I have now fully retired from speedway photography, but this website will stay operational for viewing purposes, hopefully for many years to come. However, the shopping cart facilty will not be operational from 8th July 2011. Therefore, it will not be possible to order photos through the website from that date. If you should require any more photos from the site, I suggest that the order be submitted before that date to avoid disappointment. After that date, It will still be possible to order photographs but only by special arrangement by emailing first - mike@mike-patrick.com.
Sadly, the pictures taken and uploaded from Bydgoszcz marked the end of my forty year career as a speedway photographer. Id like to thank all of those of you who have sent such wonderful messages and good wishes for the future. I've enjoyed every minute of my career and feel very priveleged to have had a job that has brought so much satisfaction, not only to myself but to others. Of course I will miss the speedway, but mainly it'll be the countless number of friends that I have made around the world during those forty years. Thank you all for your support. The website will remain intact so that hopefully you will be able to view and purchase my work for many years to come. Thank you and God Bless you all.
Events added: Friday 8th October - GP11, Polish Grand Prix (Practice), Bydgoszcz. & Saturday 9th October - GP11, Polish Grand Prix, Bydgoszcz.
A new albums has been created for Tony Rickardsson. Pictures have been added from the 1994 World Final, more general pictures will be added soon.
New photos have been added to the following albums: 7"x5".
Unfortunately, due to ongoing health problems, I've had to make the decision not to cover any more meetings in England. I would have loved to have covered the Play Off Final at Poole but after attempting the first leg, it would be unwise for me to do so. I will be travelling to Bydgoszcz to work with Jarek Pabijan covering the final Grand Prix of 2010, but unfortunately this will have to be the very final meeting of my career. The good news is that it will still be possible to purchase photos from this site in the future and I'll be adding more archive material as and when it becomes available, so watch this space!
Event added: Saturday 25th September - GP10, Italian Grand Prix, Terenzano
New photos have been added to the following albums: 7"x5", 10"x8" and 12"x8".
Event added: Saturday 11th September - SGP9, Nordic Grand Prix, Vojens
Event added: Sunday 29th July - SGP8, Croatian Grand Prix, Gorican
Event added: Poole v Wolverhampton (EL2).
Events added: SGP7, Scandinavian GP, Malilla, Sweden
New items have been added to the 12"x8" album.
Events added: SWC Race Off, Vojens, Denmark & SWC Final, Vojens, Denmark
Events added: SWC Round 1, Gorzow, Poland & SWC Round 2, King's Lynn
Event added: Friday 9th July - SGP6, British Grand Prix practice, Cardiff & Saturday 10th July - SGP6, British Grand Prix, Cardiff
It's been evident to many, that during the past four or five years, I've made a gradual reduction in the amount of domestic meetings covered each season. The Grand Prix series and World Cup have made a massive impact on the working year and would take six days out of every two weeks to complete the travelling and work involved.
For some years now it's been increasingly difficult to get through each season and it wasn't until I fell ill after the second GP in 2009 that lung diseases were diagnosed that I didn't even know existed. Bearing heavy photographic equipment has also taken its toll on other parts of the body which resulted in both knees and the back needing surgery in recent years. A combination of all of these complaints made it impossible for me to continue at this level, this season.
I have now come to the point when it really is time to stop and therefore, it's with much sadness and regret that I've made the decision to retire from speedway photography at the end of this year. Cardiff will be my lastworking Grand Prix, but I still hope to be covering a few more Elite League matches during the rest of the 2010 season.
My entire archive of negatives and transparencies have already been purchased by John Somerville, a good friend of speedway, who has previously bought up many other photographer's collections and spends just about all day everyday scanning in negatives and transparencies from years gone by. If the archives had stayed in my possession, I would never have been able to fully retire. The collection has gone to a good home and it's reassuring for me to know that John and his family will make sure that the work will always be available in years to come.
