CORY GATHERCOLE was one of Swindon's heroes in the 49-43 victory over Belle Vue at Blunsdon, scoring a battling 3+1 points from the reserve berth.
He said: “I felt it went really well [against Belle Vue]. I remember last year I fell in my first race for the Robins and felt a bit silly, so I was keen to make a better start this year.
"Everybody’s been so good to me at Swindon, so to go out and get a 5-1 with Seb [Alden] was unreal. I made a good start in the race, but then got a bit excited and the track caught me out a little, but luckily enough I’ve got a little more experience this year, so I sorted myself out and found my line.
"I could see where Seb was riding and he was getting a good line, so I just copied what he was doing and we managed to pull away from their guys.
“It is so good for confidence to get some points under my belt. I’ve just bought two new GM engines off Peter Johns and they seem to be going really well, so to score 3+1 points helps to pay for them.
"Speedway is expensive, but I’ve come to the conclusion that doing anything that is fun is expensive! Yes, I’ve spent a lot of money, but I hope in return it helps me make some money back, to be honest with you.
"To ride for Swindon is what I want to do and where I want to be, so to get the opportunity is good, and the crowd are really supportive.”
A lot has already been made of Cory’s relationship to Leigh Adams, with Gathercole getting his first rides here in the UK a couple of seasons ago with the Swindon Sprockets.
He explained: “I’m second cousin to Leigh, but to be honest we’re more like neighbours than being close family. It’s got to be a bonus as he’s helping me out a lot over here in the UK.
"He’s unreal, I was up with him and his mechanic, Billy, all day with both of my bikes before the meeting [with Belle Vue] and they were helping me put the engines in, so it’s a big thank you to both of them.
"Leigh is priceless with help, with setting things up, with information on everything to do with the track - he’s just perfect.
“Obviously it’s unfortunate for Theo to be injured, especially so early in the season. But hopefully I can fill in and do a good job in place of him, get a few rides and it should help push me along.
"I’m having a good time with the Isle of Wight, it’s my second year and I’m feeling pretty comfortable with things there.
"I’ve had a couple of good scores so far this year and the aim is to become a heat-leader with them, move my average up, and hopefully put myself in a position to step up full-time with Swindon in the near future.”
