The White Knight

Tony says he is in talks - we must await the result. Fingers crossed.

R.I.P. + Ray.

Me too. When I used to go.

I'm fine thank you ch958. I don't get to Whitley Bay any more, or the Speedway. Very sad it closed at Newcastle though. I hope everyone is OK with you..

I do hope it is from the 'BackTrack' era.

Me too. not sure why though?

Sunderland 'Saints' 1964. Sunderland 'Stars' 1971 to 1973. Sunderland 'Gladiators' 1974. Not bad for a Team that was on Track for only 4.5 years in total.

Not just you. Me too.

I too have subscribed to both Backtrack and Classic Speedway Magazines. I am so sad that Tony and Susie feel unable to carry on with what, in my opinion, is a really good and professional Magazine. I loved all of the articles, as a 1970s Speedway enthusiast I think they are impossible to beat. I get a number of none Speedway related magazines but the two Speedway periodicals are the ones I look forward to the most. The '70s were a special time for me and Speedway and I love revelling in the memories evoked by both of these publications. I will miss my 'phonecalls to Backtrack, and talking to Susie when I renew my subscription. It was like talking to a family member. I would like to thank both Tony and Susie for all of their very hard work in producing these two wonderful magazines. I will miss them very, very much should they have to close down. Tony, Susie, I wish you every success in the future, you have kept me happy with my memories. I don't think I can give you higher praise than that. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

My favourite piece of memorabilia is a 1964 Sunderland 'Saints' complete with year bar. I also have a winged wheel Peter Craven badge which I love. I don't think it is that old though.?

First Meeting 1964 at Sunderland (Saints). So not far behind you CHR.

Shocking news regarding Nigel Pearson. He will be very much missed by the Speedway Community as a whole. My sincere condolences to his family and his many friends. R.I.P. + Nigel.

Very sad news. I can remember Alistair riding for Berwick at Sunderland. R.I.P. + Alistair.

Have Sayfutdinov or Laguta indicated that they are going to change their citizenship? Very good post OveFundin. I agree 100%. If he wanted a photograph with this guy - that says it all for me. If there is a ban on poor disabled athletes in the Winter Olympics, and in most other Sports - Sayfutdinov and Laguta MUST be banned. Speedway is an Interrnational Sport and MUST join the sporting community in it's decisions, anything else would be unconsionable.

You forgot Sunderland. Thank you your Holiness. Let's hope so. Fingers crossed.

Simple answer to the question posed in this topic title is - YES!!!

I see the bullying and nastiness continues on the BSF. Certainly some folk should be ashamed of themselves. Picking on an elderly gentleman - how clever, how brave.

Apparently the F.A. have stated that they will not play against Russia in any competition for the foreseeable future. Good for them.

Perhaps John didn't know about the relationship. As usual, all the usual suspects jump in with both feet.

The Boldon Stadium is still there, in great condition, but only for dogs. Sad really. A reasonable distance from housing - it could be ideal. Closed twice, once (1964) by in order to strengthen the Wolverhampton/Newcastle Teams. Second time by rank bad management of the early part of the 1974 Season. Towards the end of that season Mrs. Liz Taylor (Berwick Promoter) attempted to take over. By then it was too late - the crowds had dwindled and did not return in numbers. I will always be grateful to Mrs. Taylor for trying. Always easier to lose supporters than gain them.

You never mentioned Sunderland HT.

Sorry, but I can't agree with you. I think that in time it will be much better than the old one. It will just take time for us all to get used to it, and it shouldn't be a problem.

Yers - my team - Sunderland 'Gladiators' (in 1974). Sunderland 'Stars' prior to that. I never did like the name 'Gladiators'.

Personally, I enjoy reading about all of these old Riders. Whilst the Posts of some may be of no interest to anyone but a few, surely there is room for everyone who has the knowledge to share it. As I said, some people will not be interested but, others certainly are. Without the posts of John Hyam, iris from a German perspective, these support Riders would fade into history unremembered. That would be a shame. I, for one, enjoy reading about them.

SUNDERLAND DOG TRACK. I won't hold my breath though.................................