steve roberts

Similar case at Cowley when a well known rider after an engine blow out and whether he was able to replace it...and yet owned a jet ski to play with during his leisure time.

Remember when Channel Four (Yes terrestrial TV) showed highlights of the 1989 Commonwealth Final from Belle Vue highlighted were the suppposed income from some of those taking part. Recall either Troy Butler or Martin Dugard commenting that if he was earning a fraction of what was quoted he would be doing well! From memory something like £250,000 was quoted as earnings a year.

Recall an interview with Bernie when he said that he often rode at the difficult Number Four postion in which there were no easy rides. Developed a great understanding with Bobby Schwartz during the 'Racers' championship winning year in 1980. An alll round motorcyclist who competed on the grass and longtracks around Europe during his career. One incident I remember was at White City in 1977 when Reading 'stole' a victory at Wood Lane when Bernie caused, in my view, Gordon Kennett to fall but wasn't excluded! Turned out at Swindon in 1974 wearing a striking pair of blue and yellow leathers.

If I recall six-man teams were also implemented during 1997 (?) when the home team were numbered 1-6 and the away team 7-12 to help simplyfy identification.

Very sad news. Remember watching Bernie many times and was Reading thru' and thru'. After his one year loan spell at Swindon he did consider swithing over to 'the 'Robins' but returned home after Smallmead was completed afer a little pressure from Reg Fearman! Speeday couldn't survive without the Bernie Leighs...dependable team orientated loyal riders and something sadly lacking nowadays. May he RIP.

...and prior to that when Hackney 'moved up' Oxford were the only team to offer them a quality rider in the way of 'Wiggy' and the 'Cheethas' paid the price that season.

Bob Kilby, Doug Wyer and Dave Jessup also!

Remember being told that one of the Belle Vue 'Yanks' was on £500 a point back during the late 90's early 00's.

Thank goodness that this wasn't the case back when I used to attend (1970's & 1980's) otherwise I couldn't have taken in White City (Wednesday), Oxford (Thursday) and Swindon (Saturday) and occasionally Eastbourne (Fridays and Sundays). Obviously fans used to travel around a lot more back in those days but of course that scenario has changed dramatically with the downturn the sport has been experiencing over the last 20 years or so for all manner of reasons. I talk to many people at my place of work (tourism) who say that they used to go to speedway...a common observation amongst people now.

I went to a couple of American Football games at Wembley back in the eighties and I have to confess that all the activity off the field bored me and the whole thing went on for what seemed like hours...considering a game is in four quarters each of 15 minutes duration! Personally I don't want to be 'entertained' by fire eaters, jugglers you name it whilst there is a gap in play so that adverts can be accomodated on the TV. Meetings at Cowley during the days of second halves would commnence at 7-45 and end at ten on most occasions...however day time meetings were sometimes another matter but like the sadly missed 'Wiggy' I always prefered watching racing at night under lights.

Yes it was noticeable that during my last ten years or so attending speedway that the people I knew around me on the third bend at Cowley began to diminish during that time to the extent that very few of us remained...and apparently the situation has only got worse around the tracks judging by the many comments on the forum. I'm just glad that I went during the seventies and eighties when crowds were still appreciable although Oxford did attract relatively good crowds right up until I ceased to go (early 2000's) due to relocation. Just glad that my Dad was not around to see the collapse of speedway, and at Cowley in particular, having first gone back in 1949.

Last time I called in at Cowley earlier this year it was looking very sorry for itself. Personally, despite all the good intentions, I can't see speedway returning there...which is very sad as I enjoyed 32 years following the 'Rebels' and 'Cheetahs' and it holds so many great memories!

Agree...those that don't wish to stay on after the main event can please themselves. I used to enjoy second halves...certainly during Oxford's tie up with sister clubs Eastbourne and Peterborough. Also when 'The Cheetahs' competeted in the National League it was interesting watching untried new talent. Night out at the speedway was what I enjoyed and a chance to meet up with mates and have a good chat. As long as the whole thing was wrapped up by ten.

Same here...gave a chance to talk tactics etc with one's mates on the terraces.

Fabulous list of iconic names...can't wait to view this one!

Yes I remember well how he used to be able to manouvre his bike at incredible angles to achieve the desired drive! Shame that his massive potential wasn't realised.

Dalle showed massive potential when he rode for 'The Cheetahs' in 1995 and had a style reminiscent of Per Jonsson. Made the mistake joining the Cradley/Stoke promotion (who owned his contract apparently) in my opinion in 1996 and was never the same rider. He turned out at Edinburgh some years later in the Premier League but the star that had shone bright when at Cowley had dimmed and he eventually disappeared from the British scene. If I recall he did suffer with a back injury that slowed his progress but I'm convinced that if he had remained at Cowley he would have potentially become a very big star.

Recall the name of the prgramme now..."What's My Line?"

Ray Wilson once appeared on a game show (can't remember the name) whereby the panal had to guess the occupation of the person. If I recall Ray mimed the action of changing a tyre?

That's my Xmas present together with the Ivan Mauger DVD!

Just received in the post a leaflet regarding a new release DVD entitled '90 Stars of British League - 1970 - 1990' from the excellent 'Retro Speedway Shop'. A definite purchase on the cards as the list of riders featured resembles a 'Who's Who' of British Speedway during speedway's last 'Golden Era'.

Yes remember the occasion when the track was deemed unfit for racing initially and the meeting was postponed during the morning. However thru', I believe, the intervention of the BSPA that decision was overturned and the meeting went ahead despite reservations by those directly involved and the subsequent injury PC received and still has problems with today apparently.

i would generally agree but as I posted earlier when Kelly Moran tried a lay down engine he apparently found it difficult to ride (although past his best by then) but being such a naturally gifted motorcyclist he would have no doubt conquered the machine. I recall an interview with Briggo (I think?) who stated that the J.A.P. would do their best to throw you off and riders wouldn't have been able to hang off the back of the machine as tends to be the relatively modern trend. All about those best able to adapt to the changing machines whether engines and/or frames etc. at the end of the day.

I obviously never saw Darcy Ward ride but am unfortunately prejudice towards him based upon the negative press that he attracted thru' his off track activities despite his apparent talent on track.

Never saw the van in person but have seen an image of it...scantily clad young lady!