Newcastle
Riders
2010-2019
The Winning 2010 Team
Kenni Larsen Lubos Tomicek Kyle Newman Richie Worrall
Courtesy of Steve Brock
Rene Bach, Anders Anderson, Jason King, Kenni Larsen, Deek Sneddon, Dakota North and Mark Lemon
The Bumps
Courtesy of Colin Poole
More "bumps" below
Courtesy of Colin Poole
Dak North will remember his first full season. He promises to make
a step up next season into the 2011 Diamonds line up
Courtesy of Colin Poole
Courtesy of Colin Poole
Kenni Larsen gets the thumbs up as our best from 2010 but he was chased by Rene Bach and Mark Lemon all the way. Kenni recorded some impressive heat times and was often 2 seconds quicker than the rest
Courtesy of Steve Brock
Mark Lemon celebrating more success with a wheelie
Steve Brock Photography
To be able to do a website like this I have had to ask for permission to use photographs taken by many professional photographers. Steve has bent over backwards to help the site with his excellent photos of the diamonds. The following photos are from the lens of Steve donated free for the cause and I am very happy to add here a link to Steve's website. Please visit his site if you want to buy photo's or hire Steve's services
2010
Kenni Larsen during 2010 became one of the most popular riders ever to don the
diamond. Kenni became the PL riders champion and ended the season as
track record holder, he consistently clocked times a couple of seconds faster
than anyone else in most of his races. In heat 15's he often "won" the
match for us and with team mate Rene Bach celebrated heat 15 5-1's with a
number of different "goal celebrations" clucking like a chicken in one of
them. Kenni will go on to greater things as the Elite League beckons
him, but we will never forget the young man that entertained us at number 1 in
2010.
Kenni wins 2010 PLRC
Kenni with Ivan Mauger 2010
Kenni Larsen says:-
Hi John. Here are my words about my time at Newcastle.
In 2008 I was on a track in Denmark, with my Little brother Victor. Victor was
riding that day.
A guy came over to me and started talking, and told me that he knew me and
Victors dad "Peter Larsen" about 30 minutes later he asked me what my name
was, I said "Kenni"
He then Replied "Kenni Larsen?" and I answered him "Yes Why" he said "I am
over here to find you" ain't it funny that he knew my dad and was looking for
me, but didn't know that I was he's friends son. This Person Was Richard Juul.
I then decided to go to Newcastle and try to see if I was good enough, so I
did the 5 last meetings for Newcastle in 2008.
My first meeting was at stoke, where I scored 6 then it was Newcastle, where I
scored 8, then rye house where I scored 11, then Newcastle where I scored 13,
and I finished the season of with a meeting at Newcastle where I scored paid
14. I was over the moon!
I came back in 2009 to ride for a full season for the first time, I started
out where I finished in 2008, and progressed, and half way through the season
I was number one.
this was a very good learning year for me, and I also broke the track record
at Newcastle.
In 2010 I went over for the second full season, and everything was twice as
good as the year before: New Mechanic (Roy Clark) which was brilliant for me,
me and Roy just clicked from the first minute. I also lived at Roy's which
produced many funny hours. My workshop at Jackie Campbell, which was the best
workshop i could think off. Jackie helped me with everything in the workshop
and even when I wasn't there to clean the bikes she did them for me, and they
were just SPOT ON!. Jackie wasn't just someone that helped me in the workshop,
she was also driving me every where together with Roy. And i could talk with
her about everything. Roy and Jackie was like my mom and dad.
we all three went down for the Premier league riders championship and WE WON
IT!! this year I also broke the track record again at Newcastle, and at
Scunthorpe.
I had 13 maximums this season, both home and away. I ended up with an average
over 10 (cma). I also became very good friends with Jesper Olsen and he's
family.
Newcastle has been so good for me that they have earned a special place in my
heart, both fans and the people that helped me.
I hope you can use it. And I wish you everything good in the future. Ill come
to Newcastle sometime this season and say hi.
Kenni Larsen
March 2011
Mark Lemon
Mark leading Brummie Steve Johnson
Mark Lemon came to us as a bit of a spent force. What a mistake his previous promoters made as Mark soon learned the quickest way around our track he reeled off a number of maximums and combined so well with Kenni Larsen in heats 13 and often 15 too to notch up maximum heat wins at the end of matches when the match result depended on him. A great rider in 2010
Rene Bach
Rene at Rye House
My personal favourite diamond in 2010. Rene kept missing the gate and had
to chase the opposition for a couple of laps. He usually overhauled the leader
with a breathtaking swoop around the outside. He was just one step behind
his Danish team mate Kenni Larsen. Denmark have a great future with these
two young riders. All Rene has to do is brush up on his Starting technique and
he could follow previous diamond Nicki Pedersen and become world champion, but
look out Rene, Kenni Larsen will be up there too.
