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Poole Speedway 2010
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Poole Speedway 2010
 CHARLIE HAYDEN POOLE PIRATE 1948 - 1951 A Bournemouth born businessman, who played an important part in establishing speedway at Poole. An almost unbeatable star of the grass tracks, Charlie turned his attention to the cinders and speedway in 1947 and became a regular member of the Exeter side before linking up with the pioneering Pirates in 1948.
Transferred for a reported £ 600 fee, he was appointed the first Pirates team captain on his arrival at the club. Was unlucky to be involved in the triple crash in the first ever race at the Wimborne Road raceway which robbed him of his form but he eventually recovered to become a regular member of the Poole team for the next four seasons.
Took part in the club’s historic three match tour of Sweden at the end of the 1948 campaign and was a regular member of the Pirates side that won the Division Three league championship and the Festival of Britain Shield in 1951.
Made 161 League and National Trophy appearances, scoring 796 points. |
 DENNIS 'Ticker' JAMES POOLE PIRATE 1948 - 1950 Local lad who had second half outings at Southampton and other local tracks before making his debut at Poole during September 1948 where his spectacular rodeo style of racing saw him become an immediate favourite with the Pirate’s fans.
Made his first team debut for the Pirates before the end of the 48 season, before rocketing to success the following year with a string of high scores that earned him a reputation as one of the top discoveries of the season. For a time he was almost unbeatable at Poole, racking up three successive home maximums before injury cut his season short.
He made an excellent start to the 1950 season, setting a new Poole track record along the way, and looked to be back to his best until a mid season injury sidelined him once again.
But the magic was missing when he returned to the Pirates side and he struggled to maintain his place in the side before being transferred to St Austell.
Made 69 League and National Trophy appearances, scoring 372 points. |
 BILL HOLDEN POOLE PIRATE 1951 - 1958 A talented rider who started his career at Southampton, Bill joined the Pirates midway through the 1951 season following the Hampshire club’s decision to withdraw from league racing. On his arrival he immediately formed an outstanding reserve partnership with Brian Crutcher that was to prove decisive in the club’s bid for league honours, before moving up into the team proper before the end of the season. A fast and stylish racer, Bill even held the Poole track record for a time and was among the fastest of all time around the original Poole raceway. His best years undoubtedly came in 1954 and 1955 when he finished second only to Ken Middleditch in the club’s averages.
Bill’s attacking riding knew few boundaries and his match winning ride in the National Trophy tie versus 1st Division Birmingham, that put Poole into the semi – final’s won him the highest praise throughout the speedway world. Regrettably a loss of form in 1958 saw him struggling to stay competitive and after riding only six matches he retired fro racing.
Made 214 League and National Trophy appearances, scoring 1498 points. |
 TONY LEWIS POOLE PIRATE 1949 – 1968 One of the tallest riders to don the famous skull and bones racejacket, Tony racd on the local grass tracks before turning to speedway in 1949. He was offered a trial at the Poole club where he was coached by Pirates rider Frank Holcombe to become one of the great white line riders of his time.
The following year saw him teamed with Ken Middleditch and they quickly formed an on - track team riding partnership that was to become legendary during the next five years. Christened ‘Me and My Shadow’ by the Poole supporters, their almost telepathic understanding made them virtually unbeatable wherever they raced, and was the backbone of the Pirates side that won three league title between 1951 and 1955.
Tony sustained a fractured skull during Pirates 1955 tour of Sweden which almost cost him his life, and which was to keep him out of racing until 1960. when he made a surprise return to track action. Almost at once he was back to his best form, helping Poole to more league success in 1961 and 1962.
A true club man, and one of its most loyal servants, Tony retired in 1968, after which he continued to keep a close watch on events at Wimborne Road.. He took over the reins as Team Manager from 1973 to 1979 following the retirement of Ron Hart.
Made 339 League, National Trophy, and Knockout Cup appearances, scoring 2153 points. |
 TERRY SMALL 1949-1959Had his first taste of racing while serving in the Army before trying his hand in second half races at Wimborne Road during 1949, where his stylish riding was rewarded with a contract to join the Poole club.
Made his first team debut during July of that year and quickly became a regular member of an all conquering Pirates side that remained unbeaten in league racing at Poole for almost six and a half years. During that time he helped the club to three league championship titles and was a member of the side that was promoted to the First Division in 1956.
