GLASGOW’S Lee Complin admits he only took up speedway because of foot and mouth disease!
The gritty Yorkshire star was revealed as the Allied Vehicles Tigers first signing for the 2024 season at Firhill Stadium on Friday night.
But Complin, 39, revealed that he only switched to speedway because grasstrack was curtailed by the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001.
He said: “I had no intention of racing speedway because I had nothing to do with grasstrack because it was stopped by foot and mouth.
“Once I started on speedway I never looked back. I only quit the sport because I had a young family.
“After I took 11 years out I came back to racing once I knew I could dedicate myself and enjoy it.
“Signing for Glasgow was just an amazing thing to do. To win the league title last year was unbelievable.”
Complin was the hero in the Championship title glory win, especially after turning round the semi-final victory over Oxford at Ashfield.
Now he wants more success. He added: “I think the spirit of the club with the fans and owners combined really made such a huge difference.
“Now it’s up to the riders to create the same bond we had in the pits last season again. That determination in the squad got us over the line.
“Personally, I know I can be much better. My journey back to my best has only just started.
“I now weigh four stone less than when I returned to the sport at the start of 2022. I’ve been working so hard to get in the best possible shape. I’ve been sticking to a strict diet of chicken and brown rice and working out in the gym.
“I want to keep progressing. I know that 2024 can be another amazing year for the Tigers. Defending a title is always difficult but I believe in this club. There’s such a huge winning mentality to do it again.
“Once you’ve tasted that success, you want that feeling again and again. It will be tough but we are bang up for it.”
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.