PS. Hi Mark, how are
you and what are you up to these days?
MC. I’m in great shape
thanks. I married an English Lass and we have 2 great children Danny
24yrs old and Sophie 17 years old. I was the owner operator of a
Motorcycle business for 20 years in country N.S.W. and currently work
for Coca Cola.
PS. You weren’t seen
in a Potters race bib after July 82, why was that?
MC. I had a career
ending accident at Ellesmere Port where I put my hand through the Rear
wheel of a competitor’s bike in the middle of turn 1. The injury was
serious to the point that the surgeon wanted to amputate my left hand.
Thankfully I didn’t let him. It took well over 2 years for the injury to
heal over and a while after that to regain the use and control of my
hand.
PS. You did 3 seasons
in England, why didn’t you return in 1983?
MC. I would have
liked to return and continue racing though the injury was too severe and
I didn’t have the strength in my hand to continue. I haven’t sat on a
speedway bike since, though I’m sure if the opportunity came up I
wouldn’t hesitate. The fire is still there.
PS. What is your
favourite memory of being a Stoke rider?
MC. The contact
from you has inspired a flood of memories. I think the time that I
spent in England racing, the people, the atmosphere and the way of life
are the fondest memories.
PS. How easy was it
for you to join Stoke after the closure of Nottingham?
MC. I was
approached by John Dews to come and ride for Stoke during the off
season. We agreed to terms and I found a great home to base myself at.
PS.
Where did you live when you rode for the Potters?
MC. I lived at
Brosley near Much Wenlock with a former rider named Dai Evans and his
wife Trish and there 2 kids Gaynor and Danny.
PS. How did you find
the Loomer Rd track?
MC. John Dews
was the curator at Stoke and the track was his passion.
Predominately the track was slick, smooth and fast.
PS. What year did you
retire?
MC. I retired from
riding bikes in 1982 immediately after the accident. However I continued
racing Go Karts for many years with my son and then I raced a Speedcar
for the next 6 years only retiring from active racing in the last 2
years. I still have my road bike to play on, which is a Honda CBR1100XX
Blackbird.
PS.
What was your favourite track in England?
MC. I really liked
Scunthorpe and Crayford . I’m not sure why but I always had good
meetings at Scunthorpe and the banking at Crayford with the short
straights was brilliant. Stoke sort of had it all for me. There were
some really friendly people, great track, great atmosphere and generally
a good time was had by all.
PS.
Who was the biggest influence on your career?
MC. In Australia
my Dad who raced for 16 years here. In England I think Erik Gundersen
who was a really good friend at the time.
PS.
Who was your favourite rider?
MC. No one in
particular, I was happy being there and mixing it with most of
them to some degree.
PS.
Any regrets?
MC. No regrets,
I would do it all again tomorrow if I could. You cannot put old
heads on young shoulders. I would recommend the career path to any
aspiring young racers out there. The world is your oyster. Go for it !!
PS.
Do you stay in touch with the sport?
MC. No
unfortunately I don’t have anything to do with the bikes these days
though I do go and watch when ever they come to town. It would be so
easy to get back on a bike for another crack at it. I reckon I wouldn’t
bounce like I did as a young fella now though.
PS. Do you stay in
touch with any of your old team mates?
MC. No
unfortunately. I returned to England in ’88 for a look though that was
the last contact for many years. Sadly all my contacts have moved on
with there lives.
