Comeback Successes And Looking Ahead

This time last year we were all looking ahead to the 2021 season and the exciting new venture that was the Berwick Bullets. Safe to say things worked out pretty well for them and one man who was involved in many of the highlights of that season was Greg Blair. Now as we all know Greg was making a somewhat surprising comeback after a decade or so away from it, and rider of the year trophies from supporters and his team mates would suggest it was a fairly successful comeback!

But what does the man himself have to say about it all? Quite a lot as it happens and I caught up with him to see what he has to say about last season, this season and a whole lot more!

1. We last spoke in May when your comeback was well underway, which overall must’ve been viewed as massive success, you must have been pleased with how it went?

GB – What can I say? My comeback season was unbelievable, the way things went was better than expected. Admittedly I had a few downs throughout the season which the fans don’t always see as I try keep positive for myself and team. But it comes with the territory and you have to accept that speedway comes with highs and lows. In saying that there were a lot more highs than there were lows! 

2. With last season in mind, what’s the aim for 2022 in terms of building upon that?

GB – Less mistakes, on track and in the workshop. A few things let me down last season and with the help I get from riders and ex riders like Theo, Uncle Kev, Mitchell Davey and Sean Courtney, we managed to iron out a few issues towards the end of the season. I’m looking to make that all happen again and hit the ground running when we go racing.

3. The Bullets team for 2022 has a familiar looking feel to it, and having went so close to National League glory last season, do you feel you can go one better this season?

GB – I would say we can do it, the team came on leaps and bounds throughout the year, each rider made massive improvements and it shows with them securing their team place for 2022! I’m looking forward to getting out with Ace Pijper, he’s a good kid and has his head screwed on. I must say I feel for his mum Carrie who has to endure with Theo, Ace and Stene in three different leagues of Saturday nights racing! 

To look at the Bullets team there’s not just 7 riders there in that team, we have so much support from mechanics too. They all help us out, there’s times where my dad (Drew) is away helping someone else and I’ve ended up with another riders mechanic! It’s chaotic at times but it’s so good how well everyone gets on! Having Kevin Little in our team is great as well, he has a great speedway brain and is always there with advice and if we need to sharpen up on something uncle Kev is the man to go to!

4. Moving on to Bandits business, there has been a buzz around since the signing of Chris Harris was announced, just what does a signing like that do for the club?

GB – For the Berwick promotion to secure a rider like Chris Harris is brilliant. Bomber will attract crowds, and he really does give it 100% when he’s out on track. Shielfield will suit his style to the ground and I expect to see many race wins for him this season which of course will keep the fans happy!

5. With that in mind, do you see the Bandits challenging for honours this year? 

GB – If I’m honest I think the Berwick team last year had a strong home side when things went right but away from home things didn’t always go to plan. Looking at the riders for 2022 there’s a great amount of experienced riders who have been around British speedway for a long time which will certainly help with away form. I do feel like this season will be a wee bit longer than last season for Bandits fans and some extra holidays from work will be needed towards the business end of the year! 

6. Finally, on a personal level what are your own ambitions and hopes for 2022?

GB – For me I’m still going into this year as I did last year, I’ve no pressure on myself. If I’m riding good I’ll get asked into the championship for some guest bookings, maybe even a team place, who knows? But the key to speedway is to enjoy it and that’s what I’m doing. I had a special guest appearance on the commentary with your good self at Redcar back in the summer and I really enjoyed that, it’s something I’d like to get involved in more if I have a quiet spell or happen to be available at a track for it. As many people know I do enjoy a good “blether” so maybe even something for me to look at doing when I hang up the steel shoe for the second and final time!!

My thanks to Greg for agreeing to this and I’m sure like me, you’re looking forward to seeing him back in action in 2022!

Of course if you wish to agree, or disagree with the Mythman, have an idea for a feature, or you simply want to chew the fat over all things speedway, you can email me jbspeedwaymedia@hotmail.com or get in touch via the JB Speedway Media Facebook page. If your compliments, or indeed gripes can be contained to limited characters, you can send me a tweet @Mythman666.

Until next time…and there will be a next time.

Right I’ll hae’tae gan

Mythman