King's Lynn Stars' favourite selects his ultimate XI
King’s Lynn Stars’ Australian rider Ty Proctor, who arrived in West Norfolk in 2018, gives his all-time speedway one-to-seven to the Lynn News.
1. Gary Havelock: Pride of the North-East. The only British man to become World Champion during the 1990s.
Ty explained: “These are all people I’ve known and who I had associated with, who all deserve great respect.
“When I first came to the UK Gary was great to me and helped me loads. He was at the back end of his career.”
2. Darcy Ward: Teen sensation at Lynn who would have done great things if not for paralysis caused by a crash.
TP: “I just remember seeing this little kid in pink leather when he was around nine and you knew then he was good. You could see how Darcy was good as a junior, but not outstanding, because there were a lot of young kids who were just as good.
“He was much better when he got onto bigger 250 or 350cc bikes and I remember seeing him when he first came over here and when he signed for King’s Lynn. I don’t speak to him often; every now and again.”
3. Fredrik Lindgren: In the company of Wolves. Fondly-remembered Swedish team-mate of Proctor who has also tackled the Grand Prix circuit.
TP: “Me and Freddie rode together. We were paired at one and two at Wolverhampton for three to five years.
“It became a friendship over the years. He’s someone who I have a huge amount of respect for and it’s great to see him kicking on in the GPs.”
4. Jason Crump: When the Lynn Knights crusaded in the early part of the millennium, the Australian was chief charger and went on to take the world title three times.
TP: “I wanted to be Jason Crump as a kid. I really got to know him a few years when I was having my visa problems. I speak to Jason at least once a week.
“I was going to retire but he said ‘you’ve still got a lot more to offer’. I went to the football (Australian rules) a couple of times with him. Another one I’ve got a huge amount of respect for.”
5. Tai Woffinden: Great Brit who is four-times World Champion and seven-times British Champion. From Scunthorpe Scorpions to superstar.
TP: “Me and him signed for Wolves in 2009 and I left when Woffy did, five-odd years together.
“You make these connections with people and become strong friends and get the team camaraderie. I wouldn’t say we were mates, then we moved in different directions. We don’t speak a great deal but have time for each other. He’s an exceptional talent.”
6. Chris Holder: ‘Turbo Twin’ with Ward (see above) at Poole who pitched up at Lynn for one season but fell out with club boss Keith Chapman.
TP: “He’s someone I met when we were juniors. We came through together at 15 or 16. I raced with Chris who had a really good family as a kid.
“He always says hello and shakes my hand. He’s been dealing with a lot of issues, not just personal issues: what happened at King’s Lynn, his injury and with Darcy. No-one could blame him for packing it up.
“But he’s back now in Poland and Sweden, I think, and he’s box-office.”
7. Jason Doyle: Norwich-based Aussie late-bloomer stalwart of four Premier League clubs who realised his dream of lifting the world title in 2017, aged 32.
TP: “What can you say? We came through at about the same level. I broke my neck and could relate to his injuries. He’s somebody I spoke to quite regularly.
“Doyley is down to earth, quite loyal and a very respectful human being. A credit to himself.
“In every rider there’s always a family element behind them: from Premier League to World Champion.”
