steve roberts

Oxford did put in a tentative bid for Ted Hubbard in 1972 but it came to nought!

I remember an interview with fellow Bradford reserve Gordon Whitaker who was less than complimentary about Michael Graves who he felt was somewhat full of himself and was looked upon by the Bradford Manangement at the time as someone special but who never really fullfilled his potential.

Neil was decent middle order man but lost his way with a move to Poole then Newport (?) and made one appearance for White City before disapperaing from the scene.

Yes that's sounding familiar.

Was that Chris Schramm Sid? Never realised he was an Aussie.

Was he a Kiwi or am I totally off the mark? I seem to remember he rode weaing cream coloured boots!

That was brilliant! I thoroughly enjoyed watching the count down (bit like when I used to watch "Top of the Pops") and got more excited when the City 'Rebels'" emblem just got pipped by the "Ace"! There were some interesting entries. Great job...just a shame more people didn't engage. We need some distraction from the issues we are presently facing.

I think he started his career in the UK based at Newport before moving up with Poole?

Thankfully I had re-located by then...wouldn't have really taken to him.

Welcome back Sid! Some great names there.

Was never a fan of Rickardsson personally. He certainly let Oxford down when signed on a short-term contract I recall. Always suspected his loyalties to any one club and his team-riding abilities were questionable but that's the same for many riders to be honest.

Ditto!

Great Image!

Who was excluded? Pedersen at fault in my opinion.

Yes that was the one...prior to that I believe that it was a yellow sash on a blue background? Not sure about the blue and gold quarters however.

There were indoor meetings held at the Wembley Arena and the NEC both of which I attended...spectacular but not speedway in the true sense. Concrete start areas were adopted during the fifties (?) but I don't think that they proved successful with riders gaining unnecessary grip which caused issues (?)

For obvious reason I always liked the "Cheetahs" jacket from that era...simple but effective.

The Devonshires also own much of the land around Bolton Abbey (where the charges for the car park are astronomical!) in North Yorkshire...they certainly got around a bit!

Apparently according to "The Homes of British Speedway" quote: "The site of the stadium was once part of a field owned by the Duke of Devonshire, who put it up for auction,. A small holder bought it and sold a piece to the Eastbourne Motor Sports Club for £100".

That's right. It quotes: "Although one unofficial meeting was held, in September 1928, the track (then known as "The Hyde") was officially opened on 5th August 1929, when Les Ashdown won the Arlington Scratch Race. Just one other meeting was staged that year, on 29th August, when Bert Hele was the winner of the same event".

...and such a sad end to his life. RIP

He also played a part in the "Cheetahs" KO Cup win in 1985 during the second leg at Cowley.

Didn't Ole Olsen after he retired and moved onto the GP's suggest such a thing...perhaps for the future?

I remember the Oxford Promotion had plans to promote him full-time in 1986 but during the winter he fell thru' a floor during a restoration project (?) and it was decided to allow him a further season in the National League. He eventually moved up in 1987 but strangely found it tough going especially around Cowley when he had some difficulty negotiating the bends on occasions. He reappeared on a full-time basis at Cowley in 1990 and reached a decent second string standard before moving on.

Alastair Stevens...a rider who showed much promise. Remember his interval demonstration rides at Cowley in 1984 as a fifteen year old.