19.11.09
Hi all
My season has now finished and I would like to thank all my sponsors DAH
Web Design (Dave Hood), Chateau Racing, CW Raceproducts. Pump House, KBC,
Back Straight Boys, Simspeedway, Bearings 4 Speedway, and Pro-clean.
Your support was very welcomed in this my debut season with King's Lynn
in the National League.
I found the going tough but managed to finish the season; I was hoping
to improve my average and it looked very much like I was going to do it,
but a run of bad luck slowed me up - a bad fall at King's Lynn and then
my van decided to pack up, concussion at Bournemouth and again at
Plymouth. Things started to pick up a little but not enough and then at
the last match of the season I had a fall at Newport where I damaged the
tendons in my ankle!
Good points were Buster & Cheryl Chapman , Jonathan Chapman & Dale
Allitt who I wish to say the biggest thank you to for giving me
the opportunity and for standing by me through thick and thin; and to
all my team mates plus George, Kozza, Darcy Dunni as well as a couple of
fans who have helped me throughout the season Brian & Diana (Lakeside)
and Donny (King's Lynn).
Highlights of the season were making my debut for Team GB U-21 vs
Australasia, and continuing with Southern Track Riders where I was a
member of the wining 4TT team. I also competed in the open rounds of the
Individual Championship which I believe I have won as well.
I wish to thank everybody who has helped me through the season and just
to let you know I will be updating the photos section of the website
soon courtesy of Steve Hone, thanks Steve.
I have had a piece of luck I have been asked if I would like to be part
in the Extreme International Ice Racing Tour (www.xiir.com)
in the USA and Canada which I have accepted. I'm not too sure whether or
not it is the right or wrong move but it will be practice and I will be
on a speedway bike. I depart from the UK 27th December and return 29th
March 2010. I am busy preparing to go and I have been heavily supported
by my Mum and Nan in this venture so thank you both for everything, I
would also like to say to Dad please sort the transport out for next
year and get the bikes ready. Thank you to Dave Hood for keeping the
site updated and I will keep everyone informed on how I get on.
Seasons greetings to one and all, stay safe and look forward to seeing
everyone next season.
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22.10.09
Hi all
Sorry for the delay, firstly to bring you up to date with my last home
meeting for King's Lynn vs Newport on 3rd October. I know I will not be
popular after this performance, I would say was my worst this season. I
feel I let everyone down on this one; it was a nightmare from start to
finish. On 4th October I travelled to Newport and a nightmare start
again, I was warming my best bike up when it packed up so a rush around
was required to get me sorted for the start of the meeting. I am sure
I gave my all in this meeting failed to finish my last race and picked
up an injury (torn tendons in my right ankle)
I had to rest the following week because I had nothing booked, but on
the 18th I took part in The Southern Track Riders Four Team Tournament;
the team I was part of won which was good. I had great help from my
Barracudas Team mate Adam Lowe and Nick & Dan as well. I finished with
13 points from 5 rides and a rather painful and swollen ankle so I am
now off to rest it and make a full recovery but keep looking as I
will update the site regularly through the winter.
All The Best
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23.9.09
On Sunday 20th Rhys
travelled to Buxton for the second round of the cup semi-final
unfortunately it was not the result the Barracudas were looking for or
the one Rhys had wanted. He was full of confidence but struggled with
his set up and track conditions whilst never giving up he scored 1*. 0.
0. 0. He also had his first ever black & white in heat 14 as team
manager Dale Allitt had nothing to lose; it was apparent from the start
he was very determined to make it work but a lack of experience left him
high and dry on turn one. This is in no way deterred him and he gave
110% to make amends for his previous rides and his effort brought praise
from some of the die hard Buxton fans as well as his own team and
supporters so well done Rhys.
