**Kim Thompson** | Born 1966, London | Interviewed 21 April 2026

Attended Wimbledon Speedway 1973–1991 and 2002–2005. Introduced by her father, who worked at a surplus tyre supplier servicing riders' bikes, giving the family pit access and personal connections to many riders.

**Experience as a fan:** Preferred grandstand box 9 (on the start line), later moving pitside in her teens. Attended virtually every meeting across 18 years, including returning two days after giving birth. Travelled to away meetings across the UK by coach and car. Questioned value for money compared to other sports given race duration.

**Riders:** Main heroes were Larry Ross (rode Wimbledon 1975–80, took her to away meetings, kept bikes in a garage on her road) and Tommy Jansson (killed 1976, aged 23; she remains in contact with his brother Bo in Sweden and has visited). Describes learning of Jansson's death via the morning paper as a child.

**Stadium and atmosphere:** Describes layout in detail — grandstand, popular enclosure, bars, burger bar. Generally inclusive family atmosphere; police presence extremely rare. Main rivalry with Hackney, driven by fans rather than riders. Music played between races; programmes, photos, rosettes and the *Speedway Star* available.

**Fan clubs:** Member of several individual rider fan clubs; describes newsletters, membership cards, and signed birthday cards.

**Working at the stadium:** Volunteered on the pit gate 2003–2005 after initially selling raffle tickets. Strict about admissions even with friends.

**Closure:** Stoical at the 1991 closure; sad at the final 2005 meeting. Notes fan numbers declined after the 1985 drop to National League. Her father, a fan since 1948, gave up in around 1980 but remained engaged from home.

**Key relationships:** Still in contact with Julie Richardson (mother of Lee Richardson, killed racing 2013, whom Kim looked after as a child), Bo Jansson, and fellow fan John Stevens.