steve roberts

Apologies! For some strange reason I got him mixed up with Phil Woodcock! Don't ask me how!!

I've often thought when the modern leg trailing style became the adopted 'norm' and I guess it's when the Americans graced our shores during the late seventies' early eighties? I remember the late Nigel Sparshott leg trailing and it was odd watching Henny Kroeze during the 1987 World Final in Amsterdam (seeded) when he was the only competitor riding the 'old fashioned' foot forward!

I remember Dave Jessup once wearing tasselled leathers. Personally I felt it didn't match Dave's very conservative image as he wasn't the most flamboyant of riders although very successful over a number of seasons. However even when black leathers were all the vogue (I perhaps saw the last years before coloured leathers were the norm) I was able to differentiate the riders by their distinctive riding styles (foot forward variety) and helmets, masks and flowing scarves. Tony Lomas who was recently interview in the excellent 'Backtrack' magazine used to wear highly polish black leathers as did Ken McKinlay with his socks tucked over the top of his boots...all individual distinctions. Also football shirts that some riders preferred. 'Mad' Malcolm Ballard used to wear an awful cream coloured top over his black leathers I recall!

...they were a feature of the team leathers adopted by Mildenhall if I recall. Bob Kilby also had a set one season.

Ivan Mauger's green and white Exeter leathers took some beating. The days of individual leathers where it was so much easier identifying the rider. Bert Harkins mentioned in his book that when team racing took off in the States fans found it difficult recognising their favourites after being used to watching them in their chosen race suits...and before anybody comments I am well aware why team suits were introduced although it's nothing new as various teams (Mildenhall, Leicester, King's Lynn, Oxford, Rye House, Swindon, Poole etc etc) did adopt team leathers way back during the sixties and seventies.

...and Ed Stewart of course! Just been reading Bert Harkins' book and his time spent as a 'Lion'. Good read!

I know that he rode for Romford. Have a feeling that there was an interview with him in either 'Backtrack' or 'Classic' Magazine?

I also think that the 1972 Final had everything...drama, controversy and some good racing.

I've just finished reading Bert Harkins' book and it made for an interesting read especially his year spent riding in America when it was decided to run with a league. Full of anecdotes about his time racing around the world and well worth a read for those interested in the bigger picture!

Working at the Viking Centre in York I have adopted the name Svein in memory of him. Gone but not forgotten.

..Yes but is it not true that in some rounds riders are seeded as was the case with this year's German Grand Prix?

...except, of course, the GPs run, or used to run, with a system of Wild Cards and/or riders who are/were purely there for home interest and/or boosting television viewing figures or has that system been scrapped?

...Personally I think that only the top three should automatically qualify but I guess that would create enormous problems with logistics and time scales I would imagine? I seem to remember that this was discussed at some time during the past?

...I recall that there was a Grand Prix Challenge that allowed a number to qualify but that a certain number retained their place based on finishing positions. Is that still the system in place today or is it more complex than that which allows competitors to compete in a series of qualifying meetings? (one question mark!) It's a point that Ivan Mauger was always keen to highlight in the past whenever the subject was broached.

...If I recalll towards the latter days of the one-off World Finals it was decided to run with two semi-finals so as to allow a better system of qualification rather than he old sysem of running a Continental Final which allowed a direct route for the Eastern Bloc countries. Not sure how many years that ran for before the GPs kicked in?

...that's not the question I asked. I was generally interested in knowing what the number was as I have no idea.

...How many automatically qualify for the following year's competition based on their overall finishing position?

...or British League successes. I'm of the John Berry ilk. I don't just grade great riders on individual championships alone but their all round contribution whether as an individual or a team player. However can't comment on Tai as I've never seen him ride but saw his dad, Rob, often.

The GP series is basically an 'invitation' series of meetings as was often stated by no greater rider than Ivan Mauger himself.

Another great edition...particularly enjoyed the interview with one time 'Cheetah' Mick Handley!

Just been re-reading Eric Boocock's autobiography "Booey- Around In Circles" and the chapter regarding his taking over the Aces made interesting reading. Considering that he was referring to 1975 his comments were that the stadium was shabby even then and needed serious attention and wouldn't have passed Health & Safety requirements (especially after the Bradford City tragedy) today. However he does confirm what we all know is that the racing was first class and offered many different racing lines. He continued to comment that no matter how good the stadium was/is if the racing wasn't/isn't upto scratch then it's all for nought...contentious view but one I agree with to an extent.

Amazing to think that I created this particular thread nearly three years ago now...and it's still nowhere near being resolved despite all the promises!

Personally I've never really understood the fixation about the quality of the racing over many year since the introduction of speedway as a form of entertainment. It's always been variable and much of it based upon the type and shape of track and machinery and many other criteria which often dictates the standard of racing.There were good and not so good racks in my years following he sport and no doubt the same applies today. I've just re-read an interview with Joe Screen who mentioned that during his career dirt became somewhat scarce when 'lay-down' engines were introduced because they couldn't perform efficiently on heavy tracks thereby tracks became a lot slicker and racing suffered.

Good news with caution.

...If I recall something akin to that suggestion was in place some years ago now and quickly forgotten?