steve roberts

Yes, Sid, and with risk of going over old ground 'The Rebels' released Richard Greer to a struggling Birmingham before it was known that Dag wasn't available for the '77 season which left them two heat leaders short. Marek was inspirational (especially around Wood Lane) and it has to be remembered that Paul Gachet picked up an early season injury (broken ankle) which kept him out of the side for the entire season. Mike Sampson (who was a match winner on more than one occasion) and Dave Kennett filled in but it was the ovearll team spirit and ethic that got them thru' in the end (and a little help from Barry Thomas!) despite intense pressure from Exeter and Reading in particular. A great season and one that I cherish personally...great days! Didn't manage to beat you 'blighters' at Blunsdon that year however...

White City 'Rebels' Gordon Kennett, Dag Lovaas (await the usual comment), Marek Cieslak, Kai Niemi, Steve Weatherley, Trevor Geer, Richard Greer and Mike Sampson (Number Eight).

I never had an issue with the old T/S ruling and I, too, recall when a 'lesser' rider went out and beat tactical moves made by the opposition Team Manager. Used to bring the house down and added an element to the procedings and highlighted the sometimes unpredictabilty of the sport. We were fortunate at Cowley in watching many of the Eastbourne lads during second halves (which I used to enjoy) and, of course, both Gordon and Malcolm ended up riding for Oxford. I recall that there was some animosity between Ballard and the Kennett brothers and remember when in 1974 during a 4TT held at Eastbourne which involved Oxford (Gordon), Hackney (Dave), Poole (Malcolm) and the home team Ballard got upto all sorts of mischief picking fights with all and sundry! Whatever became of 'Mad Malc'?

Sad news indeed. Used to enjoy reading John's comments (occasionally controversial but thought provoking) and will be sorely missed.

During the 1972 World Final at Wembley when Ole Olsen was pushed out at the first bend by John Louis and ended up at the back but managed to pass him and Bernie Persson before giving chase to leader Christer Lofqvist when he lost it and slid off which effectively ended his chances of retaining his crown. Pure drama. Pure Theatre...and pleased me having never been a fan of him!

I visited Somerset once but saw no action as the meeting was postponed due to a water logged track! Did looked good however.

Blunsdon used to produce some great racing when I used to attend but even in my time I do recall the track deteriorating and becoming rough and uneven although it was occasionally put right. I would be concerned as a 'Budgie' fan that it appears from the photos that the track may be significantly shorter but perhaps that may be for the better...time will only tell.

I remember Oxford adopting co-ordinated bike covers during the time they were known as 'Silver Machine'...damn awful nickname!

Trouble is, Tony, there are lots of questions that I wish to put to Martin but I don't want to appear to monopolise the column!

Remember Granby Halls...used to attend an Entomoligical Show there back during the nineties.

...more than likely!

Just received my latest edition...and as usual a great read. Was particularly impressed with Martin Rogers' honest opinions when answering questions put to him (my own included) A great column and I only hope that others make the efffort getting in touch. Such a breath of fresh air reading a Promoter's point of view when discussing speedway's last 'Golden Era'. I used to enjoy reading the late John Berry's comments in said magazine and Martin has filled that roll admirably.

Daft name anyway!

There was certainly a very strong mutual respect between Lee and Penhall...something that both riders have often cited. Bruce has stated that the one rider he feared the most on track was Michael because he knew even if he out gated him Michael would be trying all he knew to get by. Two great racers during the late seventies/early eighties.

I was never a great fan of Lance King although one can't take away his third place at Gothenburg in 1984...but never a serious contender thereafter for reasons you touch upon and expanded in a very interesting interview in an edition of 'Backtrack' some years ago.

I would agree Sid. Billy was riding as good as ever during 1983/84 and one can only wonder how his later career would have panned out. I still recall hearing the news and felt numb on hearing it. A great loss to the sport.

I have to say that I was never a fan of Rickardsson.

He never even crossed my mind (although I had left Oxford by then) but wouldn't have come any where near being included in a list of mine.

I went to the championship decider at Brandon between Coventy and Hull (Leicester followed on if I recall) in 1979 and the attendance at that meeting was pretty enormous I remember.

Yes crippling injuries suffered by riders down the years have always begged the question how good a particular rider could have been. Would Per Jonsson have won more titles? Would Arne Pander have been a major force if injuries hadn't held him back? are two that instantly come to mind and there are many other examples down the years.

...of which probably his best score that year was registering 13 points against Oxford which I witnessed in 1975.

I was at Norden also and he looked very ordinary that afternoon but, then again, Egon Muller made many look 'ordinary' that afternoon! Only Nielsen had the beating of him until a broken chain, if I recall, caused him to pull up otherwise he would have claimed third place (?) that afternoon in the German wilderness that was Norden.

I never saw Pander ride but I remember mum saying that he was a regular at the local Health Centre where she worked during his time at Oxford. He was very unlucky with injuries and many feel that he could have gone on to greater achievements if things had been different. I was never a fan of Pedersen...and he departed Oxford under controversial circumstances. In Ice Hockey terms he was a bit of a 'goon' in my opinion.

Difficult one...I have to base it on riders I saw riding for Oxford (British League eras) during my time following the sport. In no particular order...Nielsen, Middleton, Wigg, D.Lovaas, Kennett, Holmqvuist, Kilby. Tomorrow I'd probably come up with a different list!!

He took out a Dutch License and I remember Marvyn Cox riding under German license. I think Andy Smith had a Polish one at one time?