A consummate team man, his full throttle technique and experience helped his ability to score well at home and away. He also took part in the Club’s overseas tours of Sweden and Denmark in 1953 and 1955, and the ground breaking trip to Poland in 1959, before hanging up his leathers for the last time.
Made 296 League and National Trophy appearances scoring 1901 points |
 BRIAN CRUTCHER POOLE PIRATE 1951 – 1953 A truly gifted, and naturally brilliant rider, who burst onto the speedway scene at the Matchams Park training track in December 1950. He was so good that a host of First Division clubs joined in the race for his signature. Harringay looked to be favourites but after seeking advice Brian opted to join his hometown club, making his debut at Poole on 24 April 1951. And what a debut, with a three ride, three win maximum to his credit, and a race time within 0.6 seconds of the existing Poole track record. Nicknamed the ‘Nipper’ by Norman Young, one of the club’s mechanics, Brian was soon on the road to super stardom and being tipped by many as a potential world beater.During the next three months he established himself in the promotion seeking Poole side, with his efforts rewarded with international caps for the test matches against Sweden and the United States. The 1952 season saw his continued rise to fame, and with it, the Poole team, who won the Second Division championship at the first attempt. Along the way Brian also fought his way through several qualifying rounds to become the first Poole rider ever to reach a World Championship final. In doing so he had risen from raw novice to superstar in just 16 months. But with the Control Board blocking Poole’s promotion to Division One in 1953, the lure of the big time proved a little too much and Brian left for pastures new, joining the famous Wembley Lions for a club record fee. Made 100 League and National Trophy appearances, scoring 822 points
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 KEN MIDDLEDITCH POOLE PIRATE 1950 - 1962 A product of the Eastbourne training schools, Ken was a regular with the Hastings Saxons until their closure at the end of 1949. Poole manage to win the scramble for his signature in time for the start of the 1950 campaign, paying the princely sim of £ 800 to bring him to Wimborne Road.
He quickly started to repay this by capturing the Poole track record and becoming the club’s leading scorer by the end of his first season. It was at this time that his legendary team riding partnership with Tony Lewis, considered by many to be the best ever, started to make people sit up and take notice.
The 1951 campaign saw him take over the club captaincy, and lead the Pirates to the success in the Festival of Britain Trophy competition, before adding the Third Division title to the club’s honours board.
Success followed success in 1952, with Ken inspired his Pirate crew into winning the Second Division championship at their first attempt. He continued to take on the responsibility as the club’s number one scorer in
1953 and again in 1954, when he also won the Second Division Riders Championship crown with a great display at the old Belle Vue circuit, before leading the Pirates to the Second Division title once again in 1955.
1956 saw the Pirates promoted to the top tier of racing which Ken took in his stride, finishing second in the club’s scoring stakes, but petrol rationing and falling attendance saw the club fail to come to the tapes in time for the 1957 league season.
He returned to the Pirates colours in 1958 but his opening ride ended in disaster when he ran into a dog that had strayed on to the raceway.
Fortunately Ken escaped without injury while the dog made off none the worse for wear. With the sport seemingly in decline, Ken decided to retire to spend more time pursuing his successful business interests.
He returned to the fold once more in 1960, helping the Pirates to win the Provincial League championship in 1961 and 62 before once again hanging up his leathers, this time for good. He did make another comeback in 1966, acting as team manager during the year that Ron Hart was serving as Mayor of Poole
Made 303 League, National Trophy and Knockout Cup appearances, scoring 3006.5 points |
 GEOFF MUDGE POOLE PIRATE 1960 - 1970 A red headed South Australian, who first came to prominence on the road racing circuits before trying his hand on the dirt tracks and lifting the Australian Longtrack championship in 1959.
Made his way to the UK at the start of 1960 and took part in second half events for the Knott promotion at Southampton. His efforts quickly persuaded them to offer him an extended run with their sister club at Poole, which proved to be the start of a successful partnership that was to last until the end of 1970. A stylish performer, Geoff took over the club captaincy in 1962, a position he kept for the remainder of his time in the Pirates colours.
A member of the Pirates side that swept its way to the Provincial League championship in 1961 and 1962, he also took over the mantle as the club's number one, a position which he maintained throughout his time at Wimborne Road. The formation of the British League saw him maintain a remarkable level of consistency, with the 1969 seeing him at his brilliant best as he led the Pirates to the British League championship for the first time in the club's history.
