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 m🌌otorsport 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 Speedw𓆏ay 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. K🦩elvin'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 th🍬e past s💎eason.

"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 2꧅003.