Anyone connected with this great sport will confirm, speedway can be very disruptive to family life. Covering vital meetings has meant that during the past forty years, many important birthdays, anniversaries and family occasions have had to be missed. It's important that I can now give my undivided attention to my wife Jenny, our children and grandchildren for whatever time that is left.
However, I don't plan to come to a complete standstill. From 2011, I intend to teach photography on a part time, one to one basis at many levels. A darkroom is not a neccessity these days so many photographers have not learnt the art of photo finishing, something that is so important. At the same time I will tutoring and giving advice on photo finishing with software such as Photoshop etc., and setting up automated actions which can save many hours of work making the pictures look even better. can save many hours of work and this is something that most photographers really need help with to make their pictures look better.Plans will be announced on this site toward the end of 2010, so check back here for details later in the year and maybe I can help you.
I will ensure that this website remains in place for many a year to come, but unfortunately, at this point in time, I cannot guarantee that the shopping cart will be operational. Therefore, if there is anything that you wish to purchase, I'd advise doing so as soon as possible. I'd like to thank those who have supported me and purchased my work throughout the years.
Of course I'll miss the speedway, but most of all I'll miss all of the wonderful friends that I've made throughout the world during my lifetime. I feel very fortunate to have had a career that has given me so much pleasure. Even now, I still get an enormous kick from seeing my photos in print and most certainly, it's been hard work, but it sure as hell beats working for a living!
Enjoy your speedway,
Mike Patrick {:0)
Event added: Coventry v Ipswich (EL2).
Event added: SGP5, Torun Grand Prix, Poland. With thanks to Jarek Pabijan for the use of his photos once again.
Event added: Swindon v Poole (EL1).
Event added: SGP4, Danish Grand Prix, Copenhagen. With thanks to Jarek Pabijan for the use of his photos.
Event added: SGP3, Czech Rep Grand Prix, Prague. With thanks to Jarek Pabijan for the use of his photos..
I'm glad to report that I've resumed coverage of the Elite League but unfortunately, I won't be covering the GP's as yet.
Event added: SGP2, Swedish Grand Prix, Gothenburg. With thanks to Jarek Pabijan for the use of his photos.
Event added: SGP1, European Grand Prix, Leszno, Poland. With thanks to Jarek Pabijan for the use of his photos.
Unfortunately, I am still not fit enough and will have to miss the first Grand Prix in Leszno. Jarek Pabijan will be covering the event for me and pictures will be uploaded to the 2010 album on Monday and will be available to purchase.
A new albums has been created for Kenny Carter.
New albums have been created for David Norris, Kelly Moran & Shawn Moran.
I am in the process of creating albums for the following riders: Kenny Carter, Phil Crump, Ove Fundin, Dave Jessup, Gordon Kennett, Tommy Knudsen, John Louis, Chris Morton, Billy Sanders and Malcolm Simmons. Check back here regularly for any updates.
New albums have been created for Simon Wigg & Wiggy's Big Day Out.
New albums have been created for Hans Nielsen & Per Jonsson.
Unfortunately, I will be unable to start the season due to a knee replacement operation during late February, which will keep me grounded for twelve weeks. As soon as I am fit and able to continue, I will update the 'Coming Soon' page. In the meantime, I will be updating the archive pictures in the Rider Pix album. Please check back here for regular updates.
Lack of available time has meant that the Rider Pix album has rarely been updated since it's arrival in 2005. I intend to use time this winter adding rider albums and archive pictures to existing albums. Check back here regularly to see the updates.
Events added: Coventry v Lakeside, KO Cup Final
Event added: GP11 Polish Grand Prix, Bydgoszcz & GP11 Polish Grand Prix practice
Events added: Playoff Final, Swindon v Wolverhampton
New albums have been created for Erik Gundersen, Anders Michanek & Ronnie Moore.
Events added: ELRC, Coventry & Under 21 World Final, Croatia, with thanks to Jarek Pabijan for the use of his photos.