But all good things come to an end and it came as a major surprise when he was granted a transfer away from the club at the end of the 1970 season. He really should have had a testimonial for his services to Poole, but sadly they had yet to be thought of in those days.
Made 337 League and Knockout Cup appearances, scoring 2739.5 points |
 NORMAN STRACHAN POOLE PIRATE 1952-1967, 1973 Poole born rider, who became one of the club's greatest servants during a career that spanned some 17 seasons. Unfortunately a serious hand injury, sustained while working in a local sawmill in 1956, possibly cost him the chance of following his friend Brian Crutcher to the very top of the speedway ladder.
A product of the Matcham's Park training schools, he benefited from being given the opportunity to show his paces in the second half events at Poole in 1952, before stepping up into the first team proper during the following season. More chances came his way in 1954, before he finally claimed a regular place in the Pirates side that won the Second Division title in 1955.
The end of the 1950's saw a sharp decline in speedway's fortunes and with it the opportunities for Norman to improve his riding skills, but the sport changed for the better in 1960 and with it the chance for him to show his true worth.
The formation of the Provincial League saw him jump at the chance to become a regular member of the Poole team once again. Norman was really enjoying his racing at this time and he was able to help the club win back to back league championships in 1961 and 1962.
The birth of the British League in 1965 saw him start his 14 consecutive season at Wimborne Road. He moved on to pastures new at the end of 1967, his 16th consecutive season with the club, however his association with the Pirates was rekindled in 1973 when he returned for a further eight matches to help the injury hit promotion. Nowadays, such loyalty would have been rewarded with a testimonial, but like many of his era, his efforts were overlooked by the sport's governing body.
Scored 1270.5 points from 303 League, National Trophy and Knockout Cup appearances. |
 PETE SMITH Poole Pirate 1962 - 1977 One of the small band of riders destined to spend all of their profession racing with one club, Pete Smith’s career was legendary rising from raw novice to club captain while also setting new points and appearance records in all competitions for the club.First took to the Poole track with an after meeting spin at the start of 1962 he continued to learn his trade with many more second half rides throughout the remainder of the season before making his official club debut in a four team tournament at Rye House in August.
Became a regular member of the Provincial League side from the start of 1963 after which his performances continued to show steady progress both at home and away. He took the step up into British League racing in his stride with his consistent scores helping him to achieve a healthy match average by the end of the 1965 season. More of the same followed in the following year before his performances went up a gear in 1967 when he became possibly the best ‘back up man’ in the business and his easy on the eye style saw him promoted to third heat leader for 1968.
1969 saw him top the club averages for the first time helping the Pirates to win their first British League championship. At last he was blossoming into the top class rider he had had always promised to become. Full international caps also came his way and he also went on to represent Poole in the final of the British League Riders Championship at Belle Vue.
Refusing offers to join the bigger ‘glamour’ clubs, Pete continued to play an essential part in the Pirates fortunes throughout the 1970’s, taking over the mantle of club captain from Geoof Mudge in 1971 and his loyalty was rewarded with a deserved, and well supported, testimonial in 1976. Embarking on his fifteenth season in 1977, Pete found himself mainly used at reserve and although his scores showed he was capable of doing a useful job, he decided to call it a day at the end of the year. His tally as record points scorer for the club stood for twenty years before being passed by another Poole legend, Craig Boyce.
Scored 2,974 points for Poole from 499 League and Knockout Cup appearances for the club. |
 ODD FOSSENGEN POOLE PIRATE 1968 - 1974 Among the most popular of the thrill makers ever to pull on the famous skull and bones race jacket, Odd came to Poole at the beginning of 1968 with the aim of finding a place in the Pirates side following the retirement of star man Gote Nordin.
Odd and Antonin Kasper took part in a series of trials, with Kasper seemingly getting the place, however Odd had really impressed the fans with his never give up style and they made it clear that he was the man they preferred. The Poole management listened, invited Odd to sign, and the rest as they say is history.
