werbie

I can't believe after seeing the news in last week's Speedway Star, That Tom Brown is looking to retire from the sport. I remember the first time I'd seen him ride. It was at Trelawny Tigers, in 2002. He shot out of the gate and took second in his first heat, then went on to beat Chris Harris later in the meeting. He scored, if I remember correctly, 7 points in that first meeting when being brought in as cover for a reserve rider, can't remember who was injured either Jason Prynne or Simon Phillips. I was totally pleased with his enthusiasm that he showed on the night that one of my friends, originally from Wales, came with me the next meeting to cheer him on. Unfortunately it was the meeting where he started gating really well and in his 2nd ride gated and was leading Harris before getting a little out of shape on the 3rd & 4th bend, where he ended up crashing through the barrier and into the pits! I thought he wouldn't be back after hearing what he'd done to his back. Even turning up at the end of season party in a specially made back restraint, and then returning to the sport. I have always followed him from team to team. Even if I can't get to see him ride, would always look for his performances in the Speedway Star. He has had some horrible injuries but has always shown a hunger for the sport, week to week, season to season. I would hope to think that this is not his bow from the sport, as the league has lost a lot of the most entertaining riders, and this would mean one of the top 5 entertaining riders lost too. I wish him and his wife all the best for the future with their planned baby on the way, but would love to see him continue with the sport. So many would love to see him back in Plymouth Devil's colours! A very loved rider I'm sure you would all agree.

I started to watch hackney from 1976 and finished 1980, my dad would take me but still have fond memories of waterdon road stadium. Saw the pictures of the stadium a few months back, very upset on how it looks today. Now living in cornwall, so hoping to be able to get up to be a part of it all. Got to say even though I was only young, still remember leaning over the stand wall overlooking the pits, and smelling the uforgettable aroma of the bikes revving away. Three years ago I went to watch speedway for the first time since 1980, at Trelawny Tigers in Cornwall. That aroma overtook me again. Am now upset again as we have lost our speedway down here now. I believe I was one of those kids running around with a crushed coke can on my foot too! Still remember showing off for one of the little rubber riders on the metal speedway bikes. Hoping that I can make it so I can meet Zenon Plech and Bo Peterson, still fond memories of Rye House Rockets too! Please, Please, Please let us know when and where!

What an hawk! Please BrzHeathen email me the list as well! lisa.martin7@btinternet.com.

I was a hawks fan from 1973 to 1982 and wasn't able to go from then. I was wondering if anyone had video footage of the old stadium and races to be held in it from then? If so please reply back to this thread. Will reply to anyone with this. Many thanks.

Lets be honest as long as BSI get there money for making it a big event they are still in and not pulling the plug!!! That's all they got involved for wasn't it! Or was it because "they were interested in taking the sport to another level". Yeah right! :evil:

Yep the track was an absolute disgrace. Then sheffield ride on one very similar every home meeting. For one minute I was mistakenly thinking that it was the sheffield track staff that had done it! Seriously though, did Olsen really think it was race-able! He derserved a telling off, if not a public stoning! :evil: