THREE-time Blue Riband winner Lars Gunnestad has revealed he still gets major inspiration from watching his first triumph in Poole's prestigious individual competition on video.

The multi-Norwegian champion came from behind to pass Steve Schofield, Craig Boyce and Jason Crump in sensational style in the 1994 final at Wimborne Road.

He also carried off the trophy in 1995 and 1996 and is only one victory behind Poole legend Malcolm Simmons who has landed the spoils a record four times.

Super Simmo's triumphs also came in successive years, from 1975 through to 1978 when he was the undoubted top man round the Dorset track.

Gunnestad admitted his 1994 victory has stuck in his mind because he won the race-off after being last out of the gate.

The Daily Echo report of the time, penned by Gordon Elsworth, went: "What a race the final turned out to be.

"Crump took the lead and was joined by Gunnestad on the outside with Boyce tucked in close behind.

"Gunnestad grabbed the lead from Crump on the final lap as the Stadium fans erupted."

Indeed, the race is remembered by everyone who witnessed it inside the stadium as one of the best in the Blue Riband's history.

Gunnestad said: "For three years in that meeting, I was the last qualifier for the final but went out and won it each time.

"I don't know why it's been such a good meeting for me but it has.

"The first one was the best one. I still remember that one but I can't really remember what actually happened in the other two.

"I was last out from the tapes and passed all three of my opponents, Scoie, Boycie and Crumpie.

"I have the race on video at home and, funnily enough, I've been watching it recently with my boys Lars Daniel, who's nine, and Thomas, who's six. They think it's great.

"They like watching speedway but they are also into moto cross, which they ride now.

"I'm bringing them over from Norway to Poole for my testimonial meeting next week with my wife Annette and I hope they will enjoy it.

"They haven't been able to come to Poole for four years so it is going to be a special occasion for them as well as me."

Gunnestad, who lines up in tonight's Blue Riband meeting at Poole (7.30pm), added: "I'd love to win a fourth title but I'm not even going to be challenging if I stay in the kind of form I've been in.

"However, I will be there to give it a go and see what happens."

Roman Jankowski was down to ride at Wimborne Road tonight but his place has been taken by his brother Lukas, who also rides in the Polish Extra League with Leszno.

Blue Riband line up: 1 Lukas Jankowski, 2 Chris Slabon, 3 Matej Ferjan, 4 Chris Louis, 5 Lars Gunnestad, 6 Scott Nicholls, 7 Joachim Kugelmann, 8 Tony Rickardsson, 9 B Pedersen, 10 Gary Havelock, 11 Craig Boyce, 12 Magnus Zetterstrom, 13 Grzegorz Walasek, 14 Craig Watson, 15 Krzysztof Cegielski, 16 Lee Richardson.