I will remember this year for accidents. On 27th April, Kevin Holden died at the Stadium in an tame-looking fall. It was shocking to see a rider killed but somehow worse being a Poole rider. Even though he had only joined the Pirates at the start of the season, Holden had quickly become popular. The Pirates never really came to terms with this loss during 1997.

A most memorable meeting was versus Ipswich on 22nd June. It was a extraordinary night of spills. Christer Sjosten, Pete Smith, Kevin Jolly and Mike Lanham all fell at the second bend of Heat 2; a photographer happened to be perched at the top of the floodlight and snapped an amazing set of photos. In another heat, Eric Broadbelt wrapped his body around one of the old lamp posts. Finally, Pete Smith chased John Louis for 4 laps, finally rearing at the exit to the last turm and bring Louis off. Louis crossed the line on his behind, Smith ended up on the dog track!

Other memories include the return of speedway to Bristol, and an injured Peter Collins narrowly failing to retain his World Crown.

Next year