Rhys has two meetings left this season for King's Lynn; at home against
Newport (3rd October) and away at Newport (4th October). He also has one
individual and a four team tournament - The British U-18 at Scunthorpe
on Friday 25th and a Southern Track 4TT at King's Lynn. |
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14.9.09
Hi all
Sorry for the late report but I have had bike problems; I was at
Rye House in an STR meeting Sunday 6th September. I made some
goods starts but failed to complete 4 laps in all my rides, my
bike kept losing power after two and a half/three laps
unfortunately. I have not tried the bike out yet but I am hoping
to soon. I have also drawn a place in the U-18s at Scunthorpe
on the 25th September, a meeting I am really looking forward to.
On Friday 11th September I rode at No 7 for King's Lynn against
Buxton in the Knock Out Cup scoring 3+2 from four rides; I was
not pleased with my performance as I felt I could have done
better although I feel I improved.
On Sunday I was in an STR meeting at King's Lynn - I had 5
Rides scoring 2,3,2,3 - I had a couple of good rides against Rob
Hollingworth but was beaten by him in both, My team mate Chris
Widman at Lynn also made the final securing third place with
Steve Jones having to settle for fourth. It was a good final,
but after a couple bad meetings I am glad I have managed to
complete a meeting.
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22.8.09
Rhys
had one of his biggest days in speedway today on his 16th
birthday.
The King's Lynn Barracudas were racing at the Norfolk Arena
against a very powerful Bournemouth side however before the
match started Rhys signed his contract to become a fully fledged
King's Lynn asset, a dream for anyone of that age to put pen to
paper.
Now back to the match against Bournemouth and what an eventful
night. It was always going to be tough for the home side but
even before a wheel was turned they were a rider down as Chris
Widman pulled out through illness and manager Dale Allitt
brought in Liam Rumsey who had ridden many times after King's
Lynn meetings. Liam unfortunately fell on the last bend of heat
two and had to pull out of the meeting with a shoulder injury.
Adam Lowe didn't last much longer and had to pull out of rib
injuries sustained the night before at Scunthorpe. With Adam
Lowe suffering bike problems also Rhys was a busy man on track
and took his full compliment of seven rides; scoring a very
respectable seven points including a race win. He certainly got
better as the night went on and had a very enjoyable, but very
tiring birthday!
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16.8.09
I
travelled to Weymouth on Friday 14th and moved from number two
in the team back to number seven. I was confident going into the
meeting but I found the going tough however I was glad I was
able to give 100%. I felt that I should have done better! My
next meeting is away at Scunthorpe on Friday 21st and then back
at home the next night (Saturday) against Bournemouth, a busy
weekend ahead.
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12.8.09
Rhys rode at home
against Mildenhall last Friday and although he had a bad first
ride he put a lot of effort into his last three rides and it
showed. He is now looking forward to riding at Weymouth this
coming Friday (14th) and would like to express his thanks to
Buster, Jonathan and Dale (and the team) for their continued
support and encouragement.
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3.8.09
Hi all
On the 24th July I rode away at Scunthorpe, this was a first
return since a disastrous winter practise and I was keen to put
it behind me but had even more of a nightmare in heat 2 - I went
through the tapes and went of 15 metres whilst picking up a
point. My next heat was heat 8, I anticipated the start and got
a flyer only to be brought back, in the restart I was in third
place but got beaten by Ashley (Morris) going over the line.
Heat 9 I had a good race but did not score and then in heat 12 I
touched tapes again and was replace by Chris Widman. I felt I
should have done better but feel I was over keen to do well.
On the 31st July I rode at home at number 2 in the team, not
much to say about my performance I was told I rode really well
but it did not feel like it; I had a good heat one and I
finished a good third in heat 6. I missed the gate but chased
Scott Richardson down but left myself too much work to do and
crossed the finish line at the same time as Scott but he beat
me. Heat 8 I made the gate and I was well in front and took the
chequered flag (after 3 laps) only to be denied the win by the
ref as he did not see it, not happy. Heat 10 was a fantastic
race with Sarj and Richard, anyone of the three of us could have
crossed the finish line behind Adam, unfortunately it was not
me.
