steve roberts

Good stuff and to think we are about to be subjected to two weeks of wall to wall tennis on BBC TV!

If a winner has to be the outcome I think that's a better option...never did like the 4 3 2 0 scoring system.

Yes I was forgetting Ice Hockey having been an avid fan of Oxford City "Stars" back in the 80's. It's an American "thing" that someone has to be seen as the winners. Our friends from across the pond can't conceive the idea that a draw is a fair outcome but, then again, they have problems connecting with cricket and its rules!

I agree...another daft rule that only speedway could come up with.

Just recieved my copy of the book...looks to be a fascinating read with not only speedway but the football team and memories of Roker Park and life generally in Sunderand.

Oxford Speedway has to be the big success story in speedway at the moment! Wish I could be part of it like the good old days.

Yes I did! Gordon was a good second heat leader at Cowley in 1975 but tended to struggle on bigger tracks but his Aussie experience benefitted him enormously when he moved with the rest of the "Rebels" to the vast White City in 1976 and he became a complete all rounder and as they say the rest is history. Gordon has been quoted at saying that Martin Dugard (another small track specialist) would have benefited with a trip down under.

I remember the Test Matches down under whereby many riders came back to these shores a better more complete rider. It certainly didn't harm Gordon Kennett who toured Australia in 1975/76 and he proved inspirational when riding for White City after a career spent on smalll tracks up to that point.

...gate 4 has always been a poor gate going back years (many made the observation that the starting gate was too close to the first bend?) but can't comment on the new track.

...got unstuck at Cowley tonight however!

...not very successfully tonight at Cowley however!

Do Poole still like riding on "slick" tracks?

Remember "Nobbie" when he rode for the "Rebels" in 1972!

...my "working wage" at my last employment was just above the minimum/living wage entitlement.

I wish I could...standing on my old spot on the third bend!

Sad news indeed! My Dad saw him ride for Yarmouth. RIP

My brother is on a visit to Oxford this week and will be visiting Cowley to take in the action. Should be a good night!

Agree 100%.

...approaching York on the A1079 has been a nightmare since 2nd January due to roadworks and the A1237 northern ring road around York is a constant pain and that's without roadworks!

Used to be 30p for me at Cowley in 1972 (12 years old) if I recall and 8p for a programme.

Thank you again...always look forward to this!

A very fair and honest response to which I would agree.

It's an emotive subject and down to the staging promoter to decide on what policy he/she feels is best suited. I appreciate both sides of the argument as regards free/paid entry and potential benefits that it may or may not generate. If I was a promoter I would certainly consider a "request" but a free for all (which personally I don't think would be the reality for reasons I've highlighted previously on this thread) would certainly need serious thought and consideration weighing up any costings gained or lost on potential revenue. One time promoter Steve Purchase invited me to a pre-season "ideas" session and it gave those round the table to put forward suggestions to help generate extra income. Whether inviting or having attend an ex-rider would generate interest with the fans is open to conjecture but personally I feel if promoted in the right way giving the fans the chance to meet an ex-rider after a meeting could create some interest. I recall Nigel Wagstaff holding post meeting presentations after a meeting and fans were given the opportunity to ask questions and generally mix with the riders which went down well with those present.

...not a question about being in denial but just wanting clarification. If the letters contained the word "demand" then that's the end of the matter.

Yes I'm aware of apparent "lists of riders" that PC has produced but has he at anytime "demanded" that they (apparently 100's?) qualify for free entry which is what some have implied on this particular thread and elsewhere? If someone can confirm that was indeed his intention when producing said "lists" other than hearsay then I'll be happy?