steve roberts

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!

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.