Chris returned to action in Poland earlier today after a 5 year absence scoring 6 paid 7 points for his side TZ Lublin in their defeat at GTŻ Grudziądz. Chris's scorecard was 1', 3, 0, 2,  0 = 6+1. The final score was 54-36 to the home side GTŻ Grudziądz. The meeting was overshadowed by the news that his Lublin team mate Adam Shields has sustained a broken pelvis in a crash.

In his first ride Chris finished behind team mate Shields as they claimed a 3-3 shared heat. Chris's second ride was in heat 6 which he won, the same race that Shields sustained his injuries. Chris ran a last in his third ride, although his team mate Piotr Swist, who replaced the injured Shields, won the race. He was second in heat 11, and then finished his first performance in Poland since 2001 with another last in heat 15. Chris scores thus far this season can be accessed here <scores>.

Chris was happy with the opening matches of 2006. He also got to lift some silverware as the Witches lifted the Suffolk Cup. Speaking about his first visit to West Row since 1992 he commented. "I haven't been here since 1992 and I think that the Mildenhall team are in for a successful 2006 judging by their efforts this afternoon. This is only the second meeting for the Witches and all the riders are now getting back into the groove. Of course the serious stuff starts this week with Home and Away Elite League meeting against Oxford, but today against Mildenhall has given us all a chance to sharpen up whilst also having an enjoyable afternoons racing. It was good to see a large crowd watching the action, providing once again what a hot-bed of speedway East Anglia is. It would be good to keep this Suffolk Cup in the calendar as it is the perfect way for both Clubs to kick off their respective seasons."

Check Chris's racing schedule and get updates on his scores in the UK by looking at his 2006 planner available in the <scores> section.

On the Eve of the 2006 season Chris has updated his column with his thoughts on the 2006 campaign. <click here> or visit the news and then column section to view it. The Witches season starts tomorrow at Foxhall.

With the season just about to start, the Witches Practice was washed out on two consecutive days but incessant heavy rain. This didn't stop the Witches from taking the traditional stand in front of the Press at Foxhall Stadium yesterday.

Chris pictured at the Ipswich Press Day 2006
Speaking exclusively to Elvin King of the local Ipswich Evening Star Newspaper a few days ago Chris spoke about his hopes for the coming season, and also issued a rallying cry for promoters to champion young up and coming British talent. “We always put British riders first. It makes it better in the pits and better for communications. Mark is the last English rider to win the world title, and that was under six years ago. We could not have brought in a better man to wave the flag for our country. The British Speedway Promoters' Association should give incentives and make it easier for clubs, from the Elite League down to the Conference, to track home-grown riders. Not enough British youngsters are moving out of the Premier League into the Elite League - and this will always have an effect on how good we do on the world stage with only Scott Nicholls and Lee Richardson up to international standards right now.” Chris admitted that despite their being no recognised out and out No 1 rider he felt happy with the line up. “We could not have achieved a better balance, and I am sure our fans are in for a successful season, We do not have an out-and-out number one, but in Mark, Piotr Protasiewicz and myself I am sure we can cover for this. I admit that we tried for a number one: Tony Rickardsson was in our thoughts and we did all we could to purchase Hans Andersen but his salary figure at Peterborough held sway. We had someone lined up who would have become a big hit at Foxhall. We were within a whisker of purchasing him, and he would have matured into a seasoned number one in a couple of years. But that may come later. We have a good asset base, but riders like Tomasz Gollob and Jarek Hampel are not keen to ride in England right now while Tony (Rickardsson) only wants to ride here for six weeks. We have the money from the sale of Scott Nicholls to Coventry and that £36,000 is not going to be frittered away." He also confirmed that after the promise of 2004 and the disappointment of 2005 the club are desperate to be successful in 2006. For the full interview visit the Evening Star site by clicking <<here>> The Gallery has now been re-designed and updated including pictured from the Witches Press & Practice Day 2006.

The season isn't far away at all, in fact the Press and Practice day at Foxhall is just 4 weeks away. Chris's latest column focuses on the build up to the coming season. <click here> or visit the news and then column section

With the season fast approaching, and the news that Chris is once more to ride in Poland for TZ Lublin his latest column is now online and available here <click here> or visit the news and then column section.

With Xmas approaching Chris has filed his last column update for 2005 <click here> to read it. The site has also been updated with the stats for the 1992 season. Click on the  <Scores> section and then click on >Seasons

Chris has now lost his winter tan, gained in Tenerife, and had time to pen the latest of his regular column's <click here> to read it

1 November 2005

Hi and welcome to my new site which I hope you will find interesting, informative and fun.  I may have been a little while catching up with the modern world of computers but here in Suffolk we’ve only just got colour television so you’ll have to forgive me (think I might take some stick from my fellow carrot crunchers for that one).    

My aim is to keep the site updated weekly with plenty of news and gossip (like the net needs more of that!) and all my results through the season.  As you read this we are seeking more interesting pictures and video footage both new and old to bring back a few memories or just give a laugh, so remember to come back regularly to see what’s new.  

It seems like a long time ago now that I sat in a Swedish hospital in immense pain and considering where my future lies.  After long discussions with my family and friends I must admit that my mind was made up and I went along to Tenerife for the 2003 AGM as a new promoter.  New ideas and rules were put in place in what I felt was a constructive gathering of promoters and we set out to put together an exciting side to move us far away from the disasters of 2003.  One place to fill and with a quick look at the new grades it soon became apparent that I would fit perfectly and complement the side with my experience, but could I score the points and did I want to try?  Well I can tell you the answer to the latter was you bet, as for scoring the points my answer to JL and Mike was “if your prepared to risk it I’ll give you 100%”.  As the season drew closer I was working hard and getting much fitter and more confident that I could get over my fears and reservations after two painful injuries and long lay off.  That brings me to today and having had two reasonably successful seasons since that return I can honestly say that without the pressures of two other foreign leagues and the GP circuit I am enjoying my speedway as much as any time in my career.  As for the future well from now on it’s one year at a time but I don’t want to quit without another League winners medal so it’s back to the gym and another meeting with JL and Mike.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my mechanics that have served me so well over the past 18 years (it can’t be that long) and in the future,  Nigel (Slingshot) Wells, Nick Lanham, Lee Dixon, Mick Day, Nick Bloom, driver Richard “Strawb” Scales (and wife Sue) and all my mates that have helped out.  I would also like to thank my sponsors both past and current for their financial help and friendship.  Whilst I’m on the subject of friendship I would like to say a big thank you to my personal fans and those who support Speedway all over the world for making the thrill of winning even more special.

I look forward to your comments and thank you for visiting my site.

Best Wishes,

Chris.