TIM'S THOUGHTS 30/04/2011
You've had your first defeat of the season at Hackney, how does that feel? "Well there were things to be learned from this meeting but also some really good points. All in all it wasn't a bad effort on the track and most of us had never ridden here or seen this track before." Tim goes on to say that the team kept themselves in it for a while but just left themselves too much to do at the end. He acknowledged the fact that Simon Lambert was not available to ride and that Ben Reade was injured but states that it would by hyperthetical to say that the Potters might have done a bit better had these two been in the team or even if the meeting had been held at Rye House instead.
Tim said, "That's not knocking Luke Priest or Dan Berwick who stepped in, in the slightest. The thing is, you have to deal with injuries and absences in this game and I don't think we should be too downhearted at that score against one of the stronger sides in this (NL) league."
Tim thought that one or two of the lads let their heads drop after their first couple of rides but it was a new track to them and a strong opposition. He said it was something the lads had to pick themselves up and see these matches out. He was pleased with the good start at Newport the week before and that they needed to find that resilience again and to work harder when they are trailing. Tim loves riding with Stoke saying "It's a happ team to be part of. The lads are mixing well, the results are coming in and I'm not too disappointed with my own start. I have spent alot of time with my engine tuner, Brian Woodward, on getting the engine set up right for Stoke. I took a bit of a gamble in our last home meeting with the set-up and got four straight wins, so that side of my game is coming through." Tim was disappointed with his paid 7 at Newport but more than happy with his 14 at Lakeside.
Tim would also like to acknowledge the sponsorship he has received from his Aunt and Uncle in Sutton Coldfield who have provided him with a base in the Midlands when he travels up from Cornwall for his meetings.
Keep up the good work Tim, awesome start to the season.......................
UPDATE 11/04/2011
So with three meetings under your belt, how's it going so far? "All I can say is shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!" That was Tim's reaction after the Stoke v Dudley Heathens challenge meeting at Stoke on Saturday 9th April. Not a happy man then? Tim was disappointed with his performance against Stoke but he had some pretty intensive heats which were close run from the tapes to the finish line. Scoring 7 points from 5 rides, he paired up with Tony Atkin in heat 15 with the result ending up a draw 45-45.
Prior to this meeting Tim had an excellent night at Perry Barr on 7th April when he rode for the Birmingham Bulls against The American Dream Team, scoring 13 + 1 from 5. The Bulls were made up of a selection of riders from other NL teams and between them conclusively whooped the backsides of the American Riders!
Tim's next rides are at Plymouth on Friday on 15th April, Stoke v Scunthorpe on 16th and then away with Soke to Newport on 17th April. Good luck Tim!!
Check back next week for more updates.
UPDATE 17/02/2011
Tim is really looking forward to his season with The Potters having signed on a full transfer from Newport, a move that he is more than happy with.
Tim explains that he wants to progress in the sport and wants to put down some roots. The fact that Stoke often run training schools the day after a home meeting has been very appealing. Tim lives in Cornwall but has links in Birmingham and has had the offer of a base in the Midlands for him to stay over and to break up his journey from Cornwall to The Loomer Road Stadium. Staying over in Birmingham means he will be able to attend the training schools on Sundays and the practice sessions on Mondays, giving him the opportunity to put some things into practice that he may have picked up on a race night therefore spending more time concentrating on improving as a rider.
Tim said, “I am really keen to join Stoke and believe it is somewhere I can develop as a rider. I have moved around quite a bit so far and I want to settle down and have a long-term future at somewhere that I enjoy and am hopefully appreciated at.”
Tim points out that he has only been riding properly for five years or so and although he has made some progress he feels he is a long way of the finished article and this move to Stoke has excited him. He is pleased that Tony Atkin will be in the team saying that he is sure that he will get the best out of everybody as he (Tony) is a great motivator. He is also quick to acknowledge that he has learned much from having Phil Morris in his corner saying, “riders like Phil always make sure you get the basics right and hopefully I can now start to push on in other areas of my game. I have been going to the gym and working hard on my fitness and, thanks to continued support from Wessex Bus, my equipment will be pretty good I would say.”
Tim has a job in a motorcycle shop which is important to him but acknowledges that there is no substitute for track time. He is hoping to get in a few rides at Plymouth Devils in addition to whatever Stoke have.
The Potters promoter Dave Tattum says he is, “ delighted to have Tim in the team this season as he comes highly rated.”
Tim is pleased that Dave Tattum and Tony Atkin believe that he could make a big impact in the league this season and will be working hard to prove their faith in him.
Q&A with Tim 
Has the current situation with the delayed National League AGM caused you any problems?
“It has been very frustrating for everyone really and I am no different. I know what I want to do but there is was no point until after the AGM making firm decisions.”
Can I assume that it has disrupted your winter routine?
“It did not stop me getting on with some things, but the lack of a definite team place at the time meant that I couldn’t do everything I wanted to do. However, having now been offered firm places with Plymouth in the Premier League and Stoke in the National League I have finished off working on my bikes. I have a couple of complete Jawas and I had a lot of new stuff last year so they aren’t bad. I sent an engine to Brian Woodward to look over. It’s not ideal having had to leave everything so late.”
What is your background?
“I was born in Walsall, Birmingham but grew up in Cornwall. I used to go and watch at Exeter and Trelawny with my Dad and then my brother had a go when he was younger. I fancied a go myself so went along to Olle Nygren training school which was really good.”
You have been with a number of clubs over the years, but tell me about last season.
“It was a mixed bag but also a turning point maybe. I managed to get a few Premier League meetings which I thought weren’t too bad with Newport, but then they went elsewhere. I know I still have things to prove in the National League but it’s hard to get you’re head around some things.”
You have a regular Premier League berth at Plymouth this season, how do you feel?
“I am really pleased. To ride Premier League you almost certainly need a promotion willing to give you time to settle and adjust. There is so much talk about bringing young British lads on but it’s hard to believe that at times. I really need to get things right in 2011. I’ve ridden for a few different clubs so far and tucked away various experiences. Luckily for me, I have some good people such as Phil Morris and Brian Woodward I can turn to for advice and support. Phil has been there ever since I started really and I have learned so much from him.”
You live close to Plymouth, have you noticed any sort of local excitement about the Premier League move?
“I’m sure it will go down well but I’ve not noticed too much that is any different. I pleased to have found a team place with them.”
Away from racing speedway, what else do you do?
“I am a motorbike mechanic in Saltash which is good. That gives me a income which goes into the bikes and the other thing I tend to do is go to the gym or get out my moto-cross bike. Most of what I do centres around making my way up the speedway ladder.”
I see you chose to stay at home this winter, any reason why?
“Yes, I went out to New Zealand last winter to go on the international tour. I was riding two or three times a week against the likes of Ricky Wells and Jason Bunyan and had a really good time. It was a great trip but it gets expensive so I opted to stay at home and put the money into my equipment.”
