steve roberts

Not often I agree with Steve Shovlar!

We're not talking about a great influx of riders on mass surely wanting to access a speedway at any one time? As regards Olsen, I remember the occasion he wished to access the pits at Coventry whilst riding for Wolves and the 'job's worth' on the gate asked for his name to which Olsen replied "Ole" and the man then asked "Ole who?" And that's when he was riding! Chances anyone knowing him now!

Not sure if belonging to the SRA is/was compulsory but by showing a card I see no problem as proof of being a rider at some time. Same as other forms of employment. I have an Oxford University Retirement Employee's card which allows me access to colleges an/or Oxford University establishments. Or if a rider has signed up to the Veteran's club etc.

When the Newcastle Promotion went 'Pear Shaped' after their disastrous entry into the British League in 1984 the riders were sold off to rival promotions (Joe Owen to Ellesmere Port for example) to help pay off some of the outstanding debts so I guess you could say that riders are assets although a very unstable one.

In the book 'Tragedy - Kenny Carter' Eric Boothroyd (one time Halifax & Bradford Promoter) is quoted as agreeing to pay Kenny a big five-figure upfront sum before the 1984 season but when Carter broke his leg it backfired on the club financially as he never rode for Halifax again that season. They had to resort to using guests to replace him but had already paid thousands to Carter in the form of a big advance. In fact during both 1984 and 1985 Halifax suffered due to the injuries picked up by Carter. John Berry, amongst others, would talk about clubs now being run by speedway fans and/or enthusiasts with money to burn rather than the old days when professional promoters ran clubs for a living...often running more than one track. Allied Presentations, for example, that included a consortium of Reg Fearman, Len Silver, Danny Dunton, Maurice Littlechild and, I think, Ron Wilson as members who despite running their own tracks had a say in the other tracks within the group before eventually going their separate ways.

Brian Crutcher - Poole and Wembley. Finished second to Ronnie Moore in the 1954 Final and retired in 1959. Affectionally known as 'Nipper!'

Had a go myself as well. Total respect for those who ride speedway...at any level!

Remember in 1976 when John Jackson was doubling for a Wolves 'select' side as they were known that year at White City. He was constantly anticipating the start that night much to the annoyance of the home crowd and was eventually warned of his conduct. Of course in those days there was slack control of the starts but some of his actions that night were quite blatant. Biased view? Yes! Wolves beat 'The Rebels' with, as I mentioned, a 'select' side containing both Reg Wilson and Mike Lanham as guests from what I can remember.

Peter Purves and John Noakes!

I've enjoyed reading the latest edition (No.33) of the 'Classic Speedway' Magazine. Particularly enjoyed looking at he photo referring to the 'Save Oxford Stadium' campaign sponsored by Spencer Timmo's Car Sales Ltd. Dates from 1950 and the road I lived in (Spring Lane) appears just above the caption 'This is Oxford Stadium'! How it's changed I must say...and not for the better! Good articles as usual by the way.

Sounds sensible to me. Rather than remain on the track far better that the bike be removed to the relative safety of the centre green (as was always the case) than leave it parked somewhere on the track. Like any legislation common sense needs to prevail.

Yes Peter was a national name back in the seventies when the mass media took a keen interest in the sport.

Great to see Hans back in speedway. A true great and a real gentleman!

Sad news. I remember him riding for Sunderland (1972?) and for Halifax occasionally. RIP

I don't think that the marshall enjoyed the experience because, if I recall, he ended up with a broken leg! Poor old Trevor was very distressed by the event but wasn't to blame...it was just a racing accident when he lost control (I think that the starting gate got a clobbering as well!)

Remember when Trevor Geer, during a second half race at Oxford, lost control and ended up taking out a marshal on the centre green.

Remember 'Joe' Gooddy riding for Oxford and according to the late Malc Simmons a great guy! Once had a good look at his bike and it appeared to be held together by bits of string and tape but, boy, could he gate when the mood took him!

Actually, thinking about it, I think that Jan Davidsson was the father of Jonas and another son who rode for Poole (can't remember his name) which would have made Eddie an uncle. Eddie never settled at Cowley as he always seemed to be drawn to the fence as if by a magnet! I seem to remember the Bristol Speedway Supporters Club making regular trips to Cowley before the advent of Eastville in 1977?

Recall the time when the sadly deceased Wiggy went out and rode around Reading with a torch attached to his helmet when there was a power cut!

Yes they were very competitive meetings. I went to many and they were always keenly contested. I have on DVD the 1974 British Final and the line up would have done any World Final justice as they also included the Aussies and Kiwis in the line up! Remember watching highlights of the 1975 Final on, I believe, BBC (Sportsnight), later the same Wednesday evening (?) which is of course when the earlier Finals were held before moving to Sundays.

Your near neighbours over at 'The Wick' would also have had interesting second halves with sister clubs Rayleigh, later Rye House and Crayford. Allen Emmett, Geoff Maloney, Tiger Beech, Bobby Garrad, Marvyn Cox etc etc performing their talents (including Peter Purvis and John Noakes!) As I've stated elsewhere I used to stay on after the main meeting to watch what ever was on offer and a chance to wind down and talk to my mates enjoying a relaxing bag of chips!

Good grief! There's a name form the past Wayne Muddle! Remember him vaguely. Helgi Langli (brother of Tormod) was introduced to replace Eddie Davidsson (father, I think, of Jonas?) and started promisingly. It was reported that he had had a knee cap removed from a crash previous to joining Oxford (had previously ridden for Newcastle in 1969?) and his real claim whilst a 'Rebel' was defeating Ray Wilson at Cowley. Super race in that he used all of the track to keep Ray behind him! His career ended at Oxford when I believed he injured himself falling thru' a loft! If I recall Eddie's brother, Jan, rode for Eastbourne during the late seventies early eighties. There was something about Bank Holiday meetings and we, as a family, would holiday down on the south coast and once popped along to Eastbourne who ran meetings on one particular Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

...and of course Peter Collins' sensational exit from the World Championship when it was claimed that a substance (sugar?) had been added to his fuel causing him to pull up on a couple of occasions during said same meeting.

Yes I remember the 'cut and thrust' of the British Finals in the 70s and 80s in particular. The 1978 final when one of my heroes, Gordon Kennett, qualified for the World Final after a run-off. Great stuff! Trouble is I missed his subsequent appearance at Wembley due to a pre-booked holiday in Jersey...groan!

Yes I remember friends of mine gaining access after the main meeting. At least it gave potential new fans an opportunity of seeing what speedway was all about. I was also thrilled at presenting Dag Lovass (one of my early heroes) a bottle of bubbly after the second half Grand Final at 'The Rebels' very last Cowley meeting in 1975!