steve roberts

...or to put it another way in simple terms...planning permission for a new stadium was only granted on the premise that new houses were part of the proposed development?

...ah but dinosaurs lived for many millions of years. The human race has a bit of catching up to do!

...yes when I think that I used to go regularly to Oxford, Reading, Coventry and Cradley...all tracks that have now gone and with question marks over Swindon one wonders where speedway will be in a few years down the road. ...to be honest Smallmead did always look to be a temporary stadium from the start but I guess the initial agenda was to get 'The Racers' operating again after a year out. I recall reading many times that the idea was to improve the facilities (Reg, again, talks about it in his book) but for one reason or another it never really materialised and over years the stadium began to deteriorate which was a shame as the potential was there to develop the stadium further.

Could be but to quote from his book... "My understanding of what was eventually to transpire was that in the late 1980s (Reg had sold his interests by then), Bill Dore was involved in discussions with Reading Borough Council. I know not whether Allied Presentations Ltd was in breach of the lease or if the council approached Bill Dore to sell back to them the 99 year lease I had negotiated. The outcome was that the 99 year lease was rescinded. A new lease was signed, which expired in October 2008...the lease was reduced to just 34 years in total"

I second that having watched Svein ride for 'The Rebels' before he was replaced and eventually signed for Glasgow. RIP

Having read Reg Fearman's book wasn't there an issue that the promoters (Pat Bliss & Bill Dore) had altered the lease expiry date of the site thus it's ultimate premature closure?

...I would agree however it does highlight the fact that stadiums such as Coventry and Oxford have been left vacant, which is nothing short of a disgrace in my opinion, instead of being put to good use.

I would agree...never quite understood people going on about the gaps between races etc as a part of the enjoyment for me was meeting and chatting with colleagues and pre-empting the Team Manager's next move. Used to annoy me when Frank Ebden was referee as there was never time to absorb the action and discuss between races as it was all done and dusted in quick time. When I went to watch American Football at Wembley and locally there was generally more 'out of action' interaction but it was/is accepted as part and parcel of the game.

Always liked John Dews. Struggled at first at Cowley (a replacement for the non-arrival Dave Hemus if I recall) but gradually got to master the track and improved his average year on year however never mastered Wood Lane in his short stint and retired from the sport. If I remember 'The Rebels' used Steve Weatherly as cover for the rest of the season doubling up with Eastbourne. I think Neil only rode in one meeting (Swindon?( failing to score.

I don't do twitter...any chance on here?

There was a feature, I recall, in a back edition of 'Backtrack' regarding 'The Aces' riding in Russia during the sixties...I may have had a programme in my collection before I sold it off!

I think it's just a one off publication...well worth the purchasing of same.

I remember saw dust being used at Cowley on more than one occasion. Recall John Davis and Neil Middleditch lighting, I think, petrol on damp patches (Weymouth) hoping to help dry the surface! Jet engines/cars were used prior to the 1974 World Final at Ullevi.

An exception was the 'Stewkesbury Plan' who was promoter of Poole at the time who operated in the lower league and I'm guessing he was chairman of he BSPA. I remember John Berry being somewhat critical of the plan at the time.

Bought it when it first appeared and as you say a great read!

Hi Rob...yes it was a fascinating article and brought back so many happy memories for one who made the weekly trek to Wood Lane for three years. I'd be interested in reading what Mike would have to say about his weekly jaunts up to Barrow from his Exeter home. Last I heard he was an electrician (?) down in his native Devon. In my view he was very instrumental in the successful championship winning team as well as his undoubted input at Arlington. Kai had tremendous ability and I believe could have achieved more but a great talent all the same...a great little competitor.

I think Nigel De'Ath may have been the Oxford mascot once?

An interview with Kai Niemi would prove interesting. He joined 'The Rebels' early during the 1976 season to replace Rickard Hellsen (who never adjusted to the track after a useful year previously at Cowley) and one could see immediately the potential. Always remember the first meeting of the 1977 season at White City (King's Lynn) where he passed both Michael Lee and Terry Betts (one on the outside the other the inside) during one lap...great stuff!

Are they not included any longer? They used to be I'm sure?

They also count towards formulating a rider's average.

There used to be a Grasstrack at Sandford-on-Thames (never been able to locate the site) prior to the promotion opening up at Cowley just before the war. I think I'm right in that some meetings were held early during the war at Oxford but they soon came to an end and speedway re-opened in 1949 in which Dad went to the first meeting.

I recognise Jimmy Nilsen ( emigrated to the States if I recall?), Kelvin Tatum, Craig Hodgson (died tragically?), Sean Wilson, Darren Pearson, Paul Bentley and Simon Green (?)

Not at all although Oxford was always deemed a fair track offering little in the way of home track advantage unlike some tracks. Oxford, for whatever reason, just didn't perform well enough on their home track during 1990 (I recall Wiggy developing a complex about Cowley) to warrant a serious challenge at the championship...as explained in said book quoted...although their away form was exceptional. Reading became champions which was an admirable achievement and Oxford were left 'licking their wounds' over a poor home record which cost them dearly in the final analysis.

There is some truth in that...taken literally! To quote from the book 'The History of Oxford Speedway' "...Reading emerged as Champions, and the Cheetahs were left thinking how different things could have been had they not suffered that string of home defeats in July and August, since their away record was the best in the league"

...not sure how I can put it any other way personally. I was not questioning Reading's Championship win but the fact that Oxford's home form was poor...which is what my initial post highlighted...and ultimately cost them any chance of the championship that season but that their away form was impressive (best in the league in fact)