steve roberts

They first appeared together in Britain in 1974 I believe.

There was a conspiracy doing the rounds I recall that they were one in the same after Vladimir was disqualified and Valeri suddenly appeared on the scene...nonsense, of course, but it did raise a few eyebrows at the time.

Couldn't agree more.

Cowley had more than a few problems when Stocks/Banger Racing was introduced in 1973/74. The track and safety fence was left in a disgraceful state and the speedway promotion did threaten to pull the plug on one occasion I recall.

Super quality!

Agree entirely...it's in the nation's mindset and enjoys full media exposure.

Split used to get a mention on Terry Wogan's Radio Two early morning programme I recall.

As Gordon's previous post highlighted it was the original home of 'The Aces" and therefore of historical relevance however I would agree that doesn't hold any water as many stadiums of historical importance have been lost down the years (Wimbledon and White City to quote just two of many) for differing reasons. Still wish I had seen some action at the original home of Belle Vue...a name synonymous around the world within the speedway fraternity.

Trouble is my greatest seven changes and I guess somewhere on this particular thread I have listed my previous choices...however as I type they would be Mauger, Briggs, Moore, Olsen (reluctantly), Nielsen, Fundin, Collins with Michanek at first reserve (based upon riders I have seen).

I collect "Oor Wullie" and 'The Broons" annuals dating back to the early seventies including the hard back specials which there are numerous with strips dating back to the thirties.

Odd Fossengen.

One time Crewe rider, Dave Parry, runs Parry's coaches who used to (or still do?) sponsor Wolves. I see the coaches around York occasionally.

Am I right to remember that both the Templetons were uncles of Jim & Bill MacMillan?

Jack Parker would have been another to be taken into consideration.

To have been around to watch the greats from that era would have been a real privilege.

Some names to conjure with there!

Seem to recall that Alan wore white leathers?

Never made it to Kirky Lane but another iconic stadium soon not to be.

Remember Doug during his days at Berwick. May he RIP

Hi Sid! Yes Garry's best year average wise was at Cowley but he had three good years as a "Hawk"...never remained at any one track for long! He had hoped to join Ipswich in 1972...can you imagine Garry and John Berry together? You're absolutley right in that Garry often had the beating of Briggo as a "Rebel" but Martin Ashby often had the better of him...much to my annoyance at the time! Recall his day-glo orange helmet and shark's teeth incorporarted in the design. How I envy you having his autograph!

Garry Middleton was a favourite of mine...never a dull moment when "Cassius" was around!

Recall the old Grove Allen site in Cowley when it was re-developed into a retail outlet and it was stipulated that there would be no Sunday opening (before Sunday Trading laws came to the fore) to give local residents a respite. B&Q immediately opened on a Sunday and were fined a mediocre sum and continued to do so despite re-assurances put in place by the local council to the contrary.

Yes I've bought some DVD's from him.

Yes mum remembers him as a regular visitor to the local Health Centre on Blackbird Leys where she worked at the time!

Rickard Hellsen.