steve roberts

...which of course was a fluke despite Rickardsson's claims to the contrary. Malcolm Simmons lost a lot of respect for him when Rickardsson later claimed that it was a calculated risk rather than admit it was pure chance and a manourvre a rider wouldn't normally expect to take or get away with.

Exciting race on a track that was prepared for racing and allowing four riders to go full steam over the entire four laps. Reminded me of the Tony Rickardsson ride when he rode up the fence and then claimed that it was the best corner that he had ever made. A pure chance execution that nine times out of ten wouldn't have come off something that "Simmo" also stated at the time.

That's right, Sid, in 1973 when he didn't get any further than the first bend and on falling remained trapped under the kickboard!

I saw Ronnie ride at Poole during his last season in the UK and he was superlative. Never saw Peter Craven ride but I do know that his track record at Cowley (63 secs) stood for over a decade and was only lowered when the track was shortened! Another rider I wished I could have seen was Igor Plechanov who had, if I recall, two outstanding World Final performances against his name.

Remember when I attended an Olle Nygren Training School at Lynn many moons ago now his advice was always "Give it plenty of trottle"...like most Swedes was unable to pronounce "th". Trouble is I was unable to do so but that's another story!

I'm just reading Jackie Stewart's autobiography "Winning Is Not Enough" and having read Ivan's book "Will To Win" there were great similarities as regards their approach to their given sport/life and therefore achievements. Personally I think Ivan would have been succesful whatever the era as he was deep thinking and was always looking at ways of bettering himself whether it was mechanically or state of mind and Jackie had the same mentality.

Just received my edition of 'Backtrack' and Martin admirally, and in great detail, answered my question as regards the "Sunday People" sensationalisms that attempted to undermine the sport back in 1984. Like me he generally didn't really think that it had any short/long term effect and apparently when he appeared at the subsequent hearing scored some points against the 'journalist' who wrote the article and was congratulated by the SCB's Michael Limb.

I recall that he went on a crash diet that year and his league form was superlative.

I remember an altercation with Ivan and Malcolm Ballard at Cowley (1973) over a starting offence?

Personally I sit uncomfortably with the memory Gary Guglielmi and the subsequent suicide of Billy Sanders. I can't seperate one from the other. However I wish the event well.

Remember seeing some real old 'ding dongs' during some second half finals...great days and memories!

Remember it well as I was there whilst on holiday in the area.

The greatest rider there is no doubt Sid. I wish that I had seen more of him but in those days when teams generally only visited once a year you took what opportunities you could and I remember we travelled to Reading's final meeting of 1972 just to watch the great man. I got to see him perhaps three or four times a year thereafter and it was always a pleasure...even to boo him!

Last I heard he was mechanic for Lewis Bridger?

Was very close in qualifying for the 1975 World Final (he competed in the 1968 Final) but a ruthless ride by that man Louis again forced Martin into a run-off with Leicester's Ray Wilson for the final qualifying spot, A superb race and one could argue that Martin should have been more ruthless allowing Ray to pip him on the line.

Martin Ashby often cites his victory at the 1975 Final at Norden as his proudest moment in speedway passing both Malcolm Simmons and Peter Collins during the qualifier after John Louis (whom Martin was never particulary enamoured with) had left him 'high and' dry' up on the fence at the first bend. Martin soon passed him before giving chase. Very under rated rider.

Would make for an interesting interview in the 'Backtrack' magazine. Remember his first season at Swindon and subsequent appearances for 'The Cheetahs' on two seperate occasions. Should have achieved more on the international stage in my opinion but seemed happy and dependable at club level.

If I recall it was known as the 'Victor Ludorum' (?) and each team member faced each other in a heat and the winners then appeared in a grand final.

...I wish them well and hope that there is indeed a future at the present site as I wish, also, at Cowley.

Saw him make his debut for 'The Budgies' back in 1975.

The late John Berry admired Bobby and his work ethic and his account of him made for interesting reading in a past 'Backtrack' edition.

I recall that there was talk of Mike Bast signing for Wimbledon prior to the 1975 season but nothing materialised.

I'm afraid Sid that was one meeting I missed although I have it on DVD and is best remembered for the 'coming together' of Ivan Mauger and John Davis and which Davis was subsequently excluded and missed out on that year's World Final.

And, of course, that victory by 'The Yanks' was dedicated to the late Denny Pyeatt.

If I recall it was Bobby Schwartz who gave up his ride although he was on for a maximum (?). The ultimate team man.