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Hammers career : 1986-1987
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ANDREW SILVER has the highest career average of any rider to wear the famous colours of the Hammers - a testimony to his two marvellous seasons of top class consistency at the Arena-Essex Raceway.
He took his first rides in 1983 at father Len's Rye House circuit, making rapid progress from reserve to heat leader in three short years.
When Len, who held a Speedway Consultant role with the Hammers, decided to sell his interest in the Rockets, son Andrew was widely expected to make the move into top flight British League racing - so it was a shock when he moved across to Essex for a reported £9,000.00.
Andrew, the hottest property in British Speedway at this time, was an instant sensation during his two years with the club, setting numerous records wherever he rode.
He was capped by England at senior level, qualified for successive British Finals and set numerous track records wherever he rode. He has a Hammers career average of 10.52.
Silver also enjoyed considerable individual success during his tenure with the Hammers, winning the prestigious end-of-season National League Riders' Championship in 1987 at Coventry to add to the Grand Slam title he won earlier that year at Oxford.
Come 1988, though and Andrew decided to take the plunge into top flight racing, signing on the dotted line for British League Swindon.
His career stuttered from this point on and - despite four seasons in Robins' colours - failed to live up to expectations. He moved to Eastbourne in 1992 - and was joined by his father in 1993 - before calling it a day at the start of the 1994 season.
Despite reported attempts to lure him out of the saddle - Andrew caused a sensation by almost winning an individual meeting at Arena during a one-off appearance in 1997 - Silver's leathers remained on the hook.
Nevertheless, his short tenure in the colours of the Hammers ensures he remains a club legend and provides a fitting start for this series at the beginning of a new era.
Year |
Matches |
Rides |
Points |
Bonus |
Total |
Average |
Full Max |
Paid Max |
1986 |
36 |
155 |
389 |
14 |
403 |
10.40 |
6 |
6 |
1987 |
31 |
146 |
378 |
11 |
389 |
10.66 |
11 |
2 |
TOTAL |
67 |
301 |
767 |
25 |
792 |
10.52 |
17 |
8 |
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