Tatum awarded MBE - only motorsport winner.

Kelvin Tatum, a member of the Arena-Essex Hammers Speedway team, has been awarded an MBE [Member of the Order of the British Empire] in the Queen's New Year's Honours List published today [Tuesday] - and is the only member of the motorsport community to be honoured this year.

The award, presented to him for services to Speedway, is a great personal achievement and will be particularly appreciated within Speedway circles.

The Sussex based rider, who was born in Epsom, Surrey, in 1964, has had a dazzling career so far, that includes:
* - Three times World Longtrack Champion [1995, 1998 and 2000]* - Four times Commonwealth Champion* - Double Overseas Champion* - Double British Champion* - Inter Continental Champion* - Seven times speedway world finalist, finishing third in 1986

Tatum made his competitive Speedway debut in 1983 for Wimbledon and went on to make well over 70 appearances at international level alone.

In December 2001 Arena-Essex surprised the world of Speedway by announcing they had captured the services of the then 37 year old, for the 2002 season. Kelvin's inclusion in the Hammer's line-up marking a return to the club he first rode for in 1994.

Tatum has also been a regular Speedway presenter for Sky Sports, combining his TV duties with racing during the past season.

"I am chuffed and immensely proud, and not just for myself but my family as well," stated Tatum.

The former public schoolboy has already agreed to return to ride for the Hammers in 2003.