Jason King
Jason was the sole Englishman in the diamonds 2010 side. He started the season well then his season went haywire. J suffered a loss of form then crashed heavily, being sidelined for the last few weeks of the season. Rider replacement for Jason was no substitute for a fit Mr King. Lets hope 2011 is a better year for him
Derek "Deek" Sneddon
Mr Popular, riders like Derek are a necessity in every team. The fans loved the guy and engaged themselves in a guessing game would Deek win, finish last or fall off? So he was inconsistent but so what, his delighted celebrations of heat wins woke the crowd up. Lets hope 2011 is a great year for the "wee scotsman"
Dakota North
This young Aussie is headed for the top. He could gate and also could have a blast when needed. Rumour has it that he is headed south next season. What a shame that our fans will not see him improve every week
Adam McKinna
Adam started the season as second reserve and after a bad injury resumed riding and finished as 2nd reserve but he did shown some improvement. Maybe he will add to his average in 2011?
Anders Andersen
Anders was signed as a mid season replacement for Adam McKinna. The Dane had his moments but did not do enough to elbow Adam out of the 2nd reserve position. Good luck Anders we do not expect to see you back in 2011
2010 Premier Trophy Winners
Diamonds Celebrate with the Fans
The team are swamped by fans on the greyhound track. This is the Premier Trophy and George English is now starting to rival Ian Thomas as the teams most successful promoter ever. Looking at the fans I recognise most of the Smith family, familiar faces home and away.
George gets a round in at long last and it is celebrated by pouring it over his head
Premier Trophy winning side 2010
The 2010 Play Offs Final
Newcastle v Sheffield
Kenni Larsen, Adam Mckinna and Tiger Casper Wortmann
Casper Wortmann, Rene Bach and Josh Auty
Ricky Ashworth, Kenni Larsen, Hugh Skidmore and Deek Sneddon blast off from the
starting gate
An excellent photo showing that Brough has as least 3 riding lines. R-L Stuart
Robson, Ricky Ashworth and Hugh Skidmore. Sunderland's Stuart Robson is a
fans favourite in Newcastle. We all want him to ride again for Newcastle.
Hopefully 2011 will be the year Stuart returns to his native north east.
Newcastle win the play off tie against Sheffield
Another great photo from Steve Brock. Football type quote"The Boys Done Well"
Newcastle's 2 captains Deek and Jason with Sheffield's Neil Machin.
Diamonds win the Play Off
Stuart Robson (Guest) Jason King, Kenni Larsen, Rene Bach, Dak North with Adam Mckinna and Derek Sneddon with the Play off trophy
2010 Promotion Play Off's Newcastle V Ipswich
Elite League vs Premier League
David Howe (Guest), R Miskowiak, Richie Hawkins and Adam McKinna
Rene Bach beaten from the gate by Scott Nichols. Diamond Rene needs to make the gate against opponents before he can move up to the Elite League. Rene was excellent in 2010 but we think he needs to stay with the diamonds in 2011 before joining the Elite riders Scott Nichols showed his class in the Play Offs.
Danny King Scott Nichols, Kenni Larsen and Rene Back at the back. The
Elite League boys showed our team how to win. Ipswich ran out winners at Brough
by two points but won the return leg down in Suffolk quite comfortably.
Ales Dryml, Derek Sneddon, Danny King and Rene Bach
2010 was a great year for the diamonds we may have lost the Play off against
Ipswich but not by very much. The Premier League is where Newcastle belong
and hopefully we can do well again in 2011.
Newcastle v Ipswich
2011
Rear Richie Worrall, Mark Lemon, Stuart Robson, Rene Bach, Front Kyle Newman,
Lubos Tomicek and Derek Sneddon
Jason King has not yet recovered from his leg injury and as the rules do not allow us the Rider Replacement facility or a guest the promoters have had to sign another man to take J's place. The "new" rider is the Czech Republics Lubos Tomicek who last rode for us in 2005
Lubos in blue and fellow Czech Pepe Franc in red
Claes Nedermark
This 21 year old Dane came into the side as a replacement for Lubos Tomicek/Jason King. He will remain in the side until Jason is fit. Look out J if Claes is good you may not get your place back. Its a hard life in the Premier League 2011.
Claes turned out in 2011 to be a lightning quick gater and good around the first two bends. If he was in the lead after the second bend he was usually fast enough to win the heat. Not so good at overtaking though, will he be invited back in 2012? watch this space
Kyle became a very popular diamond in 2011. He managed double figure scores from the reserve berth. Please come back in 2012 Kyle
Richie was the least experienced Newcastle rider in 2011 but raced to many heat wins against more experienced riders. Please come back in 2012 mate
Kyle Newman and Richie Worrall
2011 Starting Team
Stuart Robson, Richie Worral, Kyle Newman, Deek Sneddon, The Lord Mayor of Newcastle presenting the TyneTweed trophy to the Sapphire Diamonds, Mark Lemon, Rene Bach and Lubos Tomicek. Lubos is back in the team awaiting the return of Jason King (Then we will have to wait and see if Lubos keeps J out of the side.)
