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Hammers career : 1991-1994, 1997-2002
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COLIN WHITE celebrated a well earned testimonial with the Hammers in 2001 - a fitting tribute to his loyalty and enduring service to the Club that spanned two leagues.
Colin took his first rides on the junior grass track scene in the Eighties, progressing to its shale cousin by the end of that decade. He completed his first full season in the sport at Ipswich in 1990, enjoying the experience of riding in a successful team at National League level - then the second tier of British Speedway.
He switched to the Arena-Essex Raceway shortly after the start of the 1991 season, forming a fruitful partnership at reserve with current Hammers captain Paul Hurry. Colin picked up some useful scores - including some match winning away performances - and come 1992 was put out on loan to Long Eaton following the Hammers league championship success and promotion to the top flight.
After a short spell with the Invaders he was recalled, returning to the side at reserve and averaging three points a match in top league racing. Colin continued to make important progress the following year, averaging a shade under seven points a match. Injury problems in 1994 were to stump his progress and the following year he was put out on loan to rivals Wolverhampton.
Universally known throughout the sport as 'Chalky', Colin was one of Peter Thorogood's top targets as the Hammers re-entered the Premier League in 1997 and he didn't disappoint, producing some breathtaking charges from the back to become a hero with the Hammers fans.
In 1998 Colin assumed captaincy of the Hammers - a role he held for three years - and heavy investment in machinery in 1999 paid dividends as he topped the national averages for part of the year, allowing him to enjoy what was arguably his finest year in speedway.
Colin was to spend three more seasons with the Hammers, continuing to score solidly at home although less so away. Fans in attendance at the four team championship at Coventry in 2002 will remember his sterling efforts as the Club did battle for the trophy.
He found himself surplus to requirements in 2003 and decided to concentrate on his race suit business. Colin has since built up a reputation as one of the foremost suppliers of racing kevlars and you'll see his creations adorning the Lakeside Hammers in 2007.
Year |
Matches |
Rides |
Points |
Bonus |
Total |
Average |
Full Max |
Paid Max |
1991 |
28 |
110 |
132 |
18 |
150 |
5.45 |
0 |
0 |
1992 |
13 |
45 |
24 |
10 |
34 |
3.02 |
0 |
0 |
1993 |
46 |
183 |
269 |
44 |
313 |
6.84 |
0 |
1 |
1994 |
39 |
142 |
120 |
27 |
147 |
4.14 |
0 |
0 |
1997 |
38 |
196 |
312 |
42 |
354 |
7.22 |
0 |
1 |
1998 |
31 |
139 |
245.5 |
29 |
274.5 |
7.90 |
0 |
1 |
1999 |
39 |
196 |
407 |
22 |
429 |
8.76 |
3 |
1 |
2000 |
39 |
193 |
370 |
22 |
392 |
8.12 |
0 |
3 |
2001 |
42 |
196 |
376 |
18 |
394 |
8.04 |
0 |
3 |
2002 |
39 |
173 |
293 |
20 |
313 |
7.24 |
0 |
0 |
TOTAL |
354 |
1573 |
2548.5 |
252 |
2800.5 |
7.12 |
3 |
10 |
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