steve roberts

I was never sure at which market speedway being on SKY was aimed at...was it to attract new supporters and/or sponsorship or for the benefit of those already attending? Unfortunately it achieved neither for reasons that have been discussed many times over the superseding years.

...and, of course, the mass media covers football to a saturation level which obviously adds to the appeal which encourages the masses to endorse the game.

Difficult to believe that Paul died thirty years ago (4th July). I remember him riding for Oxford 'Cubs' whilst at Cowley. Recall his dad mechanicing for him. Forever remembered.

...with, of course, the support of speedway's own Dave Lanning!

Remember it well on my first visit to the County Ground!

If I recall, as a matter of interest, when I first went to Cowley aged 12 in 1972 the admission charge was 30p (6 shillings) for those under a certain age. The programme was 8p.

A long distance from York I'm afraid.

Apparently Gordon Kennett will be Team Manager of an Oxford representative side due to race on the Island. Good luck and well done the Promoters for organising such a meeting!

Sounds interesting and good luck!

Couldn't agree more...the simpler the design the better.

Great download again...some strange designs that I had forgotten about however!

Same happening in York.

There apparently was some tension between Gresham and Kennett. I recall Gresham riding hard under Gordon during White City's visit and Kennett falling and was excluded but was clearly the fault of Steve. The tension may have started back in 1975 when Steve rode for Newport and on a visit to Cowley clearly rode thru' Gordon and prompted Promoter Bob Dugard to leap the fence pushing me aside to attend to the riders in what was a pretty alarming crash. I did put the question to Steve via Facebook some years ago regarding a possible vendetta between the two but he brushed it off saying that Gordon was one of the stars during that era and was a tough competitor and they were there to be beaten.

I recall the old Belle Vue at Hyde Road had a self imposed curfew to end the racing at a certain time so as people would then spend their money at the adjacent Fun Fair!

I don't recall see any at Cowley but I may have missed them...but on my travels around the country I don't remember seeing many strategically placed.

I don't really recall many advance notices regarding the six heat stipulation prior to entering stadiums after paying my entrance fee. It was only obvious when buying a programme once inside that very often one was aware of the ruling. To those regular fans it was obviously well known but to newcomers on potentially their first visit not really acceptable.

Think you are right as regards Sunday Grandstand.

Think you are right as regards Sunday Grandstand.

Except Roman Matousek's extraordinay ride with his front wheel over the inner kerb picking up tremendous grip...and Hans winning of course!

I think he suffered an engine failure when leading 'Wiggy' but I may be wrong?

I know that Gerald Smitherman (one time Ellesmere Port and Oxford) made some under his company name 'GTS'. Ivan Mauger first commissioned him to make a seat when Gerald took part in one of Ivan's training schools I recall.

I remember taping the BBC version...and I still have it.

A friend of mine was one of those although only living within a mile of Cowley Stadium.

Yes I have a DVD covering the event.

Fabulous link! Thanks for the memories!