JUNE 2004 NEWS ARCHIVE

News articles from June 2004 are archived below, latest nearest the top of the page. Click "back" on your web browser to return to previous page.

27th June 2004

NEW PICTURES

I have added the two pictures shown below to the "Gallery" page. It's a special night as it is Michael's first night racing at Paris. First one is me and my loving wife Helen. Second is Michael with David Hensby's eldest daughter Charlotte. (Maybe I should have been a speedway rider at thirteen!) Both pictures courtesy of David Hensby, thanks Bud!

26th June 2004

MICHAEL'S FIRST NIGHT

Butterflies in the stomach was the order of the day yesterday for all in the "Small" household as Michael prepared to compete in his first race meeting.

As it turned out, Michael put in a strong performance on the night, concentrating hard on "riding the bike properly". This is something we have been working on hard in practice and I think it showed in his smooth sliding action. Theory being, his speed will pick up naturally and this was evident even as the night progressed and his butterflies disappeared. I wish mine did!

His evening culminated in a superb second place finish in the Division 3 final behind this season's regular winner so far, Corrine Franic.

Michael would like to thank everyone who encouraged him and cheered him on last night and a special thankyou to his sponsor, NBL Consultant Services.

Congratulations Michael, from your very proud Mum and Dad, both who are still suffering from stress related symptoms this morning, (or could that possibly be a slight hangover?)

My evening in Division 1 was indifferent. I was encouraged by my pace in general, and much hard work spent on analyzing and improving my gating is certainly paying dividends. I think I am now getting closer to the main action. However, pushing this hard is not without it's pitfalls and a couple of silly mistakes on my part last night ended in a lucky escape in one heat. I went down in turn two on the first lap after a good start level with Aaron Hesmer. I applaud the two guys behind me, Rob Dixon and Steve Glasgow for going either side of me whilst I tucked up in self preservation ball in the middle of the track! Thanks guys.

My second mishap came in my final heat. Rob Dixon and I were neck and neck for a couple of laps when the infamous turn two got me again. I was trying the outside line in an attempt to drive around Rob, when my wheels simply went from underneath me. I hit the boards very hard, with my bike luckily taking the brunt of the impact.

Unfortunately, the bike was heavily damaged suffering a bent frame diamond and twisted forks. I have spent all day today with hydraulic jacks and have successfully managed to get the geometry back somewhere near correct. I'll probably try it in practice on Tuesday evening just to check everything is OK.

Division 1 honours went to Aaron Hesmer. Congratulations to him. Kyle Legault was not present and rumours have it that he was stuck in a traffic jam caused by an accident. Division 2 winner was another Aaron, this time Aaron DeVeau. I have been particularly impressed with Aaron's maturity and smooth riding style this season and I think he will be a major contender for Division 2 honours if his machinery can remain competitive. Phil Mosquera was another absentee this week after hurting his back at work. Let's hope he's back soon.

For full results and race report from last night's Paris action please visit the CSRA WEBSITE.

A big thankyou to all involved in putting on a great night's racing, especially Dave Havill who toiled all night to try to resolve problems with the starting gate. I have to say, once the track settled down after a couple of heats last night, I thought it was excellent.

One last point, I was delighted to see The Williams family in the pits after the racing. Obviously this is a tremendously difficult time for them after the tragic loss of their son Jamie, but I think the bravery they exhibited last night in being present is evidence they will pull through this together given time. Gareth, Christine, Brendan, Dylan and Karlee, your speedway friends are here for you whenever you need us.

I look forward to seeing everyone back at Paris next Friday for another exciting night of Speedway Racing!

20th June 2004
JAMIE WILLIAMS
Friday's cancellation of the Paris meeting due to a waterlogged track was just the tip of the iceberg in what was to be a dreadful week in Canadian Speedway.
Most of us already know of the terrible situation regarding young Jamie Williams. A fanatical speedway fan at the tender age of four, Jamie sadly passed away on June 16th after having suddenly been struck down with a viral infection.
Jamie, together with his Mum Christine, Dad Gareth and brothers and sister Brendan, Dylan and Karlee was a regular speedway fan at Paris, Welland and some half mile events. I personally met the Williams family whilst manning the CSRA booth at the Toronto bike show and what a great bunch they are.
As a parent myself, I find it difficult to imagine the pain the family are enduring at this time and words are of little comfort. I would however like to take this opportunity to pass on my sincere condolances, and I know I echo the thoughts of everyone involved in the speedway fraternity.
I'm sure Jamie will be able to watch speedway from all over the world from his new seat in the grandstands next to the Lord.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jamie and his family at this most difficult of times.
David Hensby has also paid a fitting tribute to Jamie on the CSRA WEBSITE.

16th June 2004

MICHAEL SMALL UPDATE

After a very confident practice session at the Paris track last night, I can confirm (weather permitting), Michael will ride in his first competitive speedway meeting at Paris this coming Friday.

Visit the CSRA website to see the latest news article compiled by David Hensby on FATHER & SON RACING TEAMS.

Michael and I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank...

...sponsor of both myself, Phil Small #21 and my son, Michael Small #2.

Please visit my "SPONSOR PAGE"

on this website to see how Michael and I can help put your company name out in front of the public. Thanks, and see you all on Friday!

