Post by PLUSTAR on Jun 5, 2010 17:39:51 GMT 1
« on: November 22, 2009, 04:54:28 PM »
QUESTIONS FROM MJFC
Q DO YOU MISS RACING AS MUCH AS YOU MAYBE THOUGHT YOU WOULD?
DM Yes, I racing was part of me since I was 7 or 8 years old, I miss riding the bike, the traveling the general chat. The longer I am retired, I seem to forget all the bad meetings I had, and when you only remember the good races & meetings, god, I was a world champion. I don't miss the crashes or the bike problems.
Q WHO INFLUENCED YOU MOST THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER?
DM Lots of people, I am the kind of person who thrives on other peoples enthusiasm. Watching the GP on the tele on a saturday night in particular Tony Rickardson, Watching him make starts made me want to replica that. It gave me focus and determination unfortunately less talented than him, it didn't always work for me. Watching Danny Bird go about his business also drove me in the right direction, Porgie and his meticulas approach to his equipment and on his day unstopable. all these gave me foucus drive and influenced me in different ways.
Q IF THERE WAS A CHANCE WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET INVOLVED WITH BRINGING ON SCOTTISH YOUNGSTERS?
DM The cost implications of racing speedway deter most people from taking up speedway, I would happily pass on any encouragement and knowledge to any willing youngster although at that age listening skills are few and far between. I would however like to be involved, just unsure of in what capacity
Q SPEAKING OF THE YOUNGSTERS, ANY IDEA ON HOW WE CAN START PRODUCING THEM AGAIN?
DM Back to the Jnr teams like the Scottish Jnr Leauge, 4 Jnr riders attached to a Snr club who travel with the team to all matches. No second halfs, proper Jnr Leauge matches. Also make the Jnr leauge a Jawa Leauge. Riders only permitted to use std untampered JRM engines JRM carbs. Sealed engines to reduce the costs. In 2006 I invested in a engine which was not completely factory standard (bought it from Danny Bird) but too many young riders are throwing money away on engines they are not capable of riding to its full ability some with MBR carburettors Former Peterbourgh and Berwick rider Michel Blixt designed a carburettor in 2002 which placed more power to the rear wheel of the bike I bought mine in 2003 I was the first Glasgow rider to get one and Wow, Porgie got beat in a race off. Krister Marsh at Saracen Park, Krister was a trapper, he outgated me in my next and I swear I passed him like he was standing still, bloody great. I sent one to Aussie earlier this week and it cost £707.00 for a Carbie!!! Costs are too high.
Q ANY FAVOURITE MEMORIES FROM YOUR CAREER?
DM Obviously 2005 was a great season for me as I was clubless at the start of the season, Steve Ribbins & Co convinced me to go to Sittingbourne and despite people suggesting I was on big points money I swear not. It just looked that way because I scored half the teams points at every track. The British Final at Oxford was a great experience as Edinburgh dropped me from the team two days before I was due to go there so I made the British Final as unattached. Edinburgh done the best they could by me as they had promised Robert K his place back and after 11 matches I had an overinflated average. It would have been in there advantage to keep me for a few more weeks until Robert was fit then drop me but they didn't. At the time I was disappointed but hindsight says they looked after me and was true to Robert, it just sucked at the time. I went from No club in March, Sittingbourne in Second halfing at Newcastle in the beginning of April to Sittingboure in the end of April, Edinburgh signed me after getting a maximum around the dale in a CL match in May, dropped by the monarchs in July the British Final 2 days later and back to Boston by the end of July. But 2007 was my best to date, I never quite finished that one though.
Q WHERE WERE YOU AT YOUR HAPPIEST WHILST YOU WERE RIDING?
DM I loved my racing, but I am happiest when at home. Just Me, Lynn and Snoop the cat. I have never been a big clubber, drinking after matches, I always liked to get a takeaway on the way home. In 2005 I got a good Job as a warehouse hand in Newbridge Edinburgh and that along with the speedway was hard enough to manage. I just loved riding my bike and working for a living.
Q WHO DID YOU ENJOY PARTENERING MOST ON TRACK?
DM Porgie always looked out for me when I was his No2. Danny caused me the most near misses with his first turn drives, got me a lot of points too as our opponents were scraping the kickboards coming out of turn 2. I partnered Ross Brady at Edinburgh with success as Ross never held the white line that good so there was plenty of room for me.Same with Richard Hall at Boston & Peter Johnston at Berwick in the CL days. Lee Dicken made me gate well, because he takes up so much room on the first turn I used to race him and not the opposition to turn 2. I always thought I can pass the opposition If I beat Lee there first. If Lee got there first I was knacked. But George was the best Partner by a mile. He was a good mate to me on and off the track. Still is.
