steve roberts

He used to be the track photographer and was present at the stadium when Dag Lovaas made a fleeting visit last year?

You may possibly know my uncle Keith Lawson?

Yes he also referred to Jens Rasmussen as "Rambo" which I disliked. We preferred just plain 'Razzer!"

Brian Andersen was a rider who I felt could have gone further but was plagued with a troublesome shoulder (?) which unfortunately restricted his progress. I witnessed at close hand his last couple of years at Cowley and despite showing occasional brilliance he was a shadow of his former self. Another was his namesake Morton Andersen.

Yes I believe he is?

Good news indeed. Just needs someone to come forward and put some weight behind the regeneration of a once proud stadium.

I could sell the Rolls...if only!

I would dearly like to own a first edition of "On the Origin of Species" but seeing that one was sold at auction for £162,950 I may well have to set my ambitions somewhat lower!

A cool $948-05 on Amazon! Better hurry as there is only one available

Just read in the latest edition of "Classic Speedway" that Len Read would take in a 700 mile round trip from Norwich to Plymouth for home meetings taking him 9 hours to get there! He did this for four years before transferring to Liverpool where he 'only' did a 500 mile round trip!

...I thought about passing comment on bwitcher's references but had more important duties to perform!

Jens resided in the Canvey Island area when he married (?) and later moved to Peterborough but well observed anyway but I'll resist the temptation!

Jens Rasmussen married a local girl which, of course, added some strength to his case when he was signed by Rye House in 1988. Olle Nygren and Soren Sjosten married local girls which enable them to compete in Britain during 1974 when commuting Swedes were banned from the British League as they were both domiciled in the UK at the time.

Always remember when Eric wrote an article referring to Garry Middleton but spelling Garry with one 'r'. Garry was quick on the uptake and said to Eric just think of "Rolls Royce" when you refer to me again.

Remember when he stood in at Cowley during 1976 he started off with a war cry as "The Rebels" before realising his mistake and that Oxford were now operating under the name of "The Cheetahs"!

I agree and it was more accustomed back then for riders to spend a large chunk of their careers connected to a particular club.

There's a tribute to Eric in the latest edition of "Backtrack". He passed away in a Leicestershire care home in April aged 94.

Strewth! Didn't realise that Stoke was no longer? Remember when it was built (1973) and their first season when they rode under the name of Chesterton.

I think that Dent Oliver's name was mentioned and Jack Parker rode as Captain and Team Manager (?) and Frank Varey may have played a role but I'm really not sure. Having read John Berry's book he did quote that when England/Great Britain rode it was often the Home Promoter/Team Manager who took charge?

I think that I'm right that Len became the first "official Team Manager" as prior to that it was on an ad hoc basis? Len became manager between 1973 - 76 and again in 1981 -1983. John Berry was manager in 1977 - 79 and again in 1985. Ian Thomas and Eric Boocock in 1980. Eric Boocock and John Berry in 1981 but John resigned. Wally Mawdesly in 1984. Carl Glover in 1986. Colin Pratt and Eric Boocock in 1987 - 1989. Reg Fearman took charge on trips "Down Under" I recall as did John Berry (certainly during 1975/76) I'm only going on memory but I'm sure there are many out there who can provide a more comprehensive and/or accurate list?

I know of Len Silver, Reg Fearman, John Berry, Ian Thomas & Eric Boocock, Colin Pratt & Eric Boocock, Wally Mawdsley, Carl Glover of those during the seventies & eighties.

Fell out with the Promotion at Oxford in 1974 however when he was involved at Cowley after the demise of Reading in 1973.

Another great read! I found the interview with Steve McDermott particularly enlightening especially his friendship with Jack Millen.

Great news!

Another sad loss if Rye House is indeed lost to speedway.