CYCLE SPEEDWAY’S success story in Coventry will continue tomorrow afternoon at Hearsall Common as dozens of riders new and old take to the shale for the Chris Allen Memorial Trophy.
Named after the former Brandon Bees rider, the Chris Allen Memorial Trophy remembers the 18-year-old racer who tragically passed away after collapsing following a race at Hearsall Common.
Sadly, he could not be revived.
However tomorrow’s event will make history as for the first time in the competition’s 46-year history, the event has been expanded to include no fewer than three junior categories.
The expansion comes amid a boom period for the sport in the city with dozens of new riders taking to the track on brake-less bikes on a weekly basis.
The action gets underway at 1pm, with a full 16 rider field in the under 8s category.
Finals for under 11s and under 16s follow, with the seniors entering the fray at 4pm.
For the first time in three decades, three local clubs will be represented in the same meeting.
In addiiton to the extra meetings, fans will be in for an added treat as riders from Nuneaton BMX club will compete in their first ever competitive cycle speedway meeting.
Four riders from the Nuneaton BMX will be switching sports – and bikes – in another expansion of the sport in the area.
Nuneaton BMX riders George Hunt, Jack Wilkins, together with Markella and Gabriella Houli make their debuts after being regular attenders at Coventry`s popular `Clubnight` sessions for newcomers for the past two months.
The link between the two clubs was established after contact between Coventry coach Myke Grimes and Nuneaton BMX coach Christian Wilkins.
Both are thrilled about the exciting partnership – and relations are set to be extended shortly.
Wilkins said: “We have been tremendously well received by the Coventry Cycle Speedway club.
“Our riders have learnt new skills at Cycle Speedway, in particular straight line speed and how to be more aggressive on the corners.”
Grimes added: “We are so excited about this partnership we Nuneaton BMX club.
“It has already expanded our rider strength and through Christian Wilkins we’re benefiting greatly in our coaching resources.”
