steve roberts

T/S I believe in 1955?

Brilliant ride!

Brilliant stuff! Julian rode in second halves at Cowley on his grasstrack bike like many others (Matthewa, Drewitt Bros. etc) in 1972 before graduating to a speedway bike. He made a couple of appearances as a "Rebel" that same year but disappeared off the scene in 1973. Of course he later mentored bother Simon.

Not sure if his name has been mentioned but does anyone remember Roland Duke who appeared in second halves c1973? If I recall he had a grasstrack background.

Apparently on his return to the States he became a stunt man.

Remember Trevor Geer loosing control at Cowley and his bike careering full speed across the centre green (it wasn't 'green' in those days however!) taking out a bystander breaking his leg.

Interesting observation. I grew up watching speedway during this era and it was the recognised style...not sure when riders adopted a 'trailing left leg' moving away from the more up right approach. May have been the American invasion of the late seventies/early eighties? I recall the 1987 World Final and Henny Kroeze was the only rider adopting the old style and he looked most out of place!

Thanks!

Is it Rick?

Thinking it's Rick Miller but I don't think it is?

Got this on DVD...great memories!

Saw a lot of Bobby, not only at Eastbourne, due to the promotional tie up at Cowley. He was ear-marked to move up with "The Rebels" but if I recall Bob Radford advised him otherwise and he eventually moved to Swindon. Bob Radford was somewhat bitter towards Oxford after he resigned his position whilst the season was still in progress in 1974. Of course it's well documented that after McNeil's move to Hackney he was badly affected by the death of Vic Harding who he knew growing up within the grasstrack scene and he retired prematurely.

It's funny how things turn out but I remember both Colin Richardson and Michael Lee as fifteen year olds riding in 'demonstation' races at Cowley (1974) and Colin coming out on top. As we know Michael's career reached the heights whereas Colin's after showing much promise tended to peter out.

Yes I remember that...but more that Gordon Kennett missed a golden opportunity of winning the thing on his own track because, if I recall, he went into the meeting with most points?

He was pally with Reg Wislon I remember.

I also went to the three White City Finals...including seeing Freddie Starr at the 1978 event when he bought a bike for the competing Tony Davey!

The first Grand Prix took place in 1976 with a Grand Final held at White City which was sponsored by the Daily Mirror. First was Peter Collins followed by Gordon Kennett and in third place was Ole Olsen. During, I think, 1978 the qualifying rounds also doubled as world championship rounds and by then Volkswagen had come on board as dual sponsors. If memory serves the Final from 1979 onwards was held at Wimbledon with Berger Paints as sponsors? Can't recall when it finished but by then it was somewhat watered down and only a select few took part.

He was christened as "Mr Oxford" by some and to be fair did sterling service for Oxford without really reaching the same dizzy heights which I guess was understandable given the circumstances however I never really took to him.

I obviously saw a lot of Todd when he returned to Britain (after a year in Germany) and signed for "The Cheetahs" in 1998. I know that I'll upset Rob but I was never a great fan of Todd at Cowley...seemed just the one pace type of rider. Okay when he gated but easily picked off on occasions. I know that he was hero worshipped at Wimbledon and later at Reading but perhaps the bad injury he picked up which forced his premature retirement changed his outlook on his comeback? Just my opinion on observations based as a "Cheetah".

Yes that's the date mentioned on his headstone.

...wasn't without precedence. Halifax did the same when Kenny Carter was injured in 1984.

I would agree as I enjoy reading contribtions from both Chunky and Sid.

I lost a bit of respect for Jason during the year he rode for Oxford when he slapped team mate Todd Wiltshire after a racing incident which was purely accidental however I re-gained my faith in him in later years when he went on to become one of the world beaters and mellowed...like us all, I suppose, with age comes a more mature approach to life in general or I would hope!

I thought that it was Martin but wasn't sure.

Visited his grave at Farnley a couple of years back.