Coventry City are delighted to welcome to Saturday’s game against Exeter Myke Grimes, a lifelong Sky Blues fan and newly crowned 2017 British Cycle Speedway Champion.
On the August Bank Holiday at Wolverhampton, the Coventry Cycle Speedway Club star jetted to an immaculate 20-point maximum score as he dominated the all-star field to become champion.
32 year old Grimes’ win sets the seal on a remarkable revival of the sport in Coventry. It was only in 2011 that the sport returned to Coventry. Now the Hearsall Common based club are overrun with riders and keen parents who volunteer to help administer the clubs hectic racing affairs.
Speaking after his famous victory, the Coventry XL Accident Repair Centre star, who works in IT at Caludon Castle School, said: “British champ! I can't believe it. I would like to thank everyone who has helped me.”
He became the first ever rider from Coventry, in the history of the sport in the city, to land the sports blue-ribband prize. Only Will Savage in 1966, representing Warwick but who resided in Coventry, and Norman Venson, of Whitley, in 1987 and 1999, had previously managed podium finishes by taking the bronze medal.
Grimes completed a lap of honour before diving into the Coventry supporters. Many emotional embraces followed, together with more than a few tears, from the youngest Coventry juniors (that Grimes helps coach), to the clubs` elder statesmen who had just witnessed the club’s finest hour.
Speaking after his famous victory, Grimes said: “British champ! I can't believe it. I would like to thank everyone who has helped me.
“Firstly my bike was incredible. Mike Prokopiw has spent hours on my bike in the last few weeks to get the setup perfect. It delivered in every race in the final.
“I would like to thank my friend and sponsor Craig Whale for his generosity and great support. Special thanks to my fitness coach Steve Stewart for changing my approach to strength and conditioning.
“Thanks also to the whole Coventry Cycle Speedway crew for their first rate support, especially Lee Marsh and Jez Hughes, and club sponsors XL Accident Repair Centre.
“I would also like to thank all my teammates over the years. Lastly but not least, my wonderful family and wife, Rebecca, for their endless love and support”.
Grimes will be a guest of the club at Saturday’s game, and he will be presented to Sky Blues supporters pitchside at half-time.