On August 2nd I rode in the team at Buxton at No 2, not a good
meeting although I felt fast enough. Heats 1, 5 ,8 and 11 much
the same got a couple of good starts but failed to made any
impression and in heat 11 I shed a chain.
I am now preparing for Friday 7th August when the Kings Lynn
Art and Stitch Barracudas take on local rivals Mildenhall. I
have been told that I will be at number 2 again and hope to help
the team win. I would like to mention the team as they have all
supported and encouraged me, I am trying but do not seem to be
going forward yet.
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12.7.09
Hi all
A surprise for me on Saturday evening 11th July; I went to
King's Lynn to watch England U-21 vs Australasia U-21 and help
my Barracuda team mates in the pits. I was asked after the Lions
U-21 lost two riders to injury in heat 4 to take part, this I
was not prepared for the opportunity but jumped at the chance to
ride for my country. I was off the pace in the meeting and was
gifted 2 points.
I would like to thank everyone who made this possible; Dave
Croucher for the chance and encouragement, Dale Allitt and
Laurence Rodgers who both put me in the frame to ride and
everyone in the Lions pits for their help and my mechanic for
the evening Dale Campos. A great feeling although I wish I had
done better but was glad to be there and to represent my country
all be it at a every late call.
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6.7.09
Hi all
I had a bad hair day on Tuesday as I went to the Isle of Wight
and rode at number 2 where I struggled badly; I didn't get on
with the track at all and in doing so let myself and the team
down. Three rides and just one point and this was gift as Byron
had fallen.
On to the 4th July and a home meeting versus a strong Buxton
team. I was back at reserve for this and normally in heat 2 I am
as keen as mustard but felt a bit strange after a very poor
attempt at riding.
I was left wondering and went out in my second ride and
performed better although still not right. The third ride I was
ok and the fourth ride I was disappointed with my
performance as I came off on the 4th bend of the final lap
whilst at the rear.
Sunday the 5th and I was riding a Southern Track day. I had bike
problems; it kept dying as I went into the corners. After Dad
asked for help there was an overwhelming response and thanks to
all that helped: Liam, Dunni, Vanilla Face, Darren, Andy, Alan,
Niall & Jon, I think dad was there somewhere! I finished on a
high by winning the B Final, thanks to Southern Track and all
involved. I would also like to say thank you to Donny for the
tyre and most of all the surprise of Lakeside supporters who
made the effort on Saturday, hope you all enjoyed it
(Stevie/Paul).
Anyway must now concentrate on my next fixtures as they are
important, 24th July away to Scunthorpe and 31st July home to
Scunthorpe, this is the KO Cup; come on King's Lynn Barracudas
we want to win.
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20.6.09
Rhys
travelled the long haul to Plymouth yesterday and managed less
than thirty seconds of actual racing.
He made a great trap in heat two to lead the field of Adam Lowe,
Matt Bates and Josh Dingle but entering the third bend of the
second lap his rear chain snapped and threw him over the handle
bars.
After a
time on the track he got back to his feet but had banged his
head very hard on the track surface and was withdrawn from the
meeting as he was suffering from a pretty bad headache and it's
better to be safe than sorry in these circumstances with
everyone's safety at risk.
The bike has suffered a fair bit of damage but that can be
repaired and Rhys will be back in the saddle as soon as he
possibly can be, hopefully in time for the Barracudas next
fixture against the Isle of Wight. He was gutted to have to pull
out of the meeting but it was the right decision.
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15.6.09
Hi all
At last my return to action - Saturday 13th June the Art &
Stitch Barracudas vs Isle of Wight. At last I have another
engine that I tried out in this meeting and found it a lot
different. With track condition a lot grippier than normal I
found that it was harder work than normal but as I was informed
that it was my first National League match since I had my heavy
fall I did well but in myself felt I should have done better.
