steve roberts

Yes it was on BBC's 'Sportsnight' if I remember?

The run-off between Martin Ashby and Ray Wilson for the last qualifying place for the World Final during the 1975 British Final at Coventry. Martin could have been more ruthless but being the gentleman that he was/is he raced Ray hard but fair missing out by a tyre at the chequered flag. Two great Britons during the time that England ruled the speedway world.

Yes I even recall that there was a magazine that incorporated both sports.

There was a strong connection with 'Cheetahs' fans and the Oxford City 'Stars' Ice Hockey Team back during the eighties. Many fans followed both sports and it generated enthusiasm for both sports. Speedway fans would meet at the rink during the off speedway season and chew the fat whilst enjoying the antics on the ice!

Remember him riding for 'The Cheetahs' in 1996 and he showed some promise before he was injured (I think he suffered a broken leg?) It was Paul Hurry who realised his potential during, I think, a trip to South Africa?

I remember a classic second half race featuring George Hunter and Mike Sampson at Cowley where they passed each other on numerous occasions...could have been set up but I'd like to belive that it was genuine!

Strewth! Last time I went to Blunsdon it was so very rural...didn't realise that the housing was that close!

...Recall Glucklich getting on the wrong side of Billy Sanders at Smallmead on one occasion which led to Billy administering his own form of justice after an on track altercation!

...and apparently his son used to go the speedway at Romford!

Trouble is that Clark Osborne has given fans the runaround and hasn't been totally honest as regards his intentions...we suffered with his business dealings at Cowley back in the middle seventies when Bristol Stadiums Ltd(?) owned the stadium.

Superb Web-Site.

I saw him during his last season at Wimbledon in 1972 and he was still a very classy rider registering a healthy 10 plus average.

Known as 'The Frying Pan' so I guess that it was circular in shape. It was featured in the film 'Once a Jolly Swagman' and appeared rather small.

It's always gone in speedway whereby 'favours' have been exchanged. There was of course the infamous Sunday People investigation but I personally never took too much notice of it and it's a question I shall be asking Martin Rogers for his views in his 'Questions & Answers' Column in the 'Backtrack' magazine at a later date.

Yes much of his cine film has been captured on various DVD's under the Retro label...I'm hoping that a 'Memories of Oxford Speedway' DVD will be released in the near future?

In an interview in 'Backtrack' some years ago he explained that, like many, finances were an issue...or the lack of.

Remember Kelvin as a relatively 'wild & woolly' debutant riding for the 'Dons' until Malcolm Simmons took him aside and ironed out a few faults. He nearly ended up at Cowley but eventually decided on Coventry. Talking of spectacular races I recall the great ride Martin Dugard put in at Cowley during the 1989 Gold Cup Final where he stalked and passed aforementioned Tatum and, I think, Greg Hancock who was proving a handful that night and went on for a win on the line. Great memories!

Yes Hans and Erik used to have some titanic battles at Cowley but Nielsen was truly 'King' at Cowley and set the standard and some of his manoeuvres when he missed the gate (which wasn't often) were very classy using the apex of the bends as momentum in taking opponents when exiting or lining himself up entering the next bend. However Jan O. Pedersen used to be able to pick up traction where nobody else was able to...another very classy rider.

Yes I was there Rob...the occasion that all of Carl's 'stars were aligned'!

...dragging things on is a bit rich coming from you as you constantly follow that course as proven on other threads.

Who, if I recall, commited suicide sometime after he retired?

....call it mutual respect from a distance!

...and of course the classic Brian Johnson and Jonathan Agnew interlude!

Yes and all those 'screaming' commentators with their over the top commentary. Kenneth Wolstenholme ("They think it's all over...") was once quoted as saying that one should keep the commentary simple and not feel the need to constantly talk/shout but let the action often speak for itself.

Trouble is I don't have those facilities on my TV...don't subscribe to anything other than the 'bog' standard!