steve roberts

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.

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.