The White Knight

I have looked at my records of those days and can only find black and white photographs. I can do no better than recommend the following Link: http://www.defunctspeedway.co.uk/Sunderland.htm If you scroll down you will find the 1974 Team near the bottom. Picture of the racejacket with the shield with the 'G' on it is the original 1974 racejacket*. (you can see on the Badge further up) If I remember correctly, the 'STARS' racejacket with the black 'G' on it was the final one. i) *Racejacket, Red Background with White Shield containing the letter 'G'. i)**Racejacket, Red Background with White Star containing Red Star with Black 'G' in the centre. I'm sorry but this is the best I can do. I hope it is of assistance to you. The excellent Website I recommend is hosted by John Skinner who has done a wonderful job for Speedway in general and North East Speedway in particular.

Yes, they did. I am struggling with my memory to recall the details of our final body colour. I will check my records and Post a description as best as I can.

1964 Sunderland 'Saints'. 1971 to 1973 Sunderland 'Stars'. 1974 Sunderland 'Gladiators', reverting back to 'Stars' three quarters of the way through the Season when the Promoters left and a new Promotion took over. And that was the end of Speedway in Sunderland for good.................... I only missed one Home Match all the time Sunderland ran - very happy days. The Stadium is still there, but, who knows???? I hope this helps.

I have just watched this with great interest, tinged with a touch of sadness. The memories of what we have lost in Speedway came flooding back. I never got to Custom House but I can appreciate the efforts of those who put this film together. It is a great watch. Thank you very much for posting this.

I, for one, hope that we can keep the spine of our Team again next year. They certainly are an exciting outfit to watch.

Whey hey!!!! A proper Speedway Bike. That looks great Dean. 👍

Thank you for the benefit of your experiences Dean. I am nearly 80 years old and I have learn't a hell of a lot just reading this Thread. I have followed Speedway since 1964. Again - Many thanks.

When I first started attending it was 3/6d (Adult) to get in. Old money. Year: 1964. Times were better then.

Jack Millen.

100% agree with everything in your Post. On the safety front, I believe that the Bikes are far too fast for Tracks today. I don't believe there wil be any change - but there certainly should be. Well said, but not many on here will agree with you.

R.I.P. + Ian. My condolences to Family and Friends.

You are NOT alone. I have been ranting on about this for years. My argument is on fairness. A Team can 'win the League' as you say, but because of injuries, be forced to win the League again. Look at this years Championship, Poole can put out a full strength Team whilst Oxford have to put out an injury riddled Team, where is the fairness in that? That's not to mention Ipswich. I agree with all your other points raised as well. Not a fan of the GP Series either.

Great Post.

You couldn't be more wrong. You shouldn't assume. I am, however, a Pensioner and I am aware of those not so fortunate as myself. To some of them, a two pound extra could be the difference between attending or not. You don't know what the situation is for Pensioners, poor or not. "Think it's fair to say" that you are a young person who is fairly well off, lacking understanding of other people's circumstances.

Very sad news. I would like to thank Len for the many happy memories during his time at Sunderland Speedway. Like others on here I did not have a lot of time for some Promotors, however, Len was different, he inspired me to love the Sport. I respected him immensely. R.I.P. + Len. My condolences to his Family and Friends.

Loved Four Team Tournaments. Sad they have disappeared.

I wonder if you would say that if you were one (Pensioner). I somehow doubt it. It is largely PENSIONERS who are keeping Speedway going in this country and have done for years. Some Pensioners ARE rich, however, a hell of a lot aren't. You need to think about that.

R.I.P. + Jay.

I thought Sophie Blake was excellent.

I couldn't agree more with this statement.

Yes, I remember them well. There were some juicy battles between those two. I had a lot of time for Jack. Not so much Frank though, I'm trying to be charitable here. 😉

Sorry, I misunderstood. 😳 Age, I reckon.😉

Too true.

Leave Jack out of this. He rode for Sunderland 'Stars' and, therefore, could not be dirty. 😉 Hard, yes, but not dirty. 🙂

All signed up. 👍 Very best wishes for the future (hopefully) of Swindon Speedway. 🙂