Dream Team : Matthew Pell

I'm 29 and have been a speedway follower most of my life. The sport has been a large part of my family with my father being mechanic for Ken Matthews and my brother Gavin being a former rider. I suppose I would say that I support Kings Lynn as I have very good memories of our time there.

Gundersen	Loram

Erik Gundersen
What can you say about this man? He was an amazing rider whose career was cruelly cut short on that fateful day in 1988 at Bradford. A true legend he shall always remain.

Scott Nicholls
I have lots of memories of Scotty. Particularly seeing him race around the junior track at Mildenhall as an 11 year old, just look at you now Scotty! You always knew even then that he was destined to be a top class rider. 3 British titles in 4 years, and robbed of the other one!

Mick Poole
If there was any rider better than Mick around Peterborough then I'd like to know who he is!! He knew every inch of that track and my main memory is from 1992 when Mick spent the whole of heat 15 on Martin Goodwin's back wheel and then made a superb pass on the last bend.

Mark Loram
Any rider who can slide a JAP and pull wheelies on it must have some sort of amazing natural ability. That was just what Mark did during a series of match races after a meeting at Kings Lynn one night back around 1993/94. Not even the professor Hans Nielsen could get the back end out. And finally Mark got his deserves in 2000 by being crowned world champion (without winning a single round!!)

Craig Hodgson
What an entertainer, what a person. Craig always had time for the fans. His wheelies were a real crowd pleaser too. I recall many good gestures from Craig during his time at Peterborough. I was very saddened to hear of his passing, a few years ago now. He will be sorely missed but gave many lasting memories both on and off track.

Gary Havelock
Yes Gary did have his problems off track in his earlier days. But he proved to everyone that he was a truly great rider with his victory in the 1992 world final. Many people didn't believe in him but I just knew that evening that he would do it.

Gavin Pell
I know lots of you are saying 'who?'. but I can't leave my own brother out of my list. Who knows what could have been if not for your injuries. Broken back at 16 (1991), would almost definitely have broken into the Peterborough side in 1992 but then a broken arm halted your season. And then a broken collarbone in 1993. Every time you were getting better and faster then 'bang' injury and loss of confidence. I'm still proud of everything you achieved and so you make it into my dream team. Oh yes and the only rider I can recall passing on the inside around turns 3 and 4 at Peterborough!! Not even Stephen Davies or Mick Poole ever did that.

This article was first published on 29th June 2006

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