steve roberts

Yes we at Oxford used to have some 'fun' with their fans...mostly good banter but occasionally it would get out of hand.

Just a shame that neither Oxford or Reading are involved now...cracking local derbies down the years. Now only "The Budgies" exist.

Enjoyed reading the Marek Cieslak article especially.

?

I'm guessing that both (Martin Ashby & Mike Lohmann) of these articles originally appeared in "Backtrack"?

Sadly I think that you're right.

I remember reading John Berry's comparison between Peter Collins and Chris Morton. He always thought that both could give opponents a head start at Hyde Road and overcome their lack of gating prowess but he did think that Peter could gate if he put his mind to it at tracks that were less complimentary whereas he felt Chris lacked that ability having to rely more than Peter on his ability to pass opponents. Apparently that was one reason when England boss he went with the inexperienced Kelvin Tatum rather than Chris during the World Pairs in 1985.

He also appeared a handful of times for "The Rebels" in 1975 due to our promotional tie-up (great days) and, of course, he was very involved with the construction of the White City track. He ran a training school at Cowley during the winter of 1975/76 and I recall Pip Lamb being a regular and Gary Spencer (whatever happpened to him?) Pete was also Team Manager of "The Cheetahs" in 1978...great team with the likes of George Hunter, David Shields, John Hack, Carl Askew etc.

New Zealand were originally due to meet Poland at Cowley in 1973 but the fixture was altered and they were replaced by Australia. At least that gave me the opportunity to see Jim Airey but "Rebels" skipper from the previous season Garry Middleton was programmed to ride he was conspicuous by his absence!

I have it as 9.26 factionally behind teammate Steve Bastable who was on 9.51.

...and one of my favourites, Gordon Kennett, achieved 9 plus averages for 7 seasons (1976 - 82)

Apparently! You couldn't make it up really.

'Speedy Pete' and 'Joe' Gooddy used to look out for each other when they rode for "The Cheetahs". Woe betide anyone who messed about with one because they then had the other to contend wit!

I saw Ronnie ride at Poole for Wimbledon in 1972 and he was a class above scoring, if I remember, 14 points.

...perhaps then one-time King's Lynn co-promoter Bill Barker wouldn't have been 'robbed' of the days takings some years ago when he took the money home with him and left it in his house overnight the story being told in Malcom Simmons' (co-promoter at the time) in his most excellent book?

I'm sure that Ronnie would have added at least a couple of further championship wins if he hadn't retired in 1963 Sid.

I think that records were not always particulary reliable until Bryan Seery became the official statistician...can't remember when however although there was a fascinating article in "Backtrack" a couple or so years ago.

Another good one but I'll say it again what's with the right leg?

Great stuff again!

I'm sure that it was 1986.

Same here...it would be easier listing the tracks that are still open!

One track I would have loved to have visited!

I really would have liked to have been around to have witnessed the birth of the British League...it must have been so exciting and fresh.

Mine arrived this morning with an interview with Marek Cieslak with some surprising comments about Bob Dugard!

I'm generally of the same opinion. Nothing beats watching it live!