The Non-Essential Guide to....Neil Collins

This article was first published in August 2001

Who He ?
Second youngest of the Collins brothers and currently racing for Premier League Workington.

The Collins Brothers ?
A famous Speedway family from Cheshire. All five brothers raced with varying degrees of success. Eldest Peter was 1976 World Champion, Les was World number two in 1982, Phil raced for Cradley Heath and youngest Stephen raced for Birmingham.

Has he always ridden for Workington ?
No, he's ridden for many other clubs including: Ellesmere Port, Edinburgh, Leicester, Sheffield, Wolverhampton, Belle Vue, Glasgow, Long Eaton, Stoke and Swindon.

So he's been around then ?
You could say that. He seldom seems to stay anywhere for more than a couple of seasons at a time. He's actually had four different spells at Belle Vue and two with Sheffield, Glasgow and Workington.

When did he move to Workington ?
He moved there mid-season after he lost his team place at Belle Vue. He replaced Mick Powell in the Workington line-up.

What kind of rider is he ?
All action. He can't gate for toffee and most of his points are gained from the back. He's a real entertainer and seldom fails to dish up some thrills.

What has he achieved in the sport ?
He never reached the World Individual Final but he did race in a World Cup Final for England. He was also a top level heatleader for most of the eighties and has been a Premier League star for a number of years.

How much longer can he go on ?
Who knows ?, he's approaching his 40th birthday but he's still more than holding his own at Premier League level. His older brother Les is still racing at 43 and there's no reason to think that Neil won't still be going at that age.

How will he be remembered ?
As a good club man and all round entertainer.

This article was first published prior to October 2002

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