He initially signed for the Long Eaton Archers in 1967 before going on to ride for various clubs including Leicester Lions, Newcastle Diamonds, Reading Racers, Ipswich Witches and Cradley Heathens.

The match referee ordered a re-run but Michanek refused to take part claiming there was no red light.

In 1973, he won the 1973 Speedway World Pairs Championship partnering Tommy Jansson in Borås.

[9] He also successfully defended his world pairs crown in 1974 at the Hyde Road Speedway in Manchester with Sören Sjösten.

Reports also told that he only started to enjoy the 1975 Final after finishing third in his opening heat behind Olsen and Russian rider Viktor Trofimov knowing that from that point he was not likely to repeat his 1974 win.