PETE ’ S PEOPLE
piece of kit was paid for by his work in the optical industry . He rode for numerous clubs such as The Aldershot Shots , California Poppies , Southern Rovers , Rayleigh Rockets , Norwich Stars in 1958 . The Swindon Robins and Rye House Rockets in ’ 59 , and in 1961 he joined the New Cross Rangers for the National League . He was Club Captain for three clubs , including the Wolverhampton Wolves , leading them to a Provincial Speedway League win in 1963 , and claiming the Southern Riders Championship in 1964 , and took the club into the 1965 British League season – performing very well . In 1966 he joined the Exeter Falcons , and top scored for them in the British League , gaining a place in the 1966 British League Riders Championship . He rode for Exeter for three seasons with the Hackney Hawks in 1969 . In all he was the captain of League Championshipwinning clubs four times . In his astounding speedway career , he participated in over 4300 recorded races , and won 47 individual championships and events , racing in England , Scotland , Wales , Ireland , Germany , Holland , New Zealand , and even in New Caledonia . His International caps include five for Great Britain , six for England and one for New Zealand , and he was the Test Team Captain for England and Great Britain , once each , and here in New Zealand he became NZ Team Manager in 1975 for three internationals . Tommy Sweetman performed at the top level of Speedway , and in his race career he scored maximum points in 148 meetings . This level of sporting achievement is barely rivalled in any sport to this point , but Tommy Sweetman continued in the sport in many roles , including Track promoter , Trainer , Speedway New Zealand Referee , and Speedway New Zealand Steward .
GOLD BARS AND THE SPEEDWAY LIFE I asked Tommy if he had other interests . He looked at me like I was slightly mad . He has remained dedicated to the sport of Speedway every day of his life since 1946 . That ’ s it .
92 KIWI RIDER