job is to conduct stadium tours answer. gate. We go over what will happen when to come back. old. We used to go every Thursday night. the 2019 campaign, I will say Lewi Kerr they join the home riders for the parade for invited local community groups, such By the end of the 30-minute tour, we feel It’s great fun volunteering as part of the I was a bit scared of the noise but I also because of his consistency and and give out the Eagles’ vests that they as the Scouts, football teams and other we’ve given our guests enough Community Team and I can’t wait for the absolutely loved the thrill of it. We usually commitment, a rider who doesn’t falter wear. youth groups. information to whet their appetites for the 2021 season to start. We are always sat on the terraces at turn three but when under intense pressure. But like I The stadium tours start at about 6pm with ensuing meeting. This is fun, as for the most part the children looking for new members, so if you think sometimes we were lucky enough to say, all the Eagles are great. a group welcome and safety briefing We end our tours by giving out badges to are buzzing with excitement and can’t you might like to join our Yellow Hoodie watch in style from the grandstand. This outside the track before moving inside the children and inviting them to sign up wait to find out which rider they are Brigade, do let us know as we are a was because my Auntie Glad worked in the the stadium. for our Eaglets Club. matched with. friendly bunch. finance department at the stadium. We then visit the pits area to watch the Occasionally, we have a few who are a How did you become involved? Sometimes, she would be able to get us riders and their mechanics getting ready little overcome with nervous butterflies I became involved aer responding to a free tickets and she would throw them out for the meeting. but we soon put them at ease when we request made by Ian Jordan. He was of her office window just above the Next, we embark on a walk of the stock introduce them to their riders who are asking for volunteers to join a new turnstiles and we’d have to try to catch car track stopping to hear our resident always so friendly and gracious of their initiative called the Community Team. them! time. bike expert, David Rollison, give the I put my name forward and aer a quick With the meetings running to a second low-down on the uniqueness of Soon aer, we hear ‘Sussex by the Sea’, chat on the phone with Ian, I soon found half, I was always amazed at how I got speedway bikes. the traditional music for the start of the myself meeting my new team mates, away with staying up so late on a school Then, it’s over to either me, Josh or Paul to parade strike up, and we’re off onto the David, Josh and Paul at the beginning of night. give the group some interesting track and lining up with the riders and the 2019 season. Straight away, we all got Living in Worcester Park, we were rarely anecdotes as well as a nostalgic insight their bikes. on like a house on fire and were soon home before 10.30pm. But I guess it was into the history of this wonderful sport. The mascots all enjoy hearing Kevin working out our strategy for running the down to my parents’ enthusiasm for the We then continue our lap of the track, Coombes announce their names to the guided tours. We played to our strengths, sport. pointing out the importance of the air crowd and very quickly all that is le to do with me taking on the resident historian My mum knitted me a red and yellow outfit fences, where the referees sit, how the is to stand back on the centre green and of speedway and mascot co-chaperone. to wear, complete with bobble hat and gates work and the significance of the watch the riders take a lap of the track How long have you been involved? scarf. I remember we use to stop for chips before the start of the meeting. flags and lights systems. I’ve been involved with the Community on the way home which were wrapped in Many people who come on our tours It is then that I need to check that everyone Team since its creation in 2019. In our first newspaper – imagine that now! have never seen speedway before, so it’s is returned safely back to the outside of season, we welcomed some pretty big Aer a 30-year break from following good to let them know what to expect the track, ready to watch the first heat. groups - one night we had 120 people. speedway, I started going again in 2015 from a meeting. Aer that I’m free to go and watch the When numbers are this high we split into when we were looking for something do Quite oen though we get people, meeting with my own family, smaller groups, staggering the tours. The one sunny, Sunday aernoon. especially parents and grandparents, remembering that I need to meet up again 2019 season saw the Community Team My Dad suggested we take the kids to telling us that they used come to with the Mascots and their families at the involved in distributing Easter eggs to Arlington to experience the thrill of speedway years ago and it’s really great end of heat 13 to escort them onto the children at our opening meeting and then watching four riders on four bikes doing to hear them reminisce, share stories and centre green to watch heat 14 and helping to run the Eaglet Disco for our four laps at break-neck speed with no name favourite riders from the past. sometimes heat 15. youngest supporters. brakes! Kate with her favourite Eagle of 2019, Lewi Kerr

FLYING HIGH 21 SUBSCRIBE, SAVE MONEYAND GET Speedway Star DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO YOUR DOOR…

…OR DIGITAL DEVICE Speedway Star is also available in digital format. Guaranteed to be delivered to your desktop or app. first thing Thursday. For digital version please visit: www.exacteditions.com/speedwaystar

you subscribe to the print version of Speedway Star and have not received your weekly copy following Friday’s postal deliveries we can now offer you the opportunity to access the digital magazine for one week free of charge. Simply e-mail your name, postcode and, if you know it, your reference number to: [email protected] and a link will be sent back to you as soon as possible. This new email account at Pinegen will be monitored seven days a week to ensure a swift reply to your request. A replacement print copy can be sent. Please state this in your e-mail if required, although these will most likely not be despatched from our Surbiton IF office until Monday morning and can still face delays with Royal Mail. www.speedwaystar.net VIEWPOINT by Alan South Let’s aim for one big league THE OLD CHESTNUT of ‘one big league’ has again raised its head this winter. The Premiership dropping to just six teams has given the idea new impetus. Six teams in the top league with Play Offs for the top four is a strange concept and looking at team strengths, you have to say the gap between the Championship and Premiership is wafer thin. The top flight has been badly hit by the change of rules in Poland, which places restrictions on team members ability to ride in multiple leagues. Add to that the on-going effect of the pandemic, and you have a cupboard that is pretty bare for top-flight UK Speedway. All those clubs can do is make the most of what they have got and get on with it. Fair play to the six-shooters of the Premiership for doing what they can but anyone can see that 12 clubs in the Championship looks much more healthy. But here’s the rub: there’s an awful lot of doubling up/down – call it what you will – and most teams in the Championship have riders who turn out in the Premiership. There are simply not enough riders to go around. That’s been the case for some years, although people across the whole spectrum of the sport have been reluctant to openly discuss the issue and find solutions. From a rider’s point of view, only a handful of matches in the top flight makes it hardly worthwhile to invest in all the Mike Hinves Mike equipment needed. Doubling up/down probably doubles the Edward Kennett opportunities to ride and earn money. One big league of 18 clubs (20 when Swindon and Somerset come back) would provide a full calendar of racing for fans and riders, so that surely has to be the aim. We have to accept we cannot get to one big league overnight but clubs need to stoke up the training schools, leagues such as the MSDL and run second teams, where they can, to bring on a host of new riders. An influx of new riders, pushing for places, means Britain will find new stars. The other aim should be to cut costs: every effort to reduce a rider’s expenditure on bikes seems to fall flat. There are vested interests out there and they need to be tackled head-on. Speedway should look at other forms of motor sport. It costs a fortune to run in F1 but the costs are much, much lower when you get down to the pecking order. And, if you have seen the racing, there is usually far more excitement and overtaking in one race in the ‘lesser’ classes than you see in half-a-season of F1 GPs. The Speedway GP is our sport’s F1 – bikes in domestic UK speedway don’t have to be the same. It’s time for those at the top table of British Speedway to be bold. *Alan South has a home in West Sussex but works all over the country, taking in Speedway meetings as and when he can. *The opinions in this article are the writer’s own and should not be

Mike Hinves Mike interpreted as representing the position of Eastbourne Speedway, Tom Brennan its directors or promoter.

FLYING HIGH 23 SECRETSSECRETS FROM FROM THE THE PIT PIT LANE LANE (aka(aka a Bluer’s a Bluer’s Guide Guide to a to Speedway a Speedway Bike) Bike)

A SpeedwayA Speedway bike looks bike at looks first glance at first likeglance a pretty like a simple pretty simple machine.machine. Two wheels Two wheels– one front, – one one front, back one – an back engine, – an engine, Seats Seats The engineThe engine If you have gotIf you an enginehave got w orkingan engine you warorkinge on a youhigh ar fore ona little a high while for untila little while until exhaustexhaust pipe and pipe away and you away go. you Appearances go. Appearances can be can be Again there areAgain types there and are shapes. types andThick/thin, shapes. Thick/thin, And here’s whereAnd her it getse’s where tricky itfor gets the trickypits team. for the pits team. that engine goesthat engineback (for goes service). back (for service). deceptive.deceptive. long and shortlong with and different short with foams. different Again, foams. it Again, it Ignition - canIgnition be advanced - can be or advanced retarded. or retarded. Riders do haveRiders engines do have set up engines for smaller set up tracks for smaller or bigger tracks tracks. or bigger tracks. is all down tois per all sonaldown preference to personal but preference Chris but Chris Advancing getsAdvancing more power gets moreand retar powerd flattens. and retard flattens. Chris believesChris you believes are better you off ar havinge better power off having because power you because can kill the you can kill the likes a seat thatlikes aids a seat the thatrider aids to sit the more rider to sit more A SpeedwayA Speedway bike is a bike fickle is amistress, fickle mistress, as Flying as High Flying found High out found out power but youpo cannotwer but ma youke cannot it stronger make or it faster. stronger or faster. down in the bikdowne. “Y inou the should bike. “Ybeou sitting should be sitting What you areWhat trying you to doare istrying put the to dopower is put on the to powerthe ground. on to the ground. when wewhen spok wee to spok Chrise to Geer Chris, who Geer for, who many for years many was years in the was in thedown in the middledown in of the the middle corner of and the then corner and then Sometimes youSometimes cannot go you do cannotwn on gothe do rearwn sprocket on the rear too sprocket much (we’ll too much (we’ll With Joonas,With they Joonas,went to theyNorway went wher to Norwaye the track wher wase the 1,100 track met wasres 1,100 long. met res long. pits helpingpits helping Joonas KylmakorpiJoonas Kylmakorpi as the Finn as the won Finn long won track long track you have controlyou haveof the control bike rather of the than bike the rather than the come to that)come because to that) it will because spin up it and will carryspin upmore and speed carry intomore the speed corner into the cornerThree enginesThr weeere engines blown inwe prreactice. blown”W ine pr didn’tactice. get”W toe didn’ttwo laps get and to tw weo laps and we bike controllingbike you. controlling you. which will takewhich you willpast take the youoptimum past the line. optimum line. were le£ withwere the fourthle£ with engine the fourth which engine he wasn’t which overly he wasn’t keen on overly because keen on because world titlesworld and titles starred and starredon the shale on the for shale Eastbourne. for Eastbourne. that really wasthat his re Eastbourneally was his engine Eastbourne and Arlington engine and is a Arlington 300m track. is a 300m track. “If you don’t“If sit youdown, don’t when sit do youwn, come when out you of come out of The next bit isThe counter-intuitive. next bit is counter-intuitive. You can make You the can engine make slower the engine but slower but There arTheree so many are so permutations many permutations that no thatwonder no w ridersonder are riders are the corner thethe bik cornere pulls the towards bike pulls the fence.towards the fence. actually you willactually get mo youre will grip get and mo gore faster.grip and go faster. “We put the “WeEastbourne put the engine Eastbourne in and engine he won in everyand he single won raeveryce by single bike race by bike When you arWhene riding you like ar thate riding and likeyou thathit a and bit you hit a bit lengths. He waslengths. long Hegone. was It long was gone.phenomenal. It was phenomenal. That engine wasThat then engine was then Adjusting theAdjusting jet for more the fuel jet for will more either fuel sharpen will either the bikesharpen up or the cause bike up or cause always always“chasing “chasing the set-up”. the set-up”. of dirt, the bikeof dirt, takes the off. bike takes off. doing everythingdoing in everything England, long in England, track and long in Poland. track and in Poland. performanceperformance to fall off. It is to all fall about off. Ithow is all the about bike how is set the up. bike is set up. “In those circumstances“In those circumstances you are just on you the are just on the We ended sellingWe ended it to T imoselling [Lahti] it to and Timo that [Lahti]’s when and he that started’s when going he started good going good Chris letsChris us into lets secretsus into secretsfrom the from pits the and pits explains and ex whatplains some what some No-one knowsNo-one the set kno up.ws the set up. bike and not bikein control. and not It isin aboutcontrol. being It is about being on that engine.on thatWe had engine. the tuner We had so couldthe tuner get soanother could engineget another as and engine as and terms youterms frequently you frequently hear actually hear actually mean. mean. comfortable.”comfortable.” You are alwaysYou chasing are always it. chasing it. when we wanted.when we wanted.

Chains Chains There is someThere adjustment is some in adjustment the back wheel, in the backabout wheel, three inches,about three inches, Clutch Clutch although somealthough bikes are some now bikes built are so nowthat youbuilt cannot so that mo youve cannot the back mo ve the back wheel all thewheel way forward. all the way forward. Hydraulic clutchHydraulic is more clutch consistent is more and consistent automatically and automatically adjusts. It is always adjusts. in It the is always same position in the same position when you gowhen to tapes. you Thego to older tapes. wire The and older lever wire set-up and meanslever set-up you have means to mak youe have changes to mak ande changes and If you put it back,If you it put mak ites back, for a it longer makes wheelbase for a longer and, wheelbase therefor and,e, should therefor e, should adjust your techniqueadjust your. technique. be easier to ridebe easier and turn. to ride The and shorter turn. it The is, theshorter more it erraticis, the butmore it canerratic be but it can be quicker. Mostquicker. people Most run medium/long. people run medium/long. “I like hydraulic“I lik becausee hydraulic you because can have you a heavy can have clutch a heavybut clutch but it feels nice andit feels so£. nice It is and always so£. the It issame. always It is the always same. It is always You have betweenYou have 2 and between 8 rollers 2 and(spare 8 r ollerschain) (spare to play chain) with butto play it does with but it does equal. Joonasequal. was one Joonas of the was fir stone people of the to fir usest people them andto use them and make a differencemake ina differencehandling of in the handling bike. of the bike. loved it. Everyoneloved isit. differ Everyoneent and is differ someent people and some may notpeople may not Belt drive onBelt the frontdrive of on the the bike: front Tuners of the saybike: it givesTuners more say it power gives moreand power and think it feels heavythink it enough feels heavy and enoughthey don’t and feel they it on don’t their feel it on their better resultsbetter on the results Dyno, on but the not Dyno, many but people not many are trying people them. are tryingYou can them. You can fingers and don’tfingers get and comfortable don’t get comfortablewith working with the working the now buy themnow off buy shelf them from off Scandic shelf from and ScandicAppleton and racing. Appleton racing. clutch. You canclutch. have You so manycan have set upsso many with clutchesset ups with and clutches and We used themWe with used Cam them (Woodward) with Cam (Woodward) and he loved and them. he loved them. plates and springs.plates andI have springs. got what I have I think got w whatorks I and think works and every rider I workedevery rider with I workedI set clutches with I upset the clutches same upand the same and And some peopleAnd some don’t people use them don’t because use them people because at the people top like at Tai the top like Tai they seemedthey to be seemed happy withto be them,” happy Chriswith them,” said. Chris said. Woffinden areWoffinden not using are them. not Itusing’s a case them. of sheepIt’s a case and of follow sheep the and leader. follow the leader.

Front wheelFront wheel Normally youNormally run the fr youont runtyre the at 10psi. front tyre Some at 10psi.pressure Some is needed pressure so is the needed front end so the does front not end slide does not slide away in the corner.away in the corner. Balancing (bitBalancing like you have (bit lik youre you car have tyres your balanced) car tyres is importantbalanced) onis important the bigger on tracks the bigger where tracks you where you get your wheelsget yourin line wheels and go in faster line and. go faster. Around the smallerAround Arlington the smaller track, Arlington it is not track, quite it so is importantnot quite so as important the rider is as nearly the rider always is nearly always turning - the turningstraights - theare straightsshort. are short. It is best to balanceIt is best the to wheelbalance to theavoid wheel a wobble. to avoid a wobble. GearingGearing However, if youHoweve get behindr, if you in get a race behind and inyour a race front and wheel your gets front a wheel load of gets dirt a stuck load toof it,dirt the stuck to it, the You can dropYou a tooth can dropif you a think tooth you if you are think spinning you aretoo spinning much. At too much. At balance factorbalance has gone factor out has of the gone window out of andthe windowmakes the and front makes heavy. the front heavy. Eastbourne youEastbourne will use fryouom will a 62 use down from to a a 62 60; down possibly to a 60;a 59 possibly but then a 59 but then Chris said theyChris used said to theyrebalance used tothe rebalance front tyre the every front three tyre or every four threemeetings or four but meetings would “spin” but would the “spin” the we are talkingwe Edward are talking Kennett, Edward Cameron Kennett, Woodward, Cameron JoonasWoodward, in heat Joonas in heat wheel (tyre) everywheel meeting (tyre) every to ensur meetinge even to ensurwear.e even wear. 14/15. They 14/15.would useThey a 59would and use the abike 59 andwould the go bike ‘past’ would the go normal ‘past’ line the normal line Small steel ballSmall weights steel ballare attachedweights artoe the attached spokes to to the achieve spokes the to balance achieve the balance for the cornerfor and the hit corner the dirt and and hit then the dirt they and would then ride they round would carrying ride round carrying the speed. the speed. At some of theAt biggersome of tracks, the bigger like Belle tracks, Vue like it wo Belleuld Vuebe 57 it wo douldwn beto a 57 53. down to a 53. Front forksFront forks Speedway tracksSpeedway are not tracks overly are rough. not ov Iterly is not rough. as if you It is arenot jumpingas if you withare jumping the bike, with for the bike, for example. A lotexample. of the riders A lot useof the a couple riders use of rubber a couple bands of rubber and a bandsshock. and Hagon a shock. Shocks Hagon Shocks Rolling Rollingchassis chassis CarburettoCarburr ettor DiamondDiamond do the job. Thedo forksthe job. really The don’t forks do really that don’t much do and that the much tracks and are the relatively tracks are smooth. relatively smooth. That’s everythingThat’s other everything than the other engine than and the the engine carbur andetto ther. Jawacarbur areetto ther. Jawaonly companyare the only which company now which now Blixt carb - youBlixt can carb adjust - you them can andadjust change them and change That’s the mainThat frame’s the of main the bikeframe – ofthe the centre bike of– the the centre of the Some riders haveSome a rider bar ats have the fr aont bar and at the stick front and stick makes completemakes bikes. complete Fi£een bikes. or so Fi£eenyears ago, or so if youyears bought ago, if ayou brand bought new abike brand from new Jawa bike you from Jawa you the jetting. Againthe jetting. it depends Again on it dependshow the on how the machine – whichmachine holds – whichthe engine holds plates, the engine the clutch plates, and the clutch and their boot ontheir it and boot push on down. it and Chrispush down.Geer has Chris Geer has needed to changeneeded 50 to per change cent of 50 the per parts cent because of the parts it wasn’t because that it good. wasn’t that good. engine reacts.engine Sometimes reacts. on Sometimes a hot day on a hot day on a the engine itself.the engine There are itself. a few There manufactu are a fewrers manufactu but rers but never been withnever a riderbeen who with does a rider that who but does says that but says Nowadays theirNowadays bikes are their made bikes up areof parts made from up of other parts firms. from You other can firms. buy theYou rolling can buy chassis the rolling from chassis from slick track a settingslick track of 195 a setting might of produce 195 might the produce the virtually everyonevirtually is using everyone Jawa is or using Stuha, Jawa which or Stuha, are very which are very it is popular withit is popular some, particularly with some, three-times particularly three-times them, put thethem, engine put in the and engine go and in ride. and goThey and are ride. the Theyonly companyare the only that company does that. that does that. power – but itpower could – also but killit could the po alsowe killr. It the all power. It all similar and madesimilar in andfactories made which in factories are side which by side are inside the by side in theworld championworld Tai champion Woffinden. Tai The Woffinden. idea is that The idea is that depends howdepends the engine how reacts. the engine reacts. Czech Republic.Czech The Republic. people at The Stuha people used at to Stuha work used at to work at you have all theyou tension have all down the tension at the tapes.down atAs the tapes. As The usual wayThe is tousual buy way a rolling is to buychassis a rolling and then chassis go andto the then different go to thesuppliers different and suppliers buy all the and buy all the It is always complicated.It is always complicated. Nothing is ever Nothing easy. is ever easy. Jawa. Jawa. soon as frontsoon wheel as bounces front wheel on thebounces ground, on itthe ground, it various partsvarious needed parts to complete needed tothe complete bike. the bike. It looks so simpleIt looks but so it simplemesses but with it messesyour head. with your head. You have a NoYou 1 diamond have a No and 1 diamond a No 4 and and the a No No 4 4 and is mor thee No 4 is moreacts like a catapultacts like and a catapultpropels youand intopropels the firstyou into the first Companies suchCompanies as Joe Hughes such as and Joe HughesAlan Bellham and Alan will Bellhambuild a bik wille to build your a specbike toor yourto their spec or to their Last week, it Lastcould week, have it been could lo havevely and been warm lovely and warm popular in England.popular in England. corner. The bikecorner. “springs” The bike forward. “springs” forward. established one,established if you don’t one, have if you your don’t own. have your own. and you had anda 195 you and had it was a 195 w orkingand it was working Some peopleSome say it people turns more say it easily. turns Themore difference easily. The difference “With speedway,“With you speedway, should be you using should your be using your Godden, backGodden, in the 1980s, back in we there 1980s,selling wecompletere selling bik completees and they bik wees reand cheap they comparwere cheaped to compar ed to perfectly. Theperfectly. next week The it nextcould week be cold, it could be cold, comes downcomes to placement down to of placement some of the of equipment,some of the equipment, body weightbody to mak weighte it to tothe mak firste corner.it to the If fir youst corner. If you nowadays. Jawanowadays. did the Jawasame. did Since the thesame. laydowns Since the came laydowns in and camebeyond in andabout beyond 2005, about everything 2005, everything damp and miserabledamp and and miserable that 195 andmakes that the 195 makes the such as the enginesuch as plates the engine which plates are higher. which It aregives higher. a It gives a have your headhave ov yourer the head handlebars, over the youhandlebars, are you are completely changed.completely changed. bikes run badly.bikes It wantsrun badly. mor e.It wants more. different positiondifferent with position the clutch. with the clutch. not going to notliŠ and going you to mak liŠ ande it work.” you make it work.”

24 FLYING HIGH Kent clash! IN CASE you missed it, Eastbourne will face Kent in the KO Cup first round. The draw was regionalised to prevent excessive travelling and to set-up some local derbies. The full fixture list is out with details on the website. We are due to start with the Championship of Sussex, one of the oldest individual meetings in the world.

SECRETSSECRETS FROM FROM THE THE PIT PIT LANE LANE (aka(aka a Bluer’s a Bluer’s Guide Guide to a to Speedway a Speedway Bike) Bike)

A SpeedwayA Speedway bike looks bike at looks first glance at first likeglance a pretty like a simple pretty simple machine.machine. Two wheels Two wheels– one front, – one one front, back one – an back engine, – an engine, Seats Seats The engineThe engine If you have gotIf you an enginehave got w orkingan engine you warorkinge on a youhigh ar fore ona little a high while for untila little while until exhaustexhaust pipe and pipe away and you away go. you Appearances go. Appearances can be can be Again there areAgain types there and are shapes. types andThick/thin, shapes. Thick/thin, And here’s whereAnd her it getse’s where tricky itfor gets the trickypits team. for the pits team. that engine goesthat engineback (for goes service). back (for service). deceptive.deceptive. long and shortlong with and different short with foams. different Again, foams. it Again, it Ignition - canIgnition be advanced - can be or advanced retarded. or retarded. Riders do haveRiders engines do have set up engines for smaller set up tracks for smaller or bigger tracks tracks. or bigger tracks. is all down tois per all sonaldown preference to personal but preference Chris but Chris Advancing getsAdvancing more power gets moreand retar powerd flattens. and retard flattens. Chris believesChris you believes are better you off ar havinge better power off having because power you because can kill the you can kill the likes a seat thatlikes aids a seat the thatrider aids to sit the more rider to sit more A SpeedwayA Speedway bike is a bike fickle is amistress, fickle mistress, as Flying as High Flying found High out found out power but youpo cannotwer but ma youke cannot it stronger make or it faster. stronger or faster. down in the bikdowne. “Y inou the should bike. “Ybeou sitting should be sitting What you areWhat trying you to doare istrying put the to dopower is put on the to powerthe ground. on to the ground. when wewhen spok wee to spok Chrise to Geer Chris, who Geer for, who many for years many was years in the was in thedown in the middledown in of the the middle corner of and the then corner and then Sometimes youSometimes cannot go you do cannotwn on gothe do rearwn sprocket on the rear too sprocket much (we’ll too much (we’ll With Joonas,With they Joonas,went to theyNorway went wher to Norwaye the track wher wase the 1,100 track met wasres 1,100 long. met res long. pits helpingpits helping Joonas KylmakorpiJoonas Kylmakorpi as the Finn as the won Finn long won track long track you have controlyou haveof the control bike rather of the than bike the rather than the come to that)come because to that) it will because spin up it and will carryspin upmore and speed carry intomore the speed corner into the cornerThree enginesThr weeere engines blown inwe prreactice. blown”W ine pr didn’tactice. get”W toe didn’ttwo laps get and to tw weo laps and we bike controllingbike you. controlling you. which will takewhich you willpast take the youoptimum past the line. optimum line. were le£ withwere the fourthle£ with engine the fourth which engine he wasn’t which overly he wasn’t keen on overly because keen on because world titlesworld and titles starred and starredon the shale on the for shale Eastbourne. for Eastbourne. that really wasthat his re Eastbourneally was his engine Eastbourne and Arlington engine and is a Arlington 300m track. is a 300m track. “If you don’t“If sit youdown, don’t when sit do youwn, come when out you of come out of The next bit isThe counter-intuitive. next bit is counter-intuitive. You can make You the can engine make slower the engine but slower but There arTheree so many are so permutations many permutations that no thatwonder no w ridersonder are riders are the corner thethe bik cornere pulls the towards bike pulls the fence.towards the fence. actually you willactually get mo youre will grip get and mo gore faster.grip and go faster. “We put the “WeEastbourne put the engine Eastbourne in and engine he won in everyand he single won raeveryce by single bike race by bike When you arWhene riding you like ar thate riding and likeyou thathit a and bit you hit a bit lengths. He waslengths. long Hegone. was It long was gone.phenomenal. It was phenomenal. That engine wasThat then engine was then Adjusting theAdjusting jet for more the fuel jet for will more either fuel sharpen will either the bikesharpen up or the cause bike up or cause always always“chasing “chasing the set-up”. the set-up”. of dirt, the bikeof dirt, takes the off. bike takes off. doing everythingdoing in everything England, long in England, track and long in Poland. track and in Poland. performanceperformance to fall off. It is to all fall about off. Ithow is all the about bike how is set the up. bike is set up. “In those circumstances“In those circumstances you are just on you the are just on the We ended sellingWe ended it to T imoselling [Lahti] it to and Timo that [Lahti]’s when and he that started’s when going he started good going good Chris letsChris us into lets secretsus into secretsfrom the from pits the and pits explains and ex whatplains some what some No-one knowsNo-one the set kno up.ws the set up. bike and not bikein control. and not It isin aboutcontrol. being It is about being on that engine.on thatWe had engine. the tuner We had so couldthe tuner get soanother could engineget another as and engine as and terms youterms frequently you frequently hear actually hear actually mean. mean. comfortable.”comfortable.” You are alwaysYou chasing are always it. chasing it. when we wanted.when we wanted.

Chains Chains There is someThere adjustment is some in adjustment the back wheel, in the backabout wheel, three inches,about three inches, Clutch Clutch although somealthough bikes are some now bikes built are so nowthat youbuilt cannot so that mo youve cannot the back mo ve the back wheel all thewheel way forward. all the way forward. Hydraulic clutchHydraulic is more clutch consistent is more and consistent automatically and automatically adjusts. It is always adjusts. in It the is always same position in the same position when you gowhen to tapes. you Thego to older tapes. wire The and older lever wire set-up and meanslever set-up you have means to mak youe have changes to mak ande changes and If you put it back,If you it put mak ites back, for a it longer makes wheelbase for a longer and, wheelbase therefor and,e, should therefor e, should adjust your techniqueadjust your. technique. be easier to ridebe easier and turn. to ride The and shorter turn. it The is, theshorter more it erraticis, the butmore it canerratic be but it can be quicker. Mostquicker. people Most run medium/long. people run medium/long. “I like hydraulic“I lik becausee hydraulic you because can have you a heavy can have clutch a heavybut clutch but it feels nice andit feels so£. nice It is andalways so£. the It issame. always It is the always same. It is always You have betweenYou have 2 and between 8 rollers 2 and(spare 8 r ollerschain) (spare to play chain) with butto play it does with but it does equal. Joonasequal. was one Joonas of the was fir stone people of the to fir usest people them andto use them and make a differencemake ina differencehandling of in the handling bike. of the bike. loved it. Everyoneloved isit. differ Everyoneent and is differ someent people and some may notpeople may not Belt drive onBelt the frontdrive of on the the bike: front Tuners of the saybike: it givesTuners more say it power gives moreand power and think it feels heavythink it enough feels heavy and enoughthey don’t and feel they it on don’t their feel it on their better resultsbetter on the results Dyno, on but the not Dyno, many but people not many are trying people them. are tryingYou can them. You can fingers and don’tfingers get and comfortable don’t get comfortablewith working with the working the now buy themnow off buy shelf them from off Scandic shelf from and ScandicAppleton and racing. Appleton racing. clutch. You canclutch. have You so manycan have set upsso many with clutchesset ups with and clutches and We used themWe with used Cam them (Woodward) with Cam (Woodward) and he loved and them. he loved them. plates and springs.plates andI have springs. got what I have I think got w whatorks I and think works and every rider I workedevery rider with I workedI set clutches with I upset the clutches same upand the same and And some peopleAnd some don’t people use them don’t because use them people because at the people top like at Tai the top like Tai they seemedthey to be seemed happy withto be them,” happy Chriswith them,” said. Chris said. Woffinden areWoffinden not using are them. not Itusing’s a case them. of sheepIt’s a case and of follow sheep the and leader. follow the leader.

Front wheelFront wheel Normally youNormally run the fr youont runtyre the at 10psi. front tyre Some at 10psi.pressure Some is needed pressure so is the needed front end so the does front not end slide does not slide away in the corner.away in the corner. Balancing (bitBalancing like you have (bit lik youre you car have tyres your balanced) car tyres is importantbalanced) onis important the bigger on tracks the bigger where tracks you where you get your wheelsget yourin line wheels and go in faster line and. go faster. Around the smallerAround Arlington the smaller track, Arlington it is not track, quite it so is importantnot quite so as important the rider is as nearly the rider always is nearly always turning - the turningstraights - theare straightsshort. are short. It is best to balanceIt is best the to wheelbalance to theavoid wheel a wobble. to avoid a wobble. GearingGearing However, if youHoweve get behindr, if you in get a race behind and inyour a race front and wheel your gets front a wheel load of gets dirt a stuck load toof it,dirt the stuck to it, the You can dropYou a tooth can dropif you a think tooth you if you are think spinning you aretoo spinning much. At too much. At balance factorbalance has gone factor out has of the gone window out of andthe windowmakes the and front makes heavy. the front heavy. Eastbourne youEastbourne will use fryouom will a 62 use down from to a a 62 60; down possibly to a 60;a 59 possibly but then a 59 but then Chris said theyChris used said to theyrebalance used tothe rebalance front tyre the every front three tyre or every four threemeetings or four but meetings would “spin” but would the “spin” the we are talkingwe Edward are talking Kennett, Edward Cameron Kennett, Woodward, Cameron JoonasWoodward, in heat Joonas in heat wheel (tyre) everywheel meeting (tyre) every to ensur meetinge even to ensurwear.e even wear. 14/15. They 14/15.would useThey a 59would and use the abike 59 andwould the go bike ‘past’ would the go normal ‘past’ line the normal line Small steel ballSmall weights steel ballare attachedweights artoe the attached spokes to to the achieve spokes the to balance achieve the balance for the cornerfor and the hit corner the dirt and and hit then the dirt they and would then ride they round would carrying ride round carrying the speed. the speed. At some of theAt biggersome of tracks, the bigger like Belle tracks, Vue like it wo Belleuld Vuebe 57 it wo douldwn beto a 57 53. down to a 53. Front forksFront forks Speedway tracksSpeedway are not tracks overly are rough. not ov Iterly is not rough. as if you It is arenot jumpingas if you withare jumping the bike, with for the bike, for example. A lotexample. of the riders A lot useof the a couple riders use of rubber a couple bands of rubber and a bandsshock. and Hagon a shock. Shocks Hagon Shocks Rolling Rollingchassis chassis CarburettoCarburr ettor DiamondDiamond do the job. Thedo forksthe job. really The don’t forks do really that don’t much do and that the much tracks and are the relatively tracks are smooth. relatively smooth. That’s everythingThat’s other everything than the other engine than and the the engine carbur andetto ther. Jawacarbur areetto ther. Jawaonly companyare the only which company now which now Blixt carb - youBlixt can carb adjust - you them can andadjust change them and change That’s the mainThat frame’s the of main the bikeframe – ofthe the centre bike of– the the centre of the Some riders haveSome a rider bar ats have the fr aont bar and at the stick front and stick makes completemakes bikes. complete Fi£een bikes. or so Fi£eenyears ago, or so if youyears bought ago, if ayou brand bought new abike brand from new Jawa bike you from Jawa you the jetting. Againthe jetting. it depends Again on it dependshow the on how the machine – whichmachine holds – whichthe engine holds plates, the engine the clutch plates, and the clutch and their boot ontheir it and boot push on down. it and Chrispush down.Geer has Chris Geer has needed to changeneeded 50 to per change cent of 50 the per parts cent because of the parts it wasn’t because that it good. wasn’t that good. engine reacts.engine Sometimes reacts. on Sometimes a hot day on a hot day on a the engine itself.the engine There are itself. a few There manufactu are a fewrers manufactu but rers but never been withnever a riderbeen who with does a rider that who but does says that but says Nowadays theirNowadays bikes are their made bikes up areof parts made from up of other parts firms. from You other can firms. buy theYou rolling can buy chassis the rolling from chassis from slick track a settingslick track of 195 a setting might of produce 195 might the produce the virtually everyonevirtually is using everyone Jawa is or using Stuha, Jawa which or Stuha, are very which are very it is popular withit is popular some, particularly with some, three-times particularly three-times them, put thethem, engine put in the and engine go and in ride. and goThey and are ride. the Theyonly companyare the only that company does that. that does that. power – but itpower could – also but killit could the po alsowe killr. It the all power. It all similar and madesimilar in andfactories made which in factories are side which by side are inside the by side in theworld championworld Tai champion Woffinden. Tai The Woffinden. idea is that The idea is that depends howdepends the engine how reacts. the engine reacts. Czech Republic.Czech The Republic. people at The Stuha people used at to Stuha work used at to work at you have all theyou tension have all down the tension at the tapes.down atAs the tapes. As The usual wayThe is tousual buy way a rolling is to buychassis a rolling and then chassis go andto the then different go to thesuppliers different and suppliers buy all the and buy all the It is always complicated.It is always complicated. Nothing is ever Nothing easy. is ever easy. Jawa. Jawa. soon as frontsoon wheel as bounces front wheel on thebounces ground, on itthe ground, it various partsvarious needed parts to complete needed tothe complete bike. the bike. It looks so simpleIt looks but so it simplemesses but with it messesyour head. with your head. You have a NoYou 1 diamond have a No and 1 diamond a No 4 and and the a No No 4 4 and is mor thee No 4 is moreacts like a catapultacts like and a catapultpropels youand intopropels the firstyou into the first Companies suchCompanies as Joe Hughes such as and Joe HughesAlan Bellham and Alan will Bellhambuild a bik wille to build your a specbike toor yourto their spec or to their Last week, it Lastcould week, have it been could lo havevely and been warm lovely and warm popular in England.popular in England. corner. The bikecorner. “springs” The bike forward. “springs” forward. established one,established if you don’t one, have if you your don’t own. have your own. and you had anda 195 you and had it was a 195 w orkingand it was working Some peopleSome say it people turns more say it easily. turns Themore difference easily. The difference “With speedway,“With you speedway, should be you using should your be using your Godden, backGodden, in the 1980s, back in we there 1980s,selling wecompletere selling bik completees and they bik wees reand cheap they comparwere cheaped to compar ed to perfectly. Theperfectly. next week The it nextcould week be cold, it could be cold, comes downcomes to placement down to of placement some of the of equipment,some of the equipment, body weightbody to mak weighte it to tothe mak firste corner.it to the If fir youst corner. If you nowadays. Jawanowadays. did the Jawasame. did Since the thesame. laydowns Since the came laydowns in and camebeyond in andabout beyond 2005, about everything 2005, everything damp and miserabledamp and and miserable that 195 andmakes that the 195 makes the such as the enginesuch as plates the engine which plates are higher. which It aregives higher. a It gives a have your headhave ov yourer the head handlebars, over the youhandlebars, are you are Mike Hinves Mike completely changed.completely changed. bikes run badly.bikes It wantsrun badly. mor e.It wants more. different positiondifferent with position the clutch. with the clutch. not going to notliŠ and going you to mak liŠ ande it work.” you make it work.”

