Meeting ‘Mister Pirates’

Smallwood has been following Poole since 1973 when he first saw Smithie in action out on the track at Wimborne Road.

The 49-year-old schoolteacher is vice-principal at Bredon School in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, and is based in nearby Dursley, where he was born.

Amazingly, the fact he lives and works about 100 miles away from Poole hasn't stopped Smallwood following Pirates closely for 34 years. And he is still on cloud nine after a first visit to Smith's Verwood Ford car dealership where he caught up with a world class rider who made such a big impression on him as a teenager.

Smallwood said: "I have always known about Pete's garage because he has an advert in Poole's programme and I wanted to meet one of my heroes when I was a kid.

"I'd already met Odd Fossengen, who'd ridden in the same team as Peter, last year and they are my two idols.

"So I called into Pete's place, I have to admit it was unannounced, and I couldn't believe the welcome I got.

"To sit on Pete's bike was just amazing. I have met Prince Harry, had lunch in the House of Lords and passed my headteacher's qualification in January.

"But sitting on his bike knocked that into a cocked hat!"

Smallwood added: "It's better than those things because in a way it is much more real life. It gives you a buzz and it made me think about my youth.

"It also puts things into perspective. It was great having lunch at the House of Lords, meeting Prince Harry at a polo match and passing my qualification, but I think my heart is in Poole Stadium and those things don't mean as much as meeting Pete Smith.

"I never had the chance to talk to him when I was younger, so it was great to have met him now."

Smallwood, who writes in the fans' forum on Poole's official website under the name The Bredon Pirate', saw his first meeting when he stayed with family friends who live in Parkstone.

"My first match was in 1973," said Smallwood. "We beat Cradley 40-38 (in a Speedway Star Knockout Cup second round, second leg, tie on May 30) and it was the smell. I was on the corner, I didn't know what was going on and I got whacked in the face with shale. I stayed in Parkstone every summer and was hooked really.

"It was Pete and his team that got me fired up. It was in my blood and I couldn't keep away.

"I have been at Bredon School for about 20 years now and I always take the children to speedway each year.

"The meetings we have gone to have always been Poole away, so I have introduced hundreds of youngsters to speedway at places like Wolves, Swindon and Cradley, the closest tracks to our school.

"I've taught in Kent, Accrington and Tewkesbury but I have always seen Poole at least once a season since 1973.

"In the 70s there was just something about Smithie. He was like royalty. I could see all the riders held him in awe.

"Then Simmo (Malcolm Simmons) came in '75 but Pete was always Mr Poole Pirates'."

Smith, Poole's second all-time leading league and cup points scorer with 3,427 from 1963 to 1977, has owned Verwood Ford with his wife Pat since 1978.

The bike Smallwood sat on was a 500cc Jawa two-valve from about 1977.

"It was one of the last," said Smith. "It has never been raced, never been started up.

"I bought it for nostalgic reasons, to give it pride of place in the showroom.

"It feels fantastic when supporters like Jon drop in. It's not just about me though, it's about the whole team at Poole from that era.

"It's great he can remember it like he can which is the lovely part about it."

Also on display is a 1980s 500cc Godden four-valve bike, Smith's original Sportac leathers from 1973-1974, number one race jacket, old speedway photographs and other memorabilia from that time.

Smith, whose daughter Cindy is company secretary and son Jason, also a former Pirates rider, is sales manager, added: "People are quite welcome to come and have a look at the bikes and memorabilia.

"Speedway has always been a family sport and if people enjoy looking at the bikes I'm happy."