Newcastle Riders
1990's
Wayne Garratt
Wayne Malcolm Garratt (born 30 October 1968 in Halesowen, England - died 28 September 1992) He started his speedway career with the Cradley Heath Heathens in the British League. Wayne was also a junior grasstrack champion at the age of six. Garratt showed a lot of promise but due to the points limit restrictions he was loaned to the Arena Essex Hammers in the National League for two seasons. He was recalled to Cradley again in 1991 but was forced out again by the points limit for 1992. However, in 1992, whilst on loan with Newcastle he was involved in a crash at Brough Park on Sunday 13th September and was rushed to hospital and placed on a life support machine. Wayne died after 15 days and never having regained consciousness. His body was transported back to the West Midlands
These clips were sent in by Malcolm Ridley, thanks Mal
Photos by Steve Brock
1992
Phil Jeffrey Scott Norman David Bargh Richard Juul Brian Havelock Mark Thorpe With Kneeling Wayne Garratt and Max Schofield.
These photos of 1992 were supplied by Annette Aisbitt who no longer comes to the speedway. Come back Annette the team needs you!
Max Schofield
David Bargh Mark Thorpe and Richard Juul from the Debmat Diamonds of 1992
Scot Robson and Garry Stead
Newcastle's Speedway fans were yet again denied their fix of the sport as it closed at the end of 1994 and didn't open again until 1997 with a new promotion and a new team. George English and Dave Rowland on behalf of Newspeed Ltd., brought the bikes back to Brough.
1997
1997 - Glyn Taylor, Brian Turner, Paul Bentley, Jesper Olsen, Andre Compton and Stuart Swales
This team was led by Newcastle born and bred Paul "Banger" Bentley, backed up by Danish import Jesper Olsen and Andre Compton.
Stuart Swales was a big favourite with the fans for his never say die riding.
Jesper Olsen
Dane Jesper Olsen joined Newcastle in 1997 and began a long association with the Diamonds. He was a professional heatleader and a great team man and captain. He has settled on Tyneside with his wife and family. After the 2 year spell without speedway at Brough things would never be the same again. Newcastles association with Aussies and New Zealanders gave way to a long association with Danish Riders beginning with Richard Juul and Jesper"O"
1998 team
L-R not sure who 1st two are! James Birkenshaw and Stuart Swales other 2 standing Jesper on the bike, Brent Werner and Nicki Pedersen kneeling
Update 23rd June 2006
Paul Brassell says: -
Hi John the 1998 team photo the 2 riders
at the back are from the left Jonathon Swales & Malcolm Hogg... Johnny helps
with the track now at Redcar & Workington and Malcolm Hogg makes Kevlar racing
suits for the riders S.F. raceware is his company name.Hope this has been some
help to you cheers for now...... Paul
Nicki Pedersen
Newcastle's 3rd Great Dane
The 2003 world champion Nicki Pedersen was a Newcastle rider in 1998. Wild man Nicki entertained us by never giving up. He raced flat out, caused crashes, walloped fences, great stuff! I remember saying to my daughter in 1998, "There goes a future world champ" Then we waited 5 years for it to happen. Nicki was a smash at Newcastle and only stayed one season before joining the worlds elite, but he is part of our history like Ivan, Ole, Anders. Four world champs have been Newcastle riders. His riding style wins him no friends within the riding community and he is the rider the fans love to boo! But not at Newcastle!
Nicki Pedersen, Newcastle's 4th World Champion