FLYING HIGH 25 For me, standing on the centre green is We made the hour and a quarter journey definitely one of the highlights of the down to the track and it soon became night. In the middle you get a completely obvious that we’d be back for more. My different view of the racing. At first, I used parents loved the nostalgia of it and my to get quite dizzy trying to keep up with kids just loved it full-stop. the bikes circling around the track, but I’m We went to every match thereaer that happy to say that I’ve now got more than season and haven’t missed one since. used to it. What was speedway’s attraction? A special memory from the 2019 season was watching Richard Lawson and Lewis The sound of bikes revving in the pits and Kerr clinch the match in the thrilling final at the gates, the rhythmic sounds of the heat when riding against Sheffield. engines as they tackle the straights and the turns. Aer the meeting is over, my final job of the night is to accompany the Mascots, The smell of methanol, the klaxons, the their families and our community groups shale flying up, racing under floodlights. back onto the centre green one last time The bravery and commitment of the for photographs with our riders and to sit riders racing flat-out for their teams, the on a bike. In the summer we also helped the riders to team riding, the changing places, the last split-second steals, the celebratory laps. Win or lose, our riders are always very collect donations for the Speedway Riders’ generous with their time, signing Benevolent Fund. That September our The fact that it’s fierce, furious and fast – autographs and chatting with the team lead, David Rollison, organised the and live. youngsters way aer the meetings have spectacular Sykes Harley Davidson Who is your favourite Eagle? What do you do on a Speedway night? We also like to give people a bit of a Pretty much as soon as the track tours are finished. pre-match parade. They are all brilliant, it’s so hard to review of the Eagles’ season to date and completed, I then need to get ready for As a member of the Community Team, This is a great way to end the evening as When did you start watching speedway choose. From my first season of the form of the visiting teams. my second main duty of the night, aka The Yellow Hoodie Brigade, I arrive at you hear first-hand just how much people and where? supporting the Eagles in 2015, I’d say welcoming the Eaglet Mascots. the track at about 5.30pm to be briefed The people who come on our tours are have enjoyed the night. You see young My parents started taking me to see the Marc Owen. He had a very smooth, neat by Ian Jordan on my duties for the very interested and enjoy asking I meet the children and their families at the and old going home happy aer a great Wimbledon Dons at the Plough Lane style and made a great Team Captain, evening. questions which we do our best to pre-arranged assembly point by the pit night’s entertainment, with many vowing stadium in the 1970s when I was four years always looking out for everyone. From My main job is to conduct stadium tours answer. gate. We go over what will happen when to come back. old. We used to go every Thursday night. the 2019 campaign, I will say Lewi Kerr they join the home riders for the parade for invited local community groups, such By the end of the 30-minute tour, we feel It’s great fun volunteering as part of the I was a bit scared of the noise but I also because of his consistency and and give out the Eagles’ vests that they as the Scouts, football teams and other we’ve given our guests enough Community Team and I can’t wait for the absolutely loved the thrill of it. We usually commitment, a rider who doesn’t falter wear. youth groups. information to whet their appetites for the 2021 season to start. We are always sat on the terraces at turn three but when under intense pressure. But like I The stadium tours start at about 6pm with ensuing meeting. This is fun, as for the most part the children looking for new members, so if you think sometimes we were lucky enough to say, all the Eagles are great. a group welcome and safety briefing We end our tours by giving out badges to are buzzing with excitement and can’t you might like to join our Yellow Hoodie watch in style from the grandstand. This outside the track before moving inside the children and inviting them to sign up wait to find out which rider they are Brigade, do let us know as we are a was because my Auntie Glad worked in the the stadium. for our Eaglets Club. matched with. friendly bunch. finance department at the stadium. We then visit the pits area to watch the Occasionally, we have a few who are a How did you become involved? Sometimes, she would be able to get us riders and their mechanics getting ready little overcome with nervous butterflies I became involved aer responding to a free tickets and she would throw them out for the meeting. but we soon put them at ease when we request made by Ian Jordan. He was of her office window just above the Next, we embark on a walk of the stock introduce them to their riders who are asking for volunteers to join a new turnstiles and we’d have to try to catch car track stopping to hear our resident always so friendly and gracious of their initiative called the Community Team. them! time. bike expert, David Rollison, give the I put my name forward and aer a quick With the meetings running to a second low-down on the uniqueness of Soon aer, we hear ‘Sussex by the Sea’, chat on the phone with Ian, I soon found half, I was always amazed at how I got speedway bikes. the traditional music for the start of the myself meeting my new team mates, away with staying up so late on a school Then, it’s over to either me, Josh or Paul to parade strike up, and we’re off onto the David, Josh and Paul at the beginning of night. give the group some interesting track and lining up with the riders and the 2019 season. Straight away, we all got Living in Worcester Park, we were rarely anecdotes as well as a nostalgic insight their bikes. on like a house on fire and were soon home before 10.30pm. But I guess it was into the history of this wonderful sport. The mascots all enjoy hearing Kevin working out our strategy for running the down to my parents’ enthusiasm for the We then continue our lap of the track, Coombes announce their names to the guided tours. We played to our strengths, sport. pointing out the importance of the air crowd and very quickly all that is le to do with me taking on the resident historian My mum knitted me a red and yellow outfit fences, where the referees sit, how the is to stand back on the centre green and of speedway and mascot co-chaperone. to wear, complete with bobble hat and gates work and the significance of the watch the riders take a lap of the track How long have you been involved? scarf. I remember we use to stop for chips before the start of the meeting. flags and lights systems. I’ve been involved with the Community on the way home which were wrapped in Many people who come on our tours It is then that I need to check that everyone Team since its creation in 2019. In our first newspaper – imagine that now! have never seen speedway before, so it’s is returned safely back to the outside of season, we welcomed some pretty big Aer a 30-year break from following good to let them know what to expect the track, ready to watch the first heat. groups - one night we had 120 people. speedway, I started going again in 2015 from a meeting. Aer that I’m free to go and watch the When numbers are this high we split into when we were looking for something do Quite oen though we get people, meeting with my own family, smaller groups, staggering the tours. The one sunny, Sunday aernoon. especially parents and grandparents, remembering that I need to meet up again 2019 season saw the Community Team My Dad suggested we take the kids to telling us that they used come to with the Mascots and their families at the involved in distributing Easter eggs to Arlington to experience the thrill of speedway years ago and it’s really great end of heat 13 to escort them onto the children at our opening meeting and then watching four riders on four bikes doing to hear them reminisce, share stories and centre green to watch heat 14 and helping to run the Eaglet Disco for our four laps at break-neck speed with no name favourite riders from the past. sometimes heat 15. youngest supporters. brakes!

Handlebars They have changed from cowboy style of the 1950s/1960s and it is all about being comfortable and how you feel on the bike. There are many An alternative view different types of handlebars and throttles/controls. of a Speedway bike Back tyre 10psi maximum. Minimum might be 5 or 5.5. Any lower you will spin the tyre and turn the valve, causing a puncture. In England you only have one tyre in a meeting. Lower pressure will equal more traction. You want to get the whole tyre on the base of the track and that means it is working.

Slick track Eastbourne is slick and Arena Essex was slicker still. The track is hard. It is like digging on a hard garden or Tarmac. There is nothing there. You need a bit of dirt, really.

Deep track It has a good dirt line. You can get out and hit the dirt and it will power you round the corner. Eastbourne hasn’t really had dirt like that for a few years. A deep track will be spongey and tacky. You can put your foot in CLICK TO and kick around. WATCH VIDEO

Name: Speedway bike Age: Dates back to the 1920s Appearance: Two wheels, an engine, handlebars and seat. There is not much to it at all. Sounds like a simple piece of kit to use and run: Don’t bet on that. Where can I buy one? You can’t. So, how do you get a Speedway bike? You buy all the individual parts and assemble it yourself or have it built to your specification. Sounds a bit like the Meccano set I had when I was a schoolboy: Not really, but if you must.

Tiffani Graveling Tiffani OK, I understand. The crane I built collapsed. Chris Geer (le) with Trevor Geer and Jason Edwards. What is the key component of a speedway bike? A diamond. Acknowledgements: No wonder they are expensive: It’s not a diamond that is Chris Geer for his technical knowledge, expertise, insights and mined, cut and put in a ring. It’s the core frame of a speedway patience with the writer whose mechanical knowledge is zilch. bike to which all the other pieces are attached. Thanks also to Chris for the video/photographs. Oh, I know, like a nine carat diamond: Not at all. Diamond 4 is what you want in England. Do they change gear when going down the straights? You can’t change gear during a race. It’s fixed. So they don’t pop into the pits during the race if the gear is wrong, like they do in F1? No. Are you sure you’ve been to Speedway, or F1 for that matter? You haven’t mentioned the brakes: There you go again. There are none. No wonder Speedway is an extreme sport: You have to be brave. The faster you go into the corners, the safer it is. Do say: The track is slick tonight Don’t say: The rider is slick unless you are talking about THE JOHN SOMERVILLE COLLECTION Eastbourne Seagull, ‘Slick’ Nick Laurence. View and purchase images from the illustrious history of Eastbourne Eagles and the wonderful world of speedway at We acknowledge The Guardian, which developed this form of www.skidmarks1928.com content over many years.

26 FLYING HIGH For me, standing on the centre green is We made the hour and a quarter journey definitely one of the highlights of the down to the track and it soon became night. In the middle you get a completely obvious that we’d be back for more. My different view of the racing. At first, I used parents loved the nostalgia of it and my to get quite dizzy trying to keep up with kids just loved it full-stop. the bikes circling around the track, but I’m We went to every match thereaer that happy to say that I’ve now got more than season and haven’t missed one since. used to it. What was speedway’s attraction? A special memory from the 2019 season was watching Richard Lawson and Lewis The sound of bikes revving in the pits and Kerr clinch the match in the thrilling final at the gates, the rhythmic sounds of the heat when riding against Sheffield. engines as they tackle the straights and the turns. Aer the meeting is over, my final job of the night is to accompany the Mascots, The smell of methanol, the klaxons, the their families and our community groups shale flying up, racing under floodlights. back onto the centre green one last time The bravery and commitment of the for photographs with our riders and to sit riders racing flat-out for their teams, the on a bike. In the summer we also helped the riders to team riding, the changing places, the last split-second steals, the celebratory laps. Win or lose, our riders are always very collect donations for the Speedway Riders’ generous with their time, signing Benevolent Fund. That September our The fact that it’s fierce, furious and fast – autographs and chatting with the team lead, David Rollison, organised the and live. youngsters way aer the meetings have spectacular Sykes Harley Davidson Who is your favourite Eagle? What do you do on a Speedway night? We also like to give people a bit of a Pretty much as soon as the track tours are finished. pre-match parade. They are all brilliant, it’s so hard to review of the Eagles’ season to date and completed, I then need to get ready for As a member of the Community Team, This is a great way to end the evening as When did you start watching speedway choose. From my first season of the form of the visiting teams. my second main duty of the night, aka The Yellow Hoodie Brigade, I arrive at you hear first-hand just how much people and where? supporting the Eagles in 2015, I’d say welcoming the Eaglet Mascots. the track at about 5.30pm to be briefed The people who come on our tours are have enjoyed the night. You see young My parents started taking me to see the Marc Owen. He had a very smooth, neat by Ian Jordan on my duties for the very interested and enjoy asking I meet the children and their families at the and old going home happy aer a great Wimbledon Dons at the Plough Lane style and made a great Team Captain, evening. questions which we do our best to pre-arranged assembly point by the pit night’s entertainment, with many vowing stadium in the 1970s when I was four years always looking out for everyone. From My main job is to conduct stadium tours answer. gate. We go over what will happen when to come back. old. We used to go every Thursday night. the 2019 campaign, I will say Lewi Kerr they join the home riders for the parade for invited local community groups, such By the end of the 30-minute tour, we feel It’s great fun volunteering as part of the I was a bit scared of the noise but I also because of his consistency and and give out the Eagles’ vests that they as the Scouts, football teams and other we’ve given our guests enough Community Team and I can’t wait for the absolutely loved the thrill of it. We usually commitment, a rider who doesn’t falter wear. youth groups. information to whet their appetites for the 2021 season to start. We are always sat on the terraces at turn three but when under intense pressure. But like I The stadium tours start at about 6pm with ensuing meeting. This is fun, as for the most part the children looking for new members, so if you think sometimes we were lucky enough to say, all the Eagles are great. a group welcome and safety briefing We end our tours by giving out badges to are buzzing with excitement and can’t you might like to join our Yellow Hoodie watch in style from the grandstand. This outside the track before moving inside the children and inviting them to sign up wait to find out which rider they are Brigade, do let us know as we are a was because my Auntie Glad worked in the the stadium. for our Eaglets Club. matched with. friendly bunch. finance department at the stadium. We then visit the pits area to watch the Occasionally, we have a few who are a How did you become involved? Sometimes, she would be able to get us riders and their mechanics getting ready little overcome with nervous butterflies I became involved aer responding to a free tickets and she would throw them out for the meeting. but we soon put them at ease when we request made by Ian Jordan. He was of her office window just above the Next, we embark on a walk of the stock introduce them to their riders who are asking for volunteers to join a new turnstiles and we’d have to try to catch car track stopping to hear our resident always so friendly and gracious of their initiative called the Community Team. them! time. bike expert, David Rollison, give the I put my name forward and aer a quick With the meetings running to a second low-down on the uniqueness of Soon aer, we hear ‘Sussex by the Sea’, chat on the phone with Ian, I soon found half, I was always amazed at how I got speedway bikes. the traditional music for the start of the myself meeting my new team mates, away with staying up so late on a school Then, it’s over to either me, Josh or Paul to parade strike up, and we’re off onto the David, Josh and Paul at the beginning of night. give the group some interesting track and lining up with the riders and the 2019 season. Straight away, we all got Living in Worcester Park, we were rarely anecdotes as well as a nostalgic insight their bikes. on like a house on fire and were soon home before 10.30pm. But I guess it was into the history of this wonderful sport. The mascots all enjoy hearing Kevin working out our strategy for running the down to my parents’ enthusiasm for the We then continue our lap of the track, Coombes announce their names to the guided tours. We played to our strengths, sport. pointing out the importance of the air crowd and very quickly all that is le to do with me taking on the resident historian My mum knitted me a red and yellow outfit fences, where the referees sit, how the is to stand back on the centre green and of speedway and mascot co-chaperone. to wear, complete with bobble hat and gates work and the significance of the watch the riders take a lap of the track How long have you been involved? scarf. I remember we use to stop for chips before the start of the meeting. flags and lights systems. I’ve been involved with the Community on the way home which were wrapped in Many people who come on our tours It is then that I need to check that everyone Team since its creation in 2019. In our first newspaper – imagine that now! have never seen speedway before, so it’s is returned safely back to the outside of season, we welcomed some pretty big Aer a 30-year break from following good to let them know what to expect the track, ready to watch the first heat. groups - one night we had 120 people. speedway, I started going again in 2015 from a meeting. Aer that I’m free to go and watch the When numbers are this high we split into when we were looking for something do Quite oen though we get people, meeting with my own family, smaller groups, staggering the tours. The one sunny, Sunday aernoon. especially parents and grandparents, remembering that I need to meet up again 2019 season saw the Community Team My Dad suggested we take the kids to telling us that they used come to with the Mascots and their families at the involved in distributing Easter eggs to Arlington to experience the thrill of speedway years ago and it’s really great end of heat 13 to escort them onto the children at our opening meeting and then watching four riders on four bikes doing to hear them reminisce, share stories and centre green to watch heat 14 and helping to run the Eaglet Disco for our four laps at break-neck speed with no name favourite riders from the past. sometimes heat 15. youngest supporters. brakes!

The Soaring Seagulls James Laker James Laker is 19 and lives in a village in Kent on the outskirts of Sandwich, near Dover. He works in a small factory making face masks in Sandwich. His parents are very supportive with dad giving up his spare time to take James all over the place for racing and mum for cleaning the kit. Without their help, he said, “I wouldn’t have the kit and resources to be doing it and for that I’m very thankful.” James has ridden at Arlington many times before, with MSDL teams and when there were second-halves a er the meetings. He has also ridden at a variety of tracks across the UK from Plymouth to Redcar.

Q: How did you become interested in Speedway? A: My family have always been fans of speedway from back from the time of the Canterbury Crusaders. I started watching speedway on TV aged 10 as well as going to local grasstrack meetings. That led us going to watch the Lakeside Hammers on a Friday night at Arena Essex. Kevin Whiting Kevin At Lakeside, they had a training track (Hagon Shocks Academy) and I went for my 12th birthday and enjoyed it that much, that I ended Q: What are your most embarrassing moments (a) on track and up getting my own 150cc bike and was lucky enough to get chosen (b) off track? to ride in the junior races before the start of the meeting at A: On the track was probably forgetting to turn my fuel on in a race Lakeside. and not moving off the line. Q: Why did you want to ride Speedway and what do you love Off the track would have to be slipping over with my steel shoe on in about racing? front of everyone. A: From a young age I always wanted to have a go at it. It was my Q: So far, who had had the biggest influence on your career? dream. When I got told I was going to the Lakeside Academy I was A: Definitely has to be my Dad, without him I wouldn’t be riding. excited to actually give it a go. The thing I love about racing The amount of time he takes off work to take me to meetings is getting to meet new people and in this sport everyone and the amount of money that has been invested in my is friendly. It’s also four laps of fast high adrenaline equipment and kit. racing where all your problems disappear. Q: Which two words best sum you up? Q: Do you ride any other motor-bikes (eg: grass, moto-cross or road bike)? A bit of a joker and determined. A: In 2019 I raced in my first grasstrack meeting. I Q: If we made a video of you racing, what music enjoyed it so much that this winter I’ve been out would you want to accompany the film? and got myself a grasstrack bike and hope that I A: It would have to be ‘Waiting All Night’ by can do some more of it this year. I also took part Rudimental because it’s an up-beat and fast and I in the Pit Bike speedway at Iwade a couple of really think it would match the speed and tempo times in the winter to keep me on a bike and just have a bit of fun. of the racing, plus it’s a banging song!!!!

Q: So far, what’s your Q: You can line-up in Heat 15 with favourite three-point win? any three riders from Speedway history. You are in A: It was probably actually at the race. Who would the other Arlington, when riding for three riders be? Kent Kestrels against Reading Racers, I got a 5-1 with A: At Somerset, one of my team-mate at the time, favourite tracks. Gate 1: Darcy Andrew Palmer, against two Ward, Gate 2: me, Gate 3: lads who were regular Jason Doyle, Gate 4: Greg guests for teams in the NL. Hancock It was close racing, where they were leading one minute, and we were the CLICK TO next with passing on every lap. WATCH VIDEO

FLYING HIGH 27 9. The verdict came on May 19 and it was a ‘no’. It was too late to start the Southern Area League, so 90 Glorious Years of once again it was back to challenge matches which were strangely enough against Eastbourne Speedway Provincial League teams. So the track was safe for challenge matches but not for league matches against the same teams. PART THREE : THE 1960s A strange state of affairs.

1. Speedway was in a state of flux at Eastbourne Speedway can trace its roots right back to the 10. The control board intervened again in 1963 and told the turn of the decade. The top beginnings of the sport in Britain. All being well, in season league (National League) was in Eastbourne they could no longer decline and in 1959 Mike Parker 2021, the HG Aerospace Eagles will celebrate the club’s book top riders from the started what was to become a 90th+ anniversary. In the build-up to the big day, we are Provincial and National League for their challenge/individual revolution and ran ‘unlicensed’ featuring some highlights from the past, thanks to author meetings with clubs staffed by meetings. youngsters, some of whom soon Ken Burnett, who is a member of our media team. 13. Before the 1964 season began, became stars. This month, the 1960s. You can read a much more detailed 11. Charlie Dugard protested and said Dugard spent about £1,000 on account on our website. without the ‘names’ crowds improving the track as a 2. Eastbourne were set to join a new would drop. The SCB stood firm precursor to another application Provincial League in 1960 but the and Dugard defied them by to join the Provincial League. He Speedway Control Board stepped staging a ‘composite’ meeting in re-banked the circuit and built a in and ruled out the Eagles (and June, which included speedway new stand for 1,000 spectators. In Rye House) on the grounds that 5. The 1961 season began with the with some riders from the the end however, they entered a the tracks were not up to standard customary Easter Trophy, won by National League. He was fined revived Southern Area League and that they raced on Sundays. Colin Gooddy, who stayed £20. which was renamed the unbeaten throughout the Metropolitan League. 3. The old Southern Area League meeting, despite the top-class 12. Eastbourne closed. The riders’ (SAL) was no longer viable and line-up which included John and association protested and the 14. The league descended into farce. Arlington returned to the old Bobby Dugard, Ross Gilbertson, decision was reversed but too late Exeter B pulled out and other routine of challenge matches and Des Lukehurst and Speedy Pete to save the 1963 season. teams failed to complete their individual meetings. Eric Jarman. fixtures. Not only that, but the Hockaday became Champion of riders seemed to swap teams with Sussex on June 5 1960. 6. Poole ’Pirates’ made their first alarming regularity. Arlington appearance in a 4. By season’s end, Eastbourne had challenge match on September 3 15. Dugard became very disillusioned put on a successful programme and, despite a brilliant 11 points with the state of lower league and with a team consisting of by ex-Hastings and Eastbourne speedway and decided to call it a Colin Gooddy as captain, Jim rider, Ken Middleditch, lost to the day. Arlington was closed to Heard, Ross Gilbertson, John and Eagles. Sadly, Ken died earlier this speedway and concentrated on Bob Dugard, Dave Still and Bob year. stock car racing for the next four Warner, had taken on and beaten years, pulling in crowds of more a number of Provincial League 7. In 1962 there was talk of reviving than 8,000. teams. the old Southern Area League and Charlie Dugard still harboured 16 Speedway was back in 1969 with hopes of joining the Provincial Arlington Promotions – former League. Work was done to bring West Ham manager, journalist the track up to the standard and ITV sports commentator, required by the authorities but Dave Lanning and Charlie there were still quibbles from Dugard’s son, Bob, with help from those controlling the sport. old Eagles’ favourite, Colin Gooddy. A new era was born. 8. The Control Board said it would announce their final decision in You can read more about Eastbourne May. So it was a somewhat Speedway in the 1960s on the club dubious start to the 1962 season website. as it still wasn’t clear whether the Eagles would be operating in the SAL, the Provincial League or neither and this was still the position when the first meeting, the Easter Trophy, won by Poole’s Derek Cook Derek Cook in action for Eastbourne in 1969. Geoff Mudge, took place.

28 FLYING HIGH 9. The verdict came on May 19 and it was a ‘no’. It was too late to start the Southern Area League, so once again it was back to challenge matches which were strangely enough against Provincial League teams. So the track was safe for challenge matches but not for league matches against the same teams. A strange state of affairs.

1. Speedway was in a state of flux at 10. The control board intervened the turn of the decade. The top again in 1963 and told league (National League) was in Eastbourne they could no longer decline and in 1959 Mike Parker book top riders from the started what was to become a Provincial and National League revolution and ran ‘unlicensed’ for their challenge/individual Tony Hall 1969 meetings with clubs staffed by meetings. youngsters, some of whom soon 13. Before the 1964 season began, became stars. 11. Charlie Dugard protested and said Dugard spent about £1,000 on without the ‘names’ crowds improving the track as a 2. Eastbourne were set to join a new would drop. The SCB stood firm precursor to another application Provincial League in 1960 but the and Dugard defied them by to join the Provincial League. He Speedway Control Board stepped Barry Crowson in 1969 staging a ‘composite’ meeting in re-banked the circuit and built a in and ruled out the Eagles (and June, which included speedway new stand for 1,000 spectators. In Rye House) on the grounds that 5. The 1961 season began with the with some riders from the the end however, they entered a the tracks were not up to standard customary Easter Trophy, won by National League. He was fined revived Southern Area League and that they raced on Sundays. Colin Gooddy, who stayed £20. which was renamed the unbeaten throughout the Metropolitan League. 3. The old Southern Area League meeting, despite the top-class 12. Eastbourne closed. The riders’ (SAL) was no longer viable and line-up which included John and association protested and the 14. The league descended into farce. Arlington returned to the old Bobby Dugard, Ross Gilbertson, decision was reversed but too late Exeter B pulled out and other routine of challenge matches and Des Lukehurst and Speedy Pete to save the 1963 season. teams failed to complete their individual meetings. Eric Jarman. fixtures. Not only that, but the Hockaday became Champion of riders seemed to swap teams with Sussex on June 5 1960. 6. Poole ’Pirates’ made their first alarming regularity. Arlington appearance in a 4. By season’s end, Eastbourne had challenge match on September 3 15. Dugard became very disillusioned put on a successful programme and, despite a brilliant 11 points with the state of lower league and with a team consisting of by ex-Hastings and Eastbourne speedway and decided to call it a Colin Gooddy as captain, Jim rider, Ken Middleditch, lost to the day. Arlington was closed to Heard, Ross Gilbertson, John and Eagles. Sadly, Ken died earlier this speedway and concentrated on Bob Dugard, Dave Still and Bob year. stock car racing for the next four Warner, had taken on and beaten years, pulling in crowds of more a number of Provincial League 7. In 1962 there was talk of reviving than 8,000. teams. the old Southern Area League and Charlie Dugard still harboured 16 Speedway was back in 1969 with hopes of joining the Provincial Arlington Promotions – former League. Work was done to bring West Ham manager, journalist the track up to the standard and ITV sports commentator, required by the authorities but Dave Lanning and Charlie there were still quibbles from Dugard’s son, Bob, with help from those controlling the sport. old Eagles’ favourite, Colin Gooddy. A new era was born. 8. The Control Board said it would announce their final decision in You can read more about Eastbourne May. So it was a somewhat Speedway in the 1960s on the club dubious start to the 1962 season website. as it still wasn’t clear whether the Eagles would be operating in the SAL, the Provincial League or CLICK TO neither and this was still the position when the first meeting, LEARN MORE the Easter Trophy, won by Poole’s Geoff Mudge, took place. Dave Jessup 1968 All images copyright Ken Burnett

FLYING HIGH 29 SECRETSSECRETS FROM FROM THE THE PIT PIT LANE LANE (aka(aka a Bluer’s a Bluer’s Guide Guide to a to Speedway a Speedway Bike) Bike)

A SpeedwayA Speedway bike looks bike at looks first glance at first likeglance a pretty like a simple pretty simple machine.machine. Two wheels Two wheels– one front, – one one front, back one – an back engine, – an engine, Seats Seats The engineThe engine If you have gotIf you an enginehave got w orkingan engine you warorkinge on a youhigh ar fore ona little a high while for untila little while until exhaustexhaust pipe and pipe away and you away go. you Appearances go. Appearances can be can be Again there areAgain types there and are shapes. types andThick/thin, shapes. Thick/thin, And here’s whereAnd her it getse’s where tricky itfor gets the trickypits team. for the pits team. that engine goesthat engineback (for goes service). back (for service). deceptive.deceptive. long and shortlong with and different short with foams. different Again, foams. it Again, it Ignition - canIgnition be advanced - can be or advanced retarded. or retarded. Riders do haveRiders engines do have set up engines for smaller set up tracks for smaller or bigger tracks tracks. or bigger tracks. is all down tois per all sonaldown preference to personal but preference Chris but Chris Advancing getsAdvancing more power gets moreand retar powerd flattens. and retard flattens. Chris believesChris you believes are better you off ar havinge better power off having because power you because can kill the you can kill the likes a seat thatlikes aids a seat the thatrider aids to sit the more rider to sit more A SpeedwayA Speedway bike is a bike fickle is amistress, fickle mistress, as Flying as High Flying found High out found out power but youpo cannotwer but ma youke cannot it stronger make or it faster. stronger or faster. down in the bikdowne. “Y inou the should bike. “Ybeou sitting should be sitting What you areWhat trying you to doare istrying put the to dopower is put on the to powerthe ground. on to the ground. when wewhen spok wee to spok Chrise to Geer Chris, who Geer for, who many for years many was years in the was in thedown in the middledown in of the the middle corner of and the then corner and then Sometimes youSometimes cannot go you do cannotwn on gothe do rearwn sprocket on the rear too sprocket much (we’ll too much (we’ll With Joonas,With they Joonas,went to theyNorway went wher to Norwaye the track wher wase the 1,100 track met wasres 1,100 long. met res long. pits helpingpits helping Joonas KylmakorpiJoonas Kylmakorpi as the Finn as the won Finn long won track long track you have controlyou haveof the control bike rather of the than bike the rather than the come to that)come because to that) it will because spin up it and will carryspin upmore and speed carry intomore the speed corner into the cornerThree enginesThr weeere engines blown inwe prreactice. blown”W ine pr didn’tactice. get”W toe didn’ttwo laps get and to tw weo laps and we bike controllingbike you. controlling you. which will takewhich you willpast take the youoptimum past the line. optimum line. were le£ withwere the fourthle£ with engine the fourth which engine he wasn’t which overly he wasn’t keen on overly because keen on because world titlesworld and titles starred and starredon the shale on the for shale Eastbourne. for Eastbourne. that really wasthat his re Eastbourneally was his engine Eastbourne and Arlington engine and is a Arlington 300m track. is a 300m track. “If you don’t“If sit youdown, don’t when sit do youwn, come when out you of come out of The next bit isThe counter-intuitive. next bit is counter-intuitive. You can make You the can engine make slower the engine but slower but There arTheree so many are so permutations many permutations that no thatwonder no w ridersonder are riders are the corner thethe bik cornere pulls the towards bike pulls the fence.towards the fence. actually you willactually get mo youre will grip get and mo gore faster.grip and go faster. “We put the “WeEastbourne put the engine Eastbourne in and engine he won in everyand he single won raeveryce by single bike race by bike When you arWhene riding you like ar thate riding and likeyou thathit a and bit you hit a bit lengths. He waslengths. long Hegone. was It long was gone.phenomenal. It was phenomenal. That engine wasThat then engine was then Adjusting theAdjusting jet for more the fuel jet for will more either fuel sharpen will either the bikesharpen up or the cause bike up or cause always always“chasing “chasing the set-up”. the set-up”. of dirt, the bikeof dirt, takes the off. bike takes off. doing everythingdoing in everything England, long in England, track and long in Poland. track and in Poland. performanceperformance to fall off. It is to all fall about off. Ithow is all the about bike how is set the up. bike is set up. “In those circumstances“In those circumstances you are just on you the are just on the We ended sellingWe ended it to T imoselling [Lahti] it to and Timo that [Lahti]’s when and he that started’s when going he started good going good Chris letsChris us into lets secretsus into secretsfrom the from pits the and pits explains and ex whatplains some what some No-one knowsNo-one the set kno up.ws the set up. bike and not bikein control. and not It isin aboutcontrol. being It is about being on that engine.on thatWe had engine. the tuner We had so couldthe tuner get soanother could engineget another as and engine as and terms youterms frequently you frequently hear actually hear actually mean. mean. comfortable.”comfortable.” You are alwaysYou chasing are always it. chasing it. when we wanted.when we wanted.