QUESTIONS FROM MAGGIE & LEX
Q BEST SEVEN RIDERS YOU RACED WITH?
DM Nicki Pederson, George Stancl, Peter Carr, Darren Rolph, Trent Lavybrush, Robert Erikson, James Grieves as long as you kept them apart.
Q WORST AWAY TRACK RACED ON?
DM EXETER, My first race there I made a cracking start and got along the back straight in first, Shock set in and I finished up last coming out of turn 3. On an away trip to Exeter I turned the wrong way and passed the Supporters bus, they thought I'd had enough and wasn't going. Wish I hadn't - I hated the place.
Q WHO WAS YOUR BIGGEST SPONSORSHIP IN YOUR SPEEDWAY CAREER
DM My Mum & Dad gave me plenty dosh over the time, My Lynn looked after me for 6 or so years when I never had more than £20.00 to my name. Fulfilment Factory gave me a Job and some paid holidays to swan off to race meetings for a few seasons, The Youngies from East Kilbride helped me for a few years when I was lost. GORDON PAIRMAN looked after me since we met. Always looking out for me and still to this day won't admit he called Boston and hooked me up a deal with them when I was without a club. He gave me an engine that he had bought from James Grieves. I used it in the British Final and forgot to return it. No he looked out for me and a good few others, He asked me to loan James Cockle an engine when he was coming through and gave me the Grievesy motor. A sound fella and good friend. I was just out of Hospital and couldn't do very much for myself and he sent my Lynn flowers, I hadn't noticed but she was going through just as much pain as I was. The mans a star. Jim Syme helped me from 1997 - 2007 he was also great with me. Donald & Nan Ross looked after me. I'm sure she fell out with Stuart Dickson when he didn't have me in the team 2005. Lennie Jones helped me when I was at Edinburgh in 99 and always kept me in the right direction, put me off drinking with the Emerdales on an empty stomach though. Ahh so many names have helped me from the Charlie Kerrs to the Buildbase Team, the Chain Spray's to the Engines they really do all help.
Q HOW MANY TRACKS DID YOU RIDE WITH IN YOUR CAREER
DM
Berwick CL 96
Border Raders CL 97
Berwick Bandits PL, Border Raiders CL & Newcastle Diamonds PL 98
Edinburgh Monarchs PL & Linlithgow Lightning CL 99
Stoke Potters PL & Ashfield Giants 2000
Berwick Bandits PL, Boston CL, Workington PL 2001
Glasgow Tigers PL & Sheffield 2002
Glasgow Tigers PL & Boston CL 2003
Boston CL & Glasgow Tigers PL 2004
Sittingbourne CL, Edinburgh PL & Boston CL 2006
Glasgow Tigers 2006 PL
Glasgow Tigers 2007 PL
THE END
QUESTIONS FROM DELBOY
Q WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER?
DM My British Final Day Out on Sky Tv. Honestly I was so out my depth looking to my left was Chris Louis and my right Dean Barker and Screeny. I didnt come last though, I beat Chris Louis, Dave Howe and Havvy they were all in the EL at that time, only problem was I got beat by meeting reserve Jamie Courtney in my next. Only me...
Q WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BEST TIGERS RIDER TO RACE WITH
DM Again Porgie with Danny a close second.
Q I REMEMBER THERE WAS ALWAYS 1 HEAT AT ASHFIELD THAT YOU USED TO ZIP OUT OF THE GATE FOR A WIN, WHAT WAS IT ABOUT HEAT 8 THAT YOU LIKED SO MUCH?
DM I had to get to turn 1 before big Lee got me! Serious the lads a nutter.
Q HAD YOUR INJURY NOT CUT YOUR CAREER SHORT, HOW FAR DO YOU THINK YOU COULD HAVE GONE?
DM Well I wasn't going to make the U21 World stage, but I would have been happy with a No1 Jacket in the PL. I loved No1 when I rode CL, I always loved the first race, heat 13 and 15.
Q EDINBURGH-OR GLASGOW, HAVING RIDDEN FOR BOTH, WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE TEAM - HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY?
