steve roberts

Ron How rode for the all-conquering 'Cheetahs' of 1964 but unfortunately a bad injury in 1965 curtailed his more than worthy contributions over the years. Ran a pub in Great Missenden(?) and died not so many years ago. Still thought of with great admiration within Oxford circles. Apparently he and Ove Fundin had some great 'ding-dongs' over the years!

Yes Garry often had the better of Briggo when a 'Rebel' but often came unstuck when up against Martin Ashby. Thankfully my memories of speedway go beyond averages and heat wins or indeed the number of World titles achieved but the characters and memories that many riders evoked...great times!

...oh but what a character! Garry certainly left his mark on the sport with his 'misadvenetures' and people still talk about him after all this time.

Gordon Kennett is apparently due to attend. Nice to see Gordon showing an interest in speedway because he was somewhat a reluctant hero.

Looks to be a great reference source for 'Diamonds' fans and those with an interest in the history of the sport.

I think that was during 1976 (when we lost again!) and if I remember Brian picked up a knee injury that night (clashed with Bob Kilby?) which caused him problems for the rest of his career. A real shame because he wa really developing into a very useful rider and may well have ended up a full-time 'Rebel' although he was a 'Panther' thru' and thru'. We eventually broke our 'duck' and won at Blunsdon in 1978!

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.