Chains Chains There is someThere adjustment is some in adjustment the back wheel, in the backabout wheel, three inches,about three inches, Clutch Clutch although somealthough bikes are some now bikes built are so nowthat youbuilt cannot so that mo youve cannot the back mo ve the back wheel all thewheel way forward. all the way forward. Hydraulic clutchHydraulic is more clutch consistent is more and consistent automatically and automatically adjusts. It is always adjusts. in It the is always same position in the same position when you gowhen to tapes. you Thego to older tapes. wire The and older lever wire set-up and meanslever set-up you have means to mak youe have changes to mak ande changes and If you put it back,If you it put mak ites back, for a it longer makes wheelbase for a longer and, wheelbase therefor and,e, should therefor e, should adjust your techniqueadjust your. technique. be easier to ridebe easier and turn. to ride The and shorter turn. it The is, theshorter more it erraticis, the butmore it canerratic be but it can be quicker. Mostquicker. people Most run medium/long. people run medium/long. “I like hydraulic“I lik becausee hydraulic you because can have you a heavy can have clutch a heavybut clutch but it feels nice andit feels so£. nice It is andalways so£. the It issame. always It is the always same. It is always You have betweenYou have 2 and between 8 rollers 2 and(spare 8 r ollerschain) (spare to play chain) with butto play it does with but it does equal. Joonasequal. was one Joonas of the was fir stone people of the to fir usest people them andto use them and make a differencemake ina differencehandling of in the handling bike. of the bike. loved it. Everyoneloved isit. differ Everyoneent and is differ someent people and some may notpeople may not Belt drive onBelt the frontdrive of on the the bike: front Tuners of the saybike: it givesTuners more say it power gives moreand power and think it feels heavythink it enough feels heavy and enoughthey don’t and feel they it on don’t their feel it on their better resultsbetter on the results Dyno, on but the not Dyno, many but people not many are trying people them. are tryingYou can them. You can fingers and don’tfingers get and comfortable don’t get comfortablewith working with the working the now buy themnow off buy shelf them from off Scandic shelf from and ScandicAppleton and racing. Appleton racing. clutch. You canclutch. have You so manycan have set upsso many with clutchesset ups with and clutches and We used themWe with used Cam them (Woodward) with Cam (Woodward) and he loved and them. he loved them. plates and springs.plates andI have springs. got what I have I think got w whatorks I and think works and every rider I workedevery rider with I workedI set clutches with I upset the clutches same upand the same and And some peopleAnd some don’t people use them don’t because use them people because at the people top like at Tai the top like Tai they seemedthey to be seemed happy withto be them,” happy Chriswith them,” said. Chris said. Woffinden areWoffinden not using are them. not Itusing’s a case them. of sheepIt’s a case and of follow sheep the and leader. follow the leader.

Front wheelFront wheel Normally youNormally run the fr youont runtyre the at 10psi. front tyre Some at 10psi.pressure Some is needed pressure so is the needed front end so the does front not end slide does not slide away in the corner.away in the corner. Balancing (bitBalancing like you have (bit lik youre you car have tyres your balanced) car tyres is importantbalanced) onis important the bigger on tracks the bigger where tracks you where you get your wheelsget yourin line wheels and go in faster line and. go faster. Around the smallerAround Arlington the smaller track, Arlington it is not track, quite it so is importantnot quite so as important the rider is as nearly the rider always is nearly always turning - the turningstraights - theare straightsshort. are short. It is best to balanceIt is best the to wheelbalance to theavoid wheel a wobble. to avoid a wobble. GearingGearing However, if youHoweve get behindr, if you in get a race behind and inyour a race front and wheel your gets front a wheel load of gets dirt a stuck load toof it,dirt the stuck to it, the You can dropYou a tooth can dropif you a think tooth you if you are think spinning you aretoo spinning much. At too much. At balance factorbalance has gone factor out has of the gone window out of andthe windowmakes the and front makes heavy. the front heavy. Eastbourne youEastbourne will use fryouom will a 62 use down from to a a 62 60; down possibly to a 60;a 59 possibly but then a 59 but then Chris said theyChris used said to theyrebalance used tothe rebalance front tyre the every front three tyre or every four threemeetings or four but meetings would “spin” but would the “spin” the we are talkingwe Edward are talking Kennett, Edward Cameron Kennett, Woodward, Cameron JoonasWoodward, in heat Joonas in heat wheel (tyre) everywheel meeting (tyre) every to ensur meetinge even to ensurwear.e even wear. 14/15. They 14/15.would useThey a 59would and use the abike 59 andwould the go bike ‘past’ would the go normal ‘past’ line the normal line Small steel ballSmall weights steel ballare attachedweights artoe the attached spokes to to the achieve spokes the to balance achieve the balance for the cornerfor and the hit corner the dirt and and hit then the dirt they and would then ride they round would carrying ride round carrying the speed. the speed. At some of theAt biggersome of tracks, the bigger like Belle tracks, Vue like it wo Belleuld Vuebe 57 it wo douldwn beto a 57 53. down to a 53. Front forksFront forks Speedway tracksSpeedway are not tracks overly are rough. not ov Iterly is not rough. as if you It is arenot jumpingas if you withare jumping the bike, with for the bike, for example. A lotexample. of the riders A lot useof the a couple riders use of rubber a couple bands of rubber and a bandsshock. and Hagon a shock. Shocks Hagon Shocks Rolling Rollingchassis chassis CarburettoCarburr ettor DiamondDiamond do the job. Thedo forksthe job. really The don’t forks do really that don’t much do and that the much tracks and are the relatively tracks are smooth. relatively smooth. That’s everythingThat’s other everything than the other engine than and the the engine carbur andetto ther. Jawacarbur areetto ther. Jawaonly companyare the only which company now which now Blixt carb - youBlixt can carb adjust - you them can andadjust change them and change That’s the mainThat frame’s the of main the bikeframe – ofthe the centre bike of– the the centre of the Some riders haveSome a rider bar ats have the fr aont bar and at the stick front and stick makes completemakes bikes. complete Fi£een bikes. or so Fi£eenyears ago, or so if youyears bought ago, if ayou brand bought new abike brand from new Jawa bike you from Jawa you the jetting. Againthe jetting. it depends Again on it dependshow the on how the machine – whichmachine holds – whichthe engine holds plates, the engine the clutch plates, and the clutch and their boot ontheir it and boot push on down. it and Chrispush down.Geer has Chris Geer has needed to changeneeded 50 to per change cent of 50 the per parts cent because of the parts it wasn’t because that it good. wasn’t that good. engine reacts.engine Sometimes reacts. on Sometimes a hot day on a hot day on a the engine itself.the engine There are itself. a few There manufactu are a fewrers manufactu but rers but never been withnever a riderbeen who with does a rider that who but does says that but says Nowadays theirNowadays bikes are their made bikes up areof parts made from up of other parts firms. from You other can firms. buy theYou rolling can buy chassis the rolling from chassis from slick track a settingslick track of 195 a setting might of produce 195 might the produce the virtually everyonevirtually is using everyone Jawa is or using Stuha, Jawa which or Stuha, are very which are very it is popular withit is popular some, particularly with some, three-times particularly three-times them, put thethem, engine put in the and engine go and in ride. and goThey and are ride. the Theyonly companyare the only that company does that. that does that. power – but itpower could – also but killit could the po alsowe killr. It the all power. It all similar and madesimilar in andfactories made which in factories are side which by side are inside the by side in theworld championworld Tai champion Woffinden. Tai The Woffinden. idea is that The idea is that depends howdepends the engine how reacts. the engine reacts. Czech Republic.Czech The Republic. people at The Stuha people used at to Stuha work used at to work at you have all theyou tension have all down the tension at the tapes.down atAs the tapes. As The usual wayThe is tousual buy way a rolling is to buychassis a rolling and then chassis go andto the then different go to thesuppliers different and suppliers buy all the and buy all the It is always complicated.It is always complicated. Nothing is ever Nothing easy. is ever easy. Jawa. Jawa. soon as frontsoon wheel as bounces front wheel on thebounces ground, on itthe ground, it various partsvarious needed parts to complete needed tothe complete bike. the bike. It looks so simpleIt looks but so it simplemesses but with it messesyour head. with your head. You have a NoYou 1 diamond have a No and 1 diamond a No 4 and and the a No No 4 4 and is mor thee No 4 is moreacts like a catapultacts like and a catapultpropels youand intopropels the firstyou into the first Companies suchCompanies as Joe Hughes such as and Joe HughesAlan Bellham and Alan will Bellhambuild a bik wille to build your a specbike toor yourto their spec or to their Last week, it Lastcould week, have it been could lo havevely and been warm lovely and warm popular in England.popular in England. corner. The bikecorner. “springs” The bike forward. “springs” forward. established one,established if you don’t one, have if you your don’t own. have your own. and you had anda 195 you and had it was a 195 w orkingand it was working Some peopleSome say it people turns more say it easily. turns Themore difference easily. The difference “With speedway,“With you speedway, should be you using should your be using your Godden, backGodden, in the 1980s, back in we there 1980s,selling wecompletere selling bik completees and they bik wees reand cheap they comparwere cheaped to compar ed to perfectly. Theperfectly. next week The it nextcould week be cold, it could be cold, comes downcomes to placement down to of placement some of the of equipment,some of the equipment, body weightbody to mak weighte it to tothe mak firste corner.it to the If fir youst corner. If you nowadays. Jawanowadays. did the Jawasame. did Since the thesame. laydowns Since the came laydowns in and camebeyond in andabout beyond 2005, about everything 2005, everything damp and miserabledamp and and miserable that 195 andmakes that the 195 makes the such as the enginesuch as plates the engine which plates are higher. which It aregives higher. a It gives a have your headhave ov yourer the head handlebars, over the youhandlebars, are you are completely changed.completely changed. bikes run badly.bikes It wantsrun badly. mor e.It wants more. different positiondifferent with position the clutch. with the clutch. not going to notliŠ and going you to mak liŠ ande it work.” you make it work.”

Unlike Yvonne, Kevin is a relatively newcomer to the sport Kevin explained: “We have met and and first went to Reading in 2007. made many friends through Speedway. He has, however, been a Reading football fan all his life. We have good friends who are Wolves Happy Speedway Families Kevin said: “The speedway stadium was next to the ground fans [Tim, Claire, Becky and Lucy, who live and you could hear the bikes from the stadium so thought I near Canterbury] and we met them at would go along to see what it was all about. Eastbourne. “We’re still in touch with Speedway has always “I was hooked straight way. people from the Reading days [Brian and “Reading rode on a Monday night and I would finish work at Sharon]. prided itself on being 5pm and be at the track by 5.15pm. Yvonne added: “It was great to bump a family sport and in No 4: KEVIN and YVONNE HALL “I was straight into the clubhouse for the customary burger into them at Cardiff a few years back and and chips and then off to my favourite spot on bends 3/4 now we go for a meal aerwards. I am this feature we turn before anyone else could take it.” sure the first year we had hangovers the the spotlight on Kevin and Yvonne met at Smallmead at the beginning of the following day! “We have met the 2008. Chalmers family through Eastbourne and families who just love Yvonne recalls: “There was a group of us including my kids are now good friends who we see away and there was this guy standing at the back of us looking all from Speedway. the thrills and spills. lonely, so I started chatting to him. “We have become friendly with a lovely This month: Kevin Hall “The rest is history as they say.” elderly lady Susan Fitzpatrick who sits in Kevin added: “Yes, we met at Reading Speedway. the bottom part of the grandstand. She and Yvonne Hall. “She was always chatting through the races as I tried to was originally a Wimbledon fan and still people to get her to and from the track. watch, maybe it is true women can multi-task but it was wears the colours. She told us a story once of Cameron frustrating.” “Susan attends alone now as sadly her Woodward taking her home as she was THERE WAS A speedway bike on top the Sadly, Reading Speedway closed at the end of the 2008 husband’s health has stopped him still standing by the entrance in the dark wedding cake and Tom Brennan’s KEVIN LING was with the Eagles every “The draw broke Wimbledon’s hearts Havelock and Geoff Pusey, so they were campaign and Kevin and Yvonne came to Eastbourne. attending meetings, Susan relies on waiting for a taxi that failed to show.” machine was centre-stage at the step of the way as they criss-crossed but the highlight of that night was a two notable scalps. They live not far off the M3 in Hampshire and choose reception – we are talking about some the country before finally landing the 15-point maxim for Colin Richardson, a “He was our rider and rode for us on Arlington because it was a Saturday track. more Eastbourne Speedway super fans. cup at Ellesmere Port. former Wimbledon rider,” Kevin said. that occasion. It rained throughout the “We were never going to go to Swindon as Kevin supports Meet The Halls – Kevin and Yvonne – Eastbourne were nearly out before “A 4-2 in the final race gave us the draw. meeting. It was tipping it down all the Reading FC,” said Yvonne, “although it is a bit nearer than who migrated to the Arlington terraces they hardly got started and there was Gordon Kennett beat Mike Ferreira and time. Eastbourne asked the referee to Eastbourne. Poole was out of the question because we would Martin Dugard, in one of his early outings, inspect the track aer about heat eight aer Reading closed. You’ll find them on an almighty scare in the semi-final. always have had to take a half day to get there, especially with First round beat Wimbledon heat leader Jamie or nine and he said it was fit to the back straight, almost opposite where all the summer traffic.” The Eagles nearly went out against Luckhurst. continue. the tractors are kept. They’re the noisy Kevin added: “When we saw that Eastbourne rode on a bitter rivals Canterbury. The home leg “Wimbledon finished third in the league “The Middlesbrough fans were made ones with air horns. Saturday night we decided to go to Arlington as you had the was won 47-31 but the Crusaders made and we despatched them in the quarter up with that but at the end of the Yvonne grew up in New Zealand and Yvonne and Kevin at Cardiff for a British Grand Prix. day down in Eastbourne and the surrounding area before the it tight with a 45-33 win on their own final. Middlesbrough eventually finished meeting when we did take it off them she and her sisters were introduced to meeting.” shale. second in the league and we beat them in with a 4-2 in the last race, they were all speedway by their father. speedway bikes, sidecars and the midget neighbour or if that wasn’t possible, Naturally, Smallmead at Reading Speedway will always have Kevin recalls the Kingsmead match: the semi and we beat the team who won very upset. “I don’t know how he came to be racing. At the end of an evening, we we could lay in bed and hear the great memories for the couple. “Canterbury were in the ascendancy the league in the final.” “There were three of us dancing on interested, probably through friends as I would go round and collect all the glass sounds if the winds were in the correct Kevin’s 40th birthday was celebrated at the Berkshire track. and it was two wins in the last two Semi-Final the dog track and hugging each other. don’t believe he went when he was Coke and Fanta bottles and get two cents direction but just not that wonderful Yvonne said: “It was a surprise for him, everyone in our little heats, one from Colin Richardson and If you are looking for controversy in a The home fans in the stand behind us growing up in England,” Yvonne told for each one. smell. That was hard for sure,” she group brought something and it was all set up on a table, the other from Gordon Kennett, that cup run, this is where it really was. were not happy.” Flying High. “I have such vivid memories of said. Eastbourne saw off Middlesbrough by the National League KO Cup Final balloons, birthday cake a great night. saw us home. It was one of those where Both parents are English and met in wonderful evenings out. If we couldn’t go Yvonne clearly had speedway in her you always felt we were loosening our narrowest of margins. And so to Ellesmere Port for D-Day. “Daughter Zoe made what she thought would be a life-long “the land of the long white cloud”. as Dad worked shis for Air New Zealand, blood from being a young child grip. A Crusaders 5-1 in either of those The Teesside outfit won their home Kevin said: “Ellesmere Port were very, friend through Reading Speedway, Jessica. They used to get “The meetings were great, we had the we would sometimes go with our growing up in the Sixties and going to heats would have pulled them level but (second) leg 48-30 as the Eagles nearly let very good. Joe Owen, Louis Carr, who together at meetings and also when her and her family went to Templeton Speedway. Multi-world it was those two races that saw us slip a 49-29 lead from Arlington. became a stand out rider in the league, Cardiff. “Sadly, in 2018 she suddenly passed away.” champion and Kiwi Ivan Mauger told home. We could have been out. It was There were huge arguments at and Dave Morton were the heat leader her the track’s name had changed Speedway has given Kevin and Yvonne a close call.” Middlesbrough over the composition of trio. They had Dave Walsh as well and when she spoke to him at Reading some wonderful memories... Second round the Eagles team with the meeting taking were an exceptional side. Speedway. [It is now known as A much easier tie for the Sussex side place on a circuit that looked more like a “They got an early season draw at ■ Going to Somerset when Bradley Wilson Dean had just Ruapuna Park, in Christchurch). with the Eagles winning both legs: quagmire than a speedway track. Arlington but that was a fortunate point joined and he seemed so pleased to see some friendly faces; New Zealand has produced three of 50-28 at Arlington and 42-36 at Milton Kevin Ling remembers there was huge as they came back from six points ■ Eastbourne dinner and dances with Yvonne dancing to the the most famous world Speedway Keynes. row about the inclusion of Paul Clarke in behind with two heats to go. Black Eyed Peas with Simon Gustafsson when he tied champions: Ronnie Moore, Barry “We had signed Andy Buck in the the Eagles team for the second leg. Gordon (Kennett) fell in his last ride balloons to the bow on the back of her dress; “He had announced his retirement for aer getting straight wins and they Briggs and Ivan Mauger and Yvonne place of Mick Hines and that was his ■ Lewis Bridger standing on a chair as Kevin is so tall; debut at Milton Keynes. Colin about a week. The semi-final was in the needed to get a 5-1 and a 4-2 in the last saw all three ride, we now have ■ Talking to Matej Zagar and finding he knew Fleet well as he Richardson got 11 from four rides and midst of four away matches in four days two races. Bradley Wilson Dean coming to follow stayed with people in Yateley, just a few miles from where Andy Buck scored, I think, ten. Straight and he didn’t ride in the preceding league “They beat us fairly and squarely up in those famous footsteps. they live; away we knew we had a little gem. matches. there in the league.” “Once in England, I started to follow ■ Herstmonceux Castle was fabulous where they made some “Keith Pritchard scored, really, really “Because Eastbourne had so many Kevin and some friends went to the Reading Racers, probably from new speedway friends, sadly due to Covid-19 not seen since; well. The hard work had been done injuries, he agreed to ride in the semi-final. Ellesmere Port the long way round. around 1977/1979. I met my first ■ The Boship hotel where Sarah Holt asked Yvonne to provide and we beat them at home by 22 points They said he was retired and he was They watched the Eagles win at husband through a mutual friend who desserts which she did for 150 people with open arms; but the enduring memory of the tie was ineligible. My view was that he was still a Edinburgh on the Wednesday night knew we both had a love of speedway. ■ Yvonne doing the sponsored bike ride with Tai Woffinden at the Andy Buck debut.” contracted rider. He scored three points, and moved on to Sheffield for the “Our first date was to Wimbledon Cardiff and meeting and chatting to Tai and Greg Hancock, Quarter Final which given the lottery of the conditions, match against King’s Lynn on the Speedway with Monday nights at riding her bike around the Cardiff stadium and talking to Ole A 39-39 draw at Wimbledon was you could have put anybody in and they Thursday. Smallmead. My children Zoe and Ben Olsen another hero. where the hard work was done. It was could have scored three points. It was a resounding 63-15. However, were born in the January and at wrapped up on home soil with a 44-33 “The two Middlesbrough riders he beat it wasn’t the match that brings back the Smallmead by the April. Start them And like most speedway supporters, they have found some win. were the emerging talent of Gary memories. Yvonne and Kevin with friends at Arlington to see the Eagles in action. young as we say.” fantastic friends through Speedway.

30 FLYING HIGH

“We were standing by the pits and listening principally to Port riders Dave Morton and Dave Walsh. They saw we were Eastbourne supporters and were taking the juice, saying more or less we didn’t stand a hope in hell and the cup was in the bag. They were so cocksure of themselves but it was a different story the following day.” Kevin was not totally without hope before the match began at Ellesmere Port. “I had seen Eastbourne pull off similar performances before and, as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I always thought we stood a good chance. We had a 14-point lead and when you look down our team you felt anything was possible, or at least should have been.” The match started brilliantly for Eastbourne with Gordon Kennett coming from the back in heat one to beat Dave Morton and equal the track record. “Every time something momentous happened, we all rushed down to the safety fence, jumping up and hanging over it,” Kevin said. “The Ellesmere Port reserves had dominated heat two pretty much week aer week on their home track. “It was difficult to see because it was quite dark and I thought in heat two that it was their rider in the lead. Then I saw Chris Mulvihill come into second place and I thought that’s not bad, it’s only a 4-2 to them. “When they got further round I realised it was Martin Dugard in front and Mulvihill in second place and we had a 5-1 which no other team had done at Ellesmere Port that season. All of a sudden here was that realisation that it was those two and what a race.” It certainly was game on and the feeling was strengthened when Gordon Kennett came from the back to beat Louis Carr in heat five. “Andy Buck beat Dave Morton in heat six and Colin Richardson came from the back to pip Joe Owen on the line to take heat seven. “That really got us up on the fence cheering. “Louis Carr came out as a tac sub in heat eight and got a 5-1 but Buck beat him in the following race by coming from the back to pip the Port rider on the line, just as Colin Richardson had done against Joe Owen. “With that, we were still two points ahead on the night and the cup was almost in the bag, if it wasn’t already. “Towards the end we had two incredible races. Gordon came from the back twice to beat Joe Owen in heats 11 and 13. It was the most brilliant maximum as you would ever see. Virtually every win that night was from the back. He was an absolute powerhouse.” ■ SECRETSSECRETS FROM FROM THE THE PIT PIT LANE LANE (aka(aka a Bluer’s a Bluer’s Guide Guide to a to Speedway a Speedway Bike) Bike)

A SpeedwayA Speedway bike looks bike at looks first glance at first likeglance a pretty like a simple pretty simple machine.machine. Two wheels Two wheels– one front, – one one front, back one – an back engine, – an engine, Seats Seats The engineThe engine If you have gotIf you an enginehave got w orkingan engine you warorkinge on a youhigh ar fore ona little a high while for untila little while until exhaustexhaust pipe and pipe away and you away go. you Appearances go. Appearances can be can be Again there areAgain types there and are shapes. types andThick/thin, shapes. Thick/thin, And here’s whereAnd her it getse’s where tricky itfor gets the trickypits team. for the pits team. that engine goesthat engineback (for goes service). back (for service). deceptive.deceptive. long and shortlong with and different short with foams. different Again, foams. it Again, it Ignition - canIgnition be advanced - can be or advanced retarded. or retarded. Riders do haveRiders engines do have set up engines for smaller set up tracks for smaller or bigger tracks tracks. or bigger tracks. is all down tois per all sonaldown preference to personal but preference Chris but Chris Advancing getsAdvancing more power gets moreand retar powerd flattens. and retard flattens. Chris believesChris you believes are better you off ar havinge better power off having because power you because can kill the you can kill the likes a seat thatlikes aids a seat the thatrider aids to sit the more rider to sit more A SpeedwayA Speedway bike is a bike fickle is amistress, fickle mistress, as Flying as High Flying found High out found out power but youpo cannotwer but ma youke cannot it stronger make or it faster. stronger or faster. down in the bikdowne. “Y inou the should bike. “Ybeou sitting should be sitting What you areWhat trying you to doare istrying put the to dopower is put on the to powerthe ground. on to the ground. when wewhen spok wee to spok Chrise to Geer Chris, who Geer for, who many for years many was years in the was in thedown in the middledown in of the the middle corner of and the then corner and then Sometimes youSometimes cannot go you do cannotwn on gothe do rearwn sprocket on the rear too sprocket much (we’ll too much (we’ll With Joonas,With they Joonas,went to theyNorway went wher to Norwaye the track wher wase the 1,100 track met wasres 1,100 long. met res long. pits helpingpits helping Joonas KylmakorpiJoonas Kylmakorpi as the Finn as the won Finn long won track long track you have controlyou haveof the control bike rather of the than bike the rather than the come to that)come because to that) it will because spin up it and will carryspin upmore and speed carry intomore the speed corner into the cornerThree enginesThr weeere engines blown inwe prreactice. blown”W ine pr didn’tactice. get”W toe didn’ttwo laps get and to tw weo laps and we bike controllingbike you. controlling you. which will takewhich you willpast take the youoptimum past the line. optimum line. were le£ withwere the fourthle£ with engine the fourth which engine he wasn’t which overly he wasn’t keen on overly because keen on because world titlesworld and titles starred and starredon the shale on the for shale Eastbourne. for Eastbourne. that really wasthat his re Eastbourneally was his engine Eastbourne and Arlington engine and is a Arlington 300m track. is a 300m track. “If you don’t“If sit youdown, don’t when sit do youwn, come when out you of come out of The next bit isThe counter-intuitive. next bit is counter-intuitive. You can make You the can engine make slower the engine but slower but There arTheree so many are so permutations many permutations that no thatwonder no w ridersonder are riders are the corner thethe bik cornere pulls the towards bike pulls the fence.towards the fence. actually you willactually get mo youre will grip get and mo gore faster.grip and go faster. “We put the “WeEastbourne put the engine Eastbourne in and engine he won in everyand he single won raeveryce by single bike race by bike When you arWhene riding you like ar thate riding and likeyou thathit a and bit you hit a bit lengths. He waslengths. long Hegone. was It long was gone.phenomenal. It was phenomenal. That engine wasThat then engine was then Adjusting theAdjusting jet for more the fuel jet for will more either fuel sharpen will either the bikesharpen up or the cause bike up or cause always always“chasing “chasing the set-up”. the set-up”. of dirt, the bikeof dirt, takes the off. bike takes off. doing everythingdoing in everything England, long in England, track and long in Poland. track and in Poland. performanceperformance to fall off. It is to all fall about off. Ithow is all the about bike how is set the up. bike is set up. “In those circumstances“In those circumstances you are just on you the are just on the We ended sellingWe ended it to T imoselling [Lahti] it to and Timo that [Lahti]’s when and he that started’s when going he started good going good Chris letsChris us into lets secretsus into secretsfrom the from pits the and pits explains and ex whatplains some what some No-one knowsNo-one the set kno up.ws the set up. bike and not bikein control. and not It isin aboutcontrol. being It is about being on that engine.on thatWe had engine. the tuner We had so couldthe tuner get soanother could engineget another as and engine as and terms youterms frequently you frequently hear actually hear actually mean. mean. comfortable.”comfortable.” You are alwaysYou chasing are always it. chasing it. when we wanted.when we wanted.

Chains Chains There is someThere adjustment is some in adjustment the back wheel, in the backabout wheel, three inches,about three inches, Clutch Clutch although somealthough bikes are some now bikes built are so nowthat youbuilt cannot so that mo youve cannot the back mo ve the back wheel all thewheel way forward. all the way forward. Hydraulic clutchHydraulic is more clutch consistent is more and consistent automatically and automatically adjusts. It is always adjusts. in It the is always same position in the same position when you gowhen to tapes. you Thego to older tapes. wire The and older lever wire set-up and meanslever set-up you have means to mak youe have changes to mak ande changes and If you put it back,If you it put mak ites back, for a it longer makes wheelbase for a longer and, wheelbase therefor and,e, should therefor e, should adjust your techniqueadjust your. technique. be easier to ridebe easier and turn. to ride The and shorter turn. it The is, theshorter more it erraticis, the butmore it canerratic be but it can be quicker. Mostquicker. people Most run medium/long. people run medium/long. “I like hydraulic“I lik becausee hydraulic you because can have you a heavy can have clutch a heavybut clutch but it feels nice andit feels so£. nice It is andalways so£. the It issame. always It is the always same. It is always You have betweenYou have 2 and between 8 rollers 2 and(spare 8 r ollerschain) (spare to play chain) with butto play it does with but it does equal. Joonasequal. was one Joonas of the was fir stone people of the to fir usest people them andto use them and make a differencemake ina differencehandling of in the handling bike. of the bike. loved it. Everyoneloved isit. differ Everyoneent and is differ someent people and some may notpeople may not Belt drive onBelt the frontdrive of on the the bike: front Tuners of the saybike: it givesTuners more say it power gives moreand power and think it feels heavythink it enough feels heavy and enoughthey don’t and feel they it on don’t their feel it on their better resultsbetter on the results Dyno, on but the not Dyno, many but people not many are trying people them. are tryingYou can them. You can fingers and don’tfingers get and comfortable don’t get comfortablewith working with the working the now buy themnow off buy shelf them from off Scandic shelf from and ScandicAppleton and racing. Appleton racing. clutch. You canclutch. have You so manycan have set upsso many with clutchesset ups with and clutches and We used themWe with used Cam them (Woodward) with Cam (Woodward) and he loved and them. he loved them. plates and springs.plates andI have springs. got what I have I think got w whatorks I and think works and every rider I workedevery rider with I workedI set clutches with I upset the clutches same upand the same and And some peopleAnd some don’t people use them don’t because use them people because at the people top like at Tai the top like Tai they seemedthey to be seemed happy withto be them,” happy Chriswith them,” said. Chris said. Woffinden areWoffinden not using are them. not Itusing’s a case them. of sheepIt’s a case and of follow sheep the and leader. follow the leader.

