steve roberts

I never really enjoyed Bank Holiday morning starts at Cowley as meetings often used to drag on..at least in the evening it was clear to all if a meeting was running behind time. I used to prefer speedway under lights anyway but that's a different matter.

I wasn't having a go at you personally but just making a general observation so I hope that no offence was taken. PS That's the trouble with the written word...wish I could activate those smiley faces! Same with the old Hyde Road Belle Vue...7pm on the dot!

...thank the lord they don't request gift aid donations like where I work! That's a nightmare and really causes issues with long queues!

...don't complain about 'old folk' because apparently without them there wouldn't be any speedway considering the problems the sport has attracted youngsters.

Personally I think that those in charge, whoever they may be, have been guilty of bull rubbishting since the news of a new stadium was first announced...whenever that was!

When I used to go to the speedway someone I went with always left it to the last minute arriving just as the meeting was about to start...and then used to complain that he missed the first race!

Guilty as charged...that's me! If I see a copy on the shelf at Smith's I tend to have a flick (and it is a flick!) thru'.

...yes and he's smug with it! Remember his time at Cowley when he enjoyed his self publicity and self importance!

Had an interesting day touring thru' the middle of West Yorkshire and called in on the final resting places of Eric Langton and Kenny Carter. I was proud standing next to Eric's grave but unfortunately that same feeling didn't materialise when next to Kenny's. Despite his on track endeavours (although I was never a fan) what haunted me was his final act in murdering his wife thus leaving his children without a mother before turning the gun on himself. Such a waste of life.

He was the landlord at Cowley way back in the seventies and sold the Oxford faithful down the river...until the 'Save Our Stadium' committee got involved and saved the speedway and greyhounds for future generations to enjoy. Unfortunately 'deja vu' now exists at Cowley in the continual fight to save the complex.

...a big if! Certainly can Rob! The crowds were very good during 'The Rebel' years. Tailed off significantly when the promotion moved to White City and it took time to build up interest again before things really took off during the Nielsen era! Great days!

I would agree if you one can be guaranteed 7 or 8 heats of good racing! From personal experience following the sport for over thirty years that was often lacking...and depended on any particular track on whether it encouraged good racing or not. During my days of following the sport the second half often proved more entertaining sometimes than the main match (I was fortunate in following Oxford when we had the kids of Eastbourne & Peterborough riding in the second half)

Blimey! Is that what they're on?

...and so the ongoing saga goes on!

...and they should be considering their commitment to the people who pay their wages...the fans! I was a great fan of the second halves. 15 heats of racing does not represent good value for money in my opinion.

Fabulous part of the country...holidayed in that area on a number of occasions. Was at the NYMR only this last week viewing 'The Royal Scot'.

Reminds me of my times travelling the country watching speedway...have a good time!

Basically it was in the form of a question and answer forum...very interesting. In a nut shell Martin comments that he and Charles Ochiltree weren't really on speaking terms after November 1983 when the plug was pulled on Blackbird Road when in the article the question was put whether a track share may have been an option back then with Leicester operating at Brandon. It was never discussed as Martin was investigating other options at the time. I was never a great fan of Martin as I was at the meeting at King's Lynn (when he took over) when he refused 'The Cheetahs' a victory parade after they had pulled off a momentous win...something he comments upon in another feature in the magazine!

Interesting article in the latest 'Backtrack' magazine in which Martin Rogers gives an insight regarding Coventry and Leicester back then and now.

Looking more positive!

I think that the longest meeting I ever attended was the Fours Semi-Finals and Final at Wolves in the early late nineties/early eighties (?)...but it did consist of 48 heats!

Very sad however I suppose that sums up very much the state of British speedway and its standing within the media nowadays.

I never saw him ride personally so obviously can't comment on his on track endeavours but only know of his off track misdemeanours thru' what I have read in various places and am not impressed. John Berry was particularly critical in an article that appeared in the 'Backtrack' magazine some years ago.

Oh dear! Seems like yet another public relations disaster!

I did a tour of the old Wembley before it was pulled down...and glad that I did! Even got to see the crossbar that was stuck by the ball (Geoff Hurst) during the 66 World Cup causing debate ever since...did it cross the line or not? Been to the old Wembley three times. Once for Speedway and twice American Football but never for football.