steve roberts

...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.

I always felt it a shame that Ronnie Moore wasn't given a ride during the 1972 World Team Cup Final which was, in essence, his last ever World Final appearance.

The Second Halves at Arlington used to be typically eventful with the abundance of talent on display. We were fortunate at Cowley whereby we saw many of the Eastbourne and Peterborough hopefuls take to the track due to our promotional tie-ups. If I recall Dave Lanning christened 'The Eagles' the 'Kamikaze Kids' during the early seventies.

...and there was I thinking it was Daffy Duck!

Does anyone have any information as regards what 'Mad' Malc is now doing? He was an overnight sensation at Eastbourne and showed promise on his move to Cowley but a move to Poole followed quickly to Leicester forced him to retire from the sport. He was a temperamental rider as I recall he had major issues with the Kennett Brothers. An interview in 'Backtrack' would prove very enlightening!

...which puts them on a higher plane than the average human being.

I remember asking for Hasse Holmqvist's autograph when he was leaning out of the window of the showers at Cowley.

Unfortunately I don't have a copy of the Tom Farndon book but I have several written by John Chaplin.

Without checking my collection of 'Vintage' & 'Classic' magazines, Sid, I'm sure there have been references made about her and I'm guesiing that the author would heve been John Chaplin.

One track I would have enjoyed visiting however they closed during my first year following speedway.

I'm assuming it's some sort of documentary based upon the Nielsen/Olsen feud during the middle eighties?

He used to try and initiate it at Cowley but I found his commentary somewhat patronising on occasions.

Dave Lanning used to do live commentary at Plough Lane I recall.

I think you're right (Thursday) as Oxford were racing at home the following night (Friday) and Hans Nielsen was recoverig from an ankle injury picked up on the continent hence his less than usual dominant performance at Plough Lane.

I seem to remember it being a Wednesday afternooon?

...and apparently, if I recall, the announcer was giving out mis-information as regards some of the competing/non competing riders to add confusion to the proceedings. Ken Tozer?

Ronnie Genz rode under the name of Reg Neal when he appeared at Exeter during 1963/4 (?) when the old Provincial League was 'black' .

Charlie Brown aka Guiseppi Marzotto (Excuse spelling)

Tony Brooklister (alias Colin Meredith) whilst having second half (remember those?) trials at Cowley back in the seventies.