Sotonian

David Howe writes: I have been debating whether to write this or not, as if my life has any consequence to other people's but in the end I decided that some people may be interested and also it may be good for myself. I have come to the difficult decision to finish my racing career, there are a couple of reason for this and I will do my best to explain. As many know I have been carrying injuries to both shoulders for a few years now but the initial injury to my right shoulder has gradually been getting worse. To be honest the rider that went down at Worcester that day never made it off the track, I have never been the same since and physically I cannot do the things on a bike that I used to be able to do. I have tried to get back to where I was but unfortunately that goal hasn't been achieved. I am now at a stage where I am fed up of being in pain. I have sat back and watched so many riders suffering severe injuries and I keep asking myself do I want to get hurt again? The answer I now alway no. A few years ago I started to stress about what I would do when I stopped racing, it has been all I have ever known so we started to prepare for the day that it would come, I just didn't plan on it being so soon. Some riders are lucky enough to make good money from racing, most however scrape a living and break even, I fall into the later. I am one of the lucky ones that has found something away from racing that I enjoy and pays the bills, many riders carry on because it is all they know, in this regard I feel lucky that I now have a job that I enjoy, so the transition hasn't been too difficult. I didn't want to be that rider who carries on just because it's all I have ever know, slowly slipping down the ranks, I can bow out with a small amount of dignity and self respect. I could write a book about all my experiences throughout my career, on and off track, it's been an amazing ride. I have been fortunate that my three "main" clubs have been well run and a pleasure to ride for. Peterborough, I was taken under Peter Oakes wing and he helped me not only as a rider but as a person, for his help early on in my career was amazing and for this I will be ever grateful. If Peter hadn't left Peterborough I imagine I would still have been there now. I had many good years at Wolves, even though I had a love/hate relationship with the crowd at times, those years were mostly great and '07 will always be a special time for me. Then onto Scunthorpe Speedway, I loved it there, my home. Rob and Gail Godfrey are two of the greatest people I have met and I hope, certainly in the first three years I did you proud. One of the hardest thugs I have ever had to do was race against Scunthorpe but I hope you and all the fans understand that I needed to have one last go and to know. Just a quick thank you to all at glasgow speedway, we knew I wasn't fit but not to the extent, thank for making me feel so welcome and sorry it didn't work out. Also to another guy, Aaron Lanney, a tough year at Oxford Cheetahs but a great guy and I'm pleased to have ridden for you. Racing has taken me all over the world, in the last few years I have enjoyed my time doing grass and long track, going to some of the iconic tracks had been amazing. I have met some great people through the sport, if it hadn't been for racing I wouldn't have met Jaye Stevens, whom even though live in oz we are still close mates. I met Joanne Howe at Wolves but I suppose things can't always be good. Lastly thank you to my mum Janet Howe and to my dad, without both of you none of this would have been possible, and dad we started this together and we finished it together. I now move on to a new chapter in life but I am actively seeking a roll in the sport and thanks to Tracey Cossar I hope I can give something back to the sport via the ACU and maybe the fim, who knows. Anyone who knows me well knows I'm not that emotional so the fact this is hard to write says how much the sport has meant to me. I know I have never been the best or a world champion but I hope people will remember me for giving all to my clubs and whenever I have represented GB and one day I think I will look back and be proud of my achievements. This does feel like I am writing an obituary, which I suppose I am as I'm laying my career to rest but as a great man once wrote, it's better to burn out than fade away.......

Why the criticism of riders having vans? These days, they are as cheap to buy and run as an average family car and far more convenient than towing a trailer.

http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/years-Campaign-bring-speedway-Exeter-gains/story-27472518-detail/story.html Whatever became of Colin Hill's legacy for just this purpose?

Bob Oakley finished 3rd in the 1952 World Final, although a Wembley rider by then.

Is that why Loram isn't in the list?

Ah, I get it now. I shouldn't have started on the beer so soon!

Why does the clueless presenter keep saying an Aussie has won every race they've started? Didn't he see Holder run a last?

As I understand it, this is the last season at the current stadium and there are even attempts afoot to try and get Briggo to ride the very last laps there. What happens then? The timescale is tight to build a new stadium before next season surely? What are the grounds for optimism that this will actually come to fruition?

Absolutely! So good they named hot pants after her.

Exactly. One promoter, I can't remember who, went further and described the 1960's PL as full of 'has-beens and never-weres". That's more derogatory than mediocre but was still largely true nonetheless.

In which case, leave it alone and worry about the wider problems currently afflicting the sport.

Why is it a major problem for speedway? Motor sport in general does not attract ethnic minoriites in any number as competitors or spectators.

Yes, and American. It has no relevance in the UK and frankly is the least of speedway's worries.

They won't be there to be offended by the Rebel flag then.

And a Racers (even if they were Bulldogs by then) play-off nemesis!

Richard Hall's winning ride. Just look how much ground he (blue helmet) makes up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A1F6gg4JO0&feature=youtu.be

Not at all. Legends are made on achievements alone. I'd happily be hated and have 3 titles over being popular with none.

A three-time winner of any motorcycle World Championship is a legend in my book.

http://www.fim-live.com/en/article/brits-claim-their-first-title

An abiding memory of Shazzybird was how proud she always was of her 'Uncle Ted'. RIP.

Well done Richard Hall, Glen Philips and Andrew Appleton and on German soil too!

Nowhere near. Nice guy, solid league scorer but lacking at the very highest level.

So that's 1 GP, 2 junior titles and an open meeting. Not my definition of great.

He's a good rider but won't be great until he wins something of note.

Well done to everyone involved in this. Looking forward to a brilliant GP now.