I was wining heat 2 but was beaten by track condition and yes
fitness, but hopefully another couple of meetings to bring my
fitness levels back up I should be alright. I scored well better
than I thought I would; the IOW seemed to have lost riders to
Premier League fixtures, it was also good to see Rikki Mullins
as I started roughly at the same time and another surprise and a
good one was Liam Rumsey included in the IOW team. I scored 5 +
3 from 4 rides but must be honest I found it very hard going
doing heats 11 & 12.
I rode
on Sunday 14th June in an STR meeting; fantastic racing all day
long at Rye House, I rode in the open class and I had a good
day. The meeting was won by Ben Morley on a 15 point max and I
finished runner up with 13. Nick Laurence was 3rd and Shane
Hazelden 4th, I did however find myself a little bit tired but
finished the meeting.
My next meeting is this Friday 19th June when I travel to
Plymouth with the Art & Stitch Barracudas, I am looking forward
to this as I made my Conference League debut there last season
for Boston this time I am looking forward to doing better.
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7.6.09
Hi all
Unfortunately the STR
meeting was called off early Sunday morning, my next meeting is
now Saturday 13th June at home against the Isle of Wight where I
will be back in the Barracudas number 6 race jacket.
See everyone then,
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3.6.09
Hi all
I would like to thank everyone that has supported me after my
fall a week ago at Lynn and a special thank you to Buster and
Cheryl for their encouragement and Roger Williams and his wife
(Chateau Racing) for their continued support without them I do
not think I would be back on a bike as quick as I have been.
On Friday I was allowed some laps after the meeting; I would
like to say thanks to the track staff for staying on. Sunday it
was decided as late as possible as not to put me back into the
team because it was heavy fall I had suffered and it was in my
best interest to have a couple of second halves to make sure
there are no side affects or nerves. I am hopefully going to be
back in the Barracudas race jacket soon. Not good news for my
team mate Jamie Smith, he was involved in first bend bunching
unfortunately he got injured. Get better quick mate
otherwise I will miss you telling me off and I need to follow
you in heat 14 at home.
See ya all soon
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25.5.09
Hi all
My latest news is that I have had a very bad week On Thursday I
had to be withdrawn from the match away at Bournemouth because
of bruised ribs sustained in a fall with Jake Knight and then on
Friday I had a heavy fall at Lynn and spent a few hours in
hospital (bruised all over) along with my fellow reserve Jake.
I have been lucky and escaped with bruising; unfortunately Jake
did not and he has a broken bone in his hand (get fit & well
soon mate; great gate by the way). I wish to thank all the team
& staff at King's Lynn for all the support; my bike has been
damaged as well a lot more than me LOL.
I wanted to ride but the pesky parents are not letting me and I
cannot get anywhere without the old man so I better behave, I'm
hoping to make a track return in two weeks. I wish to thank all
the supporters and riders for their well wishes and I look
forward to seeing everyone soon.
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15.5.09
Hi all
Last Saturday evening the Barracudas took on Weymouth in a
National League fixture. Weymouth, along with Bournemouth and
Plymouth are the teams tipped for top honours this year.
Weymouth took the lead in heat two and stayed either in front or
level throughout the meeting until heat fifteen which is when we
were in front for the first time.
I found that even though I rode hard I only scored two points
but I came away from the meeting with the knowledge that I had
learnt a bit more and I hope that I can continue to make the
progress that I am making.
All the best,
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7.5.09
Hi All
On the 2nd May I was racing at King's Lynn against Plymouth. I
felt I did pretty well but I could have done a bit better. The
best race of the night for me was in heat 14 when me and Jamie
Smith got a 5-1 because it gave us a couple more points that we
could have done with.
All the best,
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6.5.09
On
Saturday May 2nd Rhys rode for the King's Lynn Barracudas in a
hard fought match. Plymouth were unlucky to lose Paul Stark as
early as heat 4 to injury, get well soon Paul. In the match Rhys
and Jake had a good 3-3 in heat 2, Matt Bates was really flying.
