Michael William Lanham (born 2 August 1951) is a former motorcycle speedway rider from England, who had a long career with Ipswich Witches.
Career Lanham took up speedway in 1971 at the training school at Rye House, and was given a competitive ride the same year by Canterbury Crusaders.Oakes, Peter & Mauger, Ivan (1976) Who's Who of World Speedway, Studio Publications, , p. 73 He won the BSSC Junior Trophy in his first season. In 1972, he was given rides by West Ham Hammers, Glasgow Tigers, Birmingham Brummies (for whom he rode in 24 matches at an average close to six points), and Ipswich Witches, the team for which he would go on to ride for eleven seasons until 1982.
In 1973, Lanham continued to split his racing between Birmingham and Ipswich and, in 1974, doubled up for Peterborough Panthers. In 1983, he moved to Eastbourne Eagles and later Leicester Lions. A broken arm, leg, and pelvis in a crash while racing towards the end of the season at Leicester Stadium put him in hospital for five weeks and led to his retirement from the sport.Jones, Alan (2010) Speedway in Leicester: The Lions Roar, Automedia, p. 170"Rogers Looks to 1985", Speedway Star, 3 December 1983, p. 11Linden, Eric (1983) "Track Review: Leicester", Speedway Star, 3 December 1983, p. 12-13
Lanham rode in the Second Division 'Young England' team in 1973 and 1974. He reached the British Final in 1976, 1979, and 1980.
Family Lanham's son Leigh followed him into a career in speedway.
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