New captain for Kaparna – Shane Parker
Kaparna has made a top signing this year. Shane Parker is a team rider who will be able to  help the coaches to get the most out of the team.
Proud to be chosen captain

Welcome back to Kaparna. You are known as a showman and to be inspiring for a team. “Well, I am really proud and happy to have been entrusted o lead Kaparna back to the Elite league. As you know, I know Stefan Andersson very well after our time together in Piraterna. I am surprised he didn't get the confidence. He is a very nice guy who always has a friendly word for anybody. I look upon it as a compliment that I was chosen.” Success is very important for the team this year. Do you feel the burden on your shoulders? “Maybe a little, but I am professional. It is my job to handle this and I am used to it.”

We have a team for the top league

Do you know the drivers in your team? “I don't have full control, but with the riders I know about I believe our team is good enough to win the league. With a good team spirit we can pick 5 – 6 points extra per competition. Team spirit is tremendously important.. If a guy has tough day the others must support him. Even if everybody is focused on his own mission we are much stronger if we can stick together. One of my carriers great moments was when I helped Piraterna up to the Elite league. I hope to do the same for Kaparna. We have a strong team and the coaches have probably made their home lesson now.” Shane used a lot of words to express his thoughts about how to  get the most out of a team. I can only summarize it as team spirit, team spirit and team spirit again.
What a fine guy

It is inspiring to talk to Shane. A few cues and the comments flow out of him. I can easily understand that he and Stefan Andersson go on very well together, both very talkative and friendly. Hen he describes his engagement for speedway I do feel he is burning for the sport. His mail address, fireparker, suits him very well. It will be a pleasure to watch him beat the opponents and have show when he succeeds.

Shane likes Kim Jansson

When talking about the drivers in this years team I mention Kim.  Shane says: “Yes, Kim Jansson is in the team this year. I am glad to hear that. He is doing better and better. He can be very good. Kaparna needs a local talented guy. But I suppose his matches in England will be on the same day as ours.”

A long career, 20 years in Australia and 10 of them in England as well

Shane, 36 shortly before the league premiere, has a 20 years long career as a speedway rider. 10 of those years he has also been driving on the British islands. There have been testimonials both in England and Australia last year. “It was a very good year. I made fine results. Maybe I have learnt to use my head better!” You will continue in Glasgow this year? “Yes, I will drive for Glasgow and Kaparna. I am slowly coming nearer to the end of my career.”
Took a lot of points for Glasgow Tigers last year

Glasgow Tigers ended up as number three from the bottom in Premier league 2005, but as I have found out you picked quite a few point yourself. “Yes, my testimonial year has been fine. I made good results in Glasgow Tigers.”

2 or 3 bikes in Sweden

When will we see you in Sweden? “I don’t know exactly, but I have to go over and arrange with bikes and spare parts before we start. I want to have a new bike there. I may have three bikes available. It is essential to have everything in order.”

Injuries is part of the sport

You have of course not been able to avoid injuries during 20 years of speedway driving? “No, but I have been rather lucky. A broken leg and severed foot that doesn’t work properly are my evident memories. It is a part of the speedway.” Does your wife think so too? “She knew before we married!”

Shane has an interesting homepage

The three years Shane joined Kaparna I had other things in mind than speedway. When calling him to have a chat all I new about him was what I had heard from other club enthusiasts. Now I have my own opinion, he is a full-fledged professional! A few examples:

  • Check his homepage. Informative and very personal.

  • During our telephone chat I ask him to send a few photos. A few ours later the same evening I find these high quality photos in my mailbox.

  • He is chairman of the British riders Union. That tells something about him and how his diver colleagues look upon him.

  • At last a comment from Shane that says a lot: “If the spectators come to our matches to stand and watch for 16 heats, it is my duty to serve them a bit of show.”

Congratulations Kaparna – and the spectators!

A few quotes from Glasgow Tigers homepage

It wouldn't be wrong to suggest that few at Ashfield realized how good Shane was when he joined the Tigers. We knew he would be a good signing but never realized the effect he would have on the club. He has been riding for Glasgow for two years and his contribution on track has been immense. Definitely one of the best riders to have worn the red and white.

The Aussie took to the Ashfield track like a duck to water. His debut against the Armadale side saw him drop one point from five rides, but he then went on a run of being undefeated on twenty five consecutive races around Saracen Park. This run spanned six matches and Shane's sequence was ended by none other than Kauko Nieminen. Hopefully that bodes well for the coming season!

It takes a very good rider to defeat our Aussie at Saracen Park, and his team riding exploits with James Cockle in particular have been quite superb. When a rider is holding back two opponents who are clearly going faster than his partner at the front of the race, then that is a mark of true speedway class. There are few riders these days who can truly team ride but the Tigers skipper is in that elite group.

Links

Shane Parker:                      http://www.fireparker.com

Glasgow Tigers:                   http://www.glasgowspeedway.co.uk
 

Anders W