steve roberts

It was very disappointing for Eastbourne that neither Gordon, Kelly or Ron turned out for 'The Eagles' in 1983 having all putting in superlative performances the previous season. There was a very interesting interview with Ron in an edition of 'Backtrack' some years ago (I'll hunt it out) but if memory serves he decided not to return to the UK because he was involved in setting up his own speedway in the States. He rode with a knee injury picked up while at Poole which, if I recall, always caused him some issues. A great talent and lost too early in the UK.

I think tha he achieved a higher average around Eastbourne than either Gordon or Kelly.

Remember Ron Preston at Arlington...a very classy rider especially his first bend sweeps!

During 1961 in a match at Coventry Arne was thrown from his machine in an accident involving Les Owen and suffered a fractured skull. Obviously before my time but some I have spoken to who witnessed the accident blamed Owen and never forgave him.

...and early morning starts for Pete Wigley who was a postman and Dave Younghusband a milkman and, yes, before any smart alec replies I understand the 'tongue in cheek' direction in which this particular thread is heading!

He was never really forgiven at Cowley for the serious injury suffered to Arne Pander when they once met on track.

My first year of speedway and Belle Vue visiting Oxford was a highlight that I shall never forget...especially when Garry Middleton had an off-track argument with the character 'Soldier Boy' who was there supporting Aces' guest Ray Wilson!

I would agree as has the analysis of Tai Woffinden and "who's best" and comparing eras etc etc.

Seem to remember 'Joe' and an equally tough competitor Les Owen settling their 'differences' on track once.

Always recall looking at 'Joe's' bike strapped to the back of his car (no vans/mobile homes in those days) and it had so much tape on it holding it together. Of the old school and it was riders like Colin who were the soul of the sport...a great character.

He and Pete Jarman would look out for each other as team mates at Cowley and if either was messed about on track by a rival then retribution would be delivered by one or the other.

Malcolm Simmons held him in high esteem I remember reading.

Very sad news indeed. A great servant and respected rider and someone I shall always remember with affection and fond memories. Sad to think that my first year of following speedway at Cowley (1972) five of the original starting line-up are sadly no longer with us. Garry Middleton, Oyvind S. Berg, Ken McKinlay, Svein Kaasa and now 'Joe' Gooddy. May he R.I.P.

I'm sure it is as I painted a picture of him in very similar, if not the same, leathers for a friend at the time.

Having read Lee Kilby's superb book on father Bob it became apparent that Bob was more of a team player (like many others during that and subsequent periods) and found it difficult to motivate himself on the World stage.

Visited his grave a couple of years ago at Farnley.

Never saw him ride but aware of his off-off track history.

Yes during the 1977 World Final he was a leading a vital race but 'aquaplaned' and the following Ole Olsen did the same. Ivan Mauger was trailing but in the delayed re-reun (Boulger was excluded) he won thereby picking up his fifth title.

I seem to remember that he scored five points...I was there for that final.

He certainly livened up Oxford when he rode as a 'Rebel' in 1972!

Apparently a David Aldana who was a flat track expert put in some exhibition laps at Cowley back in 2011 after speedway had ceased there. Perhaps someone could confirm?

As like a similar thread the unfortunate Arne Pander would have graced any World Final if injuries hadn't slowed him down.

So many to choose from but Arne Pander may well have scaled the heights if injuries hadn't continually knocked him back.

I obviously have a biased opinion but with Cowley's longevity as a speedway venue I would hope that there maybe some interest?

That's a shame.