DM Your a Bum!!! I always felt at home with the Glasgow promotion and they made me feel at home for so many years. I loved riding for the Monarchs but I was always looking over my shoulder as I had it in my head they were always seeking my replacement. John and Alex, never one day did me any harm. But Stewart and Alan made me feel part of the team and for a rider that has had so many clubs security was my confidence. On a Friday night I still go to Armadale and cheer on the Monarchs though, unless Glasgow are there then I stay very quiet, remember I live with a monarch fan who has in the past painted our living room Blue & Gold.
QUESTIONS FROM GRASSCUTTER
Q YOU HAD A BAD RACING ACCIDENT AT ASHFIELD, WAS IT A RACING ACCIDENT AND HOW DID IT HAPPEN?
DM I think Phil seen the red mist after I past him, He had no intentions of taking me off prior to the race but in the race I drove underneath him entering turn 3 at a good rate of knots, turned back and he got under me and kept going, Unfair Riding (Yes) Dirty (Yes) but Phil has a reputation for that kind of racing. I was mates with him before the accident and I have never spoke to him since although every time he has been due to appear in Scotland he doesn't turn up. I don't know how I would have reacted if I saw him, I can't say for sure, but I'm sure I won't be thanking him, I am still recovering from the accident, I have another appointment at the Southern General Spinal Unit tomorrow (Wednesday)
Q YOU RACED AT A FEW TRACKS WHAT WAS THE BEST?
DM Stoke is a cracking track, I had a great meeting there with Glasgow in 2006 when we won. Another good one there in 2005 for Mogo's Testamonial (p.s the only time I ever beat James Grieves, but he will tell you he let me win as it was a testamonial) I grew fond of Berwick, Mildenhall, Kings Lynn when they lay off with all the clay dirt but the best track was Linlithgow. Small, tricky, control rather than speed was the key to winning races.
Q BEST TEAM-MANAGER YOU RACED UNDER?
DM Malcolm Vasey was the best team manager by a mile. He knows the rules, the riders habbits and how to read a program. He wanted to fly up to Glasgow every week to help Stewart and Alan, Stewart knows the riders, he would tell me If I clamp this guy on the kerb going into turn one the race would be mine for the taking, or he would tell me to watch out for the likes of Rusty Harrison and Christian Henry telling be they will never try the white line and I would need to cover the outside. Stewart feels the disappointment of defeat more than enyone I have ever met. But enjoys the victory over a good club just as much.
Q WHICH 7 RIDERS WOULD YOU LOVE TO HAVE RACED WITH?
DM Jimmy Neilsen, Jan O Pederson, Michael Blixt, Leigh Adams, Charlie McKinna, Simon Wigg, Colin Caffrey
Q WHAT DO YOU THINK OF COLIN MACKIE AS A TEAM-MANAGER IS HE AS GOOD AS IAN THOMAS?
DM I'm not too sure, Ian Thomas has his famous open top shoes (sandles) with socks on, in October. Now Colin's fashion sense might not be as bad as that but Ian is in the magic circle. Colin is very clued up as a team manager. He did the double with Linlithgow in 1996.
Q HAVE YOU EVER ATTENDED A GRAND PRIX AT CARDIFF DO YOU THINK IT'S A COSTLY WEEK-END?
DM Cardiff is a great experience, I was invited by the meeting sponsors Meriden Lifts to watch from their box, so I only had travelling, hotel, food & drink to pay for. A few years earlier I went with the Emerdales and participated in a few drinks. It all got rather expensive. But with a watered down EL this is the only time we get to see all the top riders in the UK. I also managed to get to a GP at Copenhagen, also a great time but this was arranged by Alan Biggart with a little from Gordon Pairman. I have heard with cheap flights the Polish GP and Czech GP are good value, but with Cardiff and the roof we are guaranteed racing, something that the Czech & Polish GP can't do.
Q THAT MATCH EDINBURGH V BELLE VUE DO YOU THINK THAT WAS A JOKE?
DM On a dry night I think Edinburgh would have put up a better performance, losing Kevin Wolbert didn't help there cause. Kasperzak and Hougaard were a class above anybody on the night. Ryan fisher had a poor meeting. He is a 100% rider and goes into every race with that attitude. But heat 15's most other riders are capable of raising there game to take victory's i.e. Mathew Wethers, Wolbert, Tully. Fish doesn’t have the capability to raise his game. I think also Kally Katalusto will become a star, on a 3pt average, the Monarchs seem to have a head start for 2010
Q BIGGEST ACHIVEMENT IN THE SPORT?
DM The British Final, Under 21 Final, Scottish Under 21 Champion, Heathersfield Golden Helmet. Beating Lee Dicken to Turn One.
Q BEST TEAM-CAPTAIN YOU RACED UNDER?
