Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2015 12:54:04 GMT
Richie Sampson is about to embark on his second season in the Juvenile Jaunt. His first, a baptism of fire, was tough at times, especially without a club to help him through, but he battled.
"Honestly, I think it made me appreciate it more. You see riders turning up week in, week out with a representative from the club who they ride for, and you think to yourself, how can I get to that point. So I spoke to teams, and I spoke to riders, and I realised that it is all about the effort that you put in. Was I the best rider in the JJ last season? Not even close. But I worked hard, and that is all that I could do. It's weird, you have people my age, and all they want to do is go home and lose themselves in a video game, but for me, I got home and I wanted to be on my bike. I wanted to be known as a speedway rider."
Burslem owner Steve Donaldson was asked about why he chose Richie
"It's simple. He made himself known to us. I have been going along to the events to watch Dmitrij, because that is what a good team manager does, and Richie caught my eye. He wasn't perfect, not even close to being, but he battled. I'm a firm believer in technique being taught, but that there are some things you just can't teach. You can't teach a will to win, and you can't teach bravery. This was a 14 year old kid who was willing to throw his bike into the corners, who didn't know when he was beaten, and who was doing everything he could on the bikes he had. I love to see a rider who gives his all, because for me, that is a massively important trait.
When I knew that Burslem would be returning, I made sure I went and spoke to Richie, and asked what his plans were for the season. At this point, no-one else knew that Burslem were coming back, and he told me that he would be riding, and that even if he had to ride a pushbike, he would make sure he was at the start line for the first meeting. For me, that was it. i knew there and then that this was a guy who I wanted to have as an asset, so I offered him a contract. He was shocked at first, but the thought of being sponsored by a team made his day.
I don't know what to expect from him this season, but I would like to think that he can make the semi finals. I think, for him, a top 6 finish in each round is not out of the question, because he has some natural ability to go with his desire. I know that Mike (Auffret, Burslem team manager) will work with him and try and iron out a few flaws in his technique, but I am really excited about watching him develop. Who knows, maybe one day this lanky 14 year old riding a bag of spanners may grow into a team captain, representing the Braves at UL level.
The future is his to grab"
"Honestly, I think it made me appreciate it more. You see riders turning up week in, week out with a representative from the club who they ride for, and you think to yourself, how can I get to that point. So I spoke to teams, and I spoke to riders, and I realised that it is all about the effort that you put in. Was I the best rider in the JJ last season? Not even close. But I worked hard, and that is all that I could do. It's weird, you have people my age, and all they want to do is go home and lose themselves in a video game, but for me, I got home and I wanted to be on my bike. I wanted to be known as a speedway rider."
Burslem owner Steve Donaldson was asked about why he chose Richie
"It's simple. He made himself known to us. I have been going along to the events to watch Dmitrij, because that is what a good team manager does, and Richie caught my eye. He wasn't perfect, not even close to being, but he battled. I'm a firm believer in technique being taught, but that there are some things you just can't teach. You can't teach a will to win, and you can't teach bravery. This was a 14 year old kid who was willing to throw his bike into the corners, who didn't know when he was beaten, and who was doing everything he could on the bikes he had. I love to see a rider who gives his all, because for me, that is a massively important trait.
When I knew that Burslem would be returning, I made sure I went and spoke to Richie, and asked what his plans were for the season. At this point, no-one else knew that Burslem were coming back, and he told me that he would be riding, and that even if he had to ride a pushbike, he would make sure he was at the start line for the first meeting. For me, that was it. i knew there and then that this was a guy who I wanted to have as an asset, so I offered him a contract. He was shocked at first, but the thought of being sponsored by a team made his day.
I don't know what to expect from him this season, but I would like to think that he can make the semi finals. I think, for him, a top 6 finish in each round is not out of the question, because he has some natural ability to go with his desire. I know that Mike (Auffret, Burslem team manager) will work with him and try and iron out a few flaws in his technique, but I am really excited about watching him develop. Who knows, maybe one day this lanky 14 year old riding a bag of spanners may grow into a team captain, representing the Braves at UL level.
The future is his to grab"