Whilst Rhys is looking to improve he has found the team
support great and the encouragement second to none. He finished
third in his second ride, this was two races in one as Darren
was off and away with Kyle and Rhys was riding hard to get the
point against Danny. Heat 11 saw Rhys run a last place finished
and should have done better but made a mistake from the gate.
His fourth ride was with Jamie and he was in a comfortable third
place chasing Matt Bates and as they went down the back straight
Matt had machine problems and packed up so Rhys was lucky enough
to get a paid win. This week the Barracudas face the Weymouth
Wildcats in what will be another challenge.
Rhys has it a little tougher than what he thought it would be
but would like to thank every one that has put the effort in to
help and support him. On Sunday 10th May Rhys is at Rye House
for an STR team meeting.
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26.4.09
On the
25th April I was riding at Rye House with the King's Lynn
Barracudas. I had a good meeting there but feel I could have
done a bit better; I started off slow but got quick as the night
went on and I reached my points target again so it was a good
night for me. I scored a paid 2nd, a last, a paid 2nd, a last
and a third.
I would like to thank Brian and Diane Allmark for their help and
support and everybody else who has helped me out this year so
far.
All the best,
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19.4.09
Rhys secured his first
National League race victory in heat two of the match against
Scunthorpe on Saturday night. He made a great gate and won the
race from Jake Knight and Kyle Howarth although James Sarjeant
took a fall at the end of the third lap meaning the race was
awarded.
Rhys also picked up a point in heats seven and fourteen to score
a tally of five points, a confidence boosting evening showing
again what he can do if he gates with the other riders.
After the main match the Barracudas raced against Scunthorpe in
an Academy match which they won 21-15. Rhys scored 5+2 from his
three rides which included some good team riding with Tom
Stokes.
Today he takes part again at King's Lynn with the STR.
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13.4.09
Hi all
Last Sunday for the
Mildenhall meeting the team gave me encouragement all day and it
has been great to be part of the team. Whilst I feel I have
still a way to go everyone in the team is supporting and
encouraging me as well as a couple of people not attached to the
team. I am looking forward to racing against Scunthorpe next
Saturday and I would to thank everyone for their support.
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11.4.09
Hi all
I made my King's Lynn
Barracudas debut yesterday in the National League KOC match
against Mildenhall. I really enjoyed the day and came away
with two points, it could have been more but that's
speedway.
I scored a point in the reserves race before finishing last
in heats 7 & 11. I lined up in heat 14 and was on a 5-1 with
Jamie Smith when Dean Felton fell while at the back. In the
re-run I didn't make as good a start and came third but it
shows what I can do.
I am looking forward to tomorrow when we race away at
Mildenhall in the second leg, I hope to see you there.
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5.4.09
Hi all
On 5th April
I was riding at Rye House with the STR; it was a great day
with a nice and slick track with some good racing. I made it
to the A final with 9 points = 3,3,0,3
In
the A final I finished 3rd racing against Rob
Hollingworth, Dean Garrod and Shane Hazelden. I will be next
riding at a second half meeting at King’s Lynn on Wednesday
the 8th April.
Many Thanks
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1.4.09
Hi all
On
the 29th March I was riding in the Ben Fund
meeting at Sheffield with my new engine, giving it a little
run in and it went ok in my first ride although the track
was a lot bigger than I expected!!! I tried my best and was
spinning and came last and then in my second ride I made a
stupid mistake that I did for the first and last time; I
forgot to turn my fuel on so I pulled in because it kept
dying on me.
All
the best,
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27.3.09
Hi all
On Wednesday 18th
I was at the King’s Lynn Press and Practice day which went
pretty well except for I blew my engine up. Apart from that
I met up with most of the team and we all got on really
well.
I Would Like to thank
the Back Straight Boys for their help and sponsorship, its
nice to be working with you !
All the best,
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9.3.09
Hi all
On
the 8th March I was riding in a Pairs meeting with STR, it
was probably not the best I have ridden for ages but I did
some practicing after and felt a lot better and getting
quicker and quicker each time.
