POTTERS powerhouse Max Clegg admits Stoke speedway will always be indebted to its club Promoter Dave Tattum and his pocketful of eager volunteers.

Stoke, who have not shied away from their difficulties this year, have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get the Loomer Road circuit passed by SCB track inspectors.
And Clegg, who has thanked the efforts of everyone involved, has openly revealed Stoke speedway would simply not exist without them.
Clegg said: “I haven’t actually found a problem with the track at Stoke. When we were against the Isle of Wight a few weeks back and the meeting got called off, I didn’t think the track was that bad. The rain that we had received prior to the meeting played a massive part in its downfall. I’m not too sure what’s happened with the fence panels in the last couple of weeks but if it was damaged by the stock cars and it impacted on rider’s safety then it was a good shout to call the meetings off until it was sorted out.
“I think some people just have a general dislike to Stoke but I don’t really understand why. Sometimes it can be a bit tricky to ride in places so maybe that’s part of the problem. But the club have spent a lot of time and effort trying to sort it out.”
Sharing Loomer Road with Stoke, Midlands Development League side Carmarthen have supported Tattum for a second consecutive year with general race day preparations and track work.
Added Clegg: “It’s always good for the club to have second half racing. You get to see what riders are coming through and it’s great for the fans because they get to see extra races. I used to ride for the Development Leagues with Halifax, Castleford and Belle Vue so I know how important they are for rider’s progression. If you didn’t have these leagues then riders would struggle if they went straight up to National League. They gain more experience this way and then move up when they are ready and continue to climb the more they progress.
“Lawrence Fielding and his team of volunteers go down there and help out in their own time on race days and it’s brilliant for the club. They don’t have to do that and it just shows how dedicated they are and the love they have for the club. I have huge respect for Dave because without him and his volunteers then there would be no Stoke speedway. It’s a brilliant club to ride for and I’ve seen the amount of effort that’s been put in over the years. I’ve known Dave for years as I used to ride there a lot when I was kid and I was just starting out. The fans are great at Stoke. I enjoy seeing them all and I like to put on a good performance for them. They are all dedicated to go to speedway and they are a credit to the club.”

Article by: Lynn Statham