THEY say nice guys don’t win world championships.

Try telling that to Mark Loram.

Loramski is one of the most genuine guys on the speedway circuit.

He has a friendly and laid back persona, both with fans and his fellow riders, which might have cost him the world title. Just take Leigh Adams, for example.

The difference is, Loram’s exceptional class on a bike saw him overcome a potentially lethal attack of nerves to maintain his composure and lift the trophy in Bydgoszcz in 2000.

And 30,000 Polish fans, at the mercurial Tomasz Gollob’s hometown track, saluted Loramski’s magnificent achievement like he was one of their own, which says it all really.

I’ve been fortunate enough to work closely with most of speedway’s leading stars of the nineties and noughties.

But, in my opinion, Loram stands head and shoulders above them all for his spectacular, never-say-die, magical overtaking-by-the-boards style of riding.

And for his approachability when it comes to interviews.

He always made himself available and always had something worthwhile to say.

Characteristically, during his memorable two-year spell with Poole in 1999 and 2000, he’d let me ring him early on Sunday mornings (pre-Echo website days) after each GP to get his thoughts on his performance for Monday’s edition.

He was probably still high on adrenaline and had the minimum of sleep, but always answered his phone.

In short, Loramski deserves the biggest crowd possible for his benefit at Poole tonight.

Gates open at 6pm. Don’t be late.