Front wheelFront wheel Normally youNormally run the fr youont runtyre the at 10psi. front tyre Some at 10psi.pressure Some is needed pressure so is the needed front end so the does front not end slide does not slide away in the corner.away in the corner. Balancing (bitBalancing like you have (bit lik youre you car have tyres your balanced) car tyres is importantbalanced) onis important the bigger on tracks the bigger where tracks you where you get your wheelsget yourin line wheels and go in faster line and. go faster. Around the smallerAround Arlington the smaller track, Arlington it is not track, quite it so is importantnot quite so as important the rider is as nearly the rider always is nearly always turning - the turningstraights - theare straightsshort. are short. It is best to balanceIt is best the to wheelbalance to theavoid wheel a wobble. to avoid a wobble. GearingGearing However, if youHoweve get behindr, if you in get a race behind and inyour a race front and wheel your gets front a wheel load of gets dirt a stuck load toof it,dirt the stuck to it, the You can dropYou a tooth can dropif you a think tooth you if you are think spinning you aretoo spinning much. At too much. At balance factorbalance has gone factor out has of the gone window out of andthe windowmakes the and front makes heavy. the front heavy. Eastbourne youEastbourne will use fryouom will a 62 use down from to a a 62 60; down possibly to a 60;a 59 possibly but then a 59 but then Chris said theyChris used said to theyrebalance used tothe rebalance front tyre the every front three tyre or every four threemeetings or four but meetings would “spin” but would the “spin” the we are talkingwe Edward are talking Kennett, Edward Cameron Kennett, Woodward, Cameron JoonasWoodward, in heat Joonas in heat wheel (tyre) everywheel meeting (tyre) every to ensur meetinge even to ensurwear.e even wear. 14/15. 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Shocks Hagon Shocks Rolling Rollingchassis chassis CarburettoCarburr ettor DiamondDiamond do the job. Thedo forksthe job. really The don’t forks do really that don’t much do and that the much tracks and are the relatively tracks are smooth. relatively smooth. That’s everythingThat’s other everything than the other engine than and the the engine carbur andetto ther. Jawacarbur areetto ther. Jawaonly companyare the only which company now which now Blixt carb - youBlixt can carb adjust - you them can andadjust change them and change That’s the mainThat frame’s the of main the bikeframe – ofthe the centre bike of– the the centre of the Some riders haveSome a rider bar ats have the fr aont bar and at the stick front and stick makes completemakes bikes. complete Fi£een bikes. or so Fi£eenyears ago, or so if youyears bought ago, if ayou brand bought new abike brand from new Jawa bike you from Jawa you the jetting. 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Unlike Yvonne, Kevin is a relatively newcomer to the sport Kevin explained: “We have met and and first went to Reading in 2007. made many friends through Speedway. He has, however, been a Reading football fan all his life. We have good friends who are Wolves Kevin said: “The speedway stadium was next to the ground A Speedway Wedding fans [Tim, Claire, Becky and Lucy, who live and you could hear the bikes from the stadium so thought I near Canterbury] and we met them at would go along to see what it was all about. Eastbourne. “We’re still in touch with “I was hooked straight way. people from the Reading days [Brian and “Reading rode on a Monday night and I would finish work at Sharon]. 5pm and be at the track by 5.15pm. Yvonne added: “It was great to bump “I was straight into the clubhouse for the customary burger into them at Cardiff a few years back and and chips and then off to my favourite spot on bends 3/4 now we go for a meal aerwards. I am before anyone else could take it.” sure the first year we had hangovers the Kevin and Yvonne met at Smallmead at the beginning of the following day! “We have met the 2008. Chalmers family through Eastbourne and Yvonne recalls: “There was a group of us including my kids are now good friends who we see away and there was this guy standing at the back of us looking all from Speedway. lonely, so I started chatting to him. “We have become friendly with a lovely “The rest is history as they say.” elderly lady Susan Fitzpatrick who sits in Kevin added: “Yes, we met at Reading Speedway. the bottom part of the grandstand. She “She was always chatting through the races as I tried to was originally a Wimbledon fan and still people to get her to and from the track. watch, maybe it is true women can multi-task but it was wears the colours. She told us a story once of Cameron frustrating.” “Susan attends alone now as sadly her Woodward taking her home as she was THERE WAS A speedway bike on top the Sadly, Reading Speedway closed at the end of the 2008 husband’s health has stopped him still standing by the entrance in the dark wedding cake and Tom Brennan’s KEVIN LING was with the Eagles every “The draw broke Wimbledon’s hearts Havelock and Geoff Pusey, so they were campaign and Kevin and Yvonne came to Eastbourne. attending meetings, Susan relies on waiting for a taxi that failed to show.” machine was centre-stage at the step of the way as they criss-crossed but the highlight of that night was a two notable scalps. They live not far off the M3 in Hampshire and choose reception – we are talking about some the country before finally landing the 15-point maxim for Colin Richardson, a “He was our rider and rode for us on Arlington because it was a Saturday track. more Eastbourne Speedway super fans. cup at Ellesmere Port. former Wimbledon rider,” Kevin said. that occasion. It rained throughout the “We were never going to go to Swindon as Kevin supports Meet The Halls – Kevin and Yvonne – Eastbourne were nearly out before “A 4-2 in the final race gave us the draw. meeting. It was tipping it down all the Reading FC,” said Yvonne, “although it is a bit nearer than who migrated to the Arlington terraces they hardly got started and there was Gordon Kennett beat Mike Ferreira and time. Eastbourne asked the referee to Eastbourne. Poole was out of the question because we would Martin Dugard, in one of his early outings, inspect the track aer about heat eight aer Reading closed. You’ll find them on an almighty scare in the semi-final. always have had to take a half day to get there, especially with First round beat Wimbledon heat leader Jamie or nine and he said it was fit to the back straight, almost opposite where all the summer traffic.” The Eagles nearly went out against Luckhurst. continue. the tractors are kept. They’re the noisy Kevin added: “When we saw that Eastbourne rode on a bitter rivals Canterbury. The home leg “Wimbledon finished third in the league “The Middlesbrough fans were made ones with air horns. Saturday night we decided to go to Arlington as you had the was won 47-31 but the Crusaders made and we despatched them in the quarter up with that but at the end of the Yvonne grew up in New Zealand and day down in Eastbourne and the surrounding area before the it tight with a 45-33 win on their own final. Middlesbrough eventually finished meeting when we did take it off them she and her sisters were introduced to meeting.” shale. second in the league and we beat them in with a 4-2 in the last race, they were all speedway by their father. speedway bikes, sidecars and the midget neighbour or if that wasn’t possible, Naturally, Smallmead at Reading Speedway will always have Kevin recalls the Kingsmead match: the semi and we beat the team who won very upset. “I don’t know how he came to be racing. At the end of an evening, we we could lay in bed and hear the great memories for the couple. “Canterbury were in the ascendancy the league in the final.” “There were three of us dancing on interested, probably through friends as I would go round and collect all the glass sounds if the winds were in the correct Kevin’s 40th birthday was celebrated at the Berkshire track. and it was two wins in the last two Semi-Final the dog track and hugging each other. don’t believe he went when he was Coke and Fanta bottles and get two cents direction but just not that wonderful Yvonne said: “It was a surprise for him, everyone in our little IT SEEMED RIGHT TO Kevin and Yvonne that they would heats, one from Colin Richardson and If you are looking for controversy in a The home fans in the stand behind us growing up in England,” Yvonne told for each one. smell. That was hard for sure,” she group brought something and it was all set up on a table, have a Speedway themed wedding. It was the sport which the other from Gordon Kennett, that cup run, this is where it really was. were not happy.” Flying High. “I have such vivid memories of said. Eastbourne saw off Middlesbrough by the National League KO Cup Final balloons, birthday cake a great night. brought them together and both like to be slightly different. saw us home. It was one of those where Both parents are English and met in wonderful evenings out. If we couldn’t go Yvonne clearly had speedway in her you always felt we were loosening our narrowest of margins. And so to Ellesmere Port for D-Day. “Daughter Zoe made what she thought would be a life-long The first hurdle was overcome when Martin Dugard “the land of the long white cloud”. as Dad worked shis for Air New Zealand, blood from being a young child grip. A Crusaders 5-1 in either of those The Teesside outfit won their home Kevin said: “Ellesmere Port were very, friend through Reading Speedway, Jessica. They used to get agreed in March 2016 that it would a possible to get a bike “The meetings were great, we had the we would sometimes go with our growing up in the Sixties and going to heats would have pulled them level but (second) leg 48-30 as the Eagles nearly let very good. Joe Owen, Louis Carr, who together at meetings and also when her and her family went to to the venue in deepest Hampshire. Templeton Speedway. Multi-world it was those two races that saw us slip a 49-29 lead from Arlington. became a stand out rider in the league, Cardiff. “Sadly, in 2018 she suddenly passed away.” champion and Kiwi Ivan Mauger told ■ Tables names were Speedway tracks they had visited home. We could have been out. It was There were huge arguments at and Dave Morton were the heat leader her the track’s name had changed Speedway has given Kevin and Yvonne ■ The top table was Arlington a close call.” Middlesbrough over the composition of trio. They had Dave Walsh as well and when she spoke to him at Reading some wonderful memories... ■ The wedding cake made by talented daughter-in-law Second round the Eagles team with the meeting taking were an exceptional side. Speedway. [It is now known as Louise. It had a Speedway bike on the top A much easier tie for the Sussex side place on a circuit that looked more like a “They got an early season draw at ■ Going to Somerset when Bradley Wilson Dean had just Ruapuna Park, in Christchurch). ■ They walked down the aisle together to St Elmo’s Fire (the with the Eagles winning both legs: quagmire than a speedway track. Arlington but that was a fortunate point joined and he seemed so pleased to see some friendly faces; New Zealand has produced three of song which rings out around Arlington aer an Eagles 50-28 at Arlington and 42-36 at Milton Kevin Ling remembers there was huge as they came back from six points ■ Eastbourne dinner and dances with Yvonne dancing to the the most famous world Speedway victory). Keynes. row about the inclusion of Paul Clarke in behind with two heats to go. Black Eyed Peas with Simon Gustafsson when he tied champions: Ronnie Moore, Barry “We had signed Andy Buck in the the Eagles team for the second leg. Gordon (Kennett) fell in his last ride balloons to the bow on the back of her dress; The wedding made a whole page in the programme a few “He had announced his retirement for aer getting straight wins and they Briggs and Ivan Mauger and Yvonne place of Mick Hines and that was his ■ Lewis Bridger standing on a chair as Kevin is so tall; meetings later. debut at Milton Keynes. Colin about a week. The semi-final was in the needed to get a 5-1 and a 4-2 in the last saw all three ride, we now have ■ Talking to Matej Zagar and finding he knew Fleet well as he “I had a phone call from Connor (Dugard) in the morning Richardson got 11 from four rides and midst of four away matches in four days two races. Bradley Wilson Dean coming to follow stayed with people in Yateley, just a few miles from where to say ‘don’t panic but might not be there till early Andy Buck scored, I think, ten. Straight and he didn’t ride in the preceding league “They beat us fairly and squarely up in those famous footsteps. they live; aernoon’ as there was an issue with the van,” Yvonne away we knew we had a little gem. matches. there in the league.” “Once in England, I started to follow ■ Herstmonceux Castle was fabulous where they made some recalls. “Kelsey wanted the van but never told Connor, so he “Keith Pritchard scored, really, really “Because Eastbourne had so many Kevin and some friends went to the Reading Racers, probably from new speedway friends, sadly due to Covid-19 not seen since; had to do a mad dash to borrow Martin’s van. well. The hard work had been done injuries, he agreed to ride in the semi-final. Ellesmere Port the long way round. around 1977/1979. I met my first ■ The Boship hotel where Sarah Holt asked Yvonne to provide “The bike changed we believe at the last minute as well and we beat them at home by 22 points They said he was retired and he was They watched the Eagles win at husband through a mutual friend who desserts which she did for 150 people with open arms; and to my surprise we had Tom’s current bike which but the enduring memory of the tie was ineligible. My view was that he was still a Edinburgh on the Wednesday night knew we both had a love of speedway. ■ Yvonne doing the sponsored bike ride with Tai Woffinden at happened to be very green and the colours of our wedding the Andy Buck debut.” contracted rider. He scored three points, and moved on to Sheffield for the “Our first date was to Wimbledon Cardiff and meeting and chatting to Tai and Greg Hancock, were green and red. Quarter Final which given the lottery of the conditions, match against King’s Lynn on the Speedway with Monday nights at riding her bike around the Cardiff stadium and talking to Ole “We both appreciated the effort Martin and Connor went A 39-39 draw at Wimbledon was you could have put anybody in and they Thursday. Smallmead. My children Zoe and Ben Olsen another hero. to from the initial conversation to the bike at our wedding. where the hard work was done. It was could have scored three points. It was a resounding 63-15. However, were born in the January and at Not one person knew about it, so it was a great surprise and wrapped up on home soil with a 44-33 “The two Middlesbrough riders he beat it wasn’t the match that brings back the Smallmead by the April. Start them And like most speedway supporters, they have found some sat at the bottom of a spiral staircase on full view.” ■ win. were the emerging talent of Gary memories. young as we say.” fantastic friends through Speedway.

FLYING HIGH 31

“We were standing by the pits and listening principally to Port riders Dave Morton and Dave Walsh. They saw we were Eastbourne supporters and were taking the juice, saying more or less we didn’t stand a hope in hell and the cup was in the bag. They were so cocksure of themselves but it was a different story the following day.” Kevin was not totally without hope before the match began at Ellesmere Port. “I had seen Eastbourne pull off similar performances before and, as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I always thought we stood a good chance. We had a 14-point lead and when you look down our team you felt anything was possible, or at least should have been.” The match started brilliantly for Eastbourne with Gordon Kennett coming from the back in heat one to beat Dave Morton and equal the track record. “Every time something momentous happened, we all rushed down to the safety fence, jumping up and hanging over it,” Kevin said. “The Ellesmere Port reserves had dominated heat two pretty much week aer week on their home track. “It was difficult to see because it was quite dark and I thought in heat two that it was their rider in the lead. Then I saw Chris Mulvihill come into second place and I thought that’s not bad, it’s only a 4-2 to them. “When they got further round I realised it was Martin Dugard in front and Mulvihill in second place and we had a 5-1 which no other team had done at Ellesmere Port that season. All of a sudden here was that realisation that it was those two and what a race.” It certainly was game on and the feeling was strengthened when Gordon Kennett came from the back to beat Louis Carr in heat five. “Andy Buck beat Dave Morton in heat six and Colin Richardson came from the back to pip Joe Owen on the line to take heat seven. “That really got us up on the fence cheering. “Louis Carr came out as a tac sub in heat eight and got a 5-1 but Buck beat him in the following race by coming from the back to pip the Port rider on the line, just as Colin Richardson had done against Joe Owen. “With that, we were still two points ahead on the night and the cup was almost in the bag, if it wasn’t already. “Towards the end we had two incredible races. Gordon came from the back twice to beat Joe Owen in heats 11 and 13. It was the most brilliant maximum as you would ever see. Virtually every win that night was from the back. He was an absolute powerhouse.” ■ Unlike Yvonne, Kevin is a relatively newcomer to the sport Kevin explained: “We have met and and first went to Reading in 2007. made many friends through Speedway. He has, however, been a Reading football fan all his life. We have good friends who are Wolves STILL CHASING Kevin said: “The speedway stadium was next to the ground fans [Tim, Claire, Becky and Lucy, who live and you could hear the bikes from the stadium so thought I near Canterbury] and we met them at AUTOGRAPHS! would go along to see what it was all about. Eastbourne. “We’re still in touch with “I was hooked straight way. people from the Reading days [Brian and “Reading rode on a Monday night and I would finish work at Sharon]. 5pm and be at the track by 5.15pm. Yvonne added: “It was great to bump “I was straight into the clubhouse for the customary burger into them at Cardiff a few years back and and chips and then off to my favourite spot on bends 3/4 now we go for a meal aerwards. I am before anyone else could take it.” sure the first year we had hangovers the Kevin and Yvonne met at Smallmead at the beginning of the following day! “We have met the 2008. Chalmers family through Eastbourne and Yvonne recalls: “There was a group of us including my kids are now good friends who we see away and there was this guy standing at the back of us looking all from Speedway. lonely, so I started chatting to him. “We have become friendly with a lovely Yvonne met Tai Woffinden and Greg Hancock at Cardiff aer completing the Sponsored Bike Ride for Great Bradley Wilson-Dean “The rest is history as they say.” elderly lady Susan Fitzpatrick who sits in Ormond Street Hospital. Kevin added: “Yes, we met at Reading Speedway. the bottom part of the grandstand. She “She was always chatting through the races as I tried to was originally a Wimbledon fan and still people to get her to and from the track. YVONNE IS STILL chasing autographs watch, maybe it is true women can multi-task but it was wears the colours. She told us a story once of Cameron aer all these years. “Even at my ripe frustrating.” “Susan attends alone now as sadly her Woodward taking her home as she was old age, I am always aer my photo THERE WAS A speedway bike on top the Sadly, Reading Speedway closed at the end of the 2008 husband’s health has stopped him still standing by the entrance in the dark with riders and have been known to wedding cake and Tom Brennan’s KEVIN LING was with the Eagles every “The draw broke Wimbledon’s hearts Havelock and Geoff Pusey, so they were campaign and Kevin and Yvonne came to Eastbourne. attending meetings, Susan relies on waiting for a taxi that failed to show.” sit in a bar on the Friday aernoon in machine was centre-stage at the step of the way as they criss-crossed but the highlight of that night was a two notable scalps. They live not far off the M3 in Hampshire and choose Cardiff waiting to see how many riders reception – we are talking about some the country before finally landing the 15-point maxim for Colin Richardson, a “He was our rider and rode for us on Arlington because it was a Saturday track. I can have photos with. more Eastbourne Speedway super fans. cup at Ellesmere Port. former Wimbledon rider,” Kevin said. that occasion. It rained throughout the “We were never going to go to Swindon as Kevin supports Meet The Halls – Kevin and Yvonne – Eastbourne were nearly out before “A 4-2 in the final race gave us the draw. meeting. It was tipping it down all the Reading FC,” said Yvonne, “although it is a bit nearer than who migrated to the Arlington terraces they hardly got started and there was Gordon Kennett beat Mike Ferreira and time. Eastbourne asked the referee to Eastbourne. Poole was out of the question because we would The agony... Martin Dugard, in one of his early outings, inspect the track aer about heat eight aer Reading closed. You’ll find them on an almighty scare in the semi-final. always have had to take a half day to get there, especially with First round beat Wimbledon heat leader Jamie or nine and he said it was fit to the back straight, almost opposite where THE ELITE LEAGUE Play Off final between Reading and Peterborough in 2006. The all the summer traffic.” The Eagles nearly went out against Luckhurst. continue. the tractors are kept. They’re the noisy teams had finished level on points at the end of the regular season and navigated Kevin added: “When we saw that Eastbourne rode on a bitter rivals Canterbury. The home leg “Wimbledon finished third in the league “The Middlesbrough fans were made ones with air horns. their way to what turned out to be a dramatic and controversial final. Reading Saturday night we decided to go to Arlington as you had the was won 47-31 but the Crusaders made and we despatched them in the quarter up with that but at the end of the Yvonne grew up in New Zealand and established an early lead in the home leg that was pegged back by the Panthers’ day down in Eastbourne and the surrounding area before the it tight with a 45-33 win on their own final. Middlesbrough eventually finished meeting when we did take it off them she and her sisters were introduced to use of the tactical rule. In the end it was only a two-point lead that was taken to the meeting.” shale. second in the league and we beat them in with a 4-2 in the last race, they were all speedway by their father. speedway bikes, sidecars and the midget neighbour or if that wasn’t possible, East of England Showground. Naturally, Smallmead at Reading Speedway will always have Kevin recalls the Kingsmead match: the semi and we beat the team who won very upset. “I don’t know how he came to be racing. At the end of an evening, we we could lay in bed and hear the The second leg was a tight affair and there was no opportunity for Reading to use great memories for the couple. “Canterbury were in the ascendancy the league in the final.” “There were three of us dancing on interested, probably through friends as I would go round and collect all the glass sounds if the winds were in the correct a tactical and in the end they lost by one point on aggregate. Yvonne recalls: “The Kevin’s 40th birthday was celebrated at the Berkshire track. and it was two wins in the last two Semi-Final the dog track and hugging each other. don’t believe he went when he was Coke and Fanta bottles and get two cents direction but just not that wonderful coach up to Peterborough was full of fun. Kelsey Dugard and Tom Brennan Yvonne said: “It was a surprise for him, everyone in our little heats, one from Colin Richardson and If you are looking for controversy in a The home fans in the stand behind us growing up in England,” Yvonne told for each one. smell. That was hard for sure,” she “However, the return journey was not so. To this day we feel cheated by group brought something and it was all set up on a table, the other from Gordon Kennett, that cup run, this is where it really was. were not happy.” Flying High. “I have such vivid memories of said. Peterborough and that will live with me forever.” National League KO Cup Final balloons, birthday cake a great night. “One Cardiff photo memory was saw us home. It was one of those where Eastbourne saw off Middlesbrough by the Both parents are English and met in wonderful evenings out. If we couldn’t go Yvonne clearly had speedway in her narrowest of margins. And so to Ellesmere Port for D-Day. “Daughter Zoe made what she thought would be a life-long getting a photo with me and Emil you always felt we were loosening our “the land of the long white cloud”. as Dad worked shis for Air New Zealand, blood from being a young child grip. A Crusaders 5-1 in either of those The Teesside outfit won their home Kevin said: “Ellesmere Port were very, friend through Reading Speedway, Jessica. They used to get [Sayfutdinov] and Rosco [Alun “The meetings were great, we had the we would sometimes go with our growing up in the Sixties and going to heats would have pulled them level but (second) leg 48-30 as the Eagles nearly let very good. Joe Owen, Louis Carr, who together at meetings and also when her and her family went to ...and the ecstacy Rossiter] took the photo of us! Templeton Speedway. Multi-world “Then there was Tai as he was it was those two races that saw us slip a 49-29 lead from Arlington. became a stand out rider in the league, Cardiff. “Sadly, in 2018 she suddenly passed away.” “My favourite season was when Eastbourne were in the National League and won There were huge arguments at and Dave Morton were the heat leader champion and Kiwi Ivan Mauger told driving out and stopped and the year home. We could have been out. It was all the trophies/cups and finished off by winning the league.” Yvonne a close call.” Middlesbrough over the composition of trio. They had Dave Walsh as well and her the track’s name had changed Speedway has given Kevin and Yvonne that Ivan Mauger, Barry Briggs and Second round the Eagles team with the meeting taking were an exceptional side. when she spoke to him at Reading some wonderful memories... Leigh Adams had books out. I got a Speedway. [It is now known as A much easier tie for the Sussex side place on a circuit that looked more like a “They got an early season draw at ■ Going to Somerset when Bradley Wilson Dean had just photo and signed books. Ruapuna Park, in Christchurch). with the Eagles winning both legs: quagmire than a speedway track. Arlington but that was a fortunate point joined and he seemed so pleased to see some friendly faces; “All the riders have time for you New Zealand has produced three of 50-28 at Arlington and 42-36 at Milton Kevin Ling remembers there was huge as they came back from six points ■ Eastbourne dinner and dances with Yvonne dancing to the which is lovely and makes Speedway the most famous world Speedway Keynes. row about the inclusion of Paul Clarke in behind with two heats to go. Black Eyed Peas with Simon Gustafsson when he tied one happy family. So many to mention champions: Ronnie Moore, Barry “We had signed Andy Buck in the the Eagles team for the second leg. Gordon (Kennett) fell in his last ride balloons to the bow on the back of her dress; over the years, will always be a kid, I “He had announced his retirement for aer getting straight wins and they Briggs and Ivan Mauger and Yvonne place of Mick Hines and that was his ■ Lewis Bridger standing on a chair as Kevin is so tall; guess.” ■ debut at Milton Keynes. Colin about a week. The semi-final was in the needed to get a 5-1 and a 4-2 in the last saw all three ride, we now have ■ Talking to Matej Zagar and finding he knew Fleet well as he Richardson got 11 from four rides and midst of four away matches in four days two races. Bradley Wilson Dean coming to follow Jason Edwards stayed with people in Yateley, just a few miles from where Andy Buck scored, I think, ten. Straight and he didn’t ride in the preceding league “They beat us fairly and squarely up in those famous footsteps. they live; away we knew we had a little gem. matches. there in the league.” “Once in England, I started to follow ■ Herstmonceux Castle was fabulous where they made some “Keith Pritchard scored, really, really “Because Eastbourne had so many Kevin and some friends went to the Reading Racers, probably from new speedway friends, sadly due to Covid-19 not seen since; well. The hard work had been done injuries, he agreed to ride in the semi-final. Ellesmere Port the long way round. around 1977/1979. I met my first ■ The Boship hotel where Sarah Holt asked Yvonne to provide and we beat them at home by 22 points They said he was retired and he was They watched the Eagles win at husband through a mutual friend who desserts which she did for 150 people with open arms; but the enduring memory of the tie was ineligible. My view was that he was still a Edinburgh on the Wednesday night knew we both had a love of speedway. ■ Yvonne doing the sponsored bike ride with Tai Woffinden at the Andy Buck debut.” contracted rider. He scored three points, and moved on to Sheffield for the “Our first date was to Wimbledon Cardiff and meeting and chatting to Tai and Greg Hancock, Quarter Final which given the lottery of the conditions, match against King’s Lynn on the Speedway with Monday nights at riding her bike around the Cardiff stadium and talking to Ole A 39-39 draw at Wimbledon was you could have put anybody in and they Thursday. Smallmead. My children Zoe and Ben Olsen another hero. where the hard work was done. It was could have scored three points. It was a resounding 63-15. However, were born in the January and at wrapped up on home soil with a 44-33 “The two Middlesbrough riders he beat it wasn’t the match that brings back the Smallmead by the April. Start them And like most speedway supporters, they have found some win. were the emerging talent of Gary memories. fantastic friends through Speedway.

young as we say.” Graveling Tiffani

32 FLYING HIGH

“We were standing by the pits and listening principally to Port riders Dave Morton and Dave Walsh. They saw we were Eastbourne supporters and were taking the juice, saying more or less we didn’t stand a hope in hell and the cup was in the bag. They were so cocksure of themselves but it was a different story the following day.” Kevin was not totally without hope before the match began at Ellesmere Port. “I had seen Eastbourne pull off similar performances before and, as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I always thought we stood a good chance. We had a 14-point lead and when you look down our team you felt anything was possible, or at least should have been.” The match started brilliantly for Eastbourne with Gordon Kennett coming from the back in heat one to beat Dave Morton and equal the track record. “Every time something momentous happened, we all rushed down to the safety fence, jumping up and hanging over it,” Kevin said. “The Ellesmere Port reserves had dominated heat two pretty much week aer week on their home track. “It was difficult to see because it was quite dark and I thought in heat two that it was their rider in the lead. Then I saw Chris Mulvihill come into second place and I thought that’s not bad, it’s only a 4-2 to them. “When they got further round I realised it was Martin Dugard in front and Mulvihill in second place and we had a 5-1 which no other team had done at Ellesmere Port that season. All of a sudden here was that realisation that it was those two and what a race.” It certainly was game on and the feeling was strengthened when Gordon Kennett came from the back to beat Louis Carr in heat five. “Andy Buck beat Dave Morton in heat six and Colin Richardson came from the back to pip Joe Owen on the line to take heat seven. “That really got us up on the fence cheering. “Louis Carr came out as a tac sub in heat eight and got a 5-1 but Buck beat him in the following race by coming from the back to pip the Port rider on the line, just as Colin Richardson had done against Joe Owen. “With that, we were still two points ahead on the night and the cup was almost in the bag, if it wasn’t already. “Towards the end we had two incredible races. Gordon came from the back twice to beat Joe Owen in heats 11 and 13. It was the most brilliant maximum as you would ever see. Virtually every win that night was from the back. He was an absolute powerhouse.” ■ Two home and away defeats before undoubted rearguard action from a The film of the year may have been Flying High Feature the return on Teesside. And that would be Gunners onslaught. Back To The Future. In National League a proper nerve-jangler. But it was a sensational performance speedway terms, the Eagles were truly Boro hit three 5-1s in the opening four from the Sussex men. back and the future was all blue and heats in the rain and Eagles were on the At 15-years-old, I vividly remember yellow. Memories from our contributors ropes. standing on the third bend with the give you a real feeling of that night of It was all level on aggregate with the Eagles fans, next to Margaret Dugard. drama. Tigers having clawed back the 20-point This was to be one of my favourite A contemporary report in a Sussex local deficit going into the final heat. But Bucky meetings of all-time. newspaper of the second leg said the was the hero with real bottle to deliver a Aer a false start in Heat 1, in the re-run home crowd was stunned by the Eagles EAGLES McFLY AGAIN courageous win over Steve Wilcock, Kennett stormed to a win in a track record who had wrapped up the issue with three Kennett third and Eastbourne were in the time. Then came the first killer blow. Next races to spare. Gordon Kennett was in final. time out, Dugard stormed from the vintage form and hit a 12-point 1985 ...the start of the a glorious era Now it was the biggie and against outside gate with Chris Mulvihill to maximum, the first visitor to ride National League champions-elect deliver a crushing psychological blow 5-1 unbeaten at Port in 1985. Kennett, as LIVE AID, BORIS Becker, EastEnders and The second leg of the 1985 KO Cup final has lived long in the Ellesmere Port. and further increase the lead on skipper, received the cup from Back To The Future. memories of all Eastbourne fans who were at Ellesmere Port. In a controversial move, the Eagles aggregate. multi-world champion, Ivan Mauger. Oh what a year, 1985. Last month we told tales from the ‘KO Cup final like no other’. management Bob Dugard and Russell Louis Carr broke the track record again A bittersweet 12 months of emotions. Lanning decided to switch the riding to win Heat 3 but successive wins for The epic blockbuster movie with Marty We continue the story this month with some fabulous stories order, putting Kennett at No.2, Buck at Kennett, Buck and Richardson produced McFly and Doc Brown and that DeLorean from Phil Lanning, memories from Ellesmere Port supporters No.3 and Richardson at No.4. It certainly the perfect stonewalling job, Buck’s but the horrors of football disasters at and Kevin Ling walks us along the road to the final. worked. An incredible start saw the home sublime third bend pass of Dave Morton Heysel and Bradford. side take four 5-1s in the opening five in Heat 6 the highlight. Albert Square first hit our TV screens, It was a moment that would transform a KEVIN LING was with the Eagles every “The draw broke Wimbledon’s hearts Havelock and Geoff Pusey, so they were races and then three successive 4-2s to The Gunners hit back with a 5-1 in Heat Dirty Den, Angie and all. But Boomtown mediocre campaign into something quite step of the way as they criss-crossed but the highlight of that night was a two notable scalps. lead 35-11. 8 thanks to Carr’s tactical sub ride and a Rat Bob Geldof dominated the year, sensational. the country before finally landing the 15-point maxim for Colin Richardson, a “He was our rider and rode for us on But the Gunners were far from goners. 4-2 drew them level at Heat 10, but they turning rock star into charity campaigner. The Eagles, on their return to the cup at Ellesmere Port. former Wimbledon rider,” Kevin said. that occasion. It rained throughout the They hit back with two maximums of their had run out of time. Who could forget 100,000 at Wembley National League, had been ordinary to Eastbourne were nearly out before “A 4-2 in the final race gave us the draw. meeting. It was tipping it down all the own to reduce the deficit to 46-32 for the Appropriately it was the powerhouse for Live Aid, scorching hot day, Status say the least. Ellesmere Port had drawn at they hardly got started and there was Gordon Kennett beat Mike Ferreira and time. Eastbourne asked the referee to return to Thornton Road. This clash was captain Kennett in Heat 11, with his third Quo's Rockin’ All Over The World and Arlington while the Sussex side hadn’t an almighty scare in the semi-final. Martin Dugard, in one of his early outings, inspect the track aer about heat eight far from over, especially in the knowledge win, that wrapped up the KO Cup in Queen’s epic Radio Ga Ga. come close to a result on their travels. But First round beat Wimbledon heat leader Jamie or nine and he said it was fit to that Ellesmere had dumped the Eagles emphatic style. In sport it was Everton who won a mid-season shuffle changed all that. The Eagles nearly went out against Luckhurst. continue. 50-28 earlier in the campaign. Indeed, Kennett completed his full Division One but a sensational Norman Out went Mick Hines and Derek Harrison, bitter rivals Canterbury. The home leg “Wimbledon finished third in the league “The Middlesbrough fans were made The Eagles team travelled to Edinburgh maximum in the final heat. Gunners had Whiteside curling effort denied them a replaced by gangly Andy Buck and was won 47-31 but the Crusaders made and we despatched them in the quarter up with that but at the end of the for their final away National League clash done enough to win on the night but double in the FA Cup as Manchester young maestro Dugard. it tight with a 45-33 win on their own final. Middlesbrough eventually finished meeting when we did take it off them on the Wednesday night, taking out a were visibly stunned in the pits by how second in the league and we beat them in with a 4-2 in the last race, they were all United took the glory in extra-time. The While the National League campaign shale. narrow win. Then spent the day at impressive Eastbourne had performed. Kevin recalls the Kingsmead match: the semi and we beat the team who won very upset. biggest sporting fairytale was at Martin Dugard practices in 1985. was destined for mediocrity, the Eagles Blackpool Pleasurebeach on the The Eagles team celebrated with dinner “Canterbury were in the ascendancy the league in the final.” “There were three of us dancing on Wimbledon, 17-year-old Boris ‘Boom Having just turned 16, Martin Dugard, had already saved their best displays for Thursday night before the crunch second at a local Berni Inn with the KO Cup sat and it was two wins in the last two Semi-Final the dog track and hugging each other. Boom’ Becker winning in some style. wearing his uncle Eric’s old pale blue and the KO Cup, scraping past Canterbury in leg against the Gunners 24 hours later. proudly in the middle of the long dining heats, one from Colin Richardson and If you are looking for controversy in a The home fans in the stand behind us But while he was taking the plaudits in white leathers and one of Kelly Moran’s the first round before comfortably Jennifer Rush’s Power of Love was table. the other from Gordon Kennett, that cup run, this is where it really was. were not happy.” SW19 on July 7 1985, 50 miles away in stars and stripes helmets, scored paid disposing of Milton Keynes. belting out around a bitterly cold It was a Cup that would never leave saw us home. It was one of those where Eastbourne saw off Middlesbrough by the National League KO Cup Final BN27, another teenager was also making seven points on his debut in Eastbourne’s But now came the big test, a Thornton Road and Eagles fans steeled possession of the Dugard family and you always felt we were loosening our narrowest of margins. And so to Ellesmere Port for D-Day. his mark. home win over Exeter. quarter-final tie with old enemy themselves for a tense night and an Eastbourne. grip. A Crusaders 5-1 in either of those The Teesside outfit won their home Kevin said: “Ellesmere Port were very, Wimbledon. This would be the beginning heats would have pulled them level but (second) leg 48-30 as the Eagles nearly let very good. Joe Owen, Louis Carr, who of a very special run of six glorious ties. it was those two races that saw us slip a 49-29 lead from Arlington. became a stand out rider in the league, The Dons had already romped past the home. We could have been out. It was There were huge arguments at and Dave Morton were the heat leader Eagles home and away in early season a close call.” Middlesbrough over the composition of trio. They had Dave Walsh as well and challenges. Second round the Eagles team with the meeting taking were an exceptional side. But this was a very different Sussex A much easier tie for the Sussex side place on a circuit that looked more like a “They got an early season draw at side. Nonetheless, at Plough Lane with the Eagles winning both legs: quagmire than a speedway track. Arlington but that was a fortunate point Wimbledon looked set to deliver a 50-28 at Arlington and 42-36 at Milton Kevin Ling remembers there was huge as they came back from six points healthy first leg lead with three races to Keynes. row about the inclusion of Paul Clarke in behind with two heats to go. go and six points in front. “We had signed Andy Buck in the the Eagles team for the second leg. Gordon (Kennett) fell in his last ride However, Colin Richardson was in the place of Mick Hines and that was his “He had announced his retirement for aer getting straight wins and they mood. He produced an outstanding debut at Milton Keynes. Colin about a week. The semi-final was in the needed to get a 5-1 and a 4-2 in the last five-ride 15-point maximum and his tac Richardson got 11 from four rides and midst of four away matches in four days two races. sub 5-1 with Gordon Kennett in Heat 11 Andy Buck scored, I think, ten. Straight and he didn’t ride in the preceding league “They beat us fairly and squarely up away we knew we had a little gem. matches. there in the league.” set-up a cracking finale and shock 39-39 “Keith Pritchard scored, really, really “Because Eastbourne had so many Kevin and some friends went to draw. The Eagles completed the job at well. The hard work had been done injuries, he agreed to ride in the semi-final. Ellesmere Port the long way round. Arlington 44-33 and lined up another and we beat them at home by 22 points They said he was retired and he was They watched the Eagles win at tasty clash with title contenders but the enduring memory of the tie was ineligible. My view was that he was still a Edinburgh on the Wednesday night Middlesbrough. the Andy Buck debut.” contracted rider. He scored three points, and moved on to Sheffield for the The Tigers, without their own Quarter Final which given the lottery of the conditions, match against King’s Lynn on the wonderkid Gary Havelock, were A 39-39 draw at Wimbledon was you could have put anybody in and they Thursday. smashed 49-29 in Sussex with Kennett where the hard work was done. It was could have scored three points. It was a resounding 63-15. However, and Richardson unbeaten and Dugard wrapped up on home soil with a 44-33 “The two Middlesbrough riders he beat it wasn’t the match that brings back the Eagles press day 1985. Back row, from le: Mark Summerfield, Keith Pritchard, Russell Lanning, Mick Hines. On adding two wins. In the meantime, win. were the emerging talent of Gary memories.

Phil Lanning bikes: Gordon Kennett, Derek Harrison, Colin Richardson. Kneeling: Chris Mulvihill, Paul Clarke league form was awful.

