Speed siblings go flat out for success

Matthew Speed, 32, and his older sibling, Steven, 35, have mounted a two-pronged attack on this year’s East Midlands Racing Association (EMRA) Championships.

The brothers, from Whitchurch, have also formed Team Speed with the aim of winning that elusive first championship.

And the omens are looking good for Matthew after finishing second and fourth during the opening round of the EMRA series in the rookie class.

He also secured two second-place finishes during round two.

“You could say I’m already in the latter stages of a racing career but I’m really going for the rookie series this year because I think I can go all the way in that one,” he said.

“I’ve also entered the 600cc supersport class this year but decided against entering both races after running out of tyres.

“It paid off in the end with the rookie results but that’s a mistake I won’t be making again.

“All in all it feels like it’s going to be a really good season, especially if the first round is anything to go by.

“My brother, Steve, is also racing in the EMRA but he couldn’t make the opening round due to prior family commitments.”

Matthew is only in his second year of racing but his brother is returning to the scene having enjoyed plenty of success in his younger days.

Steve works at Speedy Decals and Matthew as a lorry driver for HJ Lea Oakes, based in Aston, Nantwich.

Both jobs help towards the racing and the brothers are also backed by Mike Evans, of Greener Haulier, who helps out with sponsorship at the start of each season.

Their ZX6R Kawasakis engines are tuned by BMC Racing, which is run by Mike Dorey.

“We’ve formed Team Speed but this is only my second season,” said Matt.

“After racing in 2015 I missed last year, but I really want to give it a go in 2017 to see if I can actually do this – and after the first weekend’s results, I think I can.

“My brother used to be very good at racing too and he’s come back for a second stint to race alongside me.

“Although he’s never won any titles, he’s won some big club races.

“As ever, a lot of it comes down to the funding really and being able to afford everything. We’ve both got decent jobs now but more sponsorship would be great if anyone out there is interested.

“We’re also both racing in the No Limits series, me in the newcomer class and Steven in the 600cc class.

“Steven’s also racing the supersport and superstock in the EMRA, so we will be racing together in that one.

“My brother won quite a few EMRA races when he was younger.”

Matt admits, though, that the drive to do well this season does play second fiddle sometimes to simply being able to get out on the track and race alongside his brother.

“It’s great we can do this together because you’re not around forever, so you’ve got to make the most of your time and it’s great we’re working as a team on this,” he said.

“We’re hoping to spur each other on.

“We’re both racing ZX6R Kawasakis, which are completely identical, only with different coloured wheels.”

Anyone wishing to sponsor the pair should call Matthew on 07957 248109 or email mspeed2009@live.co.uk