One of the delights of working in Speedway is the fact that you can get to know the riders easily and strike up a good relationship.
But when they get hurt, it upsets you. And when a rider pays the ultimate price for their passion of riding a motorcycle, it really hurts.
Lee Richardson was a fantastic rider, make no mistake about that. However, above and beyond that he was also a really nice guy.
Lee Richardson: Died after accident in Poland on Sunday
Whenever we were at a meeting which involved 'Rico' we would always share some banter in the pits. He'd be warming his bike up, we'd be preparing to go on air.
He liked his football, liked his nice cars and the most important thing is he thought everything of his family. Every time he went out on his bike to race for his clubs, he was also providing for his wife and children. He was building for a bright future.
Rico was a businessman as well as a speedway rider and a hugely articulate, intelligent man. He was great to listen to because he always had an opinion and a strong one at that.
Nigel Pearson
Quotes of the week
Rico was a businessman as well as a speedway rider and a hugely articulate, intelligent man. He was great to listen to because he always had an opinion and a strong one at that.
But he wasn't arrogant, he made his point in a polite and appropriate manner. Amongst the serious talk was the light hearted banter which made him my type of person.
Great
You only have to go through Lee's career stats to appreciate what a great rider he was.
You don't need me to sit here and type out his achievements, they are obvious and there for all to see.
And when we arrived at Belle Vue 24 hours after Lee's tragic accident, we were desperate to do the fellah proud.
The footage the guys on the Sky Speedway team pulled out was fantastic and underlined what a class act he was in this most dangerous of sports.
Forgive me for not focusing on his achievements as a rider, but this piece is all about a perfectly normal, family man who has lost his life doing what he loves.
I sincerely hope that, in time, Lee's family will be able to rejoice at the wonderful memories he has left us all with.
Speedway may not be the high profile sport it once was. However, it's full of loyalty, emotion and passion and right now the 'Speedway Family' is right behind Lee's wife, children and other family members.
Race in Peace, Rico.
Comments (3)
John Woolley says...
I was absolutely gutted to hear the news about Lee terrible loss to speedway greater loss to his family, he always seemed to be intelligent, articulate, and unasuming sure to be involved in Speedway in some capacity when he finished racing.A terrible reminder to everyone that this is a dangerous sport and riders put everything on the line every time they go to race. no overated over paid namby pambys in this sport.Deepest condolences to Lee's family and friends at this tragic time.
Posted 23:16 16th May 2012
Roger Rolph says...
you will be greatly missed at Lakeside and all over the speedway world. So tragic,can,t believe it.My thoughts are with his family. R.I.P.Rico.
Posted 23:13 16th May 2012
Charlie Ross says...
well said nigel , will be sadly missed , great sport but can be cruel sometimes
Posted 22:35 16th May 2012