steve roberts

I was making a comparison and observation with the sport as it was then and now and how it has altered drastically...not all of its own making admittedly...and why crowds have diminished and the national media showing a general distinct lack of interest in the sport. Obviously some promoters appear to making a stand but it requires the promoters as a whole to collectively get together hence why I think an independent body would help part address the problems that the sport currently faces. 'All that is different is the attendances'...thereby lies the problem that the sport currently faces.

Speedway was a great part of my life for thirty plus years. I travelled around the country and Europe (planning holidays around meetings) helped promote the sport at schools, helped at my local track and even had a go. However I saw the gradual decline of the sport during those last ten years or so but as I lived within walking distance of my local track I continued to attend as it was a chance to enjoy a chat with my mates on the terracing. If I'm guilty of having the same views as some ex-riders, past and present day promoters and members of the media as regards the present position that speedway finds itself in then so be it. I followed the sport when it attracted national media coverage on both TV and the newspapers Attracted massive national and local sponsorship. When the National Team ruled the roost and Test Matches were a common feature in the fixture list. Continuity and teams running on regular race nights/days and not dictated by the GPs etc. Characters within the sport. Riders. Promoters/Team Managers and Supporters. When tactics were the norm and Team Managers had a role to play. London was represented at both League and International level. Teams consisted of mainly English and Colonial riders riders and not filled with foreigners with unpronounceable names. When local derbies were the norm and not the exception. Meaningful fixture lists when leagues contained upwards of eighteen to twenty teams. Less emphasis on bikes and skill was the main element. Being able to identify with one's own team whereby riders used to ride regularly and seasonally. Value for money with second halves/Golden/Silver Helmet/junior/sidecar/oldies attractions. Promoters who promoted. When the sport attracted thousands and not hundreds. When tracks had dirt and riders were able to adapt to conditions. I could go on but off course the world has moved on and people are now more selective about their leisure time but unfortunately speedway appears to have been left behind. I don't know the answers but apparently neither do the promoters and/or BSPA. However I do enjoy the banter with some of the contributors on the forum and enjoy living past glories. I rarely comment on the threads regarding the Elite/Premier League and the GP scene/football./cricket/horse racing/baseball etc as I don't have a working knowledge and/or interest on some of those subjects. However it doesn't mean that I can't contribute as and when I feel the desire and, afteral, people don't have to read comments if they so wish and can just pass over them...I do it all the time!

Would be a great step forward but will the promoters actually agree to it?

There you are...an example of selective commenting. Not once have I suggesting going back to black leathers (surely that was the sixties?), cinder tracks (before my time), J.A.P. engines (maybe wrong but I think that Dag Lovaas was the last rider to successfully use one?). I don't have a problem advocating characters within the sport (whichever side of the fence they maybe) because, afteral, speedway should be classed as an entertainment and thus treated same. The reasons I gave up attending speedway are well documented elsewhere on the forum.

1972 Oxford vs. Coventry when Garry Middleton beat Nigel Boocock in the Golden Helmet. Great days!

Steve Purchase (one time Oxford promoter) used to access the old Oxford Speedway Forum and participate in discussion. In fact he invited me to a pre-season meeting on the one occasion based on my involvement on said forum.

I recall Bill Owen being interviewed by, I think, Peter York on one of the History of Speedway' videos about his experiences regarding his involvement in the film.

Super film...although in his memoirs Dirk Bogarde makes no mention of it!

Personally I think that continuity is important. A regular race day/night so that fans can expect to see their speedway on a regular basis...if that means running without the GP 'Stars' then so be it.

Agreed but it would also help to give access to those who wish to pursue their motor cycling/car interests and give them an opportunity to ride 'off road' motor bikes/cars in a controlled and organised manner rather than let loose on the highways and bye-ways.

Personally preferred race jackets and individual leathers. Able to easily identify the riders especially those who wore more elaborate designed leathers.

Some names from the past there!

Len Silver christened him that name when Graeme took the track wearing corduroy trousers I believe!

The 'Corduroy Kid!'

Chris Pusey's polka dot leathers were always eye catching!

Remember both Ivan and his gold bike appearing on Blue Peter in 1972(?) Was even featured in their annual that year! Imagine trying to get that sort of publicity now.

Back in 1972 Oxford had various riders representing their countries at different levels - Garry Middleton (Australia). Oyvind S.Berg (Norway), Rick Timmo (New Zealand) and aforementioned 'Benny' Rosenkilde (Denmark). Quite an achievement but in reality it was more to do with the lack of international riders at that time (particularly Denmark).

Have to say that if the TV happens to be on and the Olympics appears it soon empties the living room!

Begs the question the best ever race jacket? Personally I always preferred the simpler designs (certainly prior to sponsorship logos) and I guess that the Ace of Belle Vue would take some beating? Liked the old Wembley Lion and, I know the passion that the symbol raises (been discussed extensively elsewhere on the forum), the Rebels jacket as worn by Oxford (1972 & 73 version)

It was in reference to the 'Royal Crown of Sweden' and made a change from the usual national flag.

Anybody remember 'Benny' Rosenkilde? One time Hackney, Halifax, Oxford and Newport rider. I recall him joining Oxford in 1972 (on the recommendation of Garry Middleton) replacing Svein Kaasa who sadly lost his life towards the end of that same season when riding for Glasgow. 'Benny' never really excelled around Cowley (he was more of a Long Track exponent) and I remember very well when at the tapes he would turn the motor over at full revs just before the tapes were about to rise. How he never blew his engine I will never know! He wore an orange 'day-glo' full face helmet just like his mentor 'Cassius'.

How about Norman Strachan? Provincial, British Leagues Division One & Two?

Have a feeling that it may be 1975.

I remember being told to push the left handlebar down hard and the back wheel would just slip away from underneath you. Easier said than done however! Remember your dad, Colin, riding for Scunthorpe!

I know that when Len Silver used to run training sessions at Hackney he would insist that riders were taught how to lay down a bike before he was allowed out on the track with other riders. Not sure if it was a myth but I recall reading years ago that he once jumped out in front of an oncoming rider forcing him to drop the bike...not sure if that one's true however? When I attended an Olle Nygren school at Lynn we were not shown how to safely lay the bike down however it was a beginners course.