DM Shane Parker, he always lead by example, from the front. He always had time for you even when he had an off night. I only wish I had listened more. I done things the hard way and was unable to process some of the advice he was handing out. Shane's a star and if he reads this I would like to thank him for all his help over the last few Years.
Q ARE YOU ENJOYING DOING THE TRACK-SPARE VAN - HOW MANY TRACK DO YOU SELL AT?
DM The Business has saved me from being lost to the sport, I have so many capability issues. I was unable to help in the pits with the bikes, I watched from the pits and it drove me crazy, I watched a meeting from the bar, but I can't drink as I take too much medication. I stood in the crowd for one meeting and that was going to be my last meeting. Alan Biggart took me to Denmark, I took so much from his life style and learned that a positive attitude has more effect than medication, since the trip I no longer take mediation for my Bowel and stomach. Alan has had a a massive part in my rehabilitation. Jenny Hemphill also got me back on my feet, ather lunch breaks she would get me up and about encouraging me to walk, I think back to the A&E room at the Royal and not being able to feel my legs or move them, My zimmer frame up to the top of my chest, learning to walk again. The first time I sat up and got out of bed, my room overlooked the lab and over from that a graveyard. But I saw a Train pulling into a train station. Jings, I miss the Morphine!!! A big thanks to them. All my career Ihave a good relationship with my fellow riders but I was very competitive and never really got to know them well, case was James Grieves I would say hello, would be pleasant but not really connect with them, same with Mattie Wethers, Derek Sneddon even Trento when I was racing against him. But since taking over the Business I have relaxed and have formed great relationships with all the guys. I only do Glasgow at the moment but my phone is always ringing. Even sending product to Australia. I hope to gradually build my business so I can get out of the labour side of the parcel business. I have around 12 direct reports in the way of staff and around 50 people that fall under my jurisdiction, All of them are great if they see me trying to lift something heavy they normally bump me out of the way. I have a great squad.
Q HOW DID YOU MANAGE ALL THAT TRAVELLING TO ALL THEY TRACKS?
DM In 2005 my Dad took over all the machinery preparation, I raced the bike andworked a full time Job. I used my 20 days a year holiday for away matches. Meetings like Sheffield, Redcar, Workington I left work at 2pm drove to my Dad's near Berwick then travelled to the track, raced and drove back to Berwick then into my car and back to Edinburgh or work at 4am, I even managed to do this for Kings Lynn. By the middle of the season my performance always dipped because I was working 6 days a week and racing, on hindsight, I was doing too much. I was very fortunate to get a good job as a warehouse hand at Business post in 2005 and in 2007 I had climbed a few cogs in the ladder to a Supervisor position. When I had my accident my Boss Keith Drummond gave me the time off and even when we faced redundancies he shuffled my position so I kept a Job when I was able to return.
Q WHO DID YOU LOVE BEING PAIRED WITH?
DM Porgie, he always looked out for me.
Q HOW DID YOU ENJOY THE COMPANY OF SHANE PARKER?
DM Parks is a great man, he always lead from the front. His equipment standard (he wouldn't let on about the engine's) but all the rest you can get off the shelf. He made speedway seem so effortless. A gentleman, team man, his team riding was superb and he would never leave you even if there was a possibility he would get passed. Some riders I have paired with like Craig Watson we had an agreement to not look out for each other, this was a change for me as porgie, Danny & Shane were always looking out for me.
Q WHOS YOUR ALL TIME FAVOURITE RIDER?
DM Mark Courtney was my hero in my younger days, Later I watched Jan O Pederson, he was ace this is probably where I learned to line up passing managers, Danny Bird was a legend I watched him and this improved my gating. I was disappointed when I learned of his Ban. He was not taking performance enhancing drugs, he was taking recreational drugs. I know this was still wrong but I feel his ban and penalty was too strong. BRING BACK DANNY.
Q LIST OF SPEEDWAY INJURYS?
DM - Broken Left Scafoid in my wrist, Broken Ribs, Burns to my right inner thigh, Broken Toe, ACL Cruciate Ligament in my left knee, Broken T8 Vertebrae in my Back, Broken Toe again, Broken L1 Vertebrae, Broken Toe Again, Broken Index Finger, Broken Collarbone, Removed all the skin off my backside on several occasions. Chipped bone in my right wrist. Many Bruises, Concussion x 4
Fantastic responses and thanks to David for being so honest about some of the questions asked of him. Thanks to everyone who asked questions and also to Grasscutter for organising the Q&As