I
am next riding on Thursday 12th March at Kings Lynn for a
practice with the National League team, start time 1
o'clock.
Speak To You Soon
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4.3.09
Hi all
On the 1st
March I was training at Rye House with the STR and it went
really well except in my first ride when I threw a chain.
After we fixed that we got back to it again and I was
getting quicker and quicker.
I am next riding on the
8th March in a Pairs event at King's Lynn.
My partner for this
event is Chris Widman and we are hoping to do pretty well.
See you soon,
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26.2.09
Hi all
On the 29th March I will be racing
in the riders Benevolent Fund meeting at Sheffield. I am really
looking forward to this as it is a track that I have not ridden
at yet and it will give me another track on my list.
As I said I cant wait for it now I have not
been on a bike for quite a bit now but I have been down the gym
and doing swimming.
I would like to thank all my sponsors from
2008 and I am looking forward to working with you again this
year ! Also many thanks to DAH Web Design who has kept the
website up and running again for another year!
Thank you very much for you help and support.
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30.1.09
Rhys has asked me to bring
his site up to date. He would like to thank everyone that has helped
over the 2008 season which was special in many ways.
He joined the Southern
Track Riders on his 250cc and started to improve as the season
progressed but not before he had gone to Cardiff, The Millennium
Stadium on the 28th June 2008 and won the 250cc
Demonstration race. From there he went on to race in the Under-15
British Championship (250cc class) and on the 12th October 2008 at
Buxton won the series. Whilst this was going on he was making slow
but steady moves on to a 500cc in August when he reached his 15th
Birthday was then allowed to compete at STR meetings. He had to wait
for his first meeting until 28th September 2008 were he
was due to ride in the Novice Class but after consultation with
organizers he moved up to the next level, the Intermediates.
He was expected to finish in the top half of the group but surprised
everyone with a 15pt maximum to win the event at King’s Lynn; with
this in mind he set himself the target of getting into the four
team tournament due to be held 19th October 2008. This
event contained riders from all levels and he scored 13 from 5
rides, his final race had to be rearranged so his heat was the final
race of the 4TT on the day which he needed to win so that his team
could win the event which he did. He said afterwards "it was a team
effort" and the team were Adam, Chris, Tony, Russell and Rhys, but
what followed surprised him even more. The Boston Barracudas
promotion had watched the meeting and were looking for a rider to
complete their team as they had injuries and unavailability so Rhys
was asked to ride their last remaining fixtures - away at Plymouth
and home and away against Weymouth. Whilst he found the going hard
he never gave up, taking 3 rides at Plymouth and Weymouth but failed
to score in either meeting. At home it was a bit different and he
seemed to have more confidence and wasn't as far off the pace but
was in the right place at the right time to pick up points (4 + 2
from 6 rides).
With one more meeting with STR to go the Open/Intermediate at Rye
House, Rhys scored 8pts and only won one of his four rides 1,3,2,2
which did earn him a place in the final and this turned out to be a
very determined and spirited race from him which he won from the
back.
That’s where his season finished. He would like to thank everyone
that has helped him last season because he could not achieve what he
did.
His latest news is that he has joined the newly formed King’s Lynn
Barracudas in the National League where he is looking forward to the
challenge but realizes that it is big step for him and is keen to do
well and would like to thank the King’s Lynn promotion of
Buster/Jonathan Chapman and Dale Allitt for opportunity.
Dave Hood
Web Site Editor
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11.1.09
Hi all
On the 10th January I
was racing in the amateur meeting at Scunthorpe, it was one of my bad
days. I finished 2nd to Monty Jowett in the final, I started off really
good with winning my first three rides and got 2nd in my last three
rides which was really disappointing. The track was really nice but the
weather was freezing cold.
I would like to thank. Dale Allitt, Wayne Dunworth, Stevie Adams and dad
for all their help
Sorry I let you all down,
All the best,
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