steve roberts

I tried to narrow it down, John, to disciplines that most speedway followers would be best familiar with. Of course there are many other motorcycle disciplines and Barry Sheene was a champion at circuit racing (he had a go at speedway I recall) but I attempted to link it with our own particulat sport and off-shoots. ...and, of course, I was forgetting Don Godden.

By that I mean the three main discipines - Speedway, Grasstrack and Longtrack (although one could throw in Motorcross - or scrambling as it was once called) Top of my list would be Simon Wigg (who won World Championships and National titles at all levels) although Kelvin Tatum would run him close. Add the likes of Jeremy Doncaster, Peter Collins and Malcolm Simmons (although I don't think that Malc took part in the Longtrack scene?), Michael Lee (who I'm not sure if he was really into Grasstrack?) and Mark Loram. When one adds scrambling there's the likes of John Louis, Tom Leadbitter and who could forget Arthur Browning? There's a host of others that rode in all or some of those disciplines....too many to list. Sadly the Grasstrack scene appears to be a thing of the past but it produced so many talented riders who moved over to speedway.

Agree with most if not all of that Rob!

Berwick Speedway holds pleasant memories for me when holidaying in the area. Even took the trouble in locating the old track...miles from anywhere I seem to recall.

I used to be a Safety Rep at both my Department and here in York and I found the whole incident and circumstances unacceptable.

That's true but at least it gave one of my favourites 'Razzer' a team slot...someone who I always thought got a rough deal due to the points limit.

Great stylist just unfortunate that he let off track issues influence him. Wasted talent in my view.

Have just received the latest edition of "Backtrack" and the list of riders who averaged over nine points is a real "Who's Who" of riders back then during speedway's last 'Golden Era'. Michanek, Mauger, Olsen, E.Boocock, Simmons, Lovaas, Boulger, C.Pusey, M.Ashby, Louis, Betts, Lofqvist, Eide, Valentine, T.Jansson, Ray Wilson, Jessup, Cole, Persson, S.Sjosten and McMillan. Again interesting reading Martin Rogers' comments regarding the Old Anglia and Central Junior Leagues quoting "...worthwhile proving ground for young riders on the rise" and "...It should also be noted their presence on the back-end of the programme was a popular value-added component of the night." I always find Martin's observations very pertinent having been General Manager/Promoter/Announcer/Journalist during that era and although I have taken issue with him in the past (which he answered honestly) I find his input very refreshing!

I was there...great day! Razzer was one of my favourites!

Thanks for the clarification. Prior to the 2003 season I helped Colin on a couple of occasions getting the Cowley circuit ready for the new season after it was left unattended for most of the winter. The track, I remember, was in a right state with bumps all over the place and this showed in the first few meetings of the season.

I thought that Colin Meredith held a similar position some years ago or am I wrong in assuming that?

I know that there was an article in a back edition of "Backtrack" some years ago now.

I recall that "Speedie" and "Joe" Gooddy were mates whilst at Oxford and if one was 'messed around' by an opposition rider the other would sort them out.

Obviously John Boulger was happier riding in fog rather than snow! Recall the time that the whole Cradley team walked out at Cowley when the snows came...and Boulger was forever christened "Snowflake" by the Cowley faithful after that!

That big hole in the ground as the late John Berry used to refer to it as.

Super race and a credit to the lad!

I obviously never saw him ride but from what I read he was well thought of. RIP

Chris mentions the incident in his book and again in "Backtrack" in that he admitted that the only time he deliberately knocked off an opponent was an early skirmish with Birmingham's Alan Grahame - a pre-meditated act that he very much regretted and never repeated. Apparently Grahame had been particularly robust and Chris saw the "red mist."

Remember at Reading during their Tilehurst days he gatecrashed the 'Tug of War' involving riders at the end of season fun and games in 1972 or 1973.

I'm sure I've commented before but Simon Cross was often guilty of 'over riding'.

Andre Compton was always a bit of a "goon" to use an Ice Hockey term. Remember at Reading when Phil Morris was furiuos in the pits after Compton passed him in no uncertain questionable fashion on the track.

Been to both the museum and Wildlife Park...well worth a visit. My brother intends going on Sunday 23rd also.

Great article!

One of my favouries was Mike...anyone who attempted to 'run over' Ian Thomas while he stood on the centre green is okay with me!

Malcolm Ballard was another uncompromising rider...would dearly like to see an interview with him in "Backtrack" and his reasons for retiring far too early.