Dons captain ready to lead the hunt for honours.

Last September when the ambitious plans to resurrect Wimbledon Speedway were first made public, no one was prouder than the newly appointed Captain for the 2002 season, Chris Hunt.

Dons captain ready to lead the hunt for honours.

Last September when the ambitious plans to resurrect Wimbledon Speedway were first made public, no one was prouder than the newly appointed Captain for the 2002 season, Chris Hunt.

"It was a dream come true," confirmed the affable Hunt on his appointment as skipper of the illustrious Dons. Many famous riders have worn the Captain's mantle with pride over the preceding seasons, including Norman Parker, Ronnie Moore and Tommy Jansson, and Hunt is well aware of the extra responsibility that the job carries. "The promoters have put their faith in me to lead the side, and I won't let anyone down."

Yet less than two years ago, the chances of seeing Chris Hunt riding a speedway bike were pretty remote. A promising career had seemingly ended back in 1985 when he was a victim of the dreaded points limit which has long been used to equalise the strengths of speedway teams.

Chris began his career in 1980 riding for Swindon and after a spell at Exeter moved on in 1982 to Milton Keynes. It was riding for the Knights that Hunt began to develop his potential, averaging nearly 5 points per meeting as reserve in 1984. However, following his last minute exclusion from the 1985 Knights line up, Hunt promptly retired from speedway at the ripe age of 21!

He remained lost to the sport until 2000 when a certain David Croucher, keen to find new talent for his Southampton Saints, spotted him practising at Reading. Chris duly became a Saint and rode in a number of fixtures that season.

Last season saw only limited opportunities to ride for the Newport Mavericks in the Conference League, but Chris knew that his match fitness was somewhat lacking, and his sights were soon aimed at the return of speedway to the capital.

Hunt cannot wait for the new season to begin and has been spending up to three nights a week at a local gym, getting "fitter than ever before". Hindsight is a great ability, and the knowledge that the 37 year-old Dons skipper has missed out on some fifteen years has left him focussed on the challenges ahead.

"I feel there is some unfinished business, and I want to repay Dave and Steve for all their help and support."

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