Name: Richard David Ashworth

D.O.B:: August 17 1982

Place of Birth: Salford, England

Primary School: Summerville County Primary School

High School: High Hope School

Ricky started his racing career on a Yamaha PW 50cc and Kawasaki K100 as a motocross rider up to the age of 10, changing his bike career to grass track racing after experiencing financial difficulties due to the spiraling cost of privately owning and maintaining motocross bikes.

While gaining a high reputation for himself during his grass track days, Ricky was introduced to speedway. After a couple of practice sessions on a speedway bike he was talent-spotted by Belle Vue Colts . He quickly signed for Premier League side Sheffield Tigers after just 12 months in the sport.

He has since gone on to establish himself as a heat leader at the Owlerton club and has also experienced Elite League racing while doubling up with Peterborough Panthers in 2004 and Poole Pirates in 2005.

In 2006, Ashworth was given the number 1 jacket following the retirement of Sean Wilson and some of his best meetings came when he took on the captaincy following Andre Compton's absence. He retained the number 1 slot for the 2007 season.

2009 sees Ricky become the Team Captain for the Sheffield Tiger's team. He produced some great Captain performances to lift the team throughout the season.

Ricky also completed a personal goal in becoming the Premier League Rider's Champion in 2009!