FLYING HIGH 33

“We were standing by the pits and listening principally to Port riders Dave Morton and Dave Walsh. They saw we were Eastbourne supporters and were taking the juice, saying more or less we didn’t stand a hope in hell and the cup was in the bag. They were so cocksure of themselves but it was a different story the following day.” Kevin was not totally without hope before the match began at Ellesmere Port. “I had seen Eastbourne pull off similar performances before and, as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I always thought we stood a good chance. We had a 14-point lead and when you look down our team you felt anything was possible, or at least should have been.” The match started brilliantly for Eastbourne with Gordon Kennett coming from the back in heat one to beat Dave Morton and equal the track record. “Every time something momentous happened, we all rushed down to the safety fence, jumping up and hanging over it,” Kevin said. “The Ellesmere Port reserves had dominated heat two pretty much week aer week on their home track. “It was difficult to see because it was quite dark and I thought in heat two that it was their rider in the lead. Then I saw Chris Mulvihill come into second place and I thought that’s not bad, it’s only a 4-2 to them. “When they got further round I realised it was Martin Dugard in front and Mulvihill in second place and we had a 5-1 which no other team had done at Ellesmere Port that season. All of a sudden here was that realisation that it was those two and what a race.” It certainly was game on and the feeling was strengthened when Gordon Kennett came from the back to beat Louis Carr in heat five. “Andy Buck beat Dave Morton in heat six and Colin Richardson came from the back to pip Joe Owen on the line to take heat seven. “That really got us up on the fence cheering. “Louis Carr came out as a tac sub in heat eight and got a 5-1 but Buck beat him in the following race by coming from the back to pip the Port rider on the line, just as Colin Richardson had done against Joe Owen. “With that, we were still two points ahead on the night and the cup was almost in the bag, if it wasn’t already. “Towards the end we had two incredible races. Gordon came from the back twice to beat Joe Owen in heats 11 and 13. It was the most brilliant maximum as you would ever see. Virtually every win that night was from the back. He was an absolute powerhouse.” ■ Two home and away defeats before undoubted rearguard action from a The film of the year may have been the return on Teesside. And that would be Gunners onslaught. Back To The Future. In National League Meeting statistics a proper nerve-jangler. But it was a sensational performance speedway terms, the Eagles were truly Boro hit three 5-1s in the opening four from the Sussex men. back and the future was all blue and Ellesmere Port 41 heats in the rain and Eagles were on the At 15-years-old, I vividly remember yellow. Memories from our contributors Eastbourne 37 ropes. standing on the third bend with the give you a real feeling of that night of It was all level on aggregate with the Eagles fans, next to Margaret Dugard. drama. Ellesmere Port Tigers having clawed back the 20-point This was to be one of my favourite A contemporary report in a Sussex local Dave Morton 2 2 3 1* 9+1 deficit going into the final heat. But Bucky meetings of all-time. newspaper of the second leg said the David Walsh 1* R 2* 1 4+2 was the hero with real bottle to deliver a Aer a false start in Heat 1, in the re-run home crowd was stunned by the Eagles Joe Owen 3 2 2 2 9 courageous win over Steve Wilcock, Kennett stormed to a win in a track record who had wrapped up the issue with three Louis Carr 3 2 3 2 3 13 Kennett third and Eastbourne were in the time. Then came the first killer blow. Next races to spare. Gordon Kennett was in Gary O’Hare 0 1* ns 1* 2+2 final. time out, Dugard stormed from the vintage form and hit a 12-point Richie Owen 1 1 0 2 Now it was the biggie and against outside gate with Chris Mulvihill to maximum, the first visitor to ride Phil Alderman 0 1* 1* 2+2 National League champions-elect deliver a crushing psychological blow 5-1 unbeaten at Port in 1985. Kennett, as LIVE AID, BORIS Becker, EastEnders and Team managers: Stan Ward Ellesmere Port. and further increase the lead on skipper, received the cup from Back To The Future. and Chris Bond In a controversial move, the Eagles aggregate. multi-world champion, Ivan Mauger. Oh what a year, 1985. Eastbourne management Bob Dugard and Russell Louis Carr broke the track record again A bittersweet 12 months of emotions. Lanning decided to switch the riding to win Heat 3 but successive wins for The epic blockbuster movie with Marty Gordon Kennett 3 3 3 3 12 order, putting Kennett at No.2, Buck at Kennett, Buck and Richardson produced McFly and Doc Brown and that DeLorean Keith Pritchard 0 0 1 0 1 No.3 and Richardson at No.4. It certainly the perfect stonewalling job, Buck’s but the horrors of football disasters at Andy Buck 2 3 3 1 9 Paul Clarke 1* 1 0 0 2+1 worked. An incredible start saw the home sublime third bend pass of Dave Morton Heysel and Bradford. Colin Richardson 2 3 2 0 7 side take four 5-1s in the opening five in Heat 6 the highlight. Albert Square first hit our TV screens, It was a moment that would transform a KEVIN LING was with the Eagles every “The draw broke Wimbledon’s hearts Havelock and Geoff Pusey, so they were Martin Dugard 3 1 0 4 races and then three successive 4-2s to The Gunners hit back with a 5-1 in Heat Dirty Den, Angie and all. But Boomtown mediocre campaign into something quite step of the way as they criss-crossed but the highlight of that night was a two notable scalps. Chris Mulvihill 2* 0 ef 2+1 lead 35-11. 8 thanks to Carr’s tactical sub ride and a Rat Bob Geldof dominated the year, sensational. the country before finally landing the 15-point maxim for Colin Richardson, a “He was our rider and rode for us on But the Gunners were far from goners. 4-2 drew them level at Heat 10, but they turning rock star into charity campaigner. The Eagles, on their return to the Team manager: Russell Lanning cup at Ellesmere Port. former Wimbledon rider,” Kevin said. that occasion. It rained throughout the They hit back with two maximums of their had run out of time. Who could forget 100,000 at Wembley National League, had been ordinary to Referee: Mr J. Miller Eastbourne were nearly out before “A 4-2 in the final race gave us the draw. meeting. It was tipping it down all the own to reduce the deficit to 46-32 for the Appropriately it was the powerhouse for Live Aid, scorching hot day, Status say the least. Ellesmere Port had drawn at they hardly got started and there was Gordon Kennett beat Mike Ferreira and time. Eastbourne asked the referee to Heat details return to Thornton Road. This clash was captain Kennett in Heat 11, with his third Quo's Rockin’ All Over The World and Arlington while the Sussex side hadn’t an almighty scare in the semi-final. Martin Dugard, in one of his early outings, inspect the track aer about heat eight Ht 1: Kennett, Morton, Walsh, Pritchard, 68.3 far from over, especially in the knowledge win, that wrapped up the KO Cup in Queen’s epic Radio Ga Ga. come close to a result on their travels. But First round beat Wimbledon heat leader Jamie or nine and he said it was fit to (3-3; 35-49) that Ellesmere had dumped the Eagles emphatic style. In sport it was Everton who won a mid-season shuffle changed all that. Ht 2: Dugard, Mulvihill, R. Owen, Alderman, 70.5 The Eagles nearly went out against Luckhurst. continue. 50-28 earlier in the campaign. Indeed, Kennett completed his full Division One but a sensational Norman Out went Mick Hines and Derek Harrison, (1-5; 4-8; 36-54 bitter rivals Canterbury. The home leg “Wimbledon finished third in the league “The Middlesbrough fans were made Ht 3: Carr, Richardson, Clarke, O’Hare, 68.2 TR The Eagles team travelled to Edinburgh maximum in the final heat. Gunners had Whiteside curling effort denied them a replaced by gangly Andy Buck and was won 47-31 but the Crusaders made and we despatched them in the quarter up with that but at the end of the (3-3; 7-11; 39-57) for their final away National League clash done enough to win on the night but final. Middlesbrough eventually finished meeting when we did take it off them double in the FA Cup as Manchester young maestro Dugard. Ht 4: J. Owen, Buck Owen, Mulvihill, 70.2 (4-2; it tight with a 45-33 win on their own on the Wednesday night, taking out a were visibly stunned in the pits by how second in the league and we beat them in with a 4-2 in the last race, they were all United took the glory in extra-time. The While the National League campaign 11-13; 43-59) shale. Ht 5: Kennett, Carr, O’Hare, Pritchard, 68.8 (3-3; narrow win. Then spent the day at impressive Eastbourne had performed. Kevin recalls the Kingsmead match: the semi and we beat the team who won very upset. biggest sporting fairytale was at was destined for mediocrity, the Eagles 14-16; 46-62) Blackpool Pleasurebeach on the The Eagles team celebrated with dinner “Canterbury were in the ascendancy the league in the final.” “There were three of us dancing on Wimbledon, 17-year-old Boris ‘Boom Having just turned 16, Martin Dugard, had already saved their best displays for Ht 6: Buck, Morton, Dugard, Walsh (ef), 69.8 Thursday night before the crunch second at a local Berni Inn with the KO Cup sat and it was two wins in the last two Semi-Final the dog track and hugging each other. Boom’ Becker winning in some style. wearing his uncle Eric’s old pale blue and the KO Cup, scraping past Canterbury in (2-4; 16-20; 48-66) Ht 7: Richardson, J. Owen, Clarke, R. Owen, 70.1 leg against the Gunners 24 hours later. proudly in the middle of the long dining heats, one from Colin Richardson and If you are looking for controversy in a The home fans in the stand behind us But while he was taking the plaudits in white leathers and one of Kelly Moran’s the first round before comfortably (2-4, 18-24; 50-70 Jennifer Rush’s Power of Love was table. the other from Gordon Kennett, that cup run, this is where it really was. were not happy.” SW19 on July 7 1985, 50 miles away in stars and stripes helmets, scored paid disposing of Milton Keynes. Ht 8: Carr (t/s), Walsh, Pritchard, Mulvihill (ef), belting out around a bitterly cold It was a Cup that would never leave saw us home. It was one of those where Eastbourne saw off Middlesbrough by the National League KO Cup Final BN27, another teenager was also making seven points on his debut in Eastbourne’s But now came the big test, a 70.6 (5-1; 23-25; 55-71) Ht 9: Buck, Carr, Alderman, Dugard, 69.6 (3-3; Thornton Road and Eagles fans steeled possession of the Dugard family and you always felt we were loosening our narrowest of margins. And so to Ellesmere Port for D-Day. his mark. home win over Exeter. quarter-final tie with old enemy 26-28; 58-74) themselves for a tense night and an Eastbourne. grip. A Crusaders 5-1 in either of those The Teesside outfit won their home Kevin said: “Ellesmere Port were very, Wimbledon. This would be the beginning Ht 10: Morton, Richardson, Walsh, Clarke, 71.1 heats would have pulled them level but (second) leg 48-30 as the Eagles nearly let very good. Joe Owen, Louis Carr, who of a very special run of six glorious ties. (4-2; 30-30; 62-76) Ht 11: Kennett, J. Owen, Alderman, Pritchard, it was those two races that saw us slip a 49-29 lead from Arlington. became a stand out rider in the league, The Dons had already romped past the 70.0 (3-3, 33-33; 65-79) home. We could have been out. It was There were huge arguments at and Dave Morton were the heat leader Eagles home and away in early season Ht 12: Carr, Morton, Buck, Richardson, 70.5 (5-1; a close call.” Middlesbrough over the composition of trio. They had Dave Walsh as well and challenges. 38-34; 7-80) Ht 13: Kennett, J. Owen, O’Hare, Clarke, 70.4 Second round the Eagles team with the meeting taking were an exceptional side. But this was a very different Sussex (3-3; 41-37; 73-83) A much easier tie for the Sussex side place on a circuit that looked more like a “They got an early season draw at side. Nonetheless, at Plough Lane with the Eagles winning both legs: quagmire than a speedway track. Arlington but that was a fortunate point Wimbledon looked set to deliver a 50-28 at Arlington and 42-36 at Milton Kevin Ling remembers there was huge as they came back from six points healthy first leg lead with three races to Keynes. row about the inclusion of Paul Clarke in behind with two heats to go. go and six points in front. “We had signed Andy Buck in the the Eagles team for the second leg. Gordon (Kennett) fell in his last ride However, Colin Richardson was in the place of Mick Hines and that was his “He had announced his retirement for aer getting straight wins and they mood. He produced an outstanding debut at Milton Keynes. Colin about a week. The semi-final was in the needed to get a 5-1 and a 4-2 in the last five-ride 15-point maximum and his tac Richardson got 11 from four rides and midst of four away matches in four days two races. sub 5-1 with Gordon Kennett in Heat 11 Andy Buck scored, I think, ten. Straight and he didn’t ride in the preceding league “They beat us fairly and squarely up away we knew we had a little gem. matches. there in the league.” set-up a cracking finale and shock 39-39 “Keith Pritchard scored, really, really “Because Eastbourne had so many Kevin and some friends went to draw. The Eagles completed the job at well. The hard work had been done injuries, he agreed to ride in the semi-final. Ellesmere Port the long way round. Arlington 44-33 and lined up another and we beat them at home by 22 points They said he was retired and he was They watched the Eagles win at tasty clash with title contenders but the enduring memory of the tie was ineligible. My view was that he was still a Edinburgh on the Wednesday night Middlesbrough. the Andy Buck debut.” contracted rider. He scored three points, and moved on to Sheffield for the The Tigers, without their own Quarter Final which given the lottery of the conditions, match against King’s Lynn on the wonderkid Gary Havelock, were A 39-39 draw at Wimbledon was you could have put anybody in and they Thursday. smashed 49-29 in Sussex with Kennett where the hard work was done. It was could have scored three points. It was a resounding 63-15. However, and Richardson unbeaten and Dugard wrapped up on home soil with a 44-33 “The two Middlesbrough riders he beat it wasn’t the match that brings back the

adding two wins. In the meantime, - The John Somerville Collection Patrick Mike Gordon Kennett Phil Lanning win. were the emerging talent of Gary memories. league form was awful. Arena-Essex’s Bob Humphreys leads Gordon Kennett at Arlington.

34 FLYING HIGH

“We were standing by the pits and listening principally to Port riders Dave Morton and Dave Walsh. They saw we were Eastbourne supporters and were taking the juice, saying more or less we didn’t stand a hope in hell and the cup was in the bag. They were so cocksure of themselves but it was a different story the following day.” Kevin was not totally without hope before the match began at Ellesmere Port. “I had seen Eastbourne pull off similar performances before and, as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I always thought we stood a good chance. We had a 14-point lead and when you look down our team you felt anything was possible, or at least should have been.” The match started brilliantly for Eastbourne with Gordon Kennett coming from the back in heat one to beat Dave Morton and equal the track record. “Every time something momentous happened, we all rushed down to the safety fence, jumping up and hanging over it,” Kevin said. “The Ellesmere Port reserves had dominated heat two pretty much week aer week on their home track. “It was difficult to see because it was quite dark and I thought in heat two that it was their rider in the lead. Then I saw Chris Mulvihill come into second place and I thought that’s not bad, it’s only a 4-2 to them. “When they got further round I realised it was Martin Dugard in front and Mulvihill in second place and we had a 5-1 which no other team had done at Ellesmere Port that season. All of a sudden here was that realisation that it was those two and what a race.” It certainly was game on and the feeling was strengthened when Gordon Kennett came from the back to beat Louis Carr in heat five. “Andy Buck beat Dave Morton in heat six and Colin Richardson came from the back to pip Joe Owen on the line to take heat seven. “That really got us up on the fence cheering. “Louis Carr came out as a tac sub in heat eight and got a 5-1 but Buck beat him in the following race by coming from the back to pip the Port rider on the line, just as Colin Richardson had done against Joe Owen. “With that, we were still two points ahead on the night and the cup was almost in the bag, if it wasn’t already. “Towards the end we had two incredible races. Gordon came from the back twice to beat Joe Owen in heats 11 and 13. It was the most brilliant maximum as you would ever see. Virtually every win that night was from the back. He was an absolute powerhouse.” ■ Two home and away defeats before undoubted rearguard action from a The film of the year may have been the return on Teesside. And that would be Gunners onslaught. Back To The Future. In National League a proper nerve-jangler. But it was a sensational performance speedway terms, the Eagles were truly Boro hit three 5-1s in the opening four from the Sussex men. back and the future was all blue and heats in the rain and Eagles were on the At 15-years-old, I vividly remember yellow. Memories from our contributors ropes. standing on the third bend with the give you a real feeling of that night of It was all level on aggregate with the Eagles fans, next to Margaret Dugard. drama. Tigers having clawed back the 20-point This was to be one of my favourite A contemporary report in a Sussex local deficit going into the final heat. But Bucky meetings of all-time. newspaper of the second leg said the was the hero with real bottle to deliver a Aer a false start in Heat 1, in the re-run home crowd was stunned by the Eagles courageous win over Steve Wilcock, Kennett stormed to a win in a track record who had wrapped up the issue with three Kennett third and Eastbourne were in the time. Then came the first killer blow. Next races to spare. Gordon Kennett was in final. time out, Dugard stormed from the vintage form and hit a 12-point Now it was the biggie and against outside gate with Chris Mulvihill to maximum, the first visitor to ride National League champions-elect deliver a crushing psychological blow 5-1 unbeaten at Port in 1985. Kennett, as LIVE AID, BORIS Becker, EastEnders and

Ellesmere Port. and further increase the lead on skipper, received the cup from Phil Lanning Back To The Future. In a controversial move, the Eagles aggregate. multi-world champion, Ivan Mauger. Gordon Kennett gets bumps at Canterbury aer winning last heat decider in KO Cup first round Oh what a year, 1985. management Bob Dugard and Russell Louis Carr broke the track record again A bittersweet 12 months of emotions. Lanning decided to switch the riding to win Heat 3 but successive wins for The epic blockbuster movie with Marty order, putting Kennett at No.2, Buck at Kennett, Buck and Richardson produced McFly and Doc Brown and that DeLorean No.3 and Richardson at No.4. It certainly the perfect stonewalling job, Buck’s but the horrors of football disasters at worked. An incredible start saw the home sublime third bend pass of Dave Morton Heysel and Bradford. Eastbourne’s road to final side take four 5-1s in the opening five in Heat 6 the highlight. Albert Square first hit our TV screens, It was a moment that would transform a KEVIN LING was with the Eagles every “The draw broke Wimbledon’s hearts Havelock and Geoff Pusey, so they were races and then three successive 4-2s to The Gunners hit back with a 5-1 in Heat Dirty Den, Angie and all. But Boomtown mediocre campaign into something quite step of the way as they criss-crossed but the highlight of that night was a two notable scalps. lead 35-11. 8 thanks to Carr’s tactical sub ride and a Rat Bob Geldof dominated the year, sensational. the country before finally landing the 15-point maxim for Colin Richardson, a “He was our rider and rode for us on But the Gunners were far from goners. 4-2 drew them level at Heat 10, but they turning rock star into charity campaigner. The Eagles, on their return to the cup at Ellesmere Port. former Wimbledon rider,” Kevin said. that occasion. It rained throughout the They hit back with two maximums of their had run out of time. Who could forget 100,000 at Wembley National League, had been ordinary to Eastbourne were nearly out before “A 4-2 in the final race gave us the draw. meeting. It was tipping it down all the own to reduce the deficit to 46-32 for the Appropriately it was the powerhouse for Live Aid, scorching hot day, Status say the least. Ellesmere Port had drawn at they hardly got started and there was Gordon Kennett beat Mike Ferreira and time. Eastbourne asked the referee to return to Thornton Road. This clash was captain Kennett in Heat 11, with his third Quo's Rockin’ All Over The World and Arlington while the Sussex side hadn’t an almighty scare in the semi-final. Martin Dugard, in one of his early outings, inspect the track aer about heat eight far from over, especially in the knowledge win, that wrapped up the KO Cup in Queen’s epic Radio Ga Ga. come close to a result on their travels. But First round beat Wimbledon heat leader Jamie or nine and he said it was fit to that Ellesmere had dumped the Eagles emphatic style. In sport it was Everton who won a mid-season shuffle changed all that. The Eagles nearly went out against Luckhurst. continue. 50-28 earlier in the campaign. Indeed, Kennett completed his full Division One but a sensational Norman Out went Mick Hines and Derek Harrison, bitter rivals Canterbury. The home leg “Wimbledon finished third in the league “The Middlesbrough fans were made The Eagles team travelled to Edinburgh maximum in the final heat. Gunners had Whiteside curling effort denied them a replaced by gangly Andy Buck and was won 47-31 but the Crusaders made and we despatched them in the quarter up with that but at the end of the for their final away National League clash done enough to win on the night but double in the FA Cup as Manchester young maestro Dugard. it tight with a 45-33 win on their own final. Middlesbrough eventually finished meeting when we did take it off them on the Wednesday night, taking out a were visibly stunned in the pits by how second in the league and we beat them in with a 4-2 in the last race, they were all United took the glory in extra-time. The While the National League campaign shale. narrow win. Then spent the day at impressive Eastbourne had performed. Kevin recalls the Kingsmead match: the semi and we beat the team who won very upset. biggest sporting fairytale was at was destined for mediocrity, the Eagles Blackpool Pleasurebeach on the The Eagles team celebrated with dinner “Canterbury were in the ascendancy the league in the final.” “There were three of us dancing on Wimbledon, 17-year-old Boris ‘Boom Having just turned 16, Martin Dugard, had already saved their best displays for Thursday night before the crunch second at a local Berni Inn with the KO Cup sat and it was two wins in the last two Semi-Final the dog track and hugging each other. Boom’ Becker winning in some style. wearing his uncle Eric’s old pale blue and the KO Cup, scraping past Canterbury in leg against the Gunners 24 hours later. proudly in the middle of the long dining heats, one from Colin Richardson and If you are looking for controversy in a The home fans in the stand behind us But while he was taking the plaudits in white leathers and one of Kelly Moran’s the first round before comfortably Jennifer Rush’s Power of Love was table. the other from Gordon Kennett, that cup run, this is where it really was. were not happy.” SW19 on July 7 1985, 50 miles away in stars and stripes helmets, scored paid disposing of Milton Keynes. belting out around a bitterly cold It was a Cup that would never leave saw us home. It was one of those where Eastbourne saw off Middlesbrough by the National League KO Cup Final BN27, another teenager was also making seven points on his debut in Eastbourne’s But now came the big test, a Thornton Road and Eagles fans steeled possession of the Dugard family and you always felt we were loosening our narrowest of margins. And so to Ellesmere Port for D-Day. his mark. home win over Exeter. quarter-final tie with old enemy themselves for a tense night and an Eastbourne. grip. A Crusaders 5-1 in either of those The Teesside outfit won their home Kevin said: “Ellesmere Port were very, Wimbledon. This would be the beginning heats would have pulled them level but (second) leg 48-30 as the Eagles nearly let very good. Joe Owen, Louis Carr, who of a very special run of six glorious ties. it was those two races that saw us slip a 49-29 lead from Arlington. became a stand out rider in the league, The Dons had already romped past the home. We could have been out. It was There were huge arguments at and Dave Morton were the heat leader Eagles home and away in early season a close call.” Middlesbrough over the composition of trio. They had Dave Walsh as well and challenges. Second round the Eagles team with the meeting taking were an exceptional side. But this was a very different Sussex A much easier tie for the Sussex side place on a circuit that looked more like a “They got an early season draw at side. Nonetheless, at Plough Lane with the Eagles winning both legs: quagmire than a speedway track. Arlington but that was a fortunate point Wimbledon looked set to deliver a 50-28 at Arlington and 42-36 at Milton Kevin Ling remembers there was huge as they came back from six points healthy first leg lead with three races to Keynes. row about the inclusion of Paul Clarke in behind with two heats to go. go and six points in front. “We had signed Andy Buck in the the Eagles team for the second leg. Gordon (Kennett) fell in his last ride However, Colin Richardson was in the place of Mick Hines and that was his “He had announced his retirement for aer getting straight wins and they mood. He produced an outstanding debut at Milton Keynes. Colin about a week. The semi-final was in the needed to get a 5-1 and a 4-2 in the last five-ride 15-point maximum and his tac Richardson got 11 from four rides and midst of four away matches in four days two races. sub 5-1 with Gordon Kennett in Heat 11 Andy Buck scored, I think, ten. Straight and he didn’t ride in the preceding league “They beat us fairly and squarely up away we knew we had a little gem. matches. there in the league.” set-up a cracking finale and shock 39-39 “Keith Pritchard scored, really, really “Because Eastbourne had so many Kevin and some friends went to draw. The Eagles completed the job at well. The hard work had been done injuries, he agreed to ride in the semi-final. Ellesmere Port the long way round. Arlington 44-33 and lined up another and we beat them at home by 22 points They said he was retired and he was They watched the Eagles win at tasty clash with title contenders but the enduring memory of the tie was ineligible. My view was that he was still a Edinburgh on the Wednesday night Middlesbrough. the Andy Buck debut.” contracted rider. He scored three points, and moved on to Sheffield for the The Tigers, without their own Quarter Final which given the lottery of the conditions, match against King’s Lynn on the wonderkid Gary Havelock, were A 39-39 draw at Wimbledon was you could have put anybody in and they Thursday. smashed 49-29 in Sussex with Kennett where the hard work was done. It was could have scored three points. It was a resounding 63-15. However, and Richardson unbeaten and Dugard wrapped up on home soil with a 44-33 “The two Middlesbrough riders he beat it wasn’t the match that brings back the adding two wins. In the meantime, win. were the emerging talent of Gary memories. ➢ league form was awful.

FLYING HIGH 35

“We were standing by the pits and listening principally to Port riders Dave Morton and Dave Walsh. They saw we were Eastbourne supporters and were taking the juice, saying more or less we didn’t stand a hope in hell and the cup was in the bag. They were so cocksure of themselves but it was a different story the following day.” Kevin was not totally without hope before the match began at Ellesmere Port. “I had seen Eastbourne pull off similar performances before and, as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I always thought we stood a good chance. We had a 14-point lead and when you look down our team you felt anything was possible, or at least should have been.” The match started brilliantly for Eastbourne with Gordon Kennett coming from the back in heat one to beat Dave Morton and equal the track record. “Every time something momentous happened, we all rushed down to the safety fence, jumping up and hanging over it,” Kevin said. “The Ellesmere Port reserves had dominated heat two pretty much week aer week on their home track. “It was difficult to see because it was quite dark and I thought in heat two that it was their rider in the lead. Then I saw Chris Mulvihill come into second place and I thought that’s not bad, it’s only a 4-2 to them. “When they got further round I realised it was Martin Dugard in front and Mulvihill in second place and we had a 5-1 which no other team had done at Ellesmere Port that season. All of a sudden here was that realisation that it was those two and what a race.” It certainly was game on and the feeling was strengthened when Gordon Kennett came from the back to beat Louis Carr in heat five. “Andy Buck beat Dave Morton in heat six and Colin Richardson came from the back to pip Joe Owen on the line to take heat seven. “That really got us up on the fence cheering. “Louis Carr came out as a tac sub in heat eight and got a 5-1 but Buck beat him in the following race by coming from the back to pip the Port rider on the line, just as Colin Richardson had done against Joe Owen. “With that, we were still two points ahead on the night and the cup was almost in the bag, if it wasn’t already. “Towards the end we had two incredible races. Gordon came from the back twice to beat Joe Owen in heats 11 and 13. It was the most brilliant maximum as you would ever see. Virtually every win that night was from the back. He was an absolute powerhouse.” ■ KEVIN LING was with the Eagles every “The draw broke Wimbledon’s hearts Havelock and Geoff Pusey, so they were step of the way as they criss-crossed but the highlight of that night was a two notable scalps. the country before finally landing the 15-point maxim for Colin Richardson, a “He was our rider and rode for us on cup at Ellesmere Port. former Wimbledon rider,” Kevin said. that occasion. It rained throughout the Eastbourne were nearly out before “A 4-2 in the final race gave us the draw. meeting. It was tipping it down all the they hardly got started and there was Gordon Kennett beat Mike Ferreira and time. Eastbourne asked the referee to an almighty scare in the semi-final. Martin Dugard, in one of his early outings, inspect the track aer about heat eight First round beat Wimbledon heat leader Jamie or nine and he said it was fit to The Eagles nearly went out against Luckhurst. continue. bitter rivals Canterbury. The home leg “Wimbledon finished third in the league “The Middlesbrough fans were made was won 47-31 but the Crusaders made and we despatched them in the quarter up with that but at the end of the it tight with a 45-33 win on their own final. Middlesbrough eventually finished meeting when we did take it off them shale. second in the league and we beat them in with a 4-2 in the last race, they were all Kevin recalls the Kingsmead match: the semi and we beat the team who won very upset. “Canterbury were in the ascendancy the league in the final.” “There were three of us dancing on and it was two wins in the last two Semi-Final the dog track and hugging each other. heats, one from Colin Richardson and If you are looking for controversy in a The home fans in the stand behind us the other from Gordon Kennett, that cup run, this is where it really was. were not happy.” saw us home. It was one of those where Eastbourne saw off Middlesbrough by the National League KO Cup Final you always felt we were loosening our narrowest of margins. And so to Ellesmere Port for D-Day. grip. A Crusaders 5-1 in either of those The Teesside outfit won their home Kevin said: “Ellesmere Port were very, heats would have pulled them level but (second) leg 48-30 as the Eagles nearly let very good. Joe Owen, Louis Carr, who it was those two races that saw us slip a 49-29 lead from Arlington. became a stand out rider in the league, home. We could have been out. It was There were huge arguments at and Dave Morton were the heat leader a close call.” Middlesbrough over the composition of trio. They had Dave Walsh as well and Second round the Eagles team with the meeting taking were an exceptional side. A much easier tie for the Sussex side place on a circuit that looked more like a “They got an early season draw at with the Eagles winning both legs: quagmire than a speedway track. Arlington but that was a fortunate point 50-28 at Arlington and 42-36 at Milton Kevin Ling remembers there was huge as they came back from six points Keynes. row about the inclusion of Paul Clarke in behind with two heats to go. “We had signed Andy Buck in the the Eagles team for the second leg. Gordon (Kennett) fell in his last ride place of Mick Hines and that was his “He had announced his retirement for aer getting straight wins and they debut at Milton Keynes. Colin about a week. The semi-final was in the needed to get a 5-1 and a 4-2 in the last Richardson got 11 from four rides and midst of four away matches in four days two races. Andy Buck scored, I think, ten. Straight and he didn’t ride in the preceding league “They beat us fairly and squarely up away we knew we had a little gem. matches. there in the league.” “Keith Pritchard scored, really, really “Because Eastbourne had so many Kevin and some friends went to well. The hard work had been done injuries, he agreed to ride in the semi-final. Ellesmere Port the long way round. and we beat them at home by 22 points They said he was retired and he was They watched the Eagles win at but the enduring memory of the tie was ineligible. My view was that he was still a Edinburgh on the Wednesday night the Andy Buck debut.” contracted rider. He scored three points, and moved on to Sheffield for the Quarter Final which given the lottery of the conditions, match against King’s Lynn on the A 39-39 draw at Wimbledon was you could have put anybody in and they Thursday. where the hard work was done. It was could have scored three points. It was a resounding 63-15. However, wrapped up on home soil with a 44-33 “The two Middlesbrough riders he beat it wasn’t the match that brings back the win. were the emerging talent of Gary memories.

➢ “We were standing by the pits decent crowd to boot; sadly not and listening principally to Port riders enough over to keep the Gunners Dave Morton and Dave Walsh. They Port view riding the following season and it was saw we were Eastbourne supporters ELLESMERE PORT SUPPORTER Steve also the last full meeting Joe Owen rode and were taking the juice, saying more Wilkes said: “I do remember the cup final in before his accident at Birmingham or less we didn’t stand a hope in hell from 1985. As a Gunners fan, I remember two days later. and the cup was in the bag. They were being rather surprised that the points Phil Harding added: so cocksure of themselves but it was a deficit was higher than expected. “I think even before the final we knew different story the following day.” “My main memories were Gordon Kevin was not totally without hope it would be really tough against Kennett breaking the track record in heat before the match began at Ellesmere Eastbourne and they were deserving 1 and being unbeaten on the night. Port. “I had seen Eastbourne pull off winners. Shame we never got the Strangely, Gordon had only scored nine similar performances before and, as chance to go again in ’86.” points at Thornton Road in the league they say, when the going gets tough, Nick Budd: “Thing that I remember the tough get going. I always thought fixture in the summer. was how much dirt was on the track for we stood a good chance. We had a “Louis Carr then broke Gordon’s track the 2nd leg, was unbelievable amount 14-point lead and when you look down record in heat 3 to enter the record and it was strange because we hadn’t our team you felt anything was books as the last (unknown at the time ) done that all season and our team never possible, or at least should have been.” ever rider to do this. I do recall Andy got to grips with it.” The match started brilliantly for Buck brilliantly taking the mighty Joe Jeff Radcliffe recalled: “I certainly Eastbourne with Gordon Kennett Owen from the back in heat 4. remember that night. It was in the coming from the back in heat one to “At this point I knew ‘the game was up’ second half that I broke my shoulder, beat Dave Morton and equal the track and with the remaining heats taking made rather a mess of the fence as record. “Every time something place just trying to win the match (which well.” momentous happened, we all rushed we did 41-37). *Via the Ellesmere Port Gunners down to the safety fence, jumping up “A deserved win for the Eagles and Memories Facebook Group. and hanging over it,” Kevin said. “The Ellesmere Port reserves had dominated heat two pretty much week aer week on their home track. “It was difficult to see because it There is one sad note to Port’s run to the final recall about Eastbourne’s was quite dark and I thought in heat two that it was their rider in the lead. ELLESMERE PORT saw off Edinburgh in the cup success. Two days later Then I saw Chris Mulvihill come into first round of the KO Cup, Birmingham in as the Gunners wrapped second place and I thought that’s not round two and recorded big home and away up the league title with a bad, it’s only a 4-2 to them. wins against Berwick in the quarter finals. win at Birmingham, the “When they got further round I It was touch and go in the semi-final against Gunners’ Joe Owen fell and realised it was Martin Dugard in front Hackney. The Gunners opened up a 50-28 that tragically le him and Mulvihill in second place and we lead in the home leg but were nearly pegged paralysed and confined to had a 5-1 which no other team had back at Waterden Road where the Hawks won a wheelchair. done at Ellesmere Port that season. All 49-29. of a sudden here was that realisation that it was those two and what a race.” It certainly was game on and the feeling was strengthened when Gordon Kennett came from the back to beat Louis Carr in heat five. “Andy Buck beat Dave Morton in heat six and Colin Richardson came from the back to pip Joe Owen on the line to take heat seven. “That really got us up on the fence cheering. “Louis Carr came out as a tac sub in heat eight and got a 5-1 but Buck beat him in the following race by coming from the back to pip the Port rider on the line, just as Colin Richardson had done against Joe Owen. “With that, we were still two points ahead on the night and the cup was Phil Lanning almost in the bag, if it wasn’t already. Dave Mullett leads Kennett in Heat 1 at Canterbury in KO Cup first round, second leg “Towards the end we had two incredible races. Gordon came from THE EAGLE-EYED among you may have noticed some small discrepancies in the the back twice to beat Joe Owen in recollections of the match, and that is no surprise aer all this time. heats 11 and 13. It was the most brilliant maximum as you would ever We have referred to the programme John Ling filled in on the night at Ellesmere Port. see. Virtually every win that night was He shows that in heat one, Gordon Kennett equalled the track record in a time of from the back. He was an absolute 68.3. He too has Andy Buck as the winner of the Rider of the Night Final from Gordon powerhouse.” ■ Kennett, Louis Carr and Colin Richardson (ef). However, a contemporary report in a Sussex local newspaper said Gordon Kennett won the second-half final.

