steve roberts

Just received my copy...excellent as usual. Interesting insight into Peter Craven's tragic crash at Edinburgh by Eric Boocock who was riding during the same meeting.

If I rememeber he was only one of a few riders to beat Ivan that season (1971?)

Always recall reading Malcolm Simmons saying that Clive's footrest was made from an old car starting handle two or three inches wider than anyone else's. It enabled him to drive hard underneath an opponent and just lift their leg off the track as he went past.

Blimey! I remember them! Away coaches were the norm back then...alas no longer I suspect? Recall when Whity City won the league at Wolves and the number of subsidised coaches that hit Monmore Green and the terraces were a sea of red, white and blue! Wolves fans never knew what hit them!

I do recall on one occasion a Coventry fan(s) blowing metal whistles at Cowley on at least one occasion...that got on my nerves I have to say!

Recall my brother using an air horn in the glass stand at Hsckney and getting rebuffed! Got the last laugh though...'The Rebels' were victorious!

They were once very popular at speedway and used to creat a great atmosphere...not sure what the status is today however what with "noise nuisance" legislation and local by laws etc?

Saw his first competitive rides at White City and the return fixture that same day at The Wick and you could tell that he had class.

A rider I would have liked very much to have seen.

Sad news...remember Clive riding for King's Lynn and, of course, his son Craig who was tragically killed at Peterborough. RIP

Never rated Rickardsson.

I certainly don't!

Blimey it dosen't seem that long ago that he burst upon the scene. How time flies and good luck to him!

Me and you same...I've being saying it for years. Who is the target audience? Those who already go or to attract new fans or indeed new sponsors?

Michael bought his first bike off Garry Middleton...there's a connection!

I have lots of favourites but Garry Middledton created an impression on me when I first went to speedway in 1972.

Think he finished in the frame twice?

Unfortunately no...someone I would have like to have seen. An enigma around Cowley but classy on the larger circuits (Swindon & Coventry). Would enjoy reading an interview with him in 'Backtrack'.

I have no recollection of the Oxford Promotion using Faringdon Raceway although I recall Steve Purchase (one time Oxford Promoter) talking of looking at another venue (Faringdon was discussed) rather than Cowley but it never gained any momentum.

I've long been an admirer of Phil for the reasons you've highlighted. Did he not once hold such a position?

Are there enough occasions that Britain competes as a team to warrent a Team Manager nowadays? Gone are the days of regular Test Matches and the like.

I'd be very interested in reading anecdotes regarding Ipswich & King's Lynn encounters knowing how important local derbies were once thought of amongst rival fans. We had our fair share at Cowley with derby matches between Oxford, Swindon and Reading...alas no longer.

Bit of a 'brat' apparently when an ex-rider cum trainer (can't recall his name) was interviewed in an edtion of 'Backtrack' some years ago.

Seem to recall that Eastbourne's Bobby McNeil wearing a spotted scarf to protect his face?

Certainly not!