steve roberts

When the Second Division was formed back in 1968 the idea was to produce a constant flow of British talent who many would progress and compete in the higher tier. It was a very successful formula in its formative years and I can only think how many riders who competed at Eastbourne and later turned their talents to Division One, Dave Jessup, Gordon and David Kennett, Malcolm Ballard, Trevor Geer, Bobby McNeil, Paul Gachet, Neil Middleditch, Roger Johns, Steve Weatherley, Eric Dugard and much later the likes of Martin Dugard, Dean Barker and David Norris when the leagues had drifted very much apart. I do wonder if any other team produced so much talent...Belle Vue and Ipswich probably the obvious choices. As a supporter of Oxford I got to see many of these riders at Cowley due to our promotional tie up taking part in the old second halves and think myself very lucky that I was able to enjoy watching so much talent. Of course we also got to see many Peterborough riders (Richard Greer and John Davis instantly come to mind amongst others) who went on to ride in Division One. I do wonder if the demise of the ethic of the old Second Division and later New National League and much later the effect of 'Stewkesbury Plan' began to create the problems British Speedway now faces with the lack of British talent that was once abundant and Britain ruled the world in speedway terms?

...Because it's a question that raises an issue that some on here constantly smack down! Yoo'll have to await for the relevant edition to find out what my question to Martin is?

Hi Tony, I've just sent Martin my question via your editorial email address. Regards

Yes I would agree. I once went to an Olle Nygren Training School and he would start the three day course with a basic introduction to the bike and its controls...nothing fancy but at least some initial guidelines and then you took it on from there and he would advise accordingly throughout the remainder of the course.

Recall an interview with the late Neil Street (who knew a thing or two about engines) and he maintained that many riders were not taught the basics regarding throttle control and grip but adopting the fashion of just high revving engines in an attempt to get the bike to function in an economical and efficient manner.

It's quite an achievement for the sport to reach its 91st Birthday with the chequered history it's had to endure over many years. Wish everyone success with the celebration.

...and I saw him ride, well as far as the first bend at Cowley that is!

Of course once upon a time riders used to twist the throttle back and forwards on the start line so as to gain maximum grip when the tapes rose...now of course it's just full revs with the throttle full on akin to rocket propulsion when the clutch is eventually released.

I would agree in principle however there are some on here who lack respect even when the subject is 'legitimate' and rather than 'debate' the subject like adults prefer to use derogatory terms as put downs if they don't happen to agree with your views and like a dog with a bone keep coming back for more...'last word' syndrome. There are subjects I have raised in the past affording debate but some on here won't let go decrying any such sensible discussion in an atttempt to grind one down. '"'m always right" syndrome and adopting 'spin' to twist and turn the discussion thereby defying any opposite view. Forums, afteral, are more about opinions rather than hard factual evidence and although I am more than happy to be corrected there are correct and respectful ways of going about it. To use terms such as 'idiot' (or other such expressions) is just not acceptable in my view...a word often used by one particular candidate on here or displaying signs of outward aggression. It would be laughable if it wasn't pathetic but you can guarentee that when certain posters comment on here they appear to attract the attention from the same old suspects who get some sort of satisfaction in deriding them and therefore 'massaging' their own egos. I've learnt to become somewhat selective in what I read now as I can't be bothered trawling thru' much of what's on here...I have better things to do!

I've done that in the distant past...and wasn't acknowledged.

There are some topics that I ignore and, yes, I just pass over the continual 'points scoring' that some contributors appear to partake in but it does get somewhat tedious and childish in nature. As Adonis comments what I do find particularly tiresome are those who appear to continually feel the need to 'troll' certain posters and throw in the occasional abusive comment. Also those who think that they are always right and find it difficult to accept another person's view without having to throw ridcule into the 'debate'.

Two superb reference books...I constantly refer to mine!

Three rider from that period I would like to see interviews with are Malcom Ballard, Conny Samuelsson and Hasse Holmqvist.

Either would be great speaking personally but I can see an Oxford DVD would perhaps have a wider appeal?

Tony is there any chance of a 'Memories of Oxford Speedway' DVD in the near future? I have most of the 'Memories of' collection but an Oxford edition would be very much appeciated!

Just received for Xmas the 'London Speedway DVD'. Tremendous nostalgia with plenty of action from the 'Rebels' days of both Oxford and White City.

Never got to any of these meetings, personally, but had to admire the enthusiasm in instigating such a meeting(s).

Another great edition and I especaiily liked the Billy Lamont article.

Sad to read of the recent death of Pawel Waloszek at the age of 80. He so nearly could have become World Champion when finishing second to Ivan Mauger in 1970. Ivan has often been quoted as saying that it was the hardest title he gained when the Poles were almost unbeatable riding their own tracks. I saw Pawel ride at Cowley in 1973 when he obviouly was at the veteran stage of his career (although he rode on until 1985) May he RIP.

...and of course represented Great Britain during the sixties and seventies.

...Haven't bothered for years since I ceased to watch most sports on TV for various reasons.

Remember one-time 'Wasp' Reidar Eide trying his upmost in avoiding paying the toll constantly negotiating with his promoter to come up with the money in one way or another.

Sad news indeed. A great rider who has left so many great memories. Sincerely hope that he gets better soon.

I've just sent you a PM thanks! Regards, Steve

My brother painted his model with union jack mudguards...I painted mine with a metalic finish!