36 FLYING HIGH KEVIN LING was with the Eagles every “The draw broke Wimbledon’s hearts Havelock and Geoff Pusey, so they were step of the way as they criss-crossed but the highlight of that night was a two notable scalps. the country before finally landing the 15-point maxim for Colin Richardson, a “He was our rider and rode for us on cup at Ellesmere Port. former Wimbledon rider,” Kevin said. that occasion. It rained throughout the Eastbourne were nearly out before “A 4-2 in the final race gave us the draw. meeting. It was tipping it down all the they hardly got started and there was Gordon Kennett beat Mike Ferreira and time. Eastbourne asked the referee to an almighty scare in the semi-final. Martin Dugard, in one of his early outings, inspect the track aer about heat eight First round beat Wimbledon heat leader Jamie or nine and he said it was fit to The Eagles nearly went out against Luckhurst. continue. bitter rivals Canterbury. The home leg “Wimbledon finished third in the league “The Middlesbrough fans were made was won 47-31 but the Crusaders made and we despatched them in the quarter up with that but at the end of the it tight with a 45-33 win on their own final. Middlesbrough eventually finished meeting when we did take it off them shale. second in the league and we beat them in with a 4-2 in the last race, they were all Kevin recalls the Kingsmead match: the semi and we beat the team who won very upset. “Canterbury were in the ascendancy the league in the final.” “There were three of us dancing on and it was two wins in the last two Semi-Final the dog track and hugging each other. heats, one from Colin Richardson and If you are looking for controversy in a The home fans in the stand behind us the other from Gordon Kennett, that cup run, this is where it really was. were not happy.” saw us home. It was one of those where Eastbourne saw off Middlesbrough by the National League KO Cup Final you always felt we were loosening our narrowest of margins. And so to Ellesmere Port for D-Day. grip. A Crusaders 5-1 in either of those The Teesside outfit won their home Kevin said: “Ellesmere Port were very, heats would have pulled them level but (second) leg 48-30 as the Eagles nearly let very good. Joe Owen, Louis Carr, who it was those two races that saw us slip a 49-29 lead from Arlington. became a stand out rider in the league, home. We could have been out. It was There were huge arguments at and Dave Morton were the heat leader a close call.” Middlesbrough over the composition of trio. They had Dave Walsh as well and Second round the Eagles team with the meeting taking were an exceptional side. A much easier tie for the Sussex side place on a circuit that looked more like a “They got an early season draw at with the Eagles winning both legs: quagmire than a speedway track. Arlington but that was a fortunate point 50-28 at Arlington and 42-36 at Milton Kevin Ling remembers there was huge as they came back from six points Keynes. row about the inclusion of Paul Clarke in behind with two heats to go. “We had signed Andy Buck in the the Eagles team for the second leg. Gordon (Kennett) fell in his last ride place of Mick Hines and that was his “He had announced his retirement for aer getting straight wins and they debut at Milton Keynes. Colin about a week. The semi-final was in the needed to get a 5-1 and a 4-2 in the last Richardson got 11 from four rides and midst of four away matches in four days two races. Andy Buck scored, I think, ten. Straight and he didn’t ride in the preceding league “They beat us fairly and squarely up away we knew we had a little gem. matches. there in the league.” “Keith Pritchard scored, really, really “Because Eastbourne had so many Kevin and some friends went to well. The hard work had been done injuries, he agreed to ride in the semi-final. Ellesmere Port the long way round. and we beat them at home by 22 points They said he was retired and he was They watched the Eagles win at but the enduring memory of the tie was ineligible. My view was that he was still a Edinburgh on the Wednesday night the Andy Buck debut.” contracted rider. He scored three points, and moved on to Sheffield for the Quarter Final which given the lottery of the conditions, match against King’s Lynn on the A 39-39 draw at Wimbledon was you could have put anybody in and they Thursday. where the hard work was done. It was could have scored three points. It was a resounding 63-15. However, wrapped up on home soil with a 44-33 “The two Middlesbrough riders he beat it wasn’t the match that brings back the win. were the emerging talent of Gary memories.

“We were standing by the pits and listening principally to Port riders Dave Morton and Dave Walsh. They saw we were Eastbourne supporters and were taking the juice, saying more or less we didn’t stand a hope in hell and the cup was in the bag. They were so cocksure of themselves but it was a different story the following day.” Kevin was not totally without hope before the match began at Ellesmere Port. “I had seen Eastbourne pull off similar performances before and, as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I always thought we stood a good chance. We had a 14-point lead and when you look down our team you felt anything was possible, or at least should have been.” The match started brilliantly for Eastbourne with Gordon Kennett coming from the back in heat one to beat Dave Morton and equal the track record. “Every time something momentous happened, we all rushed Frank Bettis leads from down to the safety fence, jumping up Olle Nygren, Brian Wilson and hanging over it,” Kevin said. and Jack Young at “The Ellesmere Port reserves had Glasgow in 1949.

How times change... Morrish - The John Somerville Collection Peter dominated heat two pretty much week aer week on their home track. “It was difficult to see because it FRANK BETTIS WAS a regular for the At that time Hailsham had a railway Session over, he would clean the was quite dark and I thought in heat Eagles in 1957, 58 and 59 and at the time station and you could get a direct train machine, put it back together and two that it was their rider in the lead. lived near to the West Ham track in east from London which ran through ride back to Hailsham station and Then I saw Chris Mulvihill come into London. Tunbridge Wells and Heathfield. get the train back to London with second place and I thought that’s not Flying High contributor Ken Burnett In part, it was known as the Cuckoo Line the bike in the guard’s van. At the bad, it’s only a 4-2 to them. interviewed Frank in the 1980s by which and nowadays the trackbed south of other end he would ride home. “When they got further round I time the former rider was living not that Heathfield has been turned into a trail for Imagine, if you will, Edward realised it was Martin Dugard in front from Arlington in the Hastings area. cyclists and walkers, known as the Kennett hopping on to his and Mulvihill in second place and we What emerged was a story that now Cuckoo Trail. speedway bike outside his had a 5-1 which no other team had beggars belief on how Frank came on Frank told Ken that when he lived in Hailsham home and gunning it done at Ellesmere Port that season. All occasion to Arlington. West Ham he would ride his road bike to along the A22 and down Arlington of a sudden here was that realisation Nowadays, we see riders with smart the station in London and get the train to Road West. that it was those two and what a race.” sign-written vans, a stable of expensive Hailsham. And a railway station in Hailsham It certainly was game on and the bikes in the back and all the bits and From Hailsham, he would ride it to the ...that was a good idea but that feeling was strengthened when pieces they might need. track, strip it down and practice at disappeared like many speedway Gordon Kennett came from the back There was none of that in the late 1950s Arlington. tracks have done. ■ to beat Louis Carr in heat five. when Britain was finally rebuilding and “Andy Buck beat Dave Morton in throwing off the long shadow of World heat six and Colin Richardson came War Two. from the back to pip Joe Owen on the line to take heat seven. “That really It was a time when Prime Minister got us up on the fence cheering. Harold Macmillan, who had a home at “Louis Carr came out as a tac sub in Horsted Keynes about 20 miles north of heat eight and got a 5-1 but Buck beat Arlington, told the nation in 1957: him in the following race by coming “You’ve never had it so good.” from the back to pip the Port rider on the line, just as Colin Richardson had done against Joe Owen. “With that, we were still two points ahead on the night and the cup was almost in the bag, if it wasn’t already. “Towards the end we had two incredible races. Gordon came from the back twice to beat Joe Owen in heats 11 and 13. It was the most brilliant maximum as you would ever see. Virtually every win that night was from the back. He was an absolute powerhouse.” ■ Burnett T2TV - Ken

Wright Wood - The John Somerville Collection Wright Frank Bettis with a gleaming JAP

FLYING HIGH 37 KEVIN LING was with the Eagles every “The draw broke Wimbledon’s hearts Havelock and Geoff Pusey, so they were step of the way as they criss-crossed but the highlight of that night was a two notable scalps. the country before finally landing the 15-point maxim for Colin Richardson, a “He was our rider and rode for us on cup at Ellesmere Port. former Wimbledon rider,” Kevin said. that occasion. It rained throughout the Eastbourne were nearly out before “A 4-2 in the final race gave us the draw. meeting. It was tipping it down all the they hardly got started and there was Gordon Kennett beat Mike Ferreira and time. Eastbourne asked the referee to an almighty scare in the semi-final. Martin Dugard, in one of his early outings, inspect the track aer about heat eight First round beat Wimbledon heat leader Jamie or nine and he said it was fit to The Eagles nearly went out against Luckhurst. continue. bitter rivals Canterbury. The home leg “Wimbledon finished third in the league “The Middlesbrough fans were made was won 47-31 but the Crusaders made and we despatched them in the quarter up with that but at the end of the it tight with a 45-33 win on their own final. Middlesbrough eventually finished meeting when we did take it off them shale. second in the league and we beat them in with a 4-2 in the last race, they were all Kevin recalls the Kingsmead match: the semi and we beat the team who won very upset. “Canterbury were in the ascendancy the league in the final.” “There were three of us dancing on and it was two wins in the last two Semi-Final the dog track and hugging each other. heats, one from Colin Richardson and If you are looking for controversy in a The home fans in the stand behind us the other from Gordon Kennett, that cup run, this is where it really was. were not happy.” saw us home. It was one of those where Eastbourne saw off Middlesbrough by the National League KO Cup Final you always felt we were loosening our narrowest of margins. And so to Ellesmere Port for D-Day. grip. A Crusaders 5-1 in either of those The Teesside outfit won their home Kevin said: “Ellesmere Port were very, heats would have pulled them level but (second) leg 48-30 as the Eagles nearly let very good. Joe Owen, Louis Carr, who it was those two races that saw us slip a 49-29 lead from Arlington. became a stand out rider in the league, home. We could have been out. It was There were huge arguments at and Dave Morton were the heat leader a close call.” Middlesbrough over the composition of trio. They had Dave Walsh as well and Second round the Eagles team with the meeting taking were an exceptional side. A much easier tie for the Sussex side place on a circuit that looked more like a “They got an early season draw at with the Eagles winning both legs: quagmire than a speedway track. Arlington but that was a fortunate point 50-28 at Arlington and 42-36 at Milton Kevin Ling remembers there was huge as they came back from six points Keynes. row about the inclusion of Paul Clarke in behind with two heats to go. “We had signed Andy Buck in the the Eagles team for the second leg. Gordon (Kennett) fell in his last ride place of Mick Hines and that was his “He had announced his retirement for aer getting straight wins and they debut at Milton Keynes. Colin about a week. The semi-final was in the needed to get a 5-1 and a 4-2 in the last Richardson got 11 from four rides and midst of four away matches in four days two races. Andy Buck scored, I think, ten. Straight and he didn’t ride in the preceding league “They beat us fairly and squarely up away we knew we had a little gem. matches. there in the league.” “Keith Pritchard scored, really, really “Because Eastbourne had so many Kevin and some friends went to well. The hard work had been done injuries, he agreed to ride in the semi-final. Ellesmere Port the long way round. and we beat them at home by 22 points They said he was retired and he was They watched the Eagles win at but the enduring memory of the tie was ineligible. My view was that he was still a Edinburgh on the Wednesday night the Andy Buck debut.” contracted rider. He scored three points, and moved on to Sheffield for the Quarter Final which given the lottery of the conditions, match against King’s Lynn on the A 39-39 draw at Wimbledon was you could have put anybody in and they Thursday. where the hard work was done. It was could have scored three points. It was a resounding 63-15. However, wrapped up on home soil with a 44-33 “The two Middlesbrough riders he beat it wasn’t the match that brings back the win. were the emerging talent of Gary memories.

Q. What attracts you most to “We were standing by the pits speedway? and listening principally to Port riders Dave Morton and Dave Walsh. They Sponsors in Profile It is being part of the whole race and the saw we were Eastbourne supporters interaction with the riders. There are not and were taking the juice, saying more many sports where you can talk or less we didn’t stand a hope in hell face-to-face with the riders and even and the cup was in the bag. They were world champions. You can approach so cocksure of themselves but it was a them and talk to them. It makes you feel different story the following day.” much more part of the meeting. Kevin was not totally without hope You can sit on the terraces, watch them before the match began at Ellesmere race and then go and talk to them Port. “I had seen Eastbourne pull off aerwards. similar performances before and, as they say, when the going gets tough, It is also the excitement of the racing the tough get going. I always thought where you see them all the time, unlike we stood a good chance. We had a say F1. With Speedway, if there is an 14-point lead and when you look down incident, you see it as it happens. our team you felt anything was Q. What would you change about possible, or at least should have been.” speedway, if you could? The match started brilliantly for Eastbourne with Gordon Kennett Simplify the rules. Other than that, not coming from the back in heat one to much else. The rulebook is so old and beat Dave Morton and equal the track dated. It just needs simplifying so record. “Every time something everyone can understand it. I also don’t momentous happened, we all rushed like gimmicky things, such as when there down to the safety fence, jumping up David Graveling Property Maintenance were double points. How do you explain and hanging over it,” Kevin said. Graveling Tiffani that to newcomers. If you relate that to “The Ellesmere Port reserves had football, it would be that the next goal dominated heat two pretty much I think it was 2007 when I started back Q. Did you become a regular Marcus Rashford (Manchester United FC) week aer week on their home track. David Graveling Property again properly. I brought my son, then my immediately, or did the speedway scores counts as two. “It was difficult to see because it Maintenance undertakes daughter Tiffani started coming and my ‘bug’ take time to bite? was quite dark and I thought in heat property maintenance in the Q. What is or was your favourite track? wife, Elaine too. My son and my wife It was instant, only work which stopped two that it was their rider in the lead. Hastings, Bexhill, Battle area, Arlington and second Peterborough Then I saw Chris Mulvihill come into stopped but I kept going, and obviously me going. I was working as a chef and my because of the speed. I have never seen a second place and I thought that’s not plus across East Sussex, into Tiffani as well (you may have seen many of hours were such that I didn’t have the bad meeting there. bad, it’s only a 4-2 to them. her photographs in the Eastbourne time to go. Things changed and then I got Kent and sometimes up to Q. Who is your favourite rider of all “When they got further round I programme). back into it straight away. London. time? realised it was Martin Dugard in front and Mulvihill in second place and we Most aspects of property maintenance Nicki Pedersen. He was box office for had a 5-1 which no other team had are covered with specialist contractors Eastbourne.No-one thought a rider like done at Ellesmere Port that season. All brought in to do the work. that would come to Eastbourne. He was of a sudden here was that realisation David has been involved in this line of guaranteed pretty much double figure that it was those two and what a race.” work since 1995. points every time. He drew the crowds. It certainly was game on and the “I set up with my granddad, Ted. He was Q. What are your final thoughts? feeling was strengthened when working in the Pett area (between Gordon Kennett came from the back The nice thing about the sport is the to beat Louis Carr in heat five. Hastings and Rye) and getting on a bit. ‘Speedway family’. Within the groups “Andy Buck beat Dave Morton in He needed a hand so I le the job I was in who travel, there is great friendship. It is a heat six and Colin Richardson came and started helping him; gardening and Marmite sport, you love it or hate. There from the back to pip Joe Owen on the patios to begin with. I got my own work doesn’t seem be many people in line to take heat seven. “That really from there and it just snowballed,” David between. got us up on the fence cheering. said. I have my work friends, I play pool when “Louis Carr came out as a tac sub in Most of the work comes through personal we can in a team and they are my social heat eight and got a 5-1 but Buck beat recommendations. friends and then I have my Speedway him in the following race by coming David is one Jason Edwards’ sponsors, is from the back to pip the Port rider on friends. the line, just as Colin Richardson had proud that in the programme he is the I enjoy the social side, the travelling, done against Joe Owen. heat one sponsor and has a banner on the going with Brian (Jones) to different parts “With that, we were still two points air fence. of the country, staying over. It is all about ahead on the night and the cup was Q. When did you first go to a the interaction with the riders, the almost in the bag, if it wasn’t already. speedway match and where was that? friendship and the general enjoyment of “Towards the end we had two It was to Arlington. I was friends with travelling with fellow fans. incredible races. Gordon came from Mark Harris, who was a relation of Steve the back twice to beat Joe Owen in Weatherley, when we were at school. I heats 11 and 13. It was the most went over to the speedway with him in brilliant maximum as you would ever 1980, I think. I went for three or four years see. Virtually every win that night was from the back. He was an absolute and then moved away for work. I stopped powerhouse.” ■ going then, just the odd meeting here Graveling Tiffani and there. David Graveling with a presentation from Jason Edwards showing his appreciation for sponsorship.

38 FLYING HIGH KEVIN LING was with the Eagles every “The draw broke Wimbledon’s hearts Havelock and Geoff Pusey, so they were step of the way as they criss-crossed but the highlight of that night was a two notable scalps. the country before finally landing the 15-point maxim for Colin Richardson, a “He was our rider and rode for us on cup at Ellesmere Port. former Wimbledon rider,” Kevin said. that occasion. It rained throughout the Eastbourne were nearly out before “A 4-2 in the final race gave us the draw. meeting. It was tipping it down all the they hardly got started and there was Gordon Kennett beat Mike Ferreira and time. Eastbourne asked the referee to an almighty scare in the semi-final. Martin Dugard, in one of his early outings, inspect the track aer about heat eight First round beat Wimbledon heat leader Jamie or nine and he said it was fit to The Eagles nearly went out against Luckhurst. continue. bitter rivals Canterbury. The home leg “Wimbledon finished third in the league “The Middlesbrough fans were made was won 47-31 but the Crusaders made and we despatched them in the quarter up with that but at the end of the it tight with a 45-33 win on their own final. Middlesbrough eventually finished meeting when we did take it off them shale. second in the league and we beat them in with a 4-2 in the last race, they were all Kevin recalls the Kingsmead match: the semi and we beat the team who won very upset. “Canterbury were in the ascendancy the league in the final.” “There were three of us dancing on and it was two wins in the last two Semi-Final the dog track and hugging each other. heats, one from Colin Richardson and If you are looking for controversy in a The home fans in the stand behind us the other from Gordon Kennett, that cup run, this is where it really was. were not happy.” saw us home. It was one of those where Eastbourne saw off Middlesbrough by the National League KO Cup Final you always felt we were loosening our narrowest of margins. And so to Ellesmere Port for D-Day. grip. A Crusaders 5-1 in either of those The Teesside outfit won their home Kevin said: “Ellesmere Port were very, heats would have pulled them level but (second) leg 48-30 as the Eagles nearly let very good. Joe Owen, Louis Carr, who it was those two races that saw us slip a 49-29 lead from Arlington. became a stand out rider in the league, home. We could have been out. It was There were huge arguments at and Dave Morton were the heat leader a close call.” Middlesbrough over the composition of trio. They had Dave Walsh as well and Second round the Eagles team with the meeting taking were an exceptional side. A much easier tie for the Sussex side place on a circuit that looked more like a “They got an early season draw at with the Eagles winning both legs: quagmire than a speedway track. Arlington but that was a fortunate point 50-28 at Arlington and 42-36 at Milton Kevin Ling remembers there was huge as they came back from six points Keynes. row about the inclusion of Paul Clarke in behind with two heats to go. “We had signed Andy Buck in the the Eagles team for the second leg. Gordon (Kennett) fell in his last ride place of Mick Hines and that was his “He had announced his retirement for aer getting straight wins and they debut at Milton Keynes. Colin about a week. The semi-final was in the needed to get a 5-1 and a 4-2 in the last Richardson got 11 from four rides and midst of four away matches in four days two races. Andy Buck scored, I think, ten. Straight and he didn’t ride in the preceding league “They beat us fairly and squarely up away we knew we had a little gem. matches. there in the league.” “Keith Pritchard scored, really, really “Because Eastbourne had so many Kevin and some friends went to well. The hard work had been done injuries, he agreed to ride in the semi-final. Ellesmere Port the long way round. and we beat them at home by 22 points They said he was retired and he was They watched the Eagles win at but the enduring memory of the tie was ineligible. My view was that he was still a Edinburgh on the Wednesday night the Andy Buck debut.” contracted rider. He scored three points, and moved on to Sheffield for the Quarter Final which given the lottery of the conditions, match against King’s Lynn on the A 39-39 draw at Wimbledon was you could have put anybody in and they Thursday. where the hard work was done. It was could have scored three points. It was a resounding 63-15. However, wrapped up on home soil with a 44-33 “The two Middlesbrough riders he beat it wasn’t the match that brings back the win. were the emerging talent of Gary memories.

Q. What attracts you most to “We were standing by the pits speedway? and listening principally to Port riders Dave Morton and Dave Walsh. They It is being part of the whole race and the saw we were Eastbourne supporters interaction with the riders. There are not and were taking the juice, saying more many sports where you can talk or less we didn’t stand a hope in hell face-to-face with the riders and even and the cup was in the bag. They were world champions. You can approach so cocksure of themselves but it was a them and talk to them. It makes you feel different story the following day.” much more part of the meeting. Kevin was not totally without hope You can sit on the terraces, watch them before the match began at Ellesmere race and then go and talk to them Port. “I had seen Eastbourne pull off aerwards. similar performances before and, as they say, when the going gets tough, It is also the excitement of the racing the tough get going. I always thought where you see them all the time, unlike we stood a good chance. We had a say F1. With Speedway, if there is an 14-point lead and when you look down incident, you see it as it happens. our team you felt anything was Q. What would you change about possible, or at least should have been.” speedway, if you could? The match started brilliantly for Eastbourne with Gordon Kennett Simplify the rules. Other than that, not coming from the back in heat one to much else. The rulebook is so old and beat Dave Morton and equal the track dated. It just needs simplifying so record. “Every time something everyone can understand it. I also don’t momentous happened, we all rushed like gimmicky things, such as when there down to the safety fence, jumping up were double points. How do you explain and hanging over it,” Kevin said. that to newcomers. If you relate that to “The Ellesmere Port reserves had football, it would be that the next goal dominated heat two pretty much I think it was 2007 when I started back Q. Did you become a regular Marcus Rashford (Manchester United FC) week aer week on their home track. David Graveling Property again properly. I brought my son, then my immediately, or did the speedway scores counts as two. “It was difficult to see because it Maintenance undertakes daughter Tiffani started coming and my ‘bug’ take time to bite? was quite dark and I thought in heat property maintenance in the Q. What is or was your favourite track? wife, Elaine too. My son and my wife It was instant, only work which stopped two that it was their rider in the lead. Hastings, Bexhill, Battle area, Arlington and second Peterborough Then I saw Chris Mulvihill come into stopped but I kept going, and obviously me going. I was working as a chef and my because of the speed. I have never seen a second place and I thought that’s not plus across East Sussex, into Tiffani as well (you may have seen many of hours were such that I didn’t have the bad meeting there. bad, it’s only a 4-2 to them. her photographs in the Eastbourne time to go. Things changed and then I got Kent and sometimes up to Q. Who is your favourite rider of all “When they got further round I programme). back into it straight away. London. time? realised it was Martin Dugard in front and Mulvihill in second place and we Most aspects of property maintenance Nicki Pedersen. He was box office for had a 5-1 which no other team had are covered with specialist contractors Eastbourne.No-one thought a rider like done at Ellesmere Port that season. All brought in to do the work. that would come to Eastbourne. He was of a sudden here was that realisation David has been involved in this line of guaranteed pretty much double figure that it was those two and what a race.” work since 1995. points every time. He drew the crowds. It certainly was game on and the “I set up with my granddad, Ted. He was Q. What are your final thoughts? feeling was strengthened when working in the Pett area (between Gordon Kennett came from the back The nice thing about the sport is the to beat Louis Carr in heat five. Hastings and Rye) and getting on a bit. ‘Speedway family’. Within the groups “Andy Buck beat Dave Morton in He needed a hand so I le the job I was in who travel, there is great friendship. It is a heat six and Colin Richardson came and started helping him; gardening and Marmite sport, you love it or hate. There from the back to pip Joe Owen on the patios to begin with. I got my own work doesn’t seem be many people in line to take heat seven. “That really from there and it just snowballed,” David between. got us up on the fence cheering. said. I have my work friends, I play pool when “Louis Carr came out as a tac sub in Most of the work comes through personal we can in a team and they are my social heat eight and got a 5-1 but Buck beat recommendations. friends and then I have my Speedway him in the following race by coming David is one Jason Edwards’ sponsors, is from the back to pip the Port rider on friends. the line, just as Colin Richardson had proud that in the programme he is the I enjoy the social side, the travelling, done against Joe Owen. heat one sponsor and has a banner on the going with Brian (Jones) to different parts “With that, we were still two points air fence. of the country, staying over. It is all about ahead on the night and the cup was Q. When did you first go to a the interaction with the riders, the almost in the bag, if it wasn’t already. speedway match and where was that? friendship and the general enjoyment of

Jason Edwards is sponsored by David Graveling Property maintenance Hinves Mike “Towards the end we had two It was to Arlington. I was friends with travelling with fellow fans. incredible races. Gordon came from Mark Harris, who was a relation of Steve the back twice to beat Joe Owen in Weatherley, when we were at school. I heats 11 and 13. It was the most went over to the speedway with him in brilliant maximum as you would ever 1980, I think. I went for three or four years see. Virtually every win that night was from the back. He was an absolute and then moved away for work. I stopped powerhouse.” ■ going then, just the odd meeting here and there.

FLYING HIGH 39 KEVIN LING was with the Eagles every “The draw broke Wimbledon’s hearts Havelock and Geoff Pusey, so they were step of the way as they criss-crossed but the highlight of that night was a two notable scalps. the country before finally landing the 15-point maxim for Colin Richardson, a “He was our rider and rode for us on cup at Ellesmere Port. former Wimbledon rider,” Kevin said. that occasion. It rained throughout the Eastbourne were nearly out before “A 4-2 in the final race gave us the draw. meeting. It was tipping it down all the they hardly got started and there was Gordon Kennett beat Mike Ferreira and time. Eastbourne asked the referee to an almighty scare in the semi-final. Martin Dugard, in one of his early outings, inspect the track aer about heat eight First round beat Wimbledon heat leader Jamie or nine and he said it was fit to The Eagles nearly went out against Luckhurst. continue. bitter rivals Canterbury. The home leg “Wimbledon finished third in the league “The Middlesbrough fans were made was won 47-31 but the Crusaders made and we despatched them in the quarter up with that but at the end of the it tight with a 45-33 win on their own final. Middlesbrough eventually finished meeting when we did take it off them shale. second in the league and we beat them in with a 4-2 in the last race, they were all Kevin recalls the Kingsmead match: the semi and we beat the team who won very upset. “Canterbury were in the ascendancy the league in the final.” “There were three of us dancing on and it was two wins in the last two Semi-Final the dog track and hugging each other. heats, one from Colin Richardson and If you are looking for controversy in a The home fans in the stand behind us the other from Gordon Kennett, that cup run, this is where it really was. were not happy.” saw us home. It was one of those where Eastbourne saw off Middlesbrough by the National League KO Cup Final you always felt we were loosening our narrowest of margins. And so to Ellesmere Port for D-Day. grip. A Crusaders 5-1 in either of those The Teesside outfit won their home Kevin said: “Ellesmere Port were very, heats would have pulled them level but (second) leg 48-30 as the Eagles nearly let very good. Joe Owen, Louis Carr, who it was those two races that saw us slip a 49-29 lead from Arlington. became a stand out rider in the league, home. We could have been out. It was There were huge arguments at and Dave Morton were the heat leader a close call.” Middlesbrough over the composition of trio. They had Dave Walsh as well and Second round the Eagles team with the meeting taking were an exceptional side. A much easier tie for the Sussex side place on a circuit that looked more like a “They got an early season draw at with the Eagles winning both legs: quagmire than a speedway track. Arlington but that was a fortunate point 50-28 at Arlington and 42-36 at Milton Kevin Ling remembers there was huge as they came back from six points Keynes. row about the inclusion of Paul Clarke in behind with two heats to go. “We had signed Andy Buck in the the Eagles team for the second leg. Gordon (Kennett) fell in his last ride place of Mick Hines and that was his “He had announced his retirement for aer getting straight wins and they debut at Milton Keynes. Colin about a week. The semi-final was in the needed to get a 5-1 and a 4-2 in the last Richardson got 11 from four rides and midst of four away matches in four days two races. Andy Buck scored, I think, ten. Straight and he didn’t ride in the preceding league “They beat us fairly and squarely up away we knew we had a little gem. matches. there in the league.” “Keith Pritchard scored, really, really “Because Eastbourne had so many Kevin and some friends went to well. The hard work had been done injuries, he agreed to ride in the semi-final. Ellesmere Port the long way round. and we beat them at home by 22 points They said he was retired and he was They watched the Eagles win at but the enduring memory of the tie was ineligible. My view was that he was still a Edinburgh on the Wednesday night the Andy Buck debut.” contracted rider. He scored three points, and moved on to Sheffield for the Quarter Final which given the lottery of the conditions, match against King’s Lynn on the A 39-39 draw at Wimbledon was you could have put anybody in and they Thursday. where the hard work was done. It was could have scored three points. It was a resounding 63-15. However, wrapped up on home soil with a 44-33 “The two Middlesbrough riders he beat it wasn’t the match that brings back the win. were the emerging talent of Gary memories.

“We were standing by the pits Flying High Feature and listening principally to Port riders Dave Morton and Dave Walsh. They saw we were Eastbourne supporters and were taking the juice, saying more or less we didn’t stand a hope in hell and the cup was in the bag. They were so cocksure of themselves but it was a different story the following day.” Kevin was not totally without hope before the match began at Ellesmere Building Back Better? Port. “I had seen Eastbourne pull off similar performances before and, as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I always thought we stood a good chance. We had a 14-point lead and when you look down our team you felt anything was possible, or at least should have been.” The match started brilliantly for Eastbourne with Gordon Kennett coming from the back in heat one to beat Dave Morton and equal the track record. “Every time something momentous happened, we all rushed down to the safety fence, jumping up and hanging over it,” Kevin said. Wlosek Rafal “The Ellesmere Port reserves had dominated heat two pretty much SPEEDWAY HAS BEEN losing land battles Speedway tracks seem to fall victim to closure and week aer week on their home track. since it came to these shores in the disappearance far too o en. A look at the website “It was difficult to see because it 1920s, so is it remotely possible for the defunct speedway.co.uk is a fascinating glimpse of was quite dark and I thought in heat sport to win ongoing fights for recogni- two that it was their rider in the lead. the past, but a sad one when you realise what we tion, respect, and resources in 2021? Then I saw Chris Mulvihill come into once had. In broad terms, recent history may second place and I thought that’s not suggest not. Eastbourne and our Essex neighbours, Lakeside, enjoyed bad, it’s only a 4-2 to them. “When they got further round I The demand for housing (in our case) fierce rivalry over the years but that’s gone with the Arena realised it was Martin Dugard in front or a change of use (see Rye House) Essex stadium in developer’s hands. and Mulvihill in second place and we especially in prime locations, seems never ending and recent proposed Mark Sexton is one of a group trying to bring the sport back to had a 5-1 which no other team had Thurrock and, as most of you will know, our MSDL side is done at Ellesmere Port that season. All changes to planning law would appear of a sudden here was that realisation to make it easier for speculators, sponsored by The Save Thurrock Hammers campaign. that it was those two and what a race.” developers, and house builders to In this article, Mark shows just how hard the campaign has to It certainly was game on and the acquire planning permission at the work and will be typical of the efforts put in around the country feeling was strengthened when expense of the sport we love. Gordon Kennett came from the back There have been some relatively recent by similar groups. to beat Louis Carr in heat five. successes though – look at the rebirth of “Andy Buck beat Dave Morton in Leicester Lions and the construction of forced out of its Arena Essex base in heat six and Colin Richardson came the brand-new National Speedway 2018. from the back to pip Joe Owen on the Stadium at Belle Vue within the last ten When the club closed, it effectively line to take heat seven. “That really years – so all is not lost. saw the end of speedway as a spectator got us up on the fence cheering. Leicester’s success was built, literally, sport in the London area as well. This, “Louis Carr came out as a tac sub in on a dynamic partnership with British frankly, is nothing less than a sporting heat eight and got a 5-1 but Buck beat Cycling and the desire of the local scandal. him in the following race by coming authority to regenerate an unloved and This article is a brief account of the from the back to pip the Port rider on under-appreciated area of the city. strategy that THL is employing. the line, just as Colin Richardson had Belle Vue was able to ‘piggy-back’ on It will explain the challenges we face done against Joe Owen. the long-term regeneration of East and what we are doing to educate, “With that, we were still two points Manchester and a stated aim of the city explain and persuade the public and the ahead on the night and the cup was authorities to make Manchester a city of various decisions makers to support our almost in the bag, if it wasn’t already. sporting excellence. vision of a facility that has a speedway “Towards the end we had two Finding partners is a key driver to track and business as its cornerstone but incredible races. Gordon came from progress and our plan includes one which also adds real value to the the back twice to beat Joe Owen in collaborating with education and other community. heats 11 and 13. It was the most brilliant maximum as you would ever sports and leisure businesses. It will also try and explain what hurdles see. Virtually every win that night was As many fans will be aware, Thurrock need to be cleared, what we have from the back. He was an absolute Hammers Ltd (THL) is trying to learned from other clubs’ experience powerhouse.” ■ re-establish speedway in its South West and from dealing with our local authority Essex home aer the Lakeside club was planning department. Mark Sexton

40 FLYING HIGH KEVIN LING was with the Eagles every “The draw broke Wimbledon’s hearts Havelock and Geoff Pusey, so they were step of the way as they criss-crossed but the highlight of that night was a two notable scalps. the country before finally landing the 15-point maxim for Colin Richardson, a “He was our rider and rode for us on cup at Ellesmere Port. former Wimbledon rider,” Kevin said. that occasion. It rained throughout the Eastbourne were nearly out before “A 4-2 in the final race gave us the draw. meeting. It was tipping it down all the they hardly got started and there was Gordon Kennett beat Mike Ferreira and time. Eastbourne asked the referee to an almighty scare in the semi-final. Martin Dugard, in one of his early outings, inspect the track aer about heat eight First round beat Wimbledon heat leader Jamie or nine and he said it was fit to The Eagles nearly went out against Luckhurst. continue. bitter rivals Canterbury. The home leg “Wimbledon finished third in the league “The Middlesbrough fans were made was won 47-31 but the Crusaders made and we despatched them in the quarter up with that but at the end of the it tight with a 45-33 win on their own final. Middlesbrough eventually finished meeting when we did take it off them shale. second in the league and we beat them in with a 4-2 in the last race, they were all Kevin recalls the Kingsmead match: the semi and we beat the team who won very upset. “Canterbury were in the ascendancy the league in the final.” “There were three of us dancing on and it was two wins in the last two Semi-Final the dog track and hugging each other. heats, one from Colin Richardson and If you are looking for controversy in a The home fans in the stand behind us the other from Gordon Kennett, that cup run, this is where it really was. were not happy.” saw us home. It was one of those where Eastbourne saw off Middlesbrough by the National League KO Cup Final you always felt we were loosening our narrowest of margins. And so to Ellesmere Port for D-Day. grip. A Crusaders 5-1 in either of those The Teesside outfit won their home Kevin said: “Ellesmere Port were very, heats would have pulled them level but (second) leg 48-30 as the Eagles nearly let very good. Joe Owen, Louis Carr, who it was those two races that saw us slip a 49-29 lead from Arlington. became a stand out rider in the league, home. We could have been out. It was There were huge arguments at and Dave Morton were the heat leader a close call.” Middlesbrough over the composition of trio. They had Dave Walsh as well and Second round the Eagles team with the meeting taking were an exceptional side. A much easier tie for the Sussex side place on a circuit that looked more like a “They got an early season draw at with the Eagles winning both legs: quagmire than a speedway track. Arlington but that was a fortunate point 50-28 at Arlington and 42-36 at Milton Kevin Ling remembers there was huge as they came back from six points Keynes. row about the inclusion of Paul Clarke in behind with two heats to go. “We had signed Andy Buck in the the Eagles team for the second leg. Gordon (Kennett) fell in his last ride place of Mick Hines and that was his “He had announced his retirement for aer getting straight wins and they debut at Milton Keynes. Colin about a week. The semi-final was in the needed to get a 5-1 and a 4-2 in the last Richardson got 11 from four rides and midst of four away matches in four days two races. Andy Buck scored, I think, ten. Straight and he didn’t ride in the preceding league “They beat us fairly and squarely up away we knew we had a little gem. matches. there in the league.” “Keith Pritchard scored, really, really “Because Eastbourne had so many Kevin and some friends went to well. The hard work had been done injuries, he agreed to ride in the semi-final. Ellesmere Port the long way round. and we beat them at home by 22 points They said he was retired and he was They watched the Eagles win at but the enduring memory of the tie was ineligible. My view was that he was still a Edinburgh on the Wednesday night the Andy Buck debut.” contracted rider. He scored three points, and moved on to Sheffield for the Quarter Final which given the lottery of the conditions, match against King’s Lynn on the A 39-39 draw at Wimbledon was you could have put anybody in and they Thursday. where the hard work was done. It was could have scored three points. It was a resounding 63-15. However, wrapped up on home soil with a 44-33 “The two Middlesbrough riders he beat it wasn’t the match that brings back the win. were the emerging talent of Gary memories.

