steve roberts

Agree entirely.

I do wonder how historians will view the present situation in years to come...although far too early to predict such analysis and judgement...and how future generations will look back on it with curiosity and bewilderment? It's unprecedented and no doubt questions will be asked with the benefit of hindsight in years to come and a proper analysis carried out at the appropriate juncture.

ITV's "World of Sport" would have quite an extensive archive of speedway (if it hasn't been wiped?) from the seventies (whereby Peter Collins became a household name) and early eighties as would some of ITV's regional channels (Central and Anglia for example). It would be nice to think that there would be an outlet somewhere on TV under the present circumstances...but I wouldn't hold my breath!

Unfortunately Nigel was nearing the end of his illustrious career when I first went to speedway although he did continue somewhat further after his best efforts (Bristol & Canterbury) so I never really saw him at his spectacular best. Eric retired whilst still at the top and very nearly joined "The Rebels" in 1975 but had decided to go into management. He made a brief comeback (1983) and admitted later he shouldn't have. Why he hasn't been recognised with an MBE for services to the sport I'll never know having devoted his working life to speedway.

I always had great respect for him even though he did ride for the 'enemy' down the road!

First British Final I attended was in 1978 when Gordon Kennett sneaked thru' after a run-off if I remember? Of course it was infamous for Peter Collins' 'sugar in the fuel' episode.

I have on DVD the 1974 British Final...that was a tough final judging by those taking part. Mauger, Briggs, Boulger, Sanders, Ray & Reg Wilson, Collins, Betts, Simmons, N & E Boocock, Valentine, Louis, Ashby, McMillan, Jessup...a real "who's who" of speedway back then. Of course by the following year (despite the non-participation of the Anzacs) it became even more diffiult when only five (?) qualified and continued along that vein for a number of years.

I guess that she is still under investigation about 'alleged allegations' made as regards bullying in the workplace?

Brilliant race! The lost art of team -riding. You don't always need passing to exact a good race.

I remember Tony riding for Mildenhall (?) at Oxford. RIP

Too true!

Hope you have some toilet paper?

Enjoy!

The toilets I used to clean at the local community centre I would often find crap wiped on the wall...I could fill a book about my experiences cleaning up after members of the public.

Before 'Lockdown' was implemented (but we were being advised the importance of washing hands) I was using the public urinal on Yotk station when out of the corner of my eye I noticed someone exit one of the cubicles and straight out avoiding the hand basins.

Unfortunately I never got to see Dag at Wolves...but I know it used to irritate Olsen when he beat him! My first visit to Monmore was in 1974 and it always struck me as having too long straights for the tight bends...very much hairpin in shape. I believe that the track was altered at some point but it was never a favourite of mine although Oxford had a good record there during the Nielsen years. Happy to say I was there on the afternoon White City won the league and there were so many "Rebel" fans it was unbelievable! Great days!

Second that!

Dag Lovaas was another.

Difficult one Sid. Mine would be - Ray Wilson, Terry Betts, Malcolm Simmons, John Louis, Martin Ashby, Eric Boocock & Nigel Boocock...but then again!

I remember Morten riding for Oxford and one could see he had potential (although he sometimes had trouble negotiating the bends at Cowley) but he was plagued with injuries after being forced to move from Oxford (due to them losing BL status) and eventually disappeared from the scene which I thought was a great shame.

Sad news indeed. I remember Garry Middleton being annoyed that Eric once spelt his name with one 'R' to which Garry retorted "Just remember Rolls Royce" RIP

I remember trying to get Hasse Holmqvist's autograph as he was hanging out of the changing room window at Cowely after one particular meeting!

Yes I also remember presenting Dag Lovaas with a bottle of champagne at the final meeting of 1975 on the centre green at Cowley. Funny but both Finn and George were riding in that meeting as was Gary Petersen which I guess may well have been his last meeting before he was tragically killed. I was hooked form the very first meeting I attended...probably the smell but I do recall being absolutely thrilled seeing these mad blokes riding bikes with no brakes and without a care it seemed. Great memories!

Sorry my mistake...yes he left for Canada on the 3rd October 1936.

Again some great names there Sid...Mike Sampson one of my favourites and Dave Perks was so stylish when he rode for Oxford and was almost unbeatable in 1980 before injury interupted his season.