14th June 2004

MICHAEL SMALL NEWS

If all goes well at tomorrow evening's practice session at the Paris track, Michael Small my 13 year old son, plans to ride in his first competitive speedway meeting this coming Friday night.

We have spent this evening (Monday) preparing his 250cc machine and we are confident the machine will prove a reliable mount for the remainder of the season.

Michael himself is understandably apprehensive, but he feels he cannot wait any longer. His competition debut has been held up primarily because his crash helmet, only one year old was not Snell 2000 rated and we had to purchase a new one. Thankfully, sponsorship came through from his Grandad in the UK and Aaron Hesmer was able to supply a fantastic helmet at a great deal.

Thanks must also go out to Larry and Aaron DeVeau, who are currently loaning the leathers Michael is wearing. These famous leathers have "done the rounds" with many upcoming Canadian youth Speedway riders including Chris Hesmer and Aaron DeVeau. I only hope they bring Michael as much luck and keep him safe!

Michael will be riding in Division 3 and his race number is #2. Please give him some encouragement and cheer him on if you can be there on Friday night. See you all there!

Philip & Michael Small (photo courtesy of Joan Luke)

13th June 2004

11th & 12th JUNE WEEKEND REVIEW

Friday night at Paris was met with perfect weather, but unfortunately a dissapointing rider turnout. The lack of numbers meant a fast and furious race program (thank goodness for the cool weather), but nevertheless an exciting and entertaining night of racing. Kyle Legault once again blitzed the Division one program, Phil Mosquera back to his former "super-smooth" self took division two honours and Corrine Franic again proved too good for the rest of the competition in D3.

Please go to the CSRA website (links provided below for full results and racenight reports).

Personally, I continued in my quest to gain respectability in the Division 1 group. A fantastic help was provided by a couple of photos taken by Joan Luke at a pre-season practice. Duncan had very kindly e-mailed two pictures of me in a slide and as I opened the pictures up on my computer, I could immediately see a problem with my style. I was sitting very "upright" on the bike, which meant that most of my upper body weight was too far back. This in turn meant I was not getting enough weight off the back wheel in the turns which was causing me to "hook up", a problem which plagued me at last weeks Friday meeting.

This week I made a concious effort to "crouch forward" over the handlebars and it worked perfectly. I felt smoother and faster than I have ever been. The end result was fifth out of five (sounds better than last!) but I was much happier with my performance and riding style. In one race I actually crossed the line ahead of someone! Whatever next?

Compare my style with the experienced Andy Delimat in the first picture and see how I was doing the same lap after lap in the second.

So many thanks to Joan and Duncan for the "heads up". In fact, the majority of the pictures in my picture gallery were taken by Joan, and I'm sure we all agree, she does a tremendous job of capturing some great action shots.

Saturday I travelled to Welland and competed in the Division 1 group there. I continue to struggle with the speeds involved at this track and I have never hid my general dislike for the circuit. I realize if I am going to compete at the top level there I have a great deal of work to do. I was well off the pace and looked ragged. I do however need to keep reminding myself I'm up against the top riders in the country and a third of a lap down at the end of four is not too bad at this point. Jeff Orosz took the Division 1 honours ahead of John Kehoe and Kyle Legault, with Aaron Hesmer and Rob Dixon fourth and fifth respetively. Unusually, there were enough riders present to form a division two group also. This must be a positive sign for the sport in Canada. Again, check out the CSRA link below for your full weekend report.

For full weekend results and race reports visit the CSRA WEBSITE.

5th June 2004

FIRST PARIS MEETING

Last night saw the kick-off to the 2004 Paris speedway season. Perfect cool summer weather set the tone for an exciting nights racing, thankfully incident free.

A larger than expected spectator turnout (always welcome) met with a good rider turnout and a good evening was had by all. Highlights included a very popular win in Division 3 by Corrine Franic. If you remember, I had predicted this after watching her in pre-season practice over the past weeks.

Division 2 was dominated by a very impressive Shawn Morrison. But don't rule out the ever youthful Phil Mosquera. His smoothness was once again evident and his speed will surely return to once again prove a major contender for Division 2 honours.

For full results and race report visit the CSRA WEBSITE. On a personal note, my first meeting in division 1 brought the result I had expected. 8th out of a very good D1 turnout of 10 was as good as I could have realisticly hoped for. The jump from Division 2 to Division 1 is huge, and although I was ragged on the bike and made many mistakes, I was very aware of the difference in the speed I was travelling from last season. I'll just keep plugging away and hopefully I'll be able to slowly reel those faster guys in over the course of the season.

My goal for this season is to concetrate on riding the bike properly and to eliminate the many mistakes I am currently making. Confidence is everything in this game and if I can stay injury free, I can feel my confidence can grow to make me a better rider.

Thanks to all who contributed to a successful nights racing especially Dave and Carol Havill without whom the Paris operation would not exist (something about Carol's friendly face at "sign in" which goes a long way to settle the nerves). Thanks also to Duncan Luke for preparing the race program and to the CMA officials for a smoothly and professionally run program.

See you all next week!

5th June 2004

MAY NEWS ARCHIVED

With sunny June now upon us, I have once again tidied this "Latest News" page up by moving the May 2004 news items to the "May News Archive". Click the "News Archive" button at the top of this page to access any old news articles listed by month. Click "back" on your web browser to return to this page.