Track Talk: Luke Becker can be Wolverhampton Wolves’ All American

But I hesitated to write this column with Luke as the main thread was because I’m not sure he needs so much media attention right now.

That said, he’s a confident young man. He has good support and advice from one of the greatest ever riders, Greg Hancock – a man well known in this area thanks to his time with Cradley Heath in the old Dudley Wood days. It’s something I mention quite often on TV when I’m commentating on him!

I first saw Luke in action at a World Cup event two years ago and he won a race. I seem to recall shouting ‘Remember the name, Luke Becker’. Wolves bosses clearly did! And while I wasn’t at Monmore for his stunning performance in the Bank Holiday win over Belle Vue – football duties dominated my Easter – his score didn’t surprise me.

This all points to something I’ve been saying for the last few years – I’m keen to see a new American star break on to the British scene.

I’m not saying he will become the next Penhall, Ermolenko, Correy, Hancock or Hamill, but he’s got potential and I’ll be watching his progress with interest.

American riders have the charisma and flamboyant attitude towards life which makes them popular with supporters – and that’s important in these challenging times with clubs looking to appeal to a younger audience.

Also, Ipswich are back in the big time – and it’s great to see.

The Witches are next up at Monmore on Monday night and personally I’m delighted to see a club with such a rich history back in the Premiership.

So far the move appears to have been successful with good crowds in Suffolk. They have a good side with British duo Chris Harris and Danny King leading the way – but they have strength at reserve with ex-Wolf Cameron Heeps and Jake Allen. They’ll be a test for their Wolves counterparts.

It should be a good meeting and I expect a close, entertaining night of racing – be there!

Meanwhile, it was great to spend Tuesday with the new-look Cradley side.

As part of the club managerial team, it’s one regret that business means I don’t get to see the Heathens race very often, so I was pleased to get to know the boys at our practice session over at Leicester.

They seem a good set of lads and I told them all we ever ask is that they do their best and try and enjoy themselves. And that’s what I want fans to do – simply enjoy it. Without a track of our own, we simply live year-by-year and we thank Wolverhampton for hosting us again this season.

It’s one regret of our time at the club that we have been unsuccessful – along with several other parties – in finding land of our own.

But when Mildenhall come to Monmore on Monday week (May 6) it’s time to enjoy the racing and back the boys.