PS. Hi Shane, thanks for
agreeing to these questions on a Stoke site, first off how is
the season going so far for yourself?
SP. I am really happy with the way in which
the season has started. I have only
had one very disappointing meeting but found a couple of reasons behind
it which were easy to rectify.
PS. This is your last season
in British Speedway, will you be going back home permanent come the end
of the season?
SP. Not immediately. I have several things
that I need to tie up here first so will probably be looking around the
middle of next year before we head back to
Australia.
PS. Will you stay involved
with the sport in some capacity?
SP. I hope to continue racing in Australia
because I don’t think I could just stop completely. It is my plan to
assist with training schools back home for up and coming youngsters.
PS. Are you completely over
your injuries and illness from last year?
SP. Yes. After a nightmare season fitness
wise last year, I went back home during
the winter and embarked on a vigorous training schedule which got me
back to full fitness and ready for a good season.
PS. A bit of a trick
question for many, but am I right in thinking Sheffield hold your
contract?
SP. Yes that is correct. Once Middlesbrough
closed, Malcolm Wright retained my contract. He then became a promoter
at Sheffield. Malcolm has since left the sport meaning my contract
remains at Sheffield.
PS. You are one of many
opposing riders who comes to Stoke and performs well,
how do you rate the track at Loomer Rd?
SP. The track is a great shape and can
provide some good racing. As with many
other UK tracks, I feel it could be better if some extra shale was
added.
PS. Any particular
stand out memories from racing at Loomer Rd over the years?
SP. Quite bizarrely my stand out memory is
of a race I didn’t even finish. I’m sure
that anyone that was in attendance will remember me failing to cross the
finish line
to allow my team to use a Tactical Substitute ride in the following
heat. I had been told before the race started where I needed to finish
but, when the home team rider stopped, I was unsure of what I needed to
do! After lengthy discussions in the
changing rooms the referee denied the use of a tactical substitute. It
was a bizarre situation and highlighted how stupid some of the sports
rules are and how they
could be manipulated!
PS. Uprights or Lay downs?
SP. Laydowns as they are easier to ride than
the old uprights.
PS. A lot of young
Aussies are coming over now, who do you see as the next big Australian
star?
SP. Arthur Sissis although, having qualified
for the Red Bull Youth Cup, it is more
likely that he will pursue a road racing career rather than continue
with Speedway.
PS. Australia and
Denmark seem to have a never ending production line of talent, why do
you think it’s not the same over here?
SP. Simply because there is no established
junior scheme over here.
PS. Arthur Sissis is
many persons tip for the top, do you think he’ll stick at speedway or go
to Moto GP?
SP. As I have mentioned in response to
question 9, I think he will head to Moto GP
and I certainly don’t blame him for that. Racing a motorcycle for a
living is a very dangerous occupation and the rewards are much larger in
Moto GP.
PS. What has been
your favourite period of your racing career in the UK?
SP. The whole 20 seasons! I have had highs
and lows in that time but I am fortunate that I have been able to make a
career out of something I love doing.
PS. You’ve been at
Glasgow now for a few seasons, whats your preference, Rangers or
Celtic??!!
SP. I’ll take a back seat on that one so not
to upset anyone!
PS. Finally Shane,
thanks for answering these questions, good luck for the rest of the
season( except against Stoke that is!), one of the best never to have
worn our 5 stars in
my opinion, have you a message to all speedway fans who may be reading
this?
SP. I would just like to thank you all for
supporting what is the best sport in the
world! Without the people on the terraces the sport would cease to
exist. I am
proud of what I have achieved during my career and hope that you have
enjoyed watching me compete.
