steve roberts

I seem to remember Olsen being interviewed regarding the helmet colour and saying that the race should have been re-run (?) and that an action replay clearly showed that it was his own helmet colour that had caused his bike to stop?

Yes I'd forgotten it was over five rounds. Remember the first Grand Final at White City when Ole Olsen ground to halt in one race due to his own helmet colour getting caught up in his chain...and Gordon Kennett riding some superlative races finishing second overal in the competition. I seem to recall that the 'World of Sport' cameras were present to catch the action?

Yes the points scored (graded 1-10) from three qualifying meetings were carried over into the Grand Final where the winner of that meeting scored 50 if I recall?)

He actually co-promoted at Cowley (1990) during the last years of Northern Sports if I recall although that period was obviously after the supposed new 'directive' under discussion. I remember that he and John Berry were to be the 'dream team' with Peter on the commercial side of operations until John resigned and Peter wss left to fight his corner which proved unviable in the end due to the usual indecison of the BSPA (and split between the two leagues at the time) which, apparently, continues to this day.

I seem to recall a situation when Peter York had similar problems when he took on a similar position when certain members of the BSPA caused issues making his tenure short lived.

If I recall the Berger Grand Prix was a stream-lined version of the originally successful Daily Mirror Grand Prix whereby the first winner in 1976 was Peter Collins.

I would agree that it was a missed opportunity but having read John's side of the story in his book I would be interested in reading an in depth analysis as to why events took a turn and the objections and/or difficulties created by the then members of the BSPA forcing John to resign within days of accepting the post. I can imagine that one promoter (no longer with us) in particular would have had great reservations and/or objections if he had still been promoting back then!

Interesting to read one time Motor Cycle News reporter Andrew Edwards suggesting that John Berry's resignation as Director of Speedway was an "opportunity lost. John could have moved speedway up to another level" It's a question I intend putting to Martin Rogers and would be interesting in reading his thoughts on the matter. On another matter in the same edition Troy Pratt talks about his role in Eastenders. How speedway could do with that sort of publcity now...prime time storyline on BBC1!

Couldn't agree more. Riders would regularly remain with the same club which would develop a raport between riders and the fans.

Good luck with the meeting tomorrow (?) night. Looking forward in reading a report from Robert Peasley who I'm sure will be attending?

Absolutely...Oxford benefitted with the likes of Ballard, Kennett, Davis, Greer, Gachet, Geer etc. The early role of the Second Division was to produce talent who would progress to the upper...unfortunately the system began to deteriorate in time when the leagues became somewhat independant of each other.

Certainly at Oxford during the early seventies "The Rebels' utilised the talents of Eastbourne and Peterborough (sister tracks) to good effect when the occasion demanded.

I'm intrigued by this character having obviously not seen him ride...any images available?

There was an interesting interview with Barry in a recent edition of 'Backtrack'.

Hans openly discussed his dislike of Ebdon in his book "Main Dane".

...and Sam admitted that he was lucky in his book "Breaking the Limits".

...and caused all sorts of problems when they were introduced with riders refusing to ride on occasions. Recall the Spring Classic involving Ole Olsen being particularly contentious.

I seem to recall that a survey amongst fans was carried out at Cowley many years ago now...nothing came of it however! One time Oxford Promoter, Steve Purchase, used to walk around the terraces making him self available for comments which was admirable. He bacame very dis-illusioned about the sport I remember. Nice bloke!

Personally that's my opinion regarding Cowley Stadium. Who's likely to step on board to re-introduce speedway at the site (never mind all the work and expense that would be required to bring the stadium up to some sort of acceptable standard) which is why, despite all the good intentions, I feel re-develpment of the site will be the only course of action much to my horror having spent over thirty years following the 'Rebels' and "Cheetahs'.

...as a postscript it also appears that because of the school curriculum constantly changing effects the number of school groups attending educational aimed attractions which, again, has a knock on effect regarding numbers and/or revenue generated. Tourist attractions constantly have to battle all sorts of criteria despite the many incentives that may apply.

Cowley stadium is just sitting there deteriorating because of stubborn owners (whoever that might be now) and eventually will go the same way as aforementioned Reading, Cradley, White City and Wimbledon etc etc.

I would agree in principle however in my line of work (tourism) by allowing children in free (whether five or fifteen years of age) doesn't necessarily increase the number of paying adults (although that is/was the incentive behind the scheme) and one of the attractions in York has had to abandon it's 'free' children option as they have been experiencing serious losses financially. Of course making the attraction (whatever the product) desirable is the essence of achieving financial reward and thereby lies the problem in many instances.

Apparently Kelly Moran had a problem riding one during a practice session (?)

From what I remember, Sid, Ian had no problems with him. I would find it difficult to believe that Ian had any enemies as he comes across as such an easy going type of person and very articulate as you'd expect with such a high profile business to run.

When I spoke to him about the Overseas Final he was so disappointed in not qualifying that he didn't notice that he was a good way home after the meeting before he realised that he was driving in third gear! He appears quite happy with his achievements but realised that the family business needed his attention which is why he retired somewhat prematurely although he speaks highly of some of his team colleagues...Mike Lohmann in particular!