“We were standing by the pits Thurrock Hammers Ltd and listening principally to Port riders Dave Morton and Dave Walsh. They Three long standing members of the Background saw we were Eastbourne supporters Lakeside club now run Thurrock Hammers. Wally Mawdsley and Chick Woodroffe attempting to realise the land asset for and were taking the juice, saying more Ian Smalley had been its Media and created the Arena Essex Hammers in many years, in 2018 Woodroffe’s or less we didn’t stand a hope in hell Marketing Manager, Russell Keetch the 1984 but it was Stuart Douglas and Jon daughter, Lesley Wootten, finally sold and the cup was in the bag. They were Commercial Manager and Mark Sexton the land to London Strategic Land, a so cocksure of themselves but it was a Cook who held the promotional reins, had created and run the Community company whose business is to acquire different story the following day.” with the club riding as the Lakeside Liaison programme for over a decade. Hammers, between 2007 and 2018. land and secure planning permission Kevin was not totally without hope Both Mark and Russ attended the first before the match began at Ellesmere The Arena Essex and Lakeside clubs before selling on to a housebuilder or meetings at the Arena in 1984 so are were long-term tenants at the Arena developer. Port. “I had seen Eastbourne pull off deeply committed to seeing the club similar performances before and, as Essex Raceway, a facility that was also The final sale of the Arena definitely survive. they say, when the going gets tough, home to four-wheel motor sport but wasn’t a surprise but it was a huge Ian’s speedway teeth were cut at New the tough get going. I always thought one that lately, by common consent, disappointment to find that the current Hammond Road, Boston, also in the we stood a good chance. We had a had definitely seen better days. owner will not entertain continued 1980s, but like Mark and Russ, his 14-point lead and when you look down The Woodroffe family had owned motorsport use and no less of a shock our team you felt anything was involvement with the Hammers goes back and managed the site since the 1970s for the club to actually find itself many years. possible, or at least should have been.” but investment was sporadic and homeless. We have been supported all along by The match started brilliantly for there was relatively little Brian Connolly whose speedway heritage Eastbourne with Gordon Kennett upgrading of the stadium during goes back further than any of us. Brian is coming from the back in heat one to the Douglas/Cook tenure. from Manchester and, at heart, a big Aces beat Dave Morton and equal the track On the contrary, we saw fan. record. “Every time something deliberate attempts to make the He is also the driving force behind the momentous happened, we all rushed site less amenable to licensees successful ‘Mauger Campaign’ that has down to the safety fence, jumping up like the Hammers. The 125-acre seen recent official recognition for Ivan in and hanging over it,” Kevin said. site was ripe for development Stockport which will see a “The Ellesmere Port reserves had and frequently quoted as being dominated heat two pretty much commemorative ‘blue plaque’ being ‘at risk’ of development and week aer week on their home track. unveiled on the house he lived in during had been the subject of a “It was difficult to see because it the 1970s. Compulsory Purchase Order in was quite dark and I thought in heat Brian has never forgotten, or forgiven, 2007. two that it was their rider in the lead. how Hyde Road was lost to the sport and The 125-acre site was ripe for Then I saw Chris Mulvihill come into has worked tirelessly with THL for the past development and frequently second place and I thought that’s not two years and his contribution has been quoted as being ‘at risk’ and, aer The Arena Essex team from 1987. The John Somerville Collection bad, it’s only a 4-2 to them. immense. “When they got further round I He grew up less than half a mile from the realised it was Martin Dugard in front old Belle Vue track never, for a moment, especially where they clearly state that therefore, as part of the legal planning and Mulvihill in second place and we believing that the world famous ‘Zoo’ sporting facilities, such as the Raceway, process, we submitted a formal objection had a 5-1 which no other team had would ever be lost. done at Ellesmere Port that season. All and the sports that took place there, to the planning application that LSL had During its lifetime at Lakeside, the of a sudden here was that realisation should not be lost for the purposes of submitted in November 2018. Community Programme was a very that it was those two and what a race.” development. This rather weighty and detailed successful vehicle for engaging with a It certainly was game on and the Owners and developers of sites, document is available to view on our feeling was strengthened when wide range of people within Thurrock especially very large-scale projects, are website (www.thurrockhammers.com) Gordon Kennett came from the back including the local MP, Jackie Doyle-Price, required by law to provide financial The scale of the planning application at to beat Louis Carr in heat five. local councillors, and senior members of contributions (sometimes referred to as the Arena Essex is huge. “Andy Buck beat Dave Morton in the local authority including the Chief section106 money or via a Community Nearly 2,500 ‘units’ of housing are heat six and Colin Richardson came Executive and Planning Department. Infrastructure Levy) to mitigate any being proposed which makes it vastly from the back to pip Joe Owen on the Local authority planners, for the most negative impact of the development or to different to plans at Brandon (Coventry) line to take heat seven. “That really part, are required to put into action provide replacement or alternative for instance where the developer is got us up on the fence cheering. (‘execute’) decisions agreed in a Local Plan facilities needed to support that looking to build about 180 homes. “Louis Carr came out as a tac sub in (LP), a document that gets reviewed, on development. This means that the scale of the heat eight and got a 5-1 but Buck beat average, every 12-15 years or so. Developers know their legal developer contributions at the Arena will him in the following race by coming One of the challenges, therefore, is for responsibilities but understandably, look be much larger than elsewhere. from the back to pip the Port rider on speedway to feature consistently in the to keep their financial contributions to A sum of £29m has already been the line, just as Colin Richardson had next Local Plan. In the case of Thurrock, the minimum. ‘budgeted’ via a document called a done against Joe Owen. their LP has been ‘in negotiation’ for a Their plans may also look to work ‘Heads of Terms’ but, at the moment, “With that, we were still two points number of years and, despite being around the requirement to provide nothing is being set aside to protect ahead on the night and the cup was overdue, is still being redraed. This of alternative facilities which is the situation speedway. almost in the bag, if it wasn’t already. course does provide an opportunity for that Thurrock finds itself in. In our view, this is wrong and we are “Towards the end we had two speedway and it is something the club is LSL’s planning application (18/1671/ arguing this point vigorously, especially incredible races. Gordon came from working on. as it contravenes local planning policies. the back twice to beat Joe Owen in FUL) proposes to replace the motor sport Thurrock Council has a wide number of Further afield, we can point to the heats 11 and 13. It was the most facilities (track/pits etc.) with a Lido and a local sport and leisure policies and, of brilliant maximum as you would ever Mountain Bike trail which, if approved, situation at Swindon where the local course, there are national planning see. Virtually every win that night was would obviously see the end of council, with the backing of the local MP, from the back. He was an absolute frameworks that must be conformed with. speedway at the Arena Essex site. has ruled that the developer must finish powerhouse.” ■ In our case, THL are leaning very heavily THL, naturally, is absolutely and developing the Abbey Stadium before on these frameworks and policies unconditionally opposed to this and more houses can be built.

FLYING HIGH 41 KEVIN LING was with the Eagles every “The draw broke Wimbledon’s hearts Havelock and Geoff Pusey, so they were step of the way as they criss-crossed but the highlight of that night was a two notable scalps. the country before finally landing the 15-point maxim for Colin Richardson, a “He was our rider and rode for us on cup at Ellesmere Port. former Wimbledon rider,” Kevin said. that occasion. It rained throughout the Eastbourne were nearly out before “A 4-2 in the final race gave us the draw. meeting. It was tipping it down all the they hardly got started and there was Gordon Kennett beat Mike Ferreira and time. Eastbourne asked the referee to an almighty scare in the semi-final. Martin Dugard, in one of his early outings, inspect the track aer about heat eight First round beat Wimbledon heat leader Jamie or nine and he said it was fit to The Eagles nearly went out against Luckhurst. continue. bitter rivals Canterbury. The home leg “Wimbledon finished third in the league “The Middlesbrough fans were made was won 47-31 but the Crusaders made and we despatched them in the quarter up with that but at the end of the it tight with a 45-33 win on their own final. Middlesbrough eventually finished meeting when we did take it off them shale. second in the league and we beat them in with a 4-2 in the last race, they were all Kevin recalls the Kingsmead match: the semi and we beat the team who won very upset. “Canterbury were in the ascendancy the league in the final.” “There were three of us dancing on and it was two wins in the last two Semi-Final the dog track and hugging each other. heats, one from Colin Richardson and If you are looking for controversy in a The home fans in the stand behind us the other from Gordon Kennett, that cup run, this is where it really was. were not happy.” saw us home. It was one of those where Eastbourne saw off Middlesbrough by the National League KO Cup Final you always felt we were loosening our narrowest of margins. And so to Ellesmere Port for D-Day. grip. A Crusaders 5-1 in either of those The Teesside outfit won their home Kevin said: “Ellesmere Port were very, heats would have pulled them level but (second) leg 48-30 as the Eagles nearly let very good. Joe Owen, Louis Carr, who it was those two races that saw us slip a 49-29 lead from Arlington. became a stand out rider in the league, home. We could have been out. It was There were huge arguments at and Dave Morton were the heat leader a close call.” Middlesbrough over the composition of trio. They had Dave Walsh as well and Second round the Eagles team with the meeting taking were an exceptional side. A much easier tie for the Sussex side place on a circuit that looked more like a “They got an early season draw at with the Eagles winning both legs: quagmire than a speedway track. Arlington but that was a fortunate point 50-28 at Arlington and 42-36 at Milton Kevin Ling remembers there was huge as they came back from six points Keynes. row about the inclusion of Paul Clarke in behind with two heats to go. “We had signed Andy Buck in the the Eagles team for the second leg. Gordon (Kennett) fell in his last ride place of Mick Hines and that was his “He had announced his retirement for aer getting straight wins and they debut at Milton Keynes. Colin about a week. The semi-final was in the needed to get a 5-1 and a 4-2 in the last Richardson got 11 from four rides and midst of four away matches in four days two races. Andy Buck scored, I think, ten. Straight and he didn’t ride in the preceding league “They beat us fairly and squarely up away we knew we had a little gem. matches. there in the league.” “Keith Pritchard scored, really, really “Because Eastbourne had so many Kevin and some friends went to well. The hard work had been done injuries, he agreed to ride in the semi-final. Ellesmere Port the long way round. and we beat them at home by 22 points They said he was retired and he was They watched the Eagles win at but the enduring memory of the tie was ineligible. My view was that he was still a Edinburgh on the Wednesday night the Andy Buck debut.” contracted rider. He scored three points, and moved on to Sheffield for the Quarter Final which given the lottery of the conditions, match against King’s Lynn on the A 39-39 draw at Wimbledon was you could have put anybody in and they Thursday. where the hard work was done. It was could have scored three points. It was a resounding 63-15. However, wrapped up on home soil with a 44-33 “The two Middlesbrough riders he beat it wasn’t the match that brings back the win. were the emerging talent of Gary memories.

“We were standing by the pits and listening principally to Port riders Dave Morton and Dave Walsh. They saw we were Eastbourne supporters and were taking the juice, saying more or less we didn’t stand a hope in hell and the cup was in the bag. They were so cocksure of themselves but it was a different story the following day.” Kevin was not totally without hope before the match began at Ellesmere Port. “I had seen Eastbourne pull off similar performances before and, as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I always thought we stood a good chance. We had a 14-point lead and when you look down our team you felt anything was possible, or at least should have been.” The match started brilliantly for Eastbourne with Gordon Kennett coming from the back in heat one to beat Dave Morton and equal the track record. “Every time something momentous happened, we all rushed down to the safety fence, jumping up and hanging over it,” Kevin said. “The Ellesmere Port reserves had dominated heat two pretty much week aer week on their home track. “It was difficult to see because it was quite dark and I thought in heat two that it was their rider in the lead. Then I saw Chris Mulvihill come into second place and I thought that’s not bad, it’s only a 4-2 to them. “When they got further round I realised it was Martin Dugard in front and Mulvihill in second place and we had a 5-1 which no other team had done at Ellesmere Port that season. All of a sudden here was that realisation that it was those two and what a race.” It certainly was game on and the feeling was strengthened when Gordon Kennett came from the back to beat Louis Carr in heat five. “Andy Buck beat Dave Morton in heat six and Colin Richardson came from the back to pip Joe Owen on the line to take heat seven. “That really got us up on the fence cheering. “Louis Carr came out as a tac sub in heat eight and got a 5-1 but Buck beat him in the following race by coming from the back to pip the Port rider on the line, just as Colin Richardson had done against Joe Owen. “With that, we were still two points ahead on the night and the cup was almost in the bag, if it wasn’t already. “Towards the end we had two incredible races. Gordon came from the back twice to beat Joe Owen in heats 11 and 13. It was the most brilliant maximum as you would ever see. Virtually every win that night was from the back. He was an absolute powerhouse.” ■

Obviously, with every passing season without speedway, it Public Support might be easy for us, and our supporters, to get disheartened but progress is being made. OUR VISION OF a new track has little chance of success In sport, it’s oen the hope that ‘kills you’ but we are without gathering broad support from the wider public. getting enough encouragement to keep on, keeping on. THL quickly started a campaign of engagement including At a Full Council Cabinet meeting just last month, for an e-petition that now has almost 4,000 signatures and nearly instance, we were extremely happy to hear that Portfolio 2,000 comments and using Ian’s considerable creative Holder (Councillor) for Regeneration and Strategic expertise, the club already has an active website and active Investment make it plain that speedway should play an and responsive social media platforms such as Twitter, important part in the borough and that he and his colleagues Facebook, and Instagram. will expect that any future development of the Arena Essex As importantly, THL has also looked to keep racing to site takes care of the needs of speedway. maintain public and supporters’ interest and we’ve succeeded in tracking three representative sides over the past two seasons. In 2019, the Hammers rode at Kent and Mildenhall in National League standard challenges and in 2020, we accepted an invitation to ride against Crayford in a ‘behind closed doors’ MSDL standard challenge. Remarkably, this match also provided us with an opportunity to ‘speak to the nation’ as Mark’s interview with (friend of the Eagles) Ken Burnett from T2TV was broadcast several times on ITV Meridian news. Regular press releases and articles in the speedway press are also very useful in maintaining a regular flow of information and opinion. Rafal Wlosek Rafal

Lore

Current HG Aerospace Eagles’ Richard Lawson wins from Craig Cook The John Somerville Collection Somerville John The Glory days for the Hammers, winners of the Knockout Cup in 2009. in the last race to be held at the Lakeside Arena on 14th September 2018. Rafal Wlosek Rafal Summary sport to care for the solutions we can It is important for speedway to shed its provide in their community. Cinderella image and, to be fair, this is In the meantime, and definitely Our land use plan, therefore, includes a definitely happening at national team throughout 2021, THL is delighted to be play area, both sporting and educational (Speedway GB) level where a working with Ian Jordan and everyone at facilities, maybe even a creche so that we professional image is consistently being Eastbourne, primarily in support of the be of clear benefit to people who live in presented. We believe that speedway has MSDL Seagulls. the area. more going for it, more to lean against, This partnership provides us with We will continue to use the planning than people realise. information, connections, and ideas process as the basis of our campaign and Planning processes are more about how to move our own project we will remain opposed to the contents sophisticated now than they were when forward as the promotion at Eastbourne is of the LSL planning application until and Manchester City Council approved, in definitely at the forefront when it comes unless speedway gets the recognition we error, the plans to replace Belle Vue’s to communication and community believe it has earned in Thurrock, Hyde Road Stadium with a car auction site engagement. specifically, for the last 35 years and, and although bad planning decisions, like This partnership can also only add to generally, across the UK for close to 100 that one, can still be made, they are less our own credibility when it comes to years. likely to happen if clubs exercise their negotiating our future in Essex. democratic control and insist that the It’s relatively simple to make our case policies that are in place are actually for a new track to existing speedway fans CLICK TO applied. but the wider challenge is to persuade LEARN MORE Onwards and Upwards! people who don’t necessarily care for the Mark Sexton

42 FLYING HIGH KEVIN LING was with the Eagles every “The draw broke Wimbledon’s hearts Havelock and Geoff Pusey, so they were step of the way as they criss-crossed but the highlight of that night was a two notable scalps. the country before finally landing the 15-point maxim for Colin Richardson, a “He was our rider and rode for us on cup at Ellesmere Port. former Wimbledon rider,” Kevin said. that occasion. It rained throughout the Eastbourne were nearly out before “A 4-2 in the final race gave us the draw. meeting. It was tipping it down all the they hardly got started and there was Gordon Kennett beat Mike Ferreira and time. Eastbourne asked the referee to an almighty scare in the semi-final. Martin Dugard, in one of his early outings, inspect the track aer about heat eight First round beat Wimbledon heat leader Jamie or nine and he said it was fit to The Eagles nearly went out against Luckhurst. continue. bitter rivals Canterbury. The home leg “Wimbledon finished third in the league “The Middlesbrough fans were made was won 47-31 but the Crusaders made and we despatched them in the quarter up with that but at the end of the it tight with a 45-33 win on their own final. Middlesbrough eventually finished meeting when we did take it off them shale. second in the league and we beat them in with a 4-2 in the last race, they were all Kevin recalls the Kingsmead match: the semi and we beat the team who won very upset. “Canterbury were in the ascendancy the league in the final.” “There were three of us dancing on and it was two wins in the last two Semi-Final the dog track and hugging each other. heats, one from Colin Richardson and If you are looking for controversy in a The home fans in the stand behind us the other from Gordon Kennett, that cup run, this is where it really was. were not happy.” saw us home. It was one of those where Eastbourne saw off Middlesbrough by the National League KO Cup Final you always felt we were loosening our narrowest of margins. And so to Ellesmere Port for D-Day. grip. A Crusaders 5-1 in either of those The Teesside outfit won their home Kevin said: “Ellesmere Port were very, heats would have pulled them level but (second) leg 48-30 as the Eagles nearly let very good. Joe Owen, Louis Carr, who it was those two races that saw us slip a 49-29 lead from Arlington. became a stand out rider in the league, home. We could have been out. It was There were huge arguments at and Dave Morton were the heat leader a close call.” Middlesbrough over the composition of trio. They had Dave Walsh as well and Second round the Eagles team with the meeting taking were an exceptional side. A much easier tie for the Sussex side place on a circuit that looked more like a “They got an early season draw at with the Eagles winning both legs: quagmire than a speedway track. Arlington but that was a fortunate point 50-28 at Arlington and 42-36 at Milton Kevin Ling remembers there was huge as they came back from six points Keynes. row about the inclusion of Paul Clarke in behind with two heats to go. “We had signed Andy Buck in the the Eagles team for the second leg. Gordon (Kennett) fell in his last ride place of Mick Hines and that was his “He had announced his retirement for aer getting straight wins and they debut at Milton Keynes. Colin about a week. The semi-final was in the needed to get a 5-1 and a 4-2 in the last Richardson got 11 from four rides and midst of four away matches in four days two races. Andy Buck scored, I think, ten. Straight and he didn’t ride in the preceding league “They beat us fairly and squarely up away we knew we had a little gem. matches. there in the league.” “Keith Pritchard scored, really, really “Because Eastbourne had so many Kevin and some friends went to well. The hard work had been done injuries, he agreed to ride in the semi-final. Ellesmere Port the long way round. and we beat them at home by 22 points They said he was retired and he was They watched the Eagles win at but the enduring memory of the tie was ineligible. My view was that he was still a Edinburgh on the Wednesday night the Andy Buck debut.” contracted rider. He scored three points, and moved on to Sheffield for the Quarter Final which given the lottery of the conditions, match against King’s Lynn on the A 39-39 draw at Wimbledon was you could have put anybody in and they Thursday. where the hard work was done. It was could have scored three points. It was a resounding 63-15. However, wrapped up on home soil with a 44-33 “The two Middlesbrough riders he beat it wasn’t the match that brings back the win. were the emerging talent of Gary memories.

“We were standing by the pits and listening principally to Port riders Dave Morton and Dave Walsh. They saw we were Eastbourne supporters and were taking the juice, saying more or less we didn’t stand a hope in hell and the cup was in the bag. They were so cocksure of themselves but it was a different story the following day.” Kevin was not totally without hope before the match began at Ellesmere Port. “I had seen Eastbourne pull off similar performances before and, as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I always thought we stood a good chance. We had a 14-point lead and when you look down our team you felt anything was possible, or at least should have been.” The match started brilliantly for Eastbourne with Gordon Kennett coming from the back in heat one to beat Dave Morton and equal the track record. “Every time something momentous happened, we all rushed down to the safety fence, jumping up and hanging over it,” Kevin said. “The Ellesmere Port reserves had dominated heat two pretty much week aer week on their home track. “It was difficult to see because it was quite dark and I thought in heat two that it was their rider in the lead. Then I saw Chris Mulvihill come into second place and I thought that’s not bad, it’s only a 4-2 to them. “When they got further round I realised it was Martin Dugard in front and Mulvihill in second place and we had a 5-1 which no other team had done at Ellesmere Port that season. All of a sudden here was that realisation that it was those two and what a race.” It certainly was game on and the feeling was strengthened when Gordon Kennett came from the back to beat Louis Carr in heat five. “Andy Buck beat Dave Morton in heat six and Colin Richardson came from the back to pip Joe Owen on the line to take heat seven. “That really got us up on the fence cheering. “Louis Carr came out as a tac sub in heat eight and got a 5-1 but Buck beat him in the following race by coming from the back to pip the Port rider on the line, just as Colin Richardson had done against Joe Owen. “With that, we were still two points ahead on the night and the cup was almost in the bag, if it wasn’t already. “Towards the end we had two incredible races. Gordon came from the back twice to beat Joe Owen in heats 11 and 13. It was the most brilliant maximum as you would ever see. Virtually every win that night was from the back. He was an absolute powerhouse.” ■

speedway meetings and the bigger, more Fans who get there on organised tours SGP torch range; ropes, compass and Flying High Feature renowned 100 year old Bergring Arena were the lucky ones compared to those camouflage make-up; long-johns, gloves, grass track. Basically, the FIM German expecting return journeys on the shuttle insect repellent, battery-operated hand SGP is yet another World Championship buses that brought them as, sadly, BSI warmer and fibre-rich energy bars. meeting staged in a regional European forgot to provide these back to town. Since attending recent SGPs requires forest. Hardly a surprise given they were also significant off-road excursions, most fans The travel information provided for any unable to predict the existence of will have to travel without the advanced series event on the SGP website is frankly nightfall so, sadly, failed to provide any filtration systems preppers usually like sketchy and perfunctory at best. Advice is lighting to help fans negotiate the on-hand. So wide necked plastic SGP Gelsenkirchen SGP: also private transport biased and the few treacherous forest paths and pot-holed branded flasks for when, like Bear Grylls, overnight accommodation rough-hewn car parks too. According to we are forced to drink our own urine recommendations that appear on their the TPT office telephonist, the cumulative would make a lovely Christmas present website invariably require some form of effect of those difficulties upset attending for the keen SGP fan in your life? tent or caravanning. clients to such an extent some despaired, Though BSI have conspicuously and The best hotels in the area – should they others cried or felt frightened that night. spectacularly failed to live up to most of FIM Speedway German SGP at Teterow in A near death moment even exist – are contractually reserved for Many complained. their stated “global” ambitions for the 2016 to celebrate an important wedding BSI executives, FIM officials and their Word got about too and demand for SGP over these past two decades (city to in his column in the official programme Jeff Scott’s acclaimed books on the SGP – SGP ERA WORLD championship meetings anniversary. media hangers on. further TPT adventures to Teterow centre modern stadia stagings; as “the joy of speedway”. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Speedway in Germany have a very chequered Ex-Eastbourne Eagles writer-in-residence and speedway Though it didn’t feature in the Of course, the prime European disappeared from their SGP schedule. international TV audiences; big brand If judged by his paean to the SGP in Grand Prix (2019) and Who Gates Wins history. subsequent triumphant press reports, author Jeff Scott tells us about his experiences at German speedway demographic is such that it is Due to what then TPT owner David sponsors; rider celebrity; good toilets Teterow, Mayor Andreas is big on fan (2020) – are available at I first went to watch a BSI world Colin still quite can’t believe what went SGPs and how research for his SGP books eventually took almost assumed as a fact of nature that Goodchild diplomatically termed as etc), Teterow arguably wins the very emotion and looking on the bright side. www.methanolpress.com, all good championship speedway meeting in on: most fans also own camper vans, “insufficient demand”. strongly contested accolade for the least Like BSI, he believes it is all about the bookshops and Amazon. Germany at the Gelsenkirchen SGP they him deep into German woods where he found the world “Without exaggerating we were literally caravans or, it seems, tents to really test The SGP website oen sings the praises wheelchair or disability-friendly shared near death experience. Whether actually managed to stage indoors by championship speedway equivalent of the Duke of minutes away from a major crowd disaster their lumbago. speedway location ever. it is the fan feels of breathing your last in a using dry shale (rather than spectacularly with numerous injuries and, god forbid, and joys of camping at individual world Edinburgh Award meets the Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Faced with all these travel difficulties, Who could have predicted that – in an crush on a fence in the middle of having to abandon the meeting at the last fatalities. “Suddenly the Gates were championship speedway events. sensibly many fans opt for the intensely competitive field – it is in the nowhere (or edge of an ex-industrial minute as they did the next year). thrown open and everyone streamed in Staying in a tent is such a regular option convenience of an organised tour with area of limiting disabled access that BSI town) beforehand or breaking bones Arriving at the Schalke 04 football club without having their tickets scanned. that you half-suspect BSI run some kind of other like-minded speedway fan OAPs. finally live up to their ambition to deliver falling over in the struggle to leave aer, stadium, so many fans were already held “Speaking with [FIM Track Director] Phil unofficial shadow Duke of Edinburgh Though it was hard to imagine BSI recognisable excellence on a global Andreas informs us speedway – outside a very limited number of access Morris later he said this was his decision award scheme where even attending any could ever better the self-inflicted speedway stage? The chance to break apparently – “evokes emotions and gates selected for our collective entry. as he could see the crowd numbers and SGP wins badges as just getting there disaster of wetting their own shale, the your ankles or get crushed at the entrance desires in many of us” and can “raise the Well aer the scheduled gate opening pressure at the entrance building to requires great ingenuity and resilience on initial staging of the Teterow event also turnstiles must be something of what the personal mood” as well as “strengthen time, the crowd surged on to the dangerous levels.” the part of the average speedway fan not attracted strong fan criticism for its Mayor of Teterow Andreas Lange alludes the feeling of togetherness”. perimeter fence as we tried to navigate Colin and his wife weren’t the only ones travelling on a tour. disorganisation, difficulty of access and, the narrow entrance spaces to the enjoying an unforgettable first Teterow The wilful obscurity of so many SGP more importantly, the dangerous electronic turnstiles, metal detector SGP. UK speedway specialist travel locations means just finding the track possibility of again getting crushed to scanners and bag checks. agency Travel Plus Tours (TPT) took along requires high level language, navigation, death outside the event. Briefly we were in danger of being around 150 fans to the initial staging. map reading, computer and compass Of course, rights holders BSI have some crushed, injured or possibly killed. TPT coaches took supporters to the skills as well as great self-reliance, energy previous when it comes to trying to crush This was entirely a function of the official car park, deep inside a wooded and adaptability. speedway fans in Germany by limited ingress points, lack of stewarding clearing surrounded by many trees and Given all the feedback and the spat-cocking them on the perimeter outside the rigid perimeter fences and good-sized fields on the distant edge of warnings about conditions and travel fencing but few expected that they would the self-inflicted delay of the late opening an industrial estate on the far perimeter of complexity, I wonder if this isn’t an wish to repeat it. Though they give that caused excited fans to muster, cluster Teterow. opportunity for BSI to get back on the nothing away for free unless accidentally, and then impatiently surge. Fans soon struggled with conditions front foot when it comes to innovative Colin Beveridge and his wife Sandra got As my life nearly flashed before my eyes underfoot. Forest paths were uneven, SGP merchandise? first-hand experience of BSI’s generous in a crushing sea of garish anoraks, combined with the treacherous Battle of Though crowds nowadays have badly gi of lifelong spiritual re-awakening and Poland flag face paints, too loud air horns forgettable. Rather excitingly, Right Said the Somme mud-bath conditions of the tailed off, they could produce an exciting before you, that CVS should star in these a new found appreciation of the simple and wacky headgear, in a moment of Fred provided the musical entertainment. compulsory yomp through surrounding line of branded ‘I nearly got crushed to recollections isn’t quite what I expected. things in life and the brute fact of our sudden clarity I recalled that minutes It was so freezing inside the stadium that “stubble fields” in order to get to the death on the fence outside the SGP’ Tour Of course, whenever you enjoy a near shared mortality (albeit without Chris Van earlier I had seen Wolverhampton it was difficult for anyone to feel sexy, let stadium. T-shirts. The last really exciting piece of death experience with CVS, you Straaten nearby). Speedway promoter Chris van Straaten alone want to take their shirts off. We all know that British speedway SGP branded gear were the thongs – subsequently experience every day you For them, this happened when they walk towards these very turnstiles. Those were the magical early days of attracts an older – sometimes infirm – modelled on a regular basis at events by are given thereaer as both a gi and went along – with pit passes – to the first When they say you have your life flash SGPs where BSI vaguely tried by paying for crowd to worship at its declining roster of both the World Feed live commentary blessing. past their best ‘name’ bands to serenade speedway shrines nowadays. If getting to team and also BSI’s Managing Director – Having survived my impending doom, us. the far-flung Bergring Arena in Teterow for replete with tiny official “FIM” logos. memories of the rest of the night are Only a few years later, playing their entire the SGP is hard during daylight hours, And, of course, their Air Freshener mostly lost to me. brief set again as an encore at Chris getting back aer dark wearing casual (Methanol Fragrance) range. I can remember that a notable number Morton’s Silver Wedding Anniversary party footwear with walking sticks or Given the mandatory jolly-campers of Ipswich fans had travelled over on was sufficient fame for The Magoos to get wheelchairs is, by all accounts, altogether venture-scouting meets survivalist ethos two coaches to enjoy the heady booked to headline the Cardiff SGP for a a much more testing SAS-style that apparently dictates world exoticism (compared to Suffolk) and couple of seasons. proposition. Negotiating undulating championship venue choices set in post-industrial delights of Gelsenkirchen Gelsenkirchen 2007 was the last SGP forest paths and “stubble fields” in the obscure regional forest locations, surely it – famous for its coal mines – and held in Germany for nearly a decade before pitch dark aer the meeting in search of is time that SGP merchandise included possibly cast their eyes over future BSI plumped to stage another in the the safety and warmth of your waiting some more practical SGP branded and Witch and second reserve Tobi Kroner. forested wilds of Mecklenburg-Western coach in a distant car park is a difficult be-logoed camping and trekking items? The racing was – as is traditional Pomerania. Teterow is really two tracks. kettle of fish that easily defeats even the These could include: waterproof indoors – bunched, processional and One is pressed into action for occasional able-bodied and optimistic. trousers (with optional reflective strips); a

FLYING HIGH 43 KEVIN LING was with the Eagles every “The draw broke Wimbledon’s hearts Havelock and Geoff Pusey, so they were step of the way as they criss-crossed but the highlight of that night was a two notable scalps. the country before finally landing the 15-point maxim for Colin Richardson, a “He was our rider and rode for us on cup at Ellesmere Port. former Wimbledon rider,” Kevin said. that occasion. It rained throughout the Eastbourne were nearly out before “A 4-2 in the final race gave us the draw. meeting. It was tipping it down all the they hardly got started and there was Gordon Kennett beat Mike Ferreira and time. Eastbourne asked the referee to an almighty scare in the semi-final. Martin Dugard, in one of his early outings, inspect the track aer about heat eight First round beat Wimbledon heat leader Jamie or nine and he said it was fit to The Eagles nearly went out against Luckhurst. continue. bitter rivals Canterbury. The home leg “Wimbledon finished third in the league “The Middlesbrough fans were made was won 47-31 but the Crusaders made and we despatched them in the quarter up with that but at the end of the it tight with a 45-33 win on their own final. Middlesbrough eventually finished meeting when we did take it off them shale. second in the league and we beat them in with a 4-2 in the last race, they were all Kevin recalls the Kingsmead match: the semi and we beat the team who won very upset. “Canterbury were in the ascendancy the league in the final.” “There were three of us dancing on and it was two wins in the last two Semi-Final the dog track and hugging each other. heats, one from Colin Richardson and If you are looking for controversy in a The home fans in the stand behind us the other from Gordon Kennett, that cup run, this is where it really was. were not happy.” saw us home. It was one of those where Eastbourne saw off Middlesbrough by the National League KO Cup Final you always felt we were loosening our narrowest of margins. And so to Ellesmere Port for D-Day. grip. A Crusaders 5-1 in either of those The Teesside outfit won their home Kevin said: “Ellesmere Port were very, heats would have pulled them level but (second) leg 48-30 as the Eagles nearly let very good. Joe Owen, Louis Carr, who it was those two races that saw us slip a 49-29 lead from Arlington. became a stand out rider in the league, home. We could have been out. It was There were huge arguments at and Dave Morton were the heat leader a close call.” Middlesbrough over the composition of trio. They had Dave Walsh as well and Second round the Eagles team with the meeting taking were an exceptional side. A much easier tie for the Sussex side place on a circuit that looked more like a “They got an early season draw at with the Eagles winning both legs: quagmire than a speedway track. Arlington but that was a fortunate point 50-28 at Arlington and 42-36 at Milton Kevin Ling remembers there was huge as they came back from six points Keynes. row about the inclusion of Paul Clarke in behind with two heats to go. “We had signed Andy Buck in the the Eagles team for the second leg. Gordon (Kennett) fell in his last ride place of Mick Hines and that was his “He had announced his retirement for aer getting straight wins and they debut at Milton Keynes. Colin about a week. The semi-final was in the needed to get a 5-1 and a 4-2 in the last Richardson got 11 from four rides and midst of four away matches in four days two races. Andy Buck scored, I think, ten. Straight and he didn’t ride in the preceding league “They beat us fairly and squarely up away we knew we had a little gem. matches. there in the league.” “Keith Pritchard scored, really, really “Because Eastbourne had so many Kevin and some friends went to well. The hard work had been done injuries, he agreed to ride in the semi-final. Ellesmere Port the long way round. and we beat them at home by 22 points They said he was retired and he was They watched the Eagles win at but the enduring memory of the tie was ineligible. My view was that he was still a Edinburgh on the Wednesday night the Andy Buck debut.” contracted rider. He scored three points, and moved on to Sheffield for the Quarter Final which given the lottery of the conditions, match against King’s Lynn on the A 39-39 draw at Wimbledon was you could have put anybody in and they Thursday. where the hard work was done. It was could have scored three points. It was a resounding 63-15. However, wrapped up on home soil with a 44-33 “The two Middlesbrough riders he beat it wasn’t the match that brings back the win. were the emerging talent of Gary memories.

