Craig Cook - Speedway

Speedway is exciting, dangerous and entertaining - for the riders it also can also be extremely expensive, particularly when, often through no fault of their own, crashes happen which cause irreparable damage to their bikes.

Whilst no rider, and no level of experience is exempt from this, for Craig, the last couple of weeks have been particularly bruising and expensive - 2 engines and 1 bike have effectively been scrapped and Craig himself is battered and bruised and currently recovering at home.

The personal financial cost to him exceeds some £10k.

This request is a little unusual.

More typically this style of appeal is to assist young up-and-coming speedway riders get a start in this expensive sport, or occasionally to help cover their repair costs.

Many fans assume that once they get established then their financial worries are over and that point scoring income nicely outstrips expenses.

However, while riders can usually budget for consumables and the occasional expensive outlay for a new engine or parts, even for top line riders, it is the unforeseen that can catch even the most experienced rider out.

Riders aren’t that well financed, and money earned has to cover speedway AND personal/domestic costs.

No racing = no pay – a vicious circle.

Craig has been a professional speedway rider for many years, has reached the Grand Prix Series, represented his country at the highest level, been crowned British champion and been a terrific servant to British speedway.

Craig has been a great help and mentor to other younger riders, although this is not well known or publicised as he is a private person.

Craig has provided many of us with great entertainment over the years with several different clubs and now needs OUR help to get him through this rough patch and back on track - literally.

If you can help via donation it would be greatly appreciated by Craig - thank you.