His attacking riding style saw him end his debut season with a match average of 7.13, and he continued to serve up the thrills in 1969 as the Pirates swept all before them to lift the British League title for the first time in the club's history. A further four successive seasons in the Pirates colours saw him become firmly established not only on the domestic scene but also on the international stage. He also continued to bolster the Poole side where he proved to be the perfect foil to Pete Smith and Geoff Mudge.
Sadly his racing career came to an end just five weeks into the 1974 season following a crash at Oxford. Odd sustained a severely broken femur which kept him out of racing for the rest of 1974 and all of 1975. He underwent a successful operation to remove the pins in 1976 but hopes that he would return to the track failed to materialise.
Made 222 League and Knockout Cup appearances, scoring 1485 points |
 CHRISTER LOFQVIST POOLE PIRATE 1972 - 1973 A proven star in British League racing, Christer signed for the Pirates in 1971, following the closure of the London – based, West Ham club. He made an instant impression with the Poole fans, who delighted in his in exciting riding style, and he soon became a high scoring member of the side, ending his debut season at the top of the club’s averages.
His individual skills saw him qualify for a place in the 1972 World Final, the first Poole rider to appear on a Final stage for 20 years. He also became the first Poole rider to win the coveted Golden Helmet Match Race Championship when he beat Jim McMillan. Unfortunately his success was short lived as he lost his crown to Ole Olsen just a few days later.
He improved his performances still further in 1973, once again ending the campaign as the highest scorer in the Pirates side, but this was the last that the Poole fans were to see of the diminutive Swedish international in the club's colours. The 1974 season saw the SCB introduce a ban on commuting Swedish riders, leaving Lofqvist to sit out the season in Scandinavia. The ruling was lifted in time for the 1975 season, but Poole had already signed Malcolm Simmons leaving Christer without a place in the Poole side, although he eventually linked up with Hackney where he finished his British career.. But for the ban he surely would have scored many more points for the Pirates and maybe changed the course of Poole speedway history.
Sadly Christer was later diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and passed away in February 1978.
Scored 453 points from 49 League and Cup appearances. |
 JOHN DAVIS POOLE PIRATE 1981 - 19837 Started his career at the Weymouth track in the early 1970's before learning his trade with Second Division Peterborough where his talent was quickly recognised. He was also drafted into the Poole side for the first match of the 1971 season, scoring a single point from two starts. His career really took off at Reading and fully justified the blaze of publicity that surrounded his career and which made him a pin – up boy with the national media.
After six successful years with Reading he sought pastures new, joining the Pirates mid way through the 1981 season for a reported £20,000 transfer fee. He quickly settled in at Wimborne Road and dominated the team's scoring for the remainder of the season, finishing the campaign with a near 10 point match average.
He retained his position as the leading Pirate in 1982, but despite his efforts, and those of team mate Scott Autrey, the club finished the season firmly rooted to the bottom of the league table. Linked up with Michael Lee to lead the Pirates into 1983, but a loss of form saw him dropped from the side and he moved back to Reading at the end of the year.
A noted international, he represented his country at all levels, and was a member of the England team that won the World Team Cup in 1977. Retired in 1992 since when he has become a successful businessman although he still maintains a strong link with the sport and the Poole club.
Scored 551.5 points for Poole from 70 League and Knockout Cup appearances. |  KEVIN SMITH POOLE PIRATE 1981 - 1987 One of the most highly rated young English riders of his time, Kevin made the move to the South Coast from Rye House during the winter months of 1980 / 81 for a £10,000 transfer fee. Proved an immediate hit in his debut at Wimborne Road, scoring 11 points in a League Cup encounter with King's Lynn, which went a long way in persuading the management that it was money well spent.
The points continued to flow for the Kentish born racer and expectations on the terraces suggested that Poole had captured a world class star, but his career seemingly stood still as the Pirates struggled to make any headway to remain firmly anchored at the bottom end of the league standings. His form deserted him completely during 1984 and for a while it looked as though he might retire completely from the sport.
The introduction of National League racing at Wimborne Road in 1985 saw Smith's appetite for racing rekindled and he became a high scoring member of the side which finished runner's – up in a very competitive league campaign. A complex fracture of the fibula during the opening week's of 1986 kept him out of the saddle until the beginning of July but on his return he was once again among the big hitters of a Poole team that finished league runner's – up for a second consecutive season.
Despite producing a string of worthwhile results, 1987 was to prove his final year of racing and he eventually bowed out while still at the top of his game.
