|
Hammers career : 1998-2000
|
GARY CORBETT took his first rides for the combined Ipswich/King's Lynn side Anglian Angels in the 1997 Conference League and took after-meeting outings at the home of the Hammers.
Gary continued to ride in second-halves at the Arena-Essex Raceway in 1998, his first team appearances being restricted thanks to work commitments. Despite this, he had shown then-Hammers team boss Peter Thorogood enough to warrant a starting place in 1999 - which he duly grabbed with both hands.
Gary was an instant success, averaging nearly six points a match and enjoying a great debut season.
He was a member of the Hammers side that was narrowly defeated by Edinburgh in the Knockout Cup final and, as a result, he swept the board with the 'Hammer of the year' trophies at the end of the season.
He continued to make similar progress in 2000 in a side that battled against injury. A terrible early-season crash for Leigh Lanham was a major blow for the team - but Gary continued to progress, riding well in the difficult number two position.
Gary's speedway career came to a sudden end against Sheffield on 4th August. With the Hammers heading for a thumping win over one of the league's top teams, Tigers' tactical substitutes Sean Wilson and Simon Stead looked to have clawed back points for their side with a simple tapes-to-flag win. But they hadn't reckoned on Gary, who got past race partner Barrie Evans and set off in hot pursuit.
Urged on by a very vociferous home faithful, Corbett made a last gasp attempt around the third and fourth turns to join the race for the chequered flag. It was a close call as all three riders crossed the line in a blanket finish - but what was of more concern primarily was the after race crash involving Wilson. With Corbett still travelling at a fair rate of knots, he was squeezed out of track by the Sheffield man and careered head-on into the safety fence.
The crash left Gary with a severely broken wrist and he was ruled out for the rest of the season. Sadly for speedway fans and followers of young British talent, Gary decided his future lay outside of the sport upon making his recovery and he never rode again.
Year |
Matches |
Rides |
Points |
Bonus |
Total |
Average |
Full Max |
Paid Max |
1998 |
4 |
15 |
6 |
5 |
11 |
2.93 |
0 |
0 |
1999 |
38 |
165 |
200 |
47 |
247 |
5.99 |
0 |
0 |
2000 |
26 |
108 |
133 |
25 |
158 |
5.85 |
0 |
0 |
|
68 |
288 |
339 |
77 |
416 |
5.78 |
0 |
0 |
| 
