steve roberts

...If I recall when I read his book "Simmo -The Whole Truth" four riders (Simmo, Neil Middleditch, John Davis and Malcolm Holloway) decided that they would finish in a certain order during the so called 'thrown race" to which the promoter (Terry Chandler) agreed to at the time when it was put to him but with reservations.According to Simmo Chandler then renegaded when the crowd starting booing and sacked Simmo for his part in the proceedings!

Personally I don't get het up over points bought, dropped or sold as it's been going on for years...probably since the start of the sport. Mitch Shirra, when interviewed in 'Backtrack' some years ago, told how the Coventry riders were ordered to drop points so as the overall team average would prove advantageous when formulating the team for the following season. My uncle saw two very famous riders buying off a rider during a World Championship meeting in Britain (an incident that John Berry also quoted in his book "Confessions" to which I collaborated in the way of a response to him personally via email) I heard whispers and/or suspicions whereby guest riders were paid off by the opposing team and one very well known rider had fingers pointed during one meeting at Cowley but which was never proven. The speedway scribe John Chaplin was once quoted in one of his books that if you don't wish to have your illusions spoilt then stay very firmly on your side of the fence.

...apparently the money was "swallowed up in the liquidation" when Poole Stadium Ltd went into receivership and the bank foreclosed wanting it's money back. Page 174 in Reg Fearman's book.

I've often raised this issue with 'fixed' gates which allows an advantage to which ever team when the pre-determined gates don't alternate offering an advantage to those who start the meeting on the inside moving towards the outside gates as the meeting progresses and vice versa as the dirt (remember that?) moved out.

...Interesting story but not surprising. I stopped watching that debacle many, many years ago...I guess that it's that time of year again when it's about to appear on our screens!

The website is: www.lulu.com/shop Keith Lawson is my uncle!!!!

Just received my copy. Looks great as usual with tributes to both Ronnie Moore and Bob Dugard.

A great rider and a super stylist and John Berry always valued him as captain of England. Three times World Pairs Champion with three different riders and four times a World Team Champion. His British league form was second to none but often carried Poole after years competing with Terry Betts at Lynn although they were best mates!

...Exactly!

...I've always thought that the refund policy somewhat suspect. The terms and conditions were always printed in the programme and more often than not this was purchased once you've paid your admission. I remember going with newcomer once and he was less than impressed when he lost his admission because the meeting was cancelled after heat six. Could never be proved but during dodgy weather I recall some meetings being rushed thru' the first six heats and then abandoned so as to save on the refund policy.

Yes the main stand is still in place (I think that it may still be used by a going concerned...or indeed part of it) but the surrounding areas including the terracing and other buildings/pits etc looked to be in a very sorry mess. Question is whether any prospective promoter and/or owner sees it as a viable concern and worth spending hard cash bringing it back up to an acceptable standard. Probably the best compromise would just to open the home straight and possibly the third and fourth bend terracing and fence off the rest. Sorry state of affairs all round considering it was one of the better stadiums not that long ago.

I'd be keen to know of any developments because the last time I took a look at Cowley Stadium it was looking very run down and would take a small fortune to turn it round.

I've just acquired two speedway publications by one-time Oxford track photographer Keith Lawson. "Rebels 1975 - The Last Season" "The Cheetahs 1976 - The Resurrection" They are full of photos, statistics and anecdotes from a period that changed the face at Cowley when it was thought that speedway would be lost but due to the efforts of many it was saved...sounds familiar although this time round I personally feel circumstances are very different and I have grave doubts about the sport ever returning to Cowley. Both books compliment each other and are worth purchasing.

...you never know I'd probably give it a visit living in York as I do! However I've left the front door wide open to allow the 'Flying Pig' that often frequents my house an easy escape route!

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Cleveland Bays and Anglian Angels (?)

...I would agree with this observation. Personally I don't think that it's loss has been totally recognised and the effect it had on speedway in this country. As regards the Collins/Michanek clash I think that Ivan Mauger hit it on the head when he observed that there was no way that Peter was going to be blamed for his fall as it took place on an English track in front of mostly English fans and presided over by an English referee (Arthur Humphreys...who, much to Anders' disgust, apologised to him at Reading's next home meeting!)

...I was taking Daniel's post literally "What's required is for the race to be finished and on with the next one" My post was very much tongue firmly in cheek and not meant to be taken seriously knowing obviously what's involved with any particular meeting and differing scenarios that may arise and/or occur in same.

...trouble is that if a meeting only consisted of fifteen races and each race started as soon as the previous one had finished the whole meeting would be done and dusted in 30 minutes at the maximum.

...yes it always makes me smile when people condemn second halves in whatever shape or form but there was no denying that it did help to bring on British talent together with the advent of the old Second Division.

...when of course speedway ceased to run excepting meetings at Hyde Road and the question on everybody's lips is whether they included second halves?

...Remember Melvyn Soffe second halving down at Weymouth and, if I'm correct, Kevin Pope was a regular in the second half at Reading's old Tilehurst track? Was Dave Patten from the Channel Islands? Recall Blacbird Leys lad, Ashely Pullen, riding in a second half at Weymouth whilst I was on holiday down there and he, of course, later signed for Rye House and eventually after a few years ended up at Oxford. I've said it many times before but we at Cowley due to the promotional ties with both Eastbourne and Peterborough got to see many of their riders (Gordon Kennett, Malcolm and Timmy Ballard, Bobby McNeil, Roger Johns, Paul Gachet, Trevor Geer, Laurie Sims, Eric Dugard, John Davis, Richard Greer, Brian Clark,, Kevin Hawkins, Paul Tapp ext etc) during the second halves and they were certainly exciting and productive times with many of those riders going on to represent teams in the upper league...even got to see the fifteen year olds Colin Richardson, Michael Lee and much later Alistair Stevens performing during the interval. We even witnessed grass track riders take to the track on their grass track bikes (Julian Wigg - who later turned out for 'The Rebels' - Chris and Alan Drewitt, Ken Matthews and a host of others). We certainly had variety down at Cowley...on one occasion we had a Tony Brooklister take to the track during a second half only to learn later that it was Colin Meredith riding incognito whilst having a trial and who later turned out for 'The Cheetahs'. I have nothing but fond memories of the old second halves and I appreciate that people's expectations are somewhat different today but I wouldn't have wanted it anyway different during my formative years following speedway. Great days!

...and, of course, Malcolm Holloway. Kevin Young and Kevin Smart all graduated to Oxford's NL team (as well as the Chessell Brothers!) Used to enjoy watching 'The Sprockets'. Throw in Steve Bishop and Terry Broadbank as well.

...that's how the likes of Julian and Simon Wigg, Ken Matthews etc got their opportunities as did countless others I would hazzard to guess? Certainly was the case at Cowley.

Personally I feel that a meeting should consist of 20 heats whether that be of an extended match varirty or a junior match following the main event or such as something you suggest are all possible variations. Of course there are financial implications and/or rider commitments and/or fans enthusiasm to be considered.but personally I feel that 20 heats would offer better value for money.