Speedway: Glasgow Tigers chief pays tribute to GB star Lee Richardson following fatal smash in Poland

May 14 2012 By Fraser Wilson

Lee Richardson Image 1

GLASGOW TIGERS co-boss Alan Dick says the speedway world has been rocked to the core by the tragic death of British international Lee Richardson.

The Lakeside Hammers captain, 33, suffered horrific chest injuries after slamming into the safety fence while racing in Wroclaw, Poland on Sunday night.

Richardson, a former world under 21 champion, died as a result of his injuries, plunging the close-knit speedway community into mourning.

A two-minute silence will be held at Ashfield this Sunday ahead of Glasgow's Premier League meeting with Redcar Bears.

And Dick said: "I'm totally devastated by what happened on Sunday and I know everyone at Glasgow Tigers feels the same.

"Lee was a top line British international rider, known all over the world, and this has sent shockwaves around the sport.

"Fans and riders know these guys take a risk every time they go out onto the track but the extent of the injuries Lee suffered to have caused a fatality must have been horrific.

"Maybe, after full examination of this tragic incident, we will have to look again at the protection of riders and whether the race suit is strong enough.

"But until all the facts are made clear then we will just have to wait and see. Our thoughts go out to Lee's family and friends."

Richardson held a British record of 240 points across 10 World Cups and was a Grand Prix regular from 2002 to 2006.

Throughout his 17-year career in the sport he also raced for Coventry, King's Lynn, Poole, Swindon and Eastbourne.

The British Speedway Promoters' Association said in a statement: "The BSPA's thoughts are with Lee's family and friends at this awful time."