**Chris Hunt** (b. 1964, Oxford). Rider 1980–84 (Swindon, Exeter, Milton Keynes), then returned 2002 as Wimbledon captain after an chance encounter with promoter Dave Croucher at a practice track.

Inspired to ride by watching Barry Briggs at Oxford Stadium aged five. Trained at Hackney; mechanical knowledge came from his father. First career ended bitterly when Milton Keynes withdrew a promised 1985 team place; he sold all his equipment and quit.

At Wimbledon, he saw his role partly as mentoring younger riders. Hit the gym heavily to prepare for his comeback at 38. Notes the shift from upright to laydown engines made bikes easier to handle. Suffered multiple concussions and has since developed Parkinson's, which he attributes to the sport.

**Best memory:** a 2003 Knockout Cup match against Boston, coming back from a heavy first-leg deficit to force a replay in the final heat. **Worst memory:** the rain-ruined opening meeting of 2002. Superstition: never wore green. Describes the stadium's enclosed wooden grandstands as creating an atmosphere unlike any other track — "the Wembley of speedway." Remains in contact with fans. Devastated by the eventual closure, which he regards as permanent.