Made 201 League and Knockout Cup appearances, scoring 1350 points. |
 NEIL MIDDLEDITCH Poole Pirate 1974 – 1984One of the Pirates most loyal servants Neil made his racing debut in the skull and crossbones colours during 1974, the start of his long association with the Dorset club.
His ten year riding career saw him rise from raw reserve to a consistent points scorer at the top level of British racing, during which time his tenacious style rewarded him with the British Under 21 championship and several international caps for England at Senior, Under 23, and National League level, A more than useful team rider, he was the club’s leading bonus points scorer for several seasons, while his allegiance to the club saw him appointed club captain in 1980. This loyalty was rewarded with a Testimonial meeting in 1984.
Following his retirement from racing at the end of 1986, he continued to follow the action from the other side of the fence before being tempted back at the start of the 199 season to team manage the Poole side by club owners Matt Ford and Mike Golding. His talent at bringing out the best in his riders brought its immediate reward, helping the Dorset club to win three Elite League championships, two Knockout Cup finals and three Craven Shield successes between 2001 and 2009. He took over the additional role of team manager to the Great Britain side in 2001, coming within one point of winning the Speedway World Cup in 2004.
Scored 1685.5 points for Poole from 340 League and Knockout Cup appearances.
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MARTIN YEATES Poole Pirate 1972 – 1987
A product of the Matchams Park training facility, Martin made rapid strides to break into the Poole side during 1972 where he showed considerable promise despite lacking in experience. The following two seasons saw him loaned out to Eastbourne where he continued to hone his skills in the hurly – burly of National League racing while continuing to double – up with his parent club in the British League. It was during this time that he finely tuned his fast starting technique which led to him acquiring the nickname of ‘Trapper’ that was to stay with him throughout the rest of his career.
While concentrating more on National League racing, where he had become one of the top three riders of the division, Martin also continued to turn out for Poole and collected his first paid maximum in a league match against Bristol as the season drew to its close.
Given his excellent record in the lower division, it came as no surprise to see him accept a full time move to Poole for the 1978 campaign. Obviously he found the going a lot tougher but he did exceptionally well to finish the season with a more than useful match average of 6.08. Unfortunately his form dipped the following year and, although he rode in several meetings for Poole, Martin was happy to drop back to National League racing, linking up with Weymouth at the start of 1980 where he immediately slipped back into a high scoring groove. At this time he was rumoured to have been transferred from Poole to Swindon but it has never been proved if any fee actually changed hands.
His career came full circle in 1985 when Weymouth moved their entire operation along the coast to Wimborne Road, with Martin becoming the first captain of the re-named Poole Wildcats. The move proved an immediate success with Martin’s efforts helping the team to take the runners – up spot in the league standings. More of the same was to follow in 1986, as Martin led the side by example, with the Wildcats once again finishing in second place in the final league table.
With Poole reverting back to their traditional Pirates nickname in 1987, Martin also made the decision to take his final bow on the speedway stage. An ever present throughout the season, he also enjoyed a well supported farewell meeting to round off his shale shifting career.
Individually, Martin was one of the most successful competitors in the National League Riders Championship, with two second, and two third place finishes to his credit. However, his personal highlight came in 1984 when he finished fifth in the British Final where he beat eventual champion Kenny Carter. Although he bowed out of the competition in the Overseas Final it was still a tremendous achievement for he was the first rider from the National League to progress so far.
Scored 1,425 points for Poole from 265 League and Knockout Cup appearances for the club. |
ALUN ‘Rosco’ ROSSITER POOLE PIRATE 1989 – 2002
One of the most charismatic characters ever to don the Pirates colours, Alun linked up with Poole at the start of the1989 having joined the club on a full transfer from parent club Swindon. He had actually made his first appearance for the club during 1984, posting a paid five return in a home League Cup tie against Ipswich.
He soon proved a more than useful addition to the club’s asset base with promoter’s Stewkesbury and Ansell appointing him as club captain, a role which he embraced with total commitment both on, and off, of the track. His ability to bring out the best in his team mates created a great team spirit in the pits, which played a big part in the club’s success.
Poole enjoyed a wonderful season, finishing as League champions while narrowly missing out on completing a league and cup ‘double’ losing after losing out to Berwick in a hotly contested final. However Alun and the Pirates were to go one better the following year, sweeping all before them on their way to a back to back League Championship and success in the Knock Out Cup.
