Norris Receives Ultimate Eagle Award

David, also known affectionately as Floppy, was handed his prize, appropriately at the Arlington Raceway which he graced with such distinction as an Eastbourne Eagle, the club with whom he spent the vast majority of a career that spanned 22-years by David Graveling who along with Michael Gray and Steve Chantler are heading up the offensive to ‘Save Eastbourne Speedway’.

David received the accolade, polling a remarkable 47.38% of the ballot that attracted almost 1500 individual supporter votes amid strong competition that included other Arlington favourites, Gordon Kennett, Martin Dugard and former World Champion Nicki Pedersen most notably.

Examining the statistics, it seems little wonder that he was still held in such high regard more than a decade after finally turning a wheel on the club’s behalf in May of 2009. He remains an Eastbourne double record holder for most points scored and most meetings ridden, more than 5100 points from 577 meetings.

He burst onto the Eagles scene as a fresh-faced youngster in 1988, winning a race en route to racking up a double figure return in a National League match against the Stoke Potters. He also recorded a race victory in his first away fixture just a few days later at the imposing County Ground circuit, home of the Exeter Falcons.

He continued to represent the Sussex club in 17 separate campaigns claiming during that time Knockout Cup winners medals in 1994, 1997 and 2002 and of course an all-important league winners pennant in the millennium 2000 season.

He spent two spells away from Sussex, firstly with the Ipswich Witches between 1990-1993 with whom he won a four-team tournament championship, and then in 1995 when he moved to the Reading Racers for what was to unfortunately prove a season beset by injury.

In addition, David received recognition on the World Stage being handed a much sought after Cardiff Grand Prix Wild Card in both 2004 and 2005 as well as receiving a call up for the Team GB World Cup campaigns around that time.

He was also a World under 21 finalist in 1992 and appeared in no fewer than ten British Finals.

In spite of possessing a wholly impressive curriculum vitae throughout a  glittering career, David would also be heard to say that he was as much a supporter of his beloved Eagles as the next person, and the more mature members of the club’s fan base would surely recall the family Norris, Dad Mick, Mum Sue, Sister Sarah as well as David very much being a part of the scene. 

In accordance with that mindset, on learning of the results of the supporters poll he modestly proclaimed that he himself would have most probably voted for Gordon Kennett.      

To this day he still lives in Hailsham, a metaphorical stone’s throw from Arlington and he remains engaged and occupied by a love of fishing, and of course enjoying family life with lovely wife Ellie and strapping sons Ashley and Jack. He also retains a keen interest in the fortunes of the club he loves and their ongoing efforts to ‘Save Eastbourne Speedway’ 

Throughout his career David remained devoted and fiercely competitive with a winning mentality on track while easy going, approachable among the fans, fun loving, friendly, and warm natured away from the circuit, qualities that needless to say, he retains to this day.

So David Norris, ‘Ultimate Eagle’, one remains sure that few people would argue that is a much justified honour and one that is so richly deserved.

It would seem fitting that the last word should go to the ‘man of the moment’ David himself .

‘As expected returning to Arlington for the first time in over ten years there were many different emotions. Obviously it was a full-on exploration of reminiscing and of new discoveries though little has changed. It was a proud moment receiving my ‘Ultimate Eagles Award’, made that bit better by receiving it from David Graveling.

In supposedly gloomy times as an Eagles fan David (together with Michael and Steve) is the light left keeping hopes illuminated and their passion and dedication is so much appreciated. Let us hope that one day soon there could be a Part 2 to my return to Arlington with a positive twist, who knows, you can’t live life without a dream or two……. Love Floppy X’

Edited by Kevin Ling