THE NEW FACE IN TOWN (From Bournemouth Echo)

THE NEW FACE IN TOWN

7:00am Friday 27th June 2008 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

AMBITIOUS Chris Holder admits he would like to be the person to complete mission impossible - by breaking Craig Boyce's Pirates record.

Legend Boyce, who enjoyed his farewell meeting on Wednesday night, heads the club's list of all-time leading scorers with more than 4,000 points.

Many people, including Poole Castle Cover chief Matt Ford, believe Boyce's achievement will never be bettered.

But 20-year-old Australian Holder, who Ford has dubbed the Cristiano Ronaldo of speedway, is keen to stay at the club for a long period and write his name into the history books along with the likes of Boyce and current captain Bjarne Pedersen.

He said: "That's a pretty good record to be all-time record scorer. I hope I can break it one day.

"To have that record is great, it's good he's managed to do that. We're really good mates so it would be pretty funny (if I broke it).

"I like the club and have enjoyed it so far. I wouldn't really want to jump round teams if I can stay at one club.

"Poole is probably one of the best clubs and I'm happy to stay there. As long as everything goes all right, I'm more than happy to stay."

Holder was among a number of leading riders, including former Pirate Jason Crump, to participate in his fellow countryman's farewell meeting in front of more than 3,000 fans at Poole Stadium on Wednesday.

The Australian champion enjoyed the occasion after his team - Bournemouth Bedding Centre - claimed a convincing victory in a four-team tournament.

"It was good fun and went off really well," said Holder.

"Those sort of meetings are funny because it's a bit of fun and it's not really serious, but it was good to have a ride with my mates."

The former Isle of Wight star paid tribute to Boyce, a man he believes is a good role model.

"He's pretty well known down here and had a good time with the crowd and stuff," Holder told the Daily Echo.

"It was good to see him have a good meeting and have a bit of a ride.

"He's a really good friend of our family. I've known him since I was a baby and have had a lot to do with him.

"He's a good person to look up to and he was a good rider in his day and had a good career."

Meanwhile, Holder will be restricted to a watching brief on Saturday at the British Grand Prix in Cardiff. But he's still looking forward to the showpiece event.

He said: "It would be great to ride in something like that.

"Everyone has a good time and it's an awesome meeting to watch."