Matthew Richard Bates (born 26 July 1989, in Exeter, Devon) is a retired British motorcycle speedway rider. He is the grandson of former Exeter Falcons rider and team manager (Bernard “Bronco” Slade). Mattie began his speedway career with the Weymouth Wildcats in 2004 and also had brief spells with the Devon Demons, Mildenhall Fen Tigers, Newport Hornets and Oxford Cheetahs, but is mostly known for his time with the Plymouth Devils and Eastbourne Eagles in the British National League. Since retiring from active racing in 2017 Mattie has since become co promoter and team manager for the Plymouth Gladiators in the British National League as well as becoming one of the main driving forces of the Exeter Falcons goal of finding a new track. Mattie announced in 2020 that he is involved with grou