The month of March arrives this weekend and the prospect of a bright new speedway season feels closer than ever.
We are still awaiting news as to whether Joey will be granted the necessary paperwork to take his place in the starting line-up, we’ve now done all we can and are giving him every chance of returning for a second season – clearly we need to obtain a final decision very soon. We will update you fully as soon as we know.
On other team news, we congratulate Theo on his appointment as team captain this season. We know his capability, on and off track, very well indeed and his selection by Stewart should ensure that there is some excellent and buoyant spirit around the pits.
Meantime, we continue to prepare for the season ahead on a number of fronts – here’s a round-up of further news and activity:
Air Fence Arrival
Thanks largely to YOUR collective efforts in supporting the many activities over the past 6 months or so – in particular we thank Myra Crawford for her Facebook sales, Janice and Fraser Watt for organising a day’s bag packing, George Steven for having his head shaved, to Growlers for their sponsored track walk and to STARs for donating proceeds from their November auction and for operating the fence fund banking arrangements – we are pleased to confirm that we will take delivery of the Ashfield air fence next weekend.
Given the extent of the investment in the air fence and associated equipment, we’re not yet looking to stand down any further fund raising activities or contributions, so please do continue with any plans or actions in this regard. We sincerely wish to say a huge “thank you” to you all for your help and support.
Sponsorship & Advertising
We are now looking to finalise our air fence advertising pledges no later than the end of this weekend – if you’ve been thinking about securing a fence panel (for a full 2 seasons remember) and haven’t yet spoken with us then NOW is the time to so please.
Remember too that any individuals, or families, or groups can secure your names on an air fence panel for the total cost of just £50 (for a full 2 season period!) – book your place now via this link.
We still have some places left for heat sponsors and tyre sponsors – each offering great value, and each an equally viable way to support Team Tiger in 2014 – all details, and how to book your sponsorship here.
Working Party
With just 4 available weekends now before we ‘go live’ we will again be hosting some tidying & painting work in the stadium this Sunday from 10:30am – all welcome.
As ever it would be helpful if you could bring some tools (spade, brush) along just in case we don’t quite have enough to distribute.
Lemo in the lime light
In the first of our pre-season catch ups with the 2014 team, Aussie Mark Lemon shares some of his thoughts on becoming a Tiger, the season ahead and even his grasp (or otherwise!) of Glaswegian! – see bottom of page to hear from Mark
BIG news next week
We have been, and continue to be, very busy in recent months.
Towards the end of next week we will make the first of a couple of very important announcements – watch this space.
Look forward to seeing a good turn out on Sunday, it is to be sunny!
Mark Lemon – interview
Welcome to Glasgow, what’s your message to the Glasgow fans
No worries, it’ll be a pleasure to pull on the Red Stripes.
How are preparations coming along for the new season?
Everything is going pretty normal except for not going back to Aussie this Winter and getting my sunrays and water skiing fix in the off season. I’m having to settle for some snow skiing for the 1st time, so not is all to bad lol
How do you look upon your speedway / race career so far?
I don’t tend to look back to much, I’d rather look forward. I’ve been lucky to have done what I enjoy for so long and am happy with my successes. I’ve had my adversaries in my career which has made me what I am today. Missing 3 years from Work Permit issues in my early years no doubt hindered my progress in the sport & many injuries in my career didn’t do myself any favours but I’m ever the optimist & love the challenges.
2014 as a Glasgow Tiger – how does that feel?
Yes I’m a Tiger, Heck Yeah. Feels pretty good to be fair, I had a lot of clubs in my time and there is normally a strange uncertain feeling when joining new clubs. I don’t feel this way with Glasgow, I’ve known the management well for some time, have always got on well and respected them. The track I’d say I have a love / hate relationship with as a visitor. Some good, some no so good. It’s a tough track for an away rider to tackle at times due to the shape and size but that will suit me perfectly as a home rider.
What can the Glasgow fans expect from you this season?
I’d like to get my consistency back to normal from last season. If I can manage that, I’m certain my average will improve upwards. Would like to say I’ll banging in big points at every meeting and although I’ll be trying to and giving it my all to try to archive this. In reality though, I will be a solid second string keeping the heat leaders on their toes and steadying the ship and chipping in around the pits.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
With a new season brings new challenges, every team starts from a clean slate and ever club is full of optimism which I love about the sport. Personally I’m looking forward to working with exciting young Dimitri Berge. I’ve raced against him, seen him on the Grass Tracks and he looks the business plus I race with his Father at Oxford & on the Grass/Long Track. (Age is just a number haha )
Tell the Glasgow fans one or two things they won’t know about you.
Neil Macfarlane nearly signed me for Glasgow in 1990 when Sean Courtney was out scouting in Aussie except for I sprained my ankle when out riding with Jason Crump ( he knocked me off) on our dirt bikes in the bush and couldn’t ride the meeting. Sean then only went on to sign my mate and good ol “Jason Lyons” instead. Later that year I signed for Poole Pirates as an assist who still own my British contract to this day.
I like National Hunt horse racing, I follow Middlesbrough Football Club, big Richmond Tigers (AFL) fan, like all sports really and regularly practice Moto-X and Karate.
For you, what’s the best part about being a speedway rider?
Winning races, it’s a drug. Hanging it out & going flat out is pretty awesome. The lifestyle as a pro speedway rider is really good when your on top of your game but is has a dark side when your not doing so well. I’ve been lucky to have seen the World thanks to my racing.
How would you describe your riding style?
Solid, hard but fair. My style has changed over the years as I’ve had to re-develope my style from time to time because of the injuries I have sustained. I’m not so naturallly gifted on a bike and have to work hard at it. I still hold a few track records over the World so I must have been fast at some time haha
What is your pre-meeting ritual?
Bikes in the pits are on the right side of my chair, good warm up routine and making sure I’m hydrated. Nothing superstitious.
What do you enjoy doing away from the speedway track?
During the season I just try an relax when I get a chance as it’s pretty full on with all the travelling. Go to the Cinema, bit of roller blading, walking the dog.
Off season Moto-X with mates, going Horse racing (betting not riding) Water skiing, Beers.
What are your best, worst and first speedway memories?
First memories are of Olympic Park Speedway Mildura (my home town track) as a little fella watching Phil Crump kick everyones butt.
Winning any major Trophies is always up there with the best memories whether it was a team or individual event. Coming 2nd in the Australian Championship in 2000 is right up there mainly because of the injuries I’d overcome prior to the event.
Injuries come to mind when thinking of worst moments but they can’t even compare to losing friends & fellow competitors to the sport. It’s a reminder of what a dangerous game we play.
Where will you be based/living for the 2014 season?
I’ve lived in Southport for the last 12 years & generally go home to Australia for a couple of months in the off season although I haven’t done this year.
Who’s the best rider you’ve ever beaten?
I ridden against and beat the best although I never managed to beat Hans Nielsen ( only time I nearly did was in Prague and I threw a chain when leading the race on the 3rd lap) but my vote goes to Tony Richardson. In 1998, Tony won just about everything and I had the wood on him beating him in England, Sweden & Poland that year to the point, he’d come over to me before the meeting and say “no more fast starts tonight please” and we’d have a laugh. He was such a amazing racer and is a great guy. I believe I beat him 11 out 12 times that season.
Which rider, or team, do you most want to beat in 2014?
Edinburgh
Any plans on how to celebrate heat wins this season?
Sean Connery 007 style
What machinery will you be mounted on this season?
GM engines and Jawa chassis’s.
What will you say when a Glasgow fan tells you “Mon big man, gie it sum wellie”?
Think the expression on my face will be enough haha “Stay tuned”