Deadman and Wolves

I've banged on about Wolverhampton and the English Black Country before, but I've yet to mention the brilliant Tommy Deadman. A pioneer of British speedway, Deadman captained one of the first English clubs, Wolverhampton Wolves, formed in 1928, as well as racing hillclimbs and grasstrack. He was also a pioneer of motorcycle football, later to be known as motoball and still responsible for the bloodied shins of devotees around the globe. A test rider at Sunbeam, he built the bike he's pictured on here, his 'Sprint Special', using bits cadged from broken factory racers. Loads more over at Wolverhampton History, along with photos and clippings, such as these here, supplied by Deadman's daughter, June. MP 

Woffy Woffy Woffy!

Big congratulations to Tai Woffinden on becoming World Speedway Champion earlier this week at the last round in Torun, Poland. The Scunthorpe lad is the first Brit to pick up the title since Mark Loram in 2000. It's been a big season for the 23-year-old, who also collected the British Speedway title along the way, as well as two broken collar bones - the same one - the last time just two weeks ago.

This was only his second time on the World GP circuit, the first being an ill-advised and forgettable foray in 2010, only months after the death of his father, former speedway rider Rob. Thanks in no small part to the expert attention of Peter Adams at Tai's club, Wolves, he's really shone this year, showing classy verve and a full-on style that makes his races memorable. MP

Here he is in a great race in the European round of the World Championships at Bydgoszcz, Poland, in April this year: