Michael Coles, Trent Leverington and Robert Ksiezak are the latest riders to sign up to race in the David McAllan Farewell Meeting. Sunday September 7th is the date for this festival of speed and all the top names want to be there.
The name of Michael Coles is still held in high regard in these parts, despite his season (2007) with Glasgow not quite going according to plan. Prior to that, he used to travel up from his Devon base every Friday to race for Edinburgh. Up until 2003, he was an Ashfield track expert, but one evening in mid-season changed all that.
Michael explained: “I always looked forward to riding at Ashfield and particularly enjoyed the annual Ashfield Classic. I was also the proud owner of a 10-point average round the Glasgow track!
“But that all changed when I suffered nasty injuries at the Isle of Wight in 2003. I broke three vertebrae in my back and also suffered a broken neck. Things were never quite the same after that. I had no lower back strength and struggled to turn the bike. The neck injuries restricted mobility in my arms and any speedway rider will tell you just how much of a handicap that would be.
“So I know how injuries can affect a person but that isn’t the only reason I want to race in David’s meeting. I went head-to-head with him on more than one occasion and he is one of the fairest riders around. You could always have a great race with David. It would always be tough – but fair. You weren’t getting stuck in the fence.”
Michael continued: “I was offered a couple of team places this year but decided I didn’t want to ride. I did turn out for Bristol recently at Weymouth – but wish I hadn’t bothered! “I sort of felt obligated though because there aren’t that many remaining links with the old Bulldogs.
My Dad had raced for them and I agreed to participate. I managed two second places before a tapes exclusion – and then my steel shoe fell off and I was excluded!
“But I’m looking forward to getting back on the bike for David. That won’t be a problem. In fact, I’m already looking forward to making the trip north!”
While Michael will race for the Edinburgh Select, David has added the names of Trent and Robert to the Glasgow side. He said: “Who better to represent the Tigers than two guys who have been doing the business regularly this year. Trent had a spell out due to injury but is back now and racking up the points.
“Robert is also a great rider and was a smashing team-mate. He has probably been the most consistent Tiger this year and is surely destined for greater things. Both of these Aussie lads will be hard to beat on the day.”
Dickson’s Buses have kindly agreed to sponsor the meeting, which will be a huge help in terms of financing the operation, while Buildbase are on board as the sponsors of the Tigers Select. We would like to thank Stewart Dickson and Graham Lister for their generous assistance.
FSM Outdoor Advertising will be team sponsors of the Workington Select and again we would like to thank Fraser Smith for his help. Much appreciated lads.
That means we are now just searching for an Edinburgh team sponsor and would love to hear from a prospective `promoter.’ Come on you Monarchs!