Event added: GP10 Italian Grand Prix, Terenzano
A new album has been created for Martin Goodwin
Event added: Grand Prix Challenge, Coventry.
Event added: GP9 Slovenian Grand Prix & GP9 Slovenian Grand Prix practice, with thanks to Jarek Pabijan for the use of his photos.
Event added: Swindon v Wolverhampton (EL2).
A new album has been created for Michael Lee & Jan O Pedersen
Events added: GP8 Nordic Grand Prix (practice) & GP8 Nordic Grand Prix.
Events added: GP7 Scandinavian Grand Prix (practice) & GP7 Scandinavian Grand Prix.
Event added: GP6 Latvian Grand Prix with thanks to Jarek Pabijan for the use of his photos.
Event added: SWC Race Off and the SWC Final from Leszno, Poland, with thanks to Jarek Pabijan for the use of his photos.
SAD NEWS! I apologise to all those who were looking forward to the next edition, but unfortunately, we have had to pull the plug on what was to be a monthly speedway photo album. Speed-Away Promotions originally found a very good printer who gave a price that would work, but sadly he had to pull out. On reflection, it was probably a bold attempt to launch during such difficult times. The good news is that there are still copies available of the first and only two issues, which in time will obviously be collectors items. 'Mike Patrick's Speedway World 1 & 2' are full of great action and portraits photos to cut out and keep. Printed on quality paper, the pictures would be ideal for framing or to stick and save in a photo album. Photos featured are many of my favourite pictures taken throughout the years, printed BIG for maximum impact.
Event added: SWC Round 1, Vojens (pics by Jarek Pabijan) & SWC Round 2, Peterborough. SWC Raceoff Leszno and SWC Final Leszno will appear after the events, with thanks to Jarek Pabijan for the use of his photos.
Events added: GP5 British Grand Prix, Cardiff
Regrettably, due to continuing poor health, I was unable to cover the Danish Grand Prix in Copenhagen.
More photos have been added to the following albums, 7"x5", 8"x6", 10"x8" and 12"x8".
Regrettably, due to illness, I was unable to cover the Swedish Grand Prix in Gothenburg.
Thanks to the eagle eye of Phil Pratt, the unamed riders in the Wills Internationale of 1970 have now been identified. Also an album has been added for Ole Olsen and Egon Muller in Rider Pix. Five shots of Egon Muller have also been added to the Millennium Men album.
Regrettably, due to unforeseen illness, I was unable to cover this years British Final, the first one missed since 1973.
Events added: GP2 European Grand Prix, Leszno & GP2 European Grand Prix (practice), Leszno
Events added: GP1 Czech Republic Grand Prix, Prague & GP1 Czech Republic Grand Prix (practice), Prague
Events added: Peterborough v Ipswich (EL) & King's Lynn v Somerset (PT)
Events added: Newport v Scunthorpe (PT)
Events added: King's Lynn v Rye House (PT) & Peterborough v Lakeside (EL).
Event added: Belle Vue Aces Press & Practice Day.
Events added: Coventry v Wolverhampton (Ch).
Events added: Peterborough Panthers Press & Practice Day.
Events added: Poole Pirates Press & Practice Day & Bournemouth Buccaneers Press & Practice Day
Events added: Coventry Bees Press & Practice Day.
Events added: Swindon Robins Press & Practice Day.
Events added: Eastbourne Eagles Press & Practice Day.
Events added: Newport Wasps Press & Practice Day, Newport Hornets/Mavericks Press & Practice Day.
To celebrate this, my 40th year of speedway photography, I've added pictures from the very first meeting that I ever photographed - the Internationale at Wimbledon on May 15th 1970. We weren't allowed to use flash so once the light had gone, that was it. Film cameras couldn't handle the poor lighting conditions like the digital cameras can these days.
I'm sorry but the option to purchase Photo Cards and Gifts is no longer available. They have now been withdrawn from the catalogue.
