Mike Hampson
British speedway rider
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Michael John Hampson (born 26 July 1973) is a former motorcycle speedway rider from England.[1]
Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, England
| Born | 26 July 1973 Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, England |
|---|---|
| Nationality | British (English) |
| Career history | |
| 1990–1992 | Belle Vue Aces |
| 1993–1995 | Long Eaton Invaders |
| 1995, 1997 | Sheffield Tigers |
| 1995–1997 | Buxton Hitmen |
| 1996 | Hull Vikings |
| Individual honours | |
| 1996 | NL Riders' champion |
Biography
Hampson, born in Ashton-under-Lyne, began his British leagues career riding for Belle Vue Aces during the 1990 British League season after being called up following team injury problems at the Manchester club.[2] He continued to ride for the Belle Vue Colts in 1991 and 1992, becoming their captain in the process.[3]
In 1993, he secured a loan deal to ride for Long Eaton Invaders,[4] where he impressed, posting a 5.68 average in his first season with them.[5]
After racing for the Invaders during 1994[6] he signed for the 1995 season but switched to join the Sheffield Tigers when the opportunity to ride in the highest division (the 1995 Premier League speedway season) surfaced.[7] It was also in 1995 that he joined Buxton Hitmen in the 1995 Academy League.[8]
The following season in 1996, he won his most significant honour by claiming the National League Riders' Championship as a Buxton rider. He also doubled up with Hull Vikings for the 1996 Premier League speedway season.[9]
Hampson rode for Sheffield Tigers and Buxton in 1997.[10] He suffered a serious hand injury which contributed to his early retirement from speedway.