steve roberts

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!

I recall that the 1975 British Final was shown on Sportsnight on BBC1.

They also showed both the 1988 & 1989 Finals and I always felt it odd that they dipped in and out broadcasting the sport. Perhaps the lose of "World of Sport" created a window of opportunity?

Yes It's a true story.

Thanks for adding the 'away' bib of the City "Rebels". A great compilation and the choice of music adds to the nostalgia!

The City "Rebels" one shown on the DVD was of course their 'home' bib...they wore the traditional Confederate Red desigh away from home...a great site and brings back so many memories! Any chance of a National League selection?

...or even the 'Budgie' Sid? We at Oxford used to refer to Swindon as the Swindon "Budgies" and Reading the Reading "Berks". We had Dave Lanning to thank for that...how we could do with another Dave Lanning now. He knew how to build up the atmosphere. After the introduction of the riders at Cowley he always used to finish off by announcing "Let battle commence!"

Always liked race bibs (never a fan of team suits) and the simpler ones were always the more effective in my view. Belle Vue's was always iconic and the Lion of Wembley.

Used to enjoy my visits to Arlington and due to the promotional tie-up got to see many of the lads competing in the second halves at Cowley...great days!

I would agree Sid but I got to see the best of both worlds...National League speedway at Oxford and British League at White City and Swindon with Eastbourne thrown in for good measure!

Martin Yeates and Derek Harrison were also exceptional exponents around Cowley however Graham Drury always looked awkward and couldn't team ride for toffee!

Indeed the British League Division Two/New National League and later National League ran for many years without having to resort to using guests. There were a few exceptions and if I recall riders on World Championship duties could be replaced but I can't remember the specifics?

If I recall the track was shortened from 354 yards (Peter's record) to 350 yards during the 1973 season.

Barry Briggs set a record of 64.8 during 1974 (although the track had been shortened tp 350 yards) and Dag Lovaas lowered it to 63.6 later during that same season and then Phil Crump lowered it further (63.2)

Which, apparently, speedway got hit with a massive 48% whereas other sports (including football) 'only' contributed 15% from gate receipts.

Yes that's correct...they once used to play at the old Oxford City ground. I think they were lnown as Oxford 'Saints'?

The Banger Racing caused all sorts of issues at Cowley and even prompted the speedway promoters to pull the plug if the Banger people didn't tidy up their act. The infield resembled a junk yard on occasions.

Super meeting and Gordon Kennett rode a blinder on his own track and, if I recall, finished second in the competition (Peter Collns being the victor) when all done and dusted...also remember Olsen getting into a flap when he grounded to a halt when his own dislodged helmet colour got caught up in his chain!

New Cross and West Ham were two tracks I wished I could have visited. Custom House closed during my first season and I did actually visit the site of where once New Cross was and recall seeing evidence of its presence. Like you I generally prefer the smaller tracks but one of my least favourites was Wolves with its too long straights and hairpin bends (similar to Kirky Lane). Oxford, of course, was one of the best...but I would say that!!