CLUB NEWS: Hull look forward to 2019 with renewed optimism

Hull are looking forward to the 2019 with renewed optimism following the signing of six riders in the close season. These are, in the order they were announced:

Frank Auffret who originally raced for the Saltersgill Saints in Middlesbrough in the 1960’s followed by a successful career as a motor speedway rider between 1969 and 1982 part of which included riding for the Hull Vikings for six years between 1976 to 1981. He returns to ride for Hull, albeit in the pedal version, with fond feelings and his singing has provoked quite a bit of interest both locally and nationally. Although now well within his 60’s his physical fitness and dedication are proving an inspiration to all and he puts many riders over forty years younger to shame.

Chris Parish joins the club from Bury having re-located to Hull for work reasons. Chris is a Great Britain international, former Bury Comets skipper, a former British Individual finalist and has proved to be one of the best riders in the Northern region over a number of years and should be a real asset to the team.

Gavin Parr joins for the season following the decision of Northumbria not to compete in league racing during 2019. He is a home international winner with England and a previous British Veteran Champion (over 40’s category). Gavin first raced for the club along with his brother Mick in 1989 and makes a welcome return to the club. Gavin is an aspiring speedway star so his availability with depend upon his speedway commitments.

David Hemsley joins from Leicester following his re-location to live in North Yorkshire. Perhaps one of the best riders the sport has ever seen he has won a huge array of titles; an outstanding five British Individual titles, three world individual titles and six world team cups. He is the only rider to ever hold the British, European and World titles at the same time and brings a great deal of experience to the club which can only benefit the younger riders.

Andy Knowles joins for the season following the decision of Northumbria not to compete in league racing during 2019. Middlesbrough based Andy is known as Mr Dependable at Northumbria in recognition of not only the distance he travelled for home matches but also his totally unselfish on-track performances which also made him the clubs bonus point’s king.

Nikodem Mlek joins the club for the 2019 season from Polish side Czestochowa. He will be making his UK racing debut and hopefully will gain the experience he is looking for throughout the season.

The club will also be staging and round of the popular Euro-Vets series on Saturday 18th May and the North and Scotland round of the HSBC UK/Elite League Grand Prix Series on Saturday 25th May.

As well as competing in the North and Scotland Division one, two and three the club are hoping to launch a local league to encourage and provide racing for the ever increasing number of junior riders as well as the more established riders.

2019 also see the return of the Yorkshire league which will be run on a midweek basis with teams form Heckmondwike, Hull and Sheffield.

Tuesday night training is scheduled to recommence, weather permitting, on the 19th February at the start of which looks to be a busy season for the club.