Legendary Glasgow Speedway Rider's Motorcycle Makes Riverside Museum Debut
Glasgow Tigers icon Steve Lawson's motorcycle joins historic company
Glasgow Tigers legend Steve Lawson is ‘honoured’ as his motorcycle makes its debut at Riverside Museum.
Steve Lawson is Glasgow Tigers longest serving captain and most successful rider and he watched on with pride as the bike he won so many times on was added to the iconic motorbike wall at Riverside Museum.
The occasion also provided a fantastic reunion between Steve Lawson and Stuart Coleman. Mel Coleman, Stuarts father who owned Parkhead Autospares and Strathclyde Training Services sponsored Steve Lawson during his time at the Tigers. This inspired Stuart Coleman to pursue his dreams and become a champion racer of his own.
Lawson retired after a record-breaking run with the Tigers just as Coleman began his career as a speedway racer. The bike, now immortalized on the museum wall, passed from Lawson on to Coleman. Coleman also went on to race for Glasgow Tigers.
The bike joins illustrious company on the popular motorbike wall as it sits alongside iconic bikes such as the Beeston Humber of 1903 and Ewan McGregor’s BMW R1200 from 2007. The Antig-Framed Weslake Speedway 500 cc motorbike was built by Stuart Coleman to represent Steve Lawson’s achievement throughout three decades of which he spent 14 seasons riding for the Tigers.
Coleman built the bike with a Westlake engine from the 1970-80's and the antig Westlake rolling chassis from the 1990's. As a young rider it was cheaper to buy second hand, Steve was the consummate professional and his equipment was immaculate, as a result most of Stuart’s bikes had first belonged to Steve. Coleman’s first race was at home in 1988, after numerous years racing and a period abroad, he made a triumphant return to Glasgow Tigers, taking up the position of youth team coach. In 2019 they became the first Scottish team to win the Northern junior league 4 team tournament.
Chair of Glasgow Life, Councillor David McDonald said: “We are very grateful to Glasgow Tigers Supporter’s Club for their generous donation to the city’s collection. Steve’s bike was previously on show at the old museum of transport and I know many speedway enthusiasts are delighted to see it make its debut at Riverside.
“Steve Lawson enjoyed a glittering speedway career. It’s a fast and furious sport and I’m amazed at the speed racers can achieve. However, I think that like me, many people will be pleased to have an opportunity to admire the bike in all its glory rather than seeing it fly by on the track.”
Steve Lawson added: “I rode for Glasgow for 14 seasons, spending most of my career there. So, I feel honoured that my bike’s going on display in the Riverside Museum. Speedway’s a minority sport and it’s great to give it mainstream exposure.
“Seeing the bike again fills me with happy memories. Riding for Glasgow was a great time for me – the fans were very welcoming, generous and made me feel wanted. I became part of the furniture! I remember the fans used to do a ‘Stevie Lawson chant’ which stood the hairs up on the back of my neck – that was really touching.”
Stuart Coleman said: “As a Glaswegian I’ve always loved the transport museum. As a kid we visited regularly, and I continue to do so now with my own children. It's with a real sense of pride that I’m part of this tribute to the legend that is Super Steve Lawson, Glasgow Tigers best ever rider.
"I’m sure it will inspire future generations of young riders to see for themselves the proud history and achievements speedway has in the city. It’s a joy to see the bike on display at Riverside and hopefully we’ll see some of the people from Riverside visit us at the home of Glasgow Speedway.”
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