1991 saw Poole elevated to the First Division but Alun’s hope of repeating his success at the top level were dented by a series of knocks resulting in a loss of form and it came as no surprise to see him loaned out to King’s Lynn for the 1992 campaign. He quickly regained his fitness and form with the East Anglian club which led to him being recalled to Poole at the end of the season.
Rosco continued to give great service to the Poole team, providing more than useful back up to the club’s heatleaders and was a regular member of the British League championship winning side in 1994. Continuing injury problems were to interrupt his career at this time but his loyalty to the Pirates were rewarded with a very successful Testimonial meeting in 2000.
Sadly his career was brought to an end during 2002, following a three rider pile – up during the Pirates home league encounter with King’s Lynn. Obviously in a lot of pain from the accident, Alun took his place in the re-run and was leading before pulling on to the centre green. A serious knee injury was later diagnosed, which brought down the final curtain on his colourful and successful racing career.
Scored 1431 points for Poole from 213 League and Knock Out Cup appearances for the club. |
LARS GUNNESTAD Poole Pirate 1992 – 2002
A multi Norwegian champion who was first linked to the Dorset club before making his on track debut for the club against Cradley Heath in 1993. Although the Pirates finished on the wrong end of a 52 – 56 defeat, Lars really caught the eye with a fighting 10 point return. With his all – out, all – action style, he quickly became a ‘pin –up’ boy amongst the Wimborne Road faithful with his celebratory victory ‘wheelies’ bringing the fans to their feet every time a race.
His first term with the Pirates was the start of an excellent relationship with the Poole promotion, with Lars hammering in the points both at home and away, whilst also picking up his fifth Norwegian National championship before the end of the season.
He continued to make good progress right from the start of the 1994 term, quickly taking over a heat leader role in the side. Double figure scores became an almost regular feature against his name on the Poole score charts with his personal high point coming when he saw off Scofield, Boyce, and Crump to lift the first of three consecutive Blue Riband individual titles .His season was crowned when Poole lifted the British League championship for the first time in 25 years, however owever a knee injury while racing on the continent cut short his season’s racing.
1995 was to prove another good year with Lars forming a formidable spearhead in the Poole
colours and he added to list of individual achievements when winning his second successive
Blue Riband title and a sixth Norwegian National crown. A third Blue Riband title came his way
the following year while still scoring heavily in league racing for Poole but regrettably he lost the chance to equal Malcolm Simmons four straight Riband wins when the 1997 meeting was rained off.
Sadly his form took a backward step in 1998 and after struggling to find his form asked to be dropped from the side and decided to give British racing a miss in 1999. His continental form proved better and he took some consolation in winning the Norwegian titles again in 1998 and 1999, making him an eight times holder of the title.
Lars made a popular return to Poole in 2000 and 2001 with his club loyalty celebrated by a well deserved and well supported testimonial meeting. Although not featured in the Poole plans for 2002, Lars sportingly came back at the end of the season as cover for the injury stricken Pirates, while also adding a record tenth Norwegian title to his credit.
Scored 2362 points for Poole from 269 League and Knock Out Cup appearances for the club. |
 MARK LORAM POOLE PIRATE 1999-2000
Quite possibly the most exciting and naturally talented racer of his generation, Mark joined the Poole club prior to the start of the 1999 campaign. In fact the popular Englishman was the very first signing made by new club owners Matt Ford and Mike Golding, who had taken over the promotional rights of the Dorset club a short time before.
And what a signing it proved to be, with Mark’s constantly high scoring returns helping the resurgent Pirates to a second place finish in the final Elite League table. He also became the Poole rider to taste success in the Speedway Grand Prix world championship series when winning the Grand Prix of Sweden at Linkoping.
His all – action riding continued to excite the Pirates fans throughout 2000 but it was his consistent performances in the Speedway Grand Prix which caught the imagination of the Poole public. This consistency saw him finish seven points clear of his nearest challenger by the end of the series to become the first Poole rider to be crowned World Individual Speedway Champion.
His return to Poole was greeted by a packed stadium, who gave their hero a welcome that will be long remembered by all who were there on that night.
Scored 724 points for Poole from 62 League and Knockout Cup appearances. |
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