SPEEDWAY: Lifting the Lydd
HUGH SULLIVAN
The basic elements of speedway have changed little in a hundred years. Contestants race motorcycles up to 500cc around a flat oval circuit. They have only one gear and no brakes, and run on methanol. The track consists of dirt and loosely packed shale, enabling riders to slide their machines into and around the bends.
In Britain there have been various speedway league and cup competitions over the years. There was a boom after World War II, led by riders from Australia and New Zealand, and during the 1970s and 80s the South East led the way in producing riders, having training schools at Hailsham and Iwade (outside Sittingbourne). In 1996 Malcolm Smith opened a 210-metre track at Belgar Farm on Romney Marsh.
These days the National League has three divisions, its tracks located mainly in Scotland and northern England. Nearest Premier League venues are in Ipswich and Oxford. The Arlington circuit at Hailsham still hosts stock car racing, but no speedway. However, Smith’s creation, Lydd Speedway, will celebrate its 30th anniversary in September this year as a thriving hub of the sport.
Smith’s object has always been to offer training opportunities to budding speedway riders rather than to maintain a competition venue, though amateur race meetings are held monthly.
Most riders have their own machines, generally an Italian GM engine with single cylinder and four-valve overhead camshaft (OHC). Leading frame manufacturer is Czech company Jawa (JRM), but other companies make bikes with smaller engines, frames and wheels to suit junior riders. Second hand bikes can be bought from £1,500 to £5,000 depending on age and condition; junior bikes can be cheaper.
Anyone interested, from five years old upwards, both sexes and all abilities, can have a go, hiring a bike and all necessary clothing.
Initial tuition is offered by Tony Gaul under the banner try speedway. More expert guidance is on hand from former British champions Paul Hurry and Scott Nichols. Riders with talent and ambition can progress into the National League.
Vinnie Ford, from Hailsham, trained and practised at Lydd during formative years: he now rides for Edinburgh in the National Development League and for Workington in the Championship. Nathan Abilitt, from Battle, another Lydd trainee, will be riding this year for Middlesborough in the NDL and Scunthorpe in the Championship.
“Our ambition”, says Smith, “is to find a world champion.”
He is hopeful that another south- eastern track might step up as a National League venue to bring speedway back nearer home. “The Arlington stadium is the obvious first choice, but it needs someone with money…Unfortunately I’m not a millionaire!”
A Try Speedway training school will be held at Lydd next Saturday 18 April, with open practices on Sundays 26 April and 17 May. Further dates will be confirmed once the Iwade track releases its schedule so as to avoid clashes.
To contact Lydd Speedway, email [email protected] or find it on Facebook.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.
Leave a Reply