steve roberts

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?

Wembley was never a particularly good racing track...too flat although apparently was the same shape as Dudley Wood. However despite the anticipated starts the 1972 World Final must go down as one of the classics with all the drama that unfolded which always adds to the overall experience and excitement whatever the meeting however important in the grand scheme of things. I remember watching the highlights on ITV (yes terrestrial TV in those day!) later that same evening.

I recall reading an article that said that she is now a qualified chef after following a modelling career.

Remember him at Cowley. Gone but not forgotten. RIP

...Hans Nielsen was the best team rider that I'd seen although I hate to admit it Ole Olsen wasn't bad! Although I only saw Ronnie Moore during his last full season in Britain (1972) many acknowledge him as one of the best of all time. Could be the start of another interesting thread...Team Riding exponents?

...I would agree entirely.

...agree totally!

...Agree entirely or even the much maligned Mike Parker who drove things forward during the early middle sixties when speedway was in the doldrums when he was the prime mover in instigating the Provincial League.

...Personally I was never convinced that televised meetings particularly attracted people to the sport. In fact I was never sure who the targeted audience was?

I remember watching Eddie Kidd perforning a jump on his motor bike at Wood Lane during the interval once.

I remember he bought Tony Davey a bike once when news got back to him that Tony was having difficulties raising cash for a new bike after experiencing machinery problems (1978?)

Rather ironic that of all the tracks that Dag appeared for (Reading - Tilehurst, Hackney, Oxford & White City) Newcastle is the only one that stages speedway today! Sign of the times I suppose.

...he wasn't the only one. Remember Peter Collins not appearing at Somerton Park in 1976. He was due to appear there the day after Tommy Jansson was killed and didn't fancy riding on what he thought was a dangerous track.

Dag recently visited Cowley Stadium and lent his support to the saving of the stadium from re-development.

I endorse that sentiment...showing my age but I remember his father, John, riding!

Acker Bilk was once a Director at Oxford Speedway.....probably more of a Dave Lanning publicity stunt!

Greg Hancock?

One track I never got to visit despite holidaying in Cornwall when it was operating...I was on the opposite coastline the night that they were running if I remember correctly. Seen it on DVD and looked to be a super track within a very strange 'moon like' setting!

Remember my visit to Arena Essex (1984) and being fascinated by the lack of a safety fence. It was one of a kind. Recall seeing the track marshals having to quickly dismantle the starting gate before the riders commenced lap two! I seem to remember some riders (Barry Thomas in particular) disliking the fact that there was no fence as it offered no physical barrier and/or guideline as to where the outside of the track lay. I saw a number of riders running off the track as they tried to negotiate the tight bends.