Rene Bach
Injury At Newcastle April 10th 2011
A typical shot of Rene overtaking on the outside
Rene was coming from behind as usual, having missed the gate. The accident took place entering bends 3 and 4 at Newcastle, he found himself on the inside of Rye House rider Jordan Frampton, Frampton clipped Rene's back wheel and sent Rene at full speed into the Newcastle safety fence. A lengthy delay with the St John ambulance on the track indicated all was not well with Rene. We found out later he had badly broken his leg. Rene Bach is the crowds favourite as he often misses the gate and has to come from behind. He usually overtakes at speed around the outside but this time he overtook Frampton at speed on the inside and ended up in the fence. Boos from the crowd as Jordan made his way back to the pits were unjustified as this was simply a racing incident with no one really to blame. As 2011 wears on we will learn more about Rene's injury and comeback time. I will hope with fingers crossed that his injury it isn't as bad as I fear it is and when he comes back he isn't in fear of pleasing the crowd with his blasts from the back. Rene Bach is a nice lad, a special rider and is irreplaceable in the team. Good luck Rene.
Matej Ferjan
Hungarian rider Matej Ferjan comes into the
side as a replacement for the injured Rene Bach. Matej should be a heat
leader in the Premier League
Just heard the news that Matej was found dead in his van on 22nd May 2011. No
details available.
Joe Haines
A mid season signing to plug a gap caused by long term injuries. Joe himself has joined the injured list at Newcastle
Pictures courtesy of www.stevebrock.co.uk
2012
Mark Lemon
Australian Lemo became the first signing for 2012. 2011 was a bad year injury wise for Mark. He fell heavily on his right shoulder and had to have surgery to repair the break but still managed to average over 9 points. Here is his shoulder x-ray
Hey Mark lets hope the screws don't rust! You must be the only rider in the world with an x-ray amongst his action photos?
The winter break will help Mark overcome the 2011 injury
Stuart Robson
Robbo starts on a near 9 point average and with Mark Lemon also around the 9 point mark there will be friendly rivalry between these two to be top at the end of the season. Lets hope both reach 9 points again. If only Stuart could gate he would be a ten point man!
Claes Nedermark
The latest in a long line of Danish talent to grace the Diamonds race Jacket. Ned is usually a fast gater something that has been lacking in Newcastle colours of late. He needs to improve his coming from the back though, to up his 2011 average.
Christian Henry
South Australia's Christian Henry. Starting his second spell with the Diamonds on an average of 5.45. Capable of putting two points on that average. Another decent gater which is so important to Newcastle and Christian can overtake too.
Ludvig Lindgren
New arrival for 2012. Ludvig is the younger brother of Freddy Lindgren. Ludvig along with Christian Henry and Claes Nedermark will vie for the 3rd heatleader role. The best of the 3 will likely be at no4 in our line up
Richie Worrall
With a starting average of 3.73 and his obvious liking of our track Richie is certain to up his average. He spent the winter of 2011/2012 riding in Australia so we may assume the experience will help him in the UK in 2012
Steve Worrall
Steve is the twin brother of Richie and is a new import to the Diamonds side. Steve impressed in a couple of visiting riders in 2011. We all hope for great things from the brothers and it will be interesting to witness their family rivalry
Jason King
Although Jason is not named in the starting 7 riders for 2012 he is currently unsigned by any other team. Perhaps he will figure if any of our 7 riders suffer an injury or a lack of form. I hope J is fixed up as he is too good a rider to sit out the season
Jay has been in touch he
says: "I had only ridden Newcastle once before I signed in 2008 and from what I
remember I didn't get that many points. After my winter relocation up north, I
had a chat with George English and we quickly agreed a deal for me to join the
diamonds.
It took me a few weeks to get dialled in at Brough, but once I did, I had the
best season of my career and followed that up again in 2009 when I was made
captain.
2010 was to turn out to be a year of mixed fortunes for me. I had an average
start but the team were flying and won our first piece of Silverware in the PL
Trophy. Sadly, that was the only one of the three I was able to collect as I
ruptured my knee ligaments in a crash at Glasgow in August. I missed the end of
2010 and what would turn out to be most of 2011 (apart from 8 terrible
meetings).
Newcastle own my contract so I hope to be part of the diamonds once again, but
for now (2012), it looks like I will have to find another club. I'm not fixed up
for this season yet and it looks like I will start the season on the sidelines,
but I hope something will turn up early on!"
Yes Jason let's hope you are back in the diamonds team soon and hitting big scores
George has been a little bit shy of supplying anything for the history site so I am delighted that he has agreed that I can use his interview with Lawrence Hepple which was shown in the match day magazine for our 2012 opener. George is a Newcastle Speedway record breaker. He has been team manager and promoter since 1997 which is by far the longest unbroken spell of speedway in Newcastle. Well done George and with respect to Darryl Illingworth you are probably the reason we are still going.