“We were standing by the pits and listening principally to Port riders Dave Morton and Dave Walsh. They saw we were Eastbourne supporters and were taking the juice, saying more or less we didn’t stand a hope in hell and the cup was in the bag. They were so cocksure of themselves but it was a different story the following day.” Kevin was not totally without hope before the match began at Ellesmere Port. “I had seen Eastbourne pull off similar performances before and, as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I always thought we stood a good chance. We had a 14-point lead and when you look down our team you felt anything was possible, or at least should have been.” The match started brilliantly for Eastbourne with Gordon Kennett coming from the back in heat one to beat Dave Morton and equal the track record. “Every time something momentous happened, we all rushed down to the safety fence, jumping up and hanging over it,” Kevin said. “The Ellesmere Port reserves had dominated heat two pretty much week aer week on their home track. “It was difficult to see because it was quite dark and I thought in heat two that it was their rider in the lead. Then I saw Chris Mulvihill come into second place and I thought that’s not bad, it’s only a 4-2 to them. “When they got further round I realised it was Martin Dugard in front and Mulvihill in second place and we had a 5-1 which no other team had done at Ellesmere Port that season. All of a sudden here was that realisation that it was those two and what a race.” It certainly was game on and the feeling was strengthened when Gordon Kennett came from the back to beat Louis Carr in heat five. “Andy Buck beat Dave Morton in heat six and Colin Richardson came from the back to pip Joe Owen on the line to take heat seven. “That really got us up on the fence cheering. “Louis Carr came out as a tac sub in heat eight and got a 5-1 but Buck beat him in the following race by coming from the back to pip the Port rider on the line, just as Colin Richardson had done against Joe Owen. “With that, we were still two points ahead on the night and the cup was almost in the bag, if it wasn’t already. “Towards the end we had two incredible races. Gordon came from the back twice to beat Joe Owen in heats 11 and 13. It was the most brilliant maximum as you would ever see. Virtually every win that night was from the back. He was an absolute powerhouse.” ■

speedway meetings and the bigger, more Fans who get there on organised tours SGP torch range; ropes, compass and renowned 100 year old Bergring Arena were the lucky ones compared to those camouflage make-up; long-johns, gloves, grass track. Basically, the FIM German expecting return journeys on the shuttle insect repellent, battery-operated hand SGP is yet another World Championship buses that brought them as, sadly, BSI warmer and fibre-rich energy bars. meeting staged in a regional European forgot to provide these back to town. Since attending recent SGPs requires forest. Hardly a surprise given they were also significant off-road excursions, most fans The travel information provided for any unable to predict the existence of will have to travel without the advanced series event on the SGP website is frankly nightfall so, sadly, failed to provide any filtration systems preppers usually like sketchy and perfunctory at best. Advice is lighting to help fans negotiate the on-hand. So wide necked plastic SGP also private transport biased and the few treacherous forest paths and pot-holed branded flasks for when, like Bear Grylls, overnight accommodation rough-hewn car parks too. According to we are forced to drink our own urine recommendations that appear on their the TPT office telephonist, the cumulative would make a lovely Christmas present website invariably require some form of effect of those difficulties upset attending for the keen SGP fan in your life? tent or caravanning. clients to such an extent some despaired, Though BSI have conspicuously and The best hotels in the area – should they others cried or felt frightened that night. spectacularly failed to live up to most of FIM Speedway German SGP at Teterow in even exist – are contractually reserved for Many complained. their stated “global” ambitions for the 2016 to celebrate an important wedding BSI executives, FIM officials and their Word got about too and demand for SGP over these past two decades (city to in his column in the official programme Jeff Scott’s acclaimed books on the SGP – SGP ERA WORLD championship meetings anniversary. media hangers on. further TPT adventures to Teterow centre modern stadia stagings; as “the joy of speedway”. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Speedway in Germany have a very chequered Though it didn’t feature in the Of course, the prime European disappeared from their SGP schedule. international TV audiences; big brand If judged by his paean to the SGP in Grand Prix (2019) and Who Gates Wins history. subsequent triumphant press reports, speedway demographic is such that it is Due to what then TPT owner David sponsors; rider celebrity; good toilets Teterow, Mayor Andreas is big on fan (2020) – are available at I first went to watch a BSI world Colin still quite can’t believe what went almost assumed as a fact of nature that Goodchild diplomatically termed as etc), Teterow arguably wins the very emotion and looking on the bright side. www.methanolpress.com, all good championship speedway meeting in on: most fans also own camper vans, “insufficient demand”. strongly contested accolade for the least Like BSI, he believes it is all about the bookshops and Amazon. Germany at the Gelsenkirchen SGP they “Without exaggerating we were literally caravans or, it seems, tents to really test The SGP website oen sings the praises wheelchair or disability-friendly shared near death experience. Whether actually managed to stage indoors by minutes away from a major crowd disaster their lumbago. speedway location ever. it is the fan feels of breathing your last in a using dry shale (rather than spectacularly with numerous injuries and, god forbid, and joys of camping at individual world Faced with all these travel difficulties, Who could have predicted that – in an crush on a fence in the middle of having to abandon the meeting at the last fatalities. “Suddenly the Gates were championship speedway events. sensibly many fans opt for the intensely competitive field – it is in the nowhere (or edge of an ex-industrial minute as they did the next year). thrown open and everyone streamed in Staying in a tent is such a regular option convenience of an organised tour with area of limiting disabled access that BSI town) beforehand or breaking bones Arriving at the Schalke 04 football club without having their tickets scanned. that you half-suspect BSI run some kind of other like-minded speedway fan OAPs. finally live up to their ambition to deliver falling over in the struggle to leave aer, stadium, so many fans were already held “Speaking with [FIM Track Director] Phil unofficial shadow Duke of Edinburgh Though it was hard to imagine BSI recognisable excellence on a global Andreas informs us speedway – outside a very limited number of access Morris later he said this was his decision award scheme where even attending any could ever better the self-inflicted speedway stage? The chance to break apparently – “evokes emotions and gates selected for our collective entry. as he could see the crowd numbers and SGP wins badges as just getting there disaster of wetting their own shale, the your ankles or get crushed at the entrance desires in many of us” and can “raise the Well aer the scheduled gate opening pressure at the entrance building to requires great ingenuity and resilience on initial staging of the Teterow event also turnstiles must be something of what the personal mood” as well as “strengthen time, the crowd surged on to the dangerous levels.” the part of the average speedway fan not attracted strong fan criticism for its Mayor of Teterow Andreas Lange alludes the feeling of togetherness”. perimeter fence as we tried to navigate Colin and his wife weren’t the only ones travelling on a tour. disorganisation, difficulty of access and, the narrow entrance spaces to the enjoying an unforgettable first Teterow The wilful obscurity of so many SGP more importantly, the dangerous electronic turnstiles, metal detector SGP. UK speedway specialist travel locations means just finding the track possibility of again getting crushed to scanners and bag checks. agency Travel Plus Tours (TPT) took along requires high level language, navigation, death outside the event. Briefly we were in danger of being around 150 fans to the initial staging. map reading, computer and compass Of course, rights holders BSI have some crushed, injured or possibly killed. TPT coaches took supporters to the skills as well as great self-reliance, energy previous when it comes to trying to crush This was entirely a function of the official car park, deep inside a wooded and adaptability. speedway fans in Germany by limited ingress points, lack of stewarding clearing surrounded by many trees and Given all the feedback and the spat-cocking them on the perimeter outside the rigid perimeter fences and good-sized fields on the distant edge of warnings about conditions and travel fencing but few expected that they would the self-inflicted delay of the late opening an industrial estate on the far perimeter of complexity, I wonder if this isn’t an wish to repeat it. Though they give that caused excited fans to muster, cluster Teterow. opportunity for BSI to get back on the nothing away for free unless accidentally, and then impatiently surge. Fans soon struggled with conditions front foot when it comes to innovative Colin Beveridge and his wife Sandra got As my life nearly flashed before my eyes underfoot. Forest paths were uneven, SGP merchandise? first-hand experience of BSI’s generous in a crushing sea of garish anoraks, combined with the treacherous Battle of Though crowds nowadays have badly gi of lifelong spiritual re-awakening and Poland flag face paints, too loud air horns forgettable. Rather excitingly, Right Said the Somme mud-bath conditions of the tailed off, they could produce an exciting before you, that CVS should star in these a new found appreciation of the simple and wacky headgear, in a moment of Fred provided the musical entertainment. compulsory yomp through surrounding line of branded ‘I nearly got crushed to recollections isn’t quite what I expected. things in life and the brute fact of our sudden clarity I recalled that minutes It was so freezing inside the stadium that “stubble fields” in order to get to the death on the fence outside the SGP’ Tour Of course, whenever you enjoy a near shared mortality (albeit without Chris Van earlier I had seen Wolverhampton it was difficult for anyone to feel sexy, let stadium. T-shirts. The last really exciting piece of death experience with CVS, you Straaten nearby). Speedway promoter Chris van Straaten alone want to take their shirts off. We all know that British speedway SGP branded gear were the thongs – subsequently experience every day you For them, this happened when they walk towards these very turnstiles. Those were the magical early days of attracts an older – sometimes infirm – modelled on a regular basis at events by are given thereaer as both a gi and went along – with pit passes – to the first When they say you have your life flash SGPs where BSI vaguely tried by paying for crowd to worship at its declining roster of both the World Feed live commentary blessing. past their best ‘name’ bands to serenade speedway shrines nowadays. If getting to team and also BSI’s Managing Director – Having survived my impending doom, us. the far-flung Bergring Arena in Teterow for replete with tiny official “FIM” logos. memories of the rest of the night are Only a few years later, playing their entire the SGP is hard during daylight hours, And, of course, their Air Freshener mostly lost to me. brief set again as an encore at Chris getting back aer dark wearing casual (Methanol Fragrance) range. I can remember that a notable number Morton’s Silver Wedding Anniversary party footwear with walking sticks or Given the mandatory jolly-campers of Ipswich fans had travelled over on was sufficient fame for The Magoos to get wheelchairs is, by all accounts, altogether venture-scouting meets survivalist ethos two coaches to enjoy the heady booked to headline the Cardiff SGP for a a much more testing SAS-style that apparently dictates world exoticism (compared to Suffolk) and couple of seasons. proposition. Negotiating undulating championship venue choices set in post-industrial delights of Gelsenkirchen Gelsenkirchen 2007 was the last SGP forest paths and “stubble fields” in the obscure regional forest locations, surely it – famous for its coal mines – and held in Germany for nearly a decade before pitch dark aer the meeting in search of is time that SGP merchandise included possibly cast their eyes over future BSI plumped to stage another in the the safety and warmth of your waiting some more practical SGP branded and Witch and second reserve Tobi Kroner. forested wilds of Mecklenburg-Western coach in a distant car park is a difficult be-logoed camping and trekking items? The racing was – as is traditional Pomerania. Teterow is really two tracks. kettle of fish that easily defeats even the These could include: waterproof indoors – bunched, processional and One is pressed into action for occasional able-bodied and optimistic. trousers (with optional reflective strips); a

44 FLYING HIGH KEVIN LING was with the Eagles every “The draw broke Wimbledon’s hearts Havelock and Geoff Pusey, so they were step of the way as they criss-crossed but the highlight of that night was a two notable scalps. the country before finally landing the 15-point maxim for Colin Richardson, a “He was our rider and rode for us on cup at Ellesmere Port. former Wimbledon rider,” Kevin said. that occasion. It rained throughout the Eastbourne were nearly out before “A 4-2 in the final race gave us the draw. meeting. It was tipping it down all the they hardly got started and there was Gordon Kennett beat Mike Ferreira and time. Eastbourne asked the referee to an almighty scare in the semi-final. Martin Dugard, in one of his early outings, inspect the track aer about heat eight First round beat Wimbledon heat leader Jamie or nine and he said it was fit to The Eagles nearly went out against Luckhurst. continue. bitter rivals Canterbury. The home leg “Wimbledon finished third in the league “The Middlesbrough fans were made was won 47-31 but the Crusaders made and we despatched them in the quarter up with that but at the end of the it tight with a 45-33 win on their own final. Middlesbrough eventually finished meeting when we did take it off them shale. second in the league and we beat them in with a 4-2 in the last race, they were all Kevin recalls the Kingsmead match: the semi and we beat the team who won very upset. “Canterbury were in the ascendancy the league in the final.” “There were three of us dancing on and it was two wins in the last two Semi-Final the dog track and hugging each other. heats, one from Colin Richardson and If you are looking for controversy in a The home fans in the stand behind us the other from Gordon Kennett, that cup run, this is where it really was. were not happy.” saw us home. It was one of those where Eastbourne saw off Middlesbrough by the National League KO Cup Final you always felt we were loosening our narrowest of margins. And so to Ellesmere Port for D-Day. grip. A Crusaders 5-1 in either of those The Teesside outfit won their home Kevin said: “Ellesmere Port were very, heats would have pulled them level but (second) leg 48-30 as the Eagles nearly let very good. Joe Owen, Louis Carr, who it was those two races that saw us slip a 49-29 lead from Arlington. became a stand out rider in the league, home. We could have been out. It was There were huge arguments at and Dave Morton were the heat leader a close call.” Middlesbrough over the composition of trio. They had Dave Walsh as well and Second round the Eagles team with the meeting taking were an exceptional side. A much easier tie for the Sussex side place on a circuit that looked more like a “They got an early season draw at with the Eagles winning both legs: quagmire than a speedway track. Arlington but that was a fortunate point 50-28 at Arlington and 42-36 at Milton Kevin Ling remembers there was huge as they came back from six points Keynes. row about the inclusion of Paul Clarke in behind with two heats to go. “We had signed Andy Buck in the the Eagles team for the second leg. Gordon (Kennett) fell in his last ride place of Mick Hines and that was his “He had announced his retirement for aer getting straight wins and they debut at Milton Keynes. Colin about a week. The semi-final was in the needed to get a 5-1 and a 4-2 in the last Richardson got 11 from four rides and midst of four away matches in four days two races. Andy Buck scored, I think, ten. Straight and he didn’t ride in the preceding league “They beat us fairly and squarely up away we knew we had a little gem. matches. there in the league.” “Keith Pritchard scored, really, really “Because Eastbourne had so many Kevin and some friends went to well. The hard work had been done injuries, he agreed to ride in the semi-final. Ellesmere Port the long way round. and we beat them at home by 22 points They said he was retired and he was They watched the Eagles win at but the enduring memory of the tie was ineligible. My view was that he was still a Edinburgh on the Wednesday night the Andy Buck debut.” contracted rider. He scored three points, and moved on to Sheffield for the Quarter Final which given the lottery of the conditions, match against King’s Lynn on the A 39-39 draw at Wimbledon was you could have put anybody in and they Thursday. where the hard work was done. It was could have scored three points. It was a resounding 63-15. However, wrapped up on home soil with a 44-33 “The two Middlesbrough riders he beat it wasn’t the match that brings back the win. were the emerging talent of Gary memories.

“We were standing by the pits and listening principally to Port riders Dave Morton and Dave Walsh. They saw we were Eastbourne supporters and were taking the juice, saying more or less we didn’t stand a hope in hell and the cup was in the bag. They were so cocksure of themselves but it was a different story the following day.” Kevin was not totally without hope before the match began at Ellesmere Port. “I had seen Eastbourne pull off similar performances before and, as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I always thought we stood a good chance. We had a 14-point lead and when you look down our team you felt anything was possible, or at least should have been.” The match started brilliantly for Eastbourne with Gordon Kennett coming from the back in heat one to beat Dave Morton and equal the track record. “Every time something momentous happened, we all rushed down to the safety fence, jumping up and hanging over it,” Kevin said. “The Ellesmere Port reserves had dominated heat two pretty much week aer week on their home track. “It was difficult to see because it was quite dark and I thought in heat two that it was their rider in the lead. Then I saw Chris Mulvihill come into second place and I thought that’s not bad, it’s only a 4-2 to them. “When they got further round I realised it was Martin Dugard in front and Mulvihill in second place and we had a 5-1 which no other team had done at Ellesmere Port that season. All of a sudden here was that realisation that it was those two and what a race.” It certainly was game on and the feeling was strengthened when Gordon Kennett came from the back to beat Louis Carr in heat five. “Andy Buck beat Dave Morton in heat six and Colin Richardson came from the back to pip Joe Owen on the line to take heat seven. “That really got us up on the fence cheering. “Louis Carr came out as a tac sub in heat eight and got a 5-1 but Buck beat him in the following race by coming from the back to pip the Port rider on the line, just as Colin Richardson had done against Joe Owen. “With that, we were still two points ahead on the night and the cup was almost in the bag, if it wasn’t already. “Towards the end we had two incredible races. Gordon came from the back twice to beat Joe Owen in heats 11 and 13. It was the most brilliant maximum as you would ever see. Virtually every win that night was from the back. He was an absolute powerhouse.” ■

speedway meetings and the bigger, more Fans who get there on organised tours SGP torch range; ropes, compass and renowned 100 year old Bergring Arena were the lucky ones compared to those camouflage make-up; long-johns, gloves, grass track. Basically, the FIM German expecting return journeys on the shuttle insect repellent, battery-operated hand SGP is yet another World Championship buses that brought them as, sadly, BSI warmer and fibre-rich energy bars. meeting staged in a regional European forgot to provide these back to town. Since attending recent SGPs requires forest. Hardly a surprise given they were also significant off-road excursions, most fans The travel information provided for any unable to predict the existence of will have to travel without the advanced series event on the SGP website is frankly nightfall so, sadly, failed to provide any filtration systems preppers usually like sketchy and perfunctory at best. Advice is lighting to help fans negotiate the on-hand. So wide necked plastic SGP also private transport biased and the few treacherous forest paths and pot-holed branded flasks for when, like Bear Grylls, overnight accommodation rough-hewn car parks too. According to we are forced to drink our own urine recommendations that appear on their the TPT office telephonist, the cumulative would make a lovely Christmas present website invariably require some form of effect of those difficulties upset attending for the keen SGP fan in your life? tent or caravanning. clients to such an extent some despaired, Though BSI have conspicuously and The best hotels in the area – should they others cried or felt frightened that night. spectacularly failed to live up to most of Winner of the 2016 German Grand Prix Jason Doyle with runner-up Bartosz Zmarzlik and Greg Hancock (third). FIM Speedway German SGP at Teterow in even exist – are contractually reserved for Many complained. their stated “global” ambitions for the 2016 to celebrate an important wedding BSI executives, FIM officials and their Word got about too and demand for SGP over these past two decades (city to in his column in the official programme Jeff Scott’s acclaimed books on the SGP – SGP ERA WORLD championship meetings anniversary. media hangers on. further TPT adventures to Teterow centre modern stadia stagings; as “the joy of speedway”. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Speedway in Germany have a very chequered Though it didn’t feature in the Of course, the prime European disappeared from their SGP schedule. international TV audiences; big brand If judged by his paean to the SGP in Grand Prix (2019) and Who Gates Wins history. subsequent triumphant press reports, speedway demographic is such that it is Due to what then TPT owner David sponsors; rider celebrity; good toilets Teterow, Mayor Andreas is big on fan (2020) – are available at I first went to watch a BSI world Colin still quite can’t believe what went almost assumed as a fact of nature that Goodchild diplomatically termed as etc), Teterow arguably wins the very emotion and looking on the bright side. www.methanolpress.com, all good championship speedway meeting in on: most fans also own camper vans, “insufficient demand”. strongly contested accolade for the least Like BSI, he believes it is all about the bookshops and Amazon. Germany at the Gelsenkirchen SGP they “Without exaggerating we were literally caravans or, it seems, tents to really test The SGP website oen sings the praises wheelchair or disability-friendly shared near death experience. Whether actually managed to stage indoors by minutes away from a major crowd disaster their lumbago. speedway location ever. it is the fan feels of breathing your last in a Spot the Number Ones; The riders are A using dry shale (rather than spectacularly with numerous injuries and, god forbid, and joys of camping at individual world Faced with all these travel difficulties, Who could have predicted that – in an crush on a fence in the middle of Adam Shields, B Eddie Kennett, C Cameron having to abandon the meeting at the last fatalities. “Suddenly the Gates were championship speedway events. sensibly many fans opt for the intensely competitive field – it is in the nowhere (or edge of an ex-industrial Woodward, D Martin Dugard, E Matej minute as they did the next year). thrown open and everyone streamed in Staying in a tent is such a regular option convenience of an organised tour with area of limiting disabled access that BSI town) beforehand or breaking bones Zagar, F Nicki Pederson, G Mark Loram, H Arriving at the Schalke 04 football club without having their tickets scanned. that you half-suspect BSI run some kind of Dawid Lampart, I Bjarne Pedersen, J Scott other like-minded speedway fan OAPs. finally live up to their ambition to deliver falling over in the struggle to leave aer, stadium, so many fans were already held “Speaking with [FIM Track Director] Phil unofficial shadow Duke of Edinburgh Nicholls, K Paul Gachet. Though it was hard to imagine BSI recognisable excellence on a global Andreas informs us speedway – outside a very limited number of access Morris later he said this was his decision award scheme where even attending any could ever better the self-inflicted speedway stage? The chance to break apparently – “evokes emotions and The odd one out is Polish rider, Dawid gates selected for our collective entry. as he could see the crowd numbers and SGP wins badges as just getting there Lampart who for some reason had the No 1 disaster of wetting their own shale, the your ankles or get crushed at the entrance desires in many of us” and can “raise the Well aer the scheduled gate opening pressure at the entrance building to requires great ingenuity and resilience on on his suit at a press and practice day but initial staging of the Teterow event also turnstiles must be something of what the personal mood” as well as “strengthen time, the crowd surged on to the dangerous levels.” the part of the average speedway fan not never rode as an Eagles No 1. attracted strong fan criticism for its Mayor of Teterow Andreas Lange alludes the feeling of togetherness”. perimeter fence as we tried to navigate Colin and his wife weren’t the only ones travelling on a tour. disorganisation, difficulty of access and, the narrow entrance spaces to the enjoying an unforgettable first Teterow The wilful obscurity of so many SGP more importantly, the dangerous electronic turnstiles, metal detector SGP. UK speedway specialist travel locations means just finding the track possibility of again getting crushed to scanners and bag checks. agency Travel Plus Tours (TPT) took along requires high level language, navigation, death outside the event. Briefly we were in danger of being around 150 fans to the initial staging. map reading, computer and compass Of course, rights holders BSI have some crushed, injured or possibly killed. TPT coaches took supporters to the skills as well as great self-reliance, energy previous when it comes to trying to crush This was entirely a function of the official car park, deep inside a wooded and adaptability. speedway fans in Germany by limited ingress points, lack of stewarding clearing surrounded by many trees and Given all the feedback and the spat-cocking them on the perimeter outside the rigid perimeter fences and good-sized fields on the distant edge of warnings about conditions and travel fencing but few expected that they would the self-inflicted delay of the late opening an industrial estate on the far perimeter of complexity, I wonder if this isn’t an wish to repeat it. Though they give that caused excited fans to muster, cluster Teterow. opportunity for BSI to get back on the nothing away for free unless accidentally, and then impatiently surge. Fans soon struggled with conditions front foot when it comes to innovative Colin Beveridge and his wife Sandra got From Corporate As my life nearly flashed before my eyes underfoot. Forest paths were uneven, SGP merchandise? QUALITY PRINTING first-hand experience of BSI’s generous Identity, through Design in a crushing sea of garish anoraks, combined with the treacherous Battle of Though crowds nowadays have badly gi of lifelong spiritual re-awakening and AT COMPETITIVE PRICES Concepts to the final Poland flag face paints, too loud air horns forgettable. Rather excitingly, Right Said the Somme mud-bath conditions of the tailed off, they could produce an exciting before you, that CVS should star in these a new found appreciation of the simple printed article. and wacky headgear, in a moment of Fred provided the musical entertainment. compulsory yomp through surrounding line of branded ‘I nearly got crushed to recollections isn’t quite what I expected. things in life and the brute fact of our sudden clarity I recalled that minutes It was so freezing inside the stadium that “stubble fields” in order to get to the death on the fence outside the SGP’ Tour NO JOB TOO BIG Of course, whenever you enjoy a near shared mortality (albeit without Chris Van earlier I had seen Wolverhampton it was difficult for anyone to feel sexy, let stadium. T-shirts. The last really exciting piece of or TOO SMALL death experience with CVS, you Straaten nearby). Speedway promoter Chris van Straaten alone want to take their shirts off. We all know that British speedway SGP branded gear were the thongs – subsequently experience every day you For them, this happened when they 07949 615710 for walk towards these very turnstiles. Those were the magical early days of attracts an older – sometimes infirm – modelled on a regular basis at events by are given thereaer as both a gi and went along – with pit passes – to the first a price or advice on your When they say you have your life flash SGPs where BSI vaguely tried by paying for crowd to worship at its declining roster of both the World Feed live commentary blessing. next printing job past their best ‘name’ bands to serenade speedway shrines nowadays. If getting to team and also BSI’s Managing Director – Having survived my impending doom, or project us. the far-flung Bergring Arena in Teterow for replete with tiny official “FIM” logos. memories of the rest of the night are Only a few years later, playing their entire the SGP is hard during daylight hours, And, of course, their Air Freshener mostly lost to me. brief set again as an encore at Chris getting back aer dark wearing casual (Methanol Fragrance) range. I can remember that a notable number Morton’s Silver Wedding Anniversary party footwear with walking sticks or Given the mandatory jolly-campers of Ipswich fans had travelled over on was sufficient fame for The Magoos to get wheelchairs is, by all accounts, altogether venture-scouting meets survivalist ethos two coaches to enjoy the heady booked to headline the Cardiff SGP for a a much more testing SAS-style that apparently dictates world exoticism (compared to Suffolk) and couple of seasons. proposition. Negotiating undulating championship venue choices set in post-industrial delights of Gelsenkirchen Gelsenkirchen 2007 was the last SGP forest paths and “stubble fields” in the obscure regional forest locations, surely it – famous for its coal mines – and held in Germany for nearly a decade before pitch dark aer the meeting in search of is time that SGP merchandise included possibly cast their eyes over future BSI plumped to stage another in the the safety and warmth of your waiting some more practical SGP branded and Witch and second reserve Tobi Kroner. forested wilds of Mecklenburg-Western coach in a distant car park is a difficult be-logoed camping and trekking items? Fineprint (Sussex) Limited, 17 Burgess Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4NR The racing was – as is traditional Pomerania. 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FLYING HIGH 45 KEVIN LING was with the Eagles every “The draw broke Wimbledon’s hearts Havelock and Geoff Pusey, so they were step of the way as they criss-crossed but the highlight of that night was a two notable scalps. the country before finally landing the 15-point maxim for Colin Richardson, a “He was our rider and rode for us on cup at Ellesmere Port. former Wimbledon rider,” Kevin said. that occasion. It rained throughout the Eastbourne were nearly out before “A 4-2 in the final race gave us the draw. meeting. It was tipping it down all the they hardly got started and there was Gordon Kennett beat Mike Ferreira and time. Eastbourne asked the referee to an almighty scare in the semi-final. Martin Dugard, in one of his early outings, inspect the track aer about heat eight First round beat Wimbledon heat leader Jamie or nine and he said it was fit to The Eagles nearly went out against Luckhurst. continue. bitter rivals Canterbury. The home leg “Wimbledon finished third in the league “The Middlesbrough fans were made was won 47-31 but the Crusaders made and we despatched them in the quarter up with that but at the end of the it tight with a 45-33 win on their own final. Middlesbrough eventually finished meeting when we did take it off them shale. second in the league and we beat them in with a 4-2 in the last race, they were all Kevin recalls the Kingsmead match: the semi and we beat the team who won very upset. “Canterbury were in the ascendancy the league in the final.” “There were three of us dancing on and it was two wins in the last two Semi-Final the dog track and hugging each other. heats, one from Colin Richardson and If you are looking for controversy in a The home fans in the stand behind us the other from Gordon Kennett, that cup run, this is where it really was. were not happy.” saw us home. It was one of those where Eastbourne saw off Middlesbrough by the National League KO Cup Final you always felt we were loosening our narrowest of margins. And so to Ellesmere Port for D-Day. grip. A Crusaders 5-1 in either of those The Teesside outfit won their home Kevin said: “Ellesmere Port were very, heats would have pulled them level but (second) leg 48-30 as the Eagles nearly let very good. Joe Owen, Louis Carr, who it was those two races that saw us slip a 49-29 lead from Arlington. became a stand out rider in the league, home. We could have been out. It was There were huge arguments at and Dave Morton were the heat leader a close call.” Middlesbrough over the composition of trio. They had Dave Walsh as well and Second round the Eagles team with the meeting taking were an exceptional side. A much easier tie for the Sussex side place on a circuit that looked more like a “They got an early season draw at with the Eagles winning both legs: quagmire than a speedway track. Arlington but that was a fortunate point 50-28 at Arlington and 42-36 at Milton Kevin Ling remembers there was huge as they came back from six points Keynes. row about the inclusion of Paul Clarke in behind with two heats to go. “We had signed Andy Buck in the the Eagles team for the second leg. Gordon (Kennett) fell in his last ride place of Mick Hines and that was his “He had announced his retirement for aer getting straight wins and they debut at Milton Keynes. Colin about a week. The semi-final was in the needed to get a 5-1 and a 4-2 in the last Richardson got 11 from four rides and midst of four away matches in four days two races. Andy Buck scored, I think, ten. Straight and he didn’t ride in the preceding league “They beat us fairly and squarely up away we knew we had a little gem. matches. there in the league.” “Keith Pritchard scored, really, really “Because Eastbourne had so many Kevin and some friends went to well. The hard work had been done injuries, he agreed to ride in the semi-final. Ellesmere Port the long way round. and we beat them at home by 22 points They said he was retired and he was They watched the Eagles win at but the enduring memory of the tie was ineligible. My view was that he was still a Edinburgh on the Wednesday night the Andy Buck debut.” contracted rider. He scored three points, and moved on to Sheffield for the Quarter Final which given the lottery of the conditions, match against King’s Lynn on the A 39-39 draw at Wimbledon was you could have put anybody in and they Thursday. where the hard work was done. It was could have scored three points. It was a resounding 63-15. However, wrapped up on home soil with a 44-33 “The two Middlesbrough riders he beat it wasn’t the match that brings back the win. were the emerging talent of Gary memories.

“We were standing by the pits and listening principally to Port riders Dave Morton and Dave Walsh. They saw we were Eastbourne supporters and were taking the juice, saying more or less we didn’t stand a hope in hell and the cup was in the bag. They were so cocksure of themselves but it was a different story the following day.” Kevin was not totally without hope before the match began at Ellesmere Port. “I had seen Eastbourne pull off similar performances before and, as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I always thought we stood a good chance. We had a 14-point lead and when you look down our team you felt anything was possible, or at least should have been.” The match started brilliantly for Eastbourne with Gordon Kennett coming from the back in heat one to beat Dave Morton and equal the track record. “Every time something momentous happened, we all rushed down to the safety fence, jumping up and hanging over it,” Kevin said. “The Ellesmere Port reserves had dominated heat two pretty much week aer week on their home track. “It was difficult to see because it was quite dark and I thought in heat two that it was their rider in the lead. Then I saw Chris Mulvihill come into second place and I thought that’s not bad, it’s only a 4-2 to them. “When they got further round I realised it was Martin Dugard in front and Mulvihill in second place and we had a 5-1 which no other team had done at Ellesmere Port that season. All of a sudden here was that realisation that it was those two and what a race.” It certainly was game on and the feeling was strengthened when Gordon Kennett came from the back to beat Louis Carr in heat five. “Andy Buck beat Dave Morton in heat six and Colin Richardson came from the back to pip Joe Owen on the line to take heat seven. “That really got us up on the fence cheering. “Louis Carr came out as a tac sub in heat eight and got a 5-1 but Buck beat him in the following race by coming from the back to pip the Port rider on the line, just as Colin Richardson had done against Joe Owen. “With that, we were still two points ahead on the night and the cup was almost in the bag, if it wasn’t already. “Towards the end we had two incredible races. Gordon came from the back twice to beat Joe Owen in heats 11 and 13. It was the most brilliant maximum as you would ever see. Virtually every win that night was from the back. He was an absolute powerhouse.” ■

Drew Kemp