All selected photos in the Sale Items album are now at least half of their original price with some great bargains to be had, plus my last book, 'Speedway Through The Lens of Mike Patrick'. If you haven't already obtained one of these great books, it's a must for all speedway fans and would make a fabulous Christmas present at only £10 inclusive of P&P.
'Lucky Dip photo packs' would make great stocking fillers at only £3 for 12 pictures. I'm sorry, there is no choice of pictures but a good selection is guarenteed. 'Chris Harris photo packs' would also make a great gift for any 'Bomber' fan. Please note that the minimum order value of £6 no longer applies.
The required minimum order value of £6 no longer applies which means that it is now possible to order just one 6"x4" if that's all that is needed.
Events added: Lakeside v Poole, German Grand Prix, practice day & German Grand Prix cancellation, Poole v Lakeside, EL Grand Final, The Final Grand Prix practice & The Final Grand Prix.
Event added: Czech Republic Grand Prix & Czech Republic Grand Prix practice. Peterborough v Coventry, Scandinavian Grand Prix practice & Scandinavian Grand Prix
Event added: Speedway World Cup, Event 2, Speedway World Cup, Race Off, Speedway World Cup, Final
More archive images have been added to the following albums: Brent Werner , Magnus Zetterstrom & Todd Wiltshire.
New albums have been created for Peter Collins, David Walsh, Dennis Wasden, Hans Wassermann, Chris Watson, Colin White, Keith White, Pete Wigley, Alan Wilkinson, Ray Wilson, Reg Wilson, Rob Woffinden, Mirko Wolter, Simon Wolstenholme, Gene Woods, Paul Woods, Antonin Woryna, Doug Wyer, Martin Yeates, Bob Young, Vesa Ylinen & Dave Younghusband.
More archive images have been added to the following albums: Scott Autrey, Paul Bentley, Terry Betts, Armando Castagna, John Boulger & Craig Boyce.
New albums have been created for Greg Bartlett and Shane Bowes.
More images have been added to British Final, Reading v Stoke, GP4 Danish Grand Prix & GP4 Danish Grand Prix practice, Reading v Edinburgh, GP5 British Grand Prix & GP5 British Grand Prix practice.
Events added: GP2 European Grand Prix, GP2 European Grand Prix practice, Reading v Redcar, GP3 Swedish Grand Prix and GP3 Swedish Grand Prix practice.
It's come to my attention that there have been problems purchasing using PayPal. I apologise if you have been affected by this issue which has now been resolved. It should be OK from now on, but should any problems arise again, fill in the order form, making a note of the amount to be paid, click on 'pay using Cheque/PO' and the order will come through to me. Go to your Paypal account and choose to 'Send Money'. You can then send the amount to my email address 'sales@mike-patrick.com'.
You can now purchase your favourite photos printed on canvas. The frame that holds the canvas taught is made from kiln dried chunky 4cm thick deep sided wood. Please click here to go to the 'For Sale' page for details, sizes and prices.
Events added: Lakeside v Peterborough, Coventry v Eastbourne, Reading v Isle of Wight, Swindon v Ipswich, Reading v Workington, GP1 Slovenian Grand Prix , GP1 Slovenia practice.
I'd be happy to hear any comments that you may have regarding the new site. It would be appreciated it if you would take a few moments to sign my Guestbook.
Events added: WSRA Dinner, Poole Speedway Season Launch, Coventry Speedway Season Launch, Swindon Speedway Season Launch, Peterborough Speedway Season Launch, Belle Vue Speedway Season Launch, Wolverhampton v Coventry, King's Lynn v Rye House.
More archive images have been added to the following albums: Leigh Adams & Jim Airey.
Albums have been created for Armando Castagna and Neil Middleditch.
More archive images have been added to the following albums:
Scott Autrey, Leigh Adams, Ivan Mauger and Bruce Penhall.
For a limited period only, sale items have been added to the Gallery area.
This is a great chance to get specially selected photos and books at bargain
prices of upto 60% off.
Click here
to see the Sale Items on the right.