An image from Shale Britannia published by quirky Brighton based speedway publisher Methanol Press has been chosen as one of the iconic photographs of 2007 by the Big Issue in its annual awards.
The prizes were scooped by an evocative series of images featuring a flooded swamp, Pete Doherty, a rabbit, some nattily dressed passers by and a photo of Miss Arena Essex.
The stunning photo selected by the Big Issue features in Shale Britannia (on page 201) and also on the cover. It pictures Sheila Le-Sage (aka Scary) proudly wearing her ‘Miss Arena Essex’ sash at the Arena-Essex Raceway in Thurrock.
Speaking by satellite (well, mobile phone really) from her home in Dagenham, one of the many stars of the book, Scary Sheila promised, “This award won't change me!”
She continued, “I intend to carry on as normal with my work and helping out at the club in various capacities during the speedway season. Many people have recognised me because of the book and have come up to me in the street or at the speedway to comment. Some have even asked for an autograph! The book really gives a wonderful insight into a certain kind of Englishness as well as shows what the speedway community is really like – friendly, down to earth and somewhere you can come as you are and be yourself. Speedway tracks are a place where families and people of all ages are always welcome. We loved our old promoter Ronnie Russell at Arena but, since we changed our name and became Lakeside this season, new owner Stuart Douglas and promoter Jon Cook have brought in tons of new ideas to take things to the next level. I even think we have a team that could be champions! I’d urge everyone to buy this lovely book, come along on a Friday night to the Raceway for our twenty-fifth anniversary season for some thrilling speedway action or to go to soak up the atmosphere at whatever club is closest to them!”
The photographs were edited by fine artist and book designer Rachael Adams and taken at speedway tracks throughout the United Kingdom in 2005 & 2006 by Jeff Scott.
This book is also available from www.methanolpress.com
