steve roberts

Forgetting John Louis of course but Norden (1975) was Martin Ashby's greatest moment in my view...pure class and very under-rated although he did ride for the auld enemy 'The Budgies'!

Yes Sid...and much of it was quite disturbing. He was obviously a troubled soul and had a very unhappy upbringing and never got over the suicide of his mother. His father came across as a real monster...but basically I came to the conclusion that Carter believed that everybody was against him in my opinion which created a disturbed and insecure mind. By the way never liked him as a rider but thats bye the bye.

I have all those books and although Reg Fearman's wasn't published by Retro it was a super and revealing read!

Just finished watching the superb DVD 'England World Beaters' and a fabulous DVD it was to...taken from high quality cine film. When England dominated the world scene (okay there were a couple of blips during that period) but what talented riders...Collins, Simmons, Wilson, Betts, Jessup, Kennett, Ashby, Davis etc etc and many who came thru' the old Second Division which proved to be a great production line...sadly no longer!

Remember White City having two versions in 1976. The silver version for home meetings and the traditional red one for away...I guess that the silver one was to add to the splendour and occasion that was Wood Lane and its plush surroundings?

I always appreciate the books that you publish Tony and hope that will continue?

My uncle took that photo!

Great anecdote...thank you for that!

...but was he being honest with the crowd when he was making those wheelie gestures? Grant you that he was being honest after the event but was naive to think that his actions would go unnoticed and mis-judged the mood of the public. In all my years following speedway I've never experienced anything so blatant although was suspicious on a few occasions that something was going on and I knew that points were being bought behind the scenes (personal experience)

...could have been more discrete and just faked an engine failure.

Wasn't Malcolm Ballard (Eastbourne & Oxford) a one time member of his pit crew?

Saw him first ride at Weymouth in 1974.

I was there...part of a double header with Oxford if I recall? Didn't Einar Kyllingstad register a 15 Point maximum for 'The Stars'?

...as were Hackney and Hull that particular season. Old 'Motormouth' himself! ...as he did for Robbie Gardner one year although he had retired and didn't even figure in the team's top three until it was pointed out to the referee by Tony Coupland (Middlesbrough/Teesside Team Manager)!

Remember when Mike made a comment on the mike after a race (on the instruction of Bernard Crapper apparently) regarding a racing incident which was directed at the referee and was fined for his efforts...but I think that Bernard paid the fine on his behalf. Certainly got the crowd going and added to the atmosphere! Agree that commentating during a race is all rather pointless in my view.

Obviously Peter York was the mainstay at Cowley during Oxford's successful period during the eighties and I found him personally to be okay in style. Recall that he was replaced by Mike Bennett for the one season (Peter took on an administrative role within the BSPA...that's another story!) but for some reason the Cowley faithful didn't take to him (Mike's version of events) but, again, I felt that he was okay.

He badly broke his ankle in 1979 (?) and the fact Dan McCormack (who he didn't get on with) became his promoter at Cradley and later Birmingham seemed to effect him.

Perhaps with the upsurge in cycling generally there may well be an interest in the development of cycle speedway raising it to a new level? One never knows but one can hope!

Anybody remember Arnold Haley who spent the best part of his career at Sheffield? Interesting that when I was visiting the NYMR during the week I got talking to a stranger (as you do) and found out that he used to mechanic for Arnie! Unfortunately he couldn't tell me much as he admitted that it was a very long time ago and his memory wasn't what it once used to be except that Arnie used to ride flat out and never knew how to shut off!

...personally never had a problem with the old T/S rule.

Bruce Penhalll 1981 Egon Muller 1983 Erik Gundersen 1984/85/88 Hans Nielsen 1986/87

'Favours' have always been asked and/or given and Penhall could/should have treated the fans' intelligence with a bit more respect that afternoon and been more discrete with his 'arguable' well intentioned actions.

...Palmer. Used to work with his Uncle. I was never a great fan of him...never knew when to shut up!

Used to like John Earrey (Ipswich & White City) and Dave Hammond (Oxford). Was never a great fan of those 'shouty shouty' types!

Saw both ride on a number of occasion. Great entertainers!