steve roberts

One of speedway's many oddities! I could never understand how a team known as GB was represented by just one Englishman (Ray Wilson) when it won the World Team Cup in 1971. I remember talking to non speedway fans who used to think it laughable that the internal politics within speedway allowed Aussies and Kiwis to represent Great Britain! Just another example whereby federations (whether the ACU, FIM, SCB, BSPA etc) were unconnected causing confusion and there I say, derision, amongst non fans. Not surprising that speedway always appeared to suffer when it came to be taken seriously!

So was I! It was one of those strange instances when nothing could go wrong for Blackbird. If the meeting had been either the previous or following week it wouldn't have happened! Occasionally happens that a rider rides above himself for no apparent reason (although there was an interesting article some years back in 'Backtrack' where he put it down to the bike he rode that evening) and never again reaches that same peak. Perhaps all his stars had aligned that night?

I could have helped...but to my eternal regret I sold all my programmes!

Hi Salty! Yes can't really comment with authority on modern day speedway as I haven't been for 11-12 years but I do enjoy reading and commenting about the past! I recall Bob Radford's comments in said article and he has on a number of occasions criticised Ulf Lovaas regarding dealings with him. I would dearly love to read Ulf's versions of events to balance the discussion! 'Mad' Malc Ballard was indeed involved in a bad coming together with Cribby (I think that Bruce ended up breaking his leg?) and Malc had his car severely damaged when leaving Dudley Wood as I recall a collection took place at Cowley to help towards the repairs. He requested a move from Cowley and moved to Poole for the 1974 season but quickly transferred to Leicester when he decided to retire. I remember a 4TT down at Eastbourne in 1974 (when he representing the Pirates) when he got up to all sorts of mischief picking fights with, if I recall, Dave Kennett and Laurie Etheridge. Last I read he was a mechanic in the Lewis Bridger camp (?)

Wonderful memories of a less than perfect track...but good memories all the same!

I find it very disturbing and a sad reflection on speedway in the 21st Century but with the loss of Reading and Oxford (whether the sport returns to Cowley remains a huge question mark?) and now possibly Swindon will mean that the Thames Valley will no longer have a representation. Considering that London hasn't had a team in years and I understand that Coventry is also under threat (I meet people form all parts of the country in my employment within the museum industry) it's certainly a worrying trend.

Interesting comment from the late Malcolm Simmons when he was a columnist for the magnificent "Backtrack' magazine. "Regular readers will know that I used to have little 'digs' at Scunthorpe-born Woffy for being what I once considered to be an Aussie masquerading as a brit, having spent most of his childhood growing up with his family i Perth, but British speedway badly needs to claim Tai as its own and should try and capitalise on his success this season" (October 2013)

Frederick (Rick) Timmo was a loyal servant to Oxford (1967 - 74) even turning down the chance to race with 'Briggo' at Swindon when offered the opportunity.

Call me a cynic but am I right to say that Clark Osborne has something to do with Blunsden Stadium? I well remember when he placed Cowley in great jeopardy back in 1975 under the banner of Bristol Stadiums Ltd (?) when the site was about to be sold for redevelopment until saved thru' the great efforts of local fans (my uncle was one).

How about a statement from Terry Russell? Isn't he the man in charge at Swindon?

Only the home team as the away team was tucked out of site!

Just caught up with the video!

The first and second bends had very limited viewing access at Cowley which is why the third and fourth bends proved popular.

Many thanks for this! makes fascinating reading. I recall my brother seeing Conny at the local fun fair held at Blackbird Leys during his short stay in Oxford. Apparently he was proving very successful on the gun range...he hadn't long finished his National Service! Hasse was a favourite of mine. Remember the day he pulled up outside my house with a long trailer/caravan hooked up to his car! Last rode for 'The Rebels' in 1975 but it was very short stay. He was late coming over (June) due to commitments back home. He rode one match at Cowley (paid eight points) against Hull and, if I recall, rode at Reading and that was it. I last saw him ride at Crayford in 1983 representing his Swedish club side. Thanks again!

Would find it fascinating to read interviews (in a perfect world!) with the following riders: Conny Samuelsson - Rode for Oxford during 1969 but struggled around Cowley although put in some superlative performances at some away venues (claiming a track record at one track?) He left Britain and never returned and I would enjoy reading his reasons as he seemed to have it to make a success of it in Britain? Malcolm Ballard - A volatile character who appeared to have it all but retired after joining Leicester in 1974. Mike Sampson - Suddenly hit stardom in 1977 and was one of the main reasons for White City's success in 1977. His weekly rips to Barrow must have been horrendous! Steve Gresham Another volatile character hated by riders and fans alike! Hasse Holmqvist - Very popular rider at both Cowley and Monmore Green but whose time in Britain was very spasmodic. Ulf Lovaas - A favourite of mine but Bob Radford has often gone into print questioning him. Would like to read Ulf's side of the story. Per Sorensen - One of the main reasons why Oxford became a great side in 1986 after years spent at Swindon. Just a few but I'm sure I could think of some others!

Hi there! Yes we met up at Oxford...I remember the dogs! Can't comment on modern speedway (haven't a clue what's it all about to be honest!) as I haven't been since I left Oxford to live in York 11 years ago. Regards Ps I recall a few 'pillocks' who used to comment on the old Oxford web-site (not mentioning names) but generally it was all good fun and taken in the right spirit!

Just re-read the above comment...I gather it refers to the originator of the thread! Not very clear which is why I replied above! The point I was originally trying to make is that speedway is littered with riders now, and in the past, whereby they represented nations that they weren't born. Charlie Monk being the most weird representing Scotland although he was Australian without any ties to the old country! I also recall that Mitch Shirra could have represented Scotland also (father was Scottish?) but that's the quirkiness of dual nationalities and how far it can be stretched!

Not sure what your point is "Despite this Rob pillock there is no debate" Seems a very patronising view of the late Rob Woffenden...but than what do I know!

Always an interesting scenario. Never seen Tai ride (although I used to watch his Dad Rob) How does nationality work and allegiance to smae? Tai born in Scunthorpe and raised in Australia. I assume that he learnt to ride in Aussie and represents Britain thru' his father. Jason Crump born in Bristol and represents Australia thru' father Phil...but both could represent either countries. I recall Mitch Shirra having to declare his intentions (New Zealand or Australia as he could have represented either) and Ronnie Moore was born in Tasmania and yet rode for New Zealand rather than Australia! The list is endless.

Oxford used to have a problem when the sun would set over the third bend blinding the riders (and referee... but taking into account some of the decisions made over the years one could argue that some referees were continuously 'blinded' whether the sun was setting or not!) as they entered the back straight. Only happened occasionally, however, and the promoters would hold up proceedings for a few minutes to allow it to sink sufficiently. It also depending on the time of year so wasn't an ongoing problem.

As I thought! It's all a bit 'fudgie' and nothing has really been decided despite reassurances from certain parties!

I was talking to a group from Swindon (non speedway fans) yesterday who gave me an update regarding the new stadium at Swindon. Apparently the old stadium is about to be demolished but it's not clear when work starts on the replacement one? I hope that this doesn't turn into another Reading based on false hopes. Anybody any news (I can't find any reliable information) as Blunsdon holds many memories for yours truly?

Would really like to read an interview with Steve Gresham. He was a complex character who upset many on track but apparently was a very different person off track? His views and comments, I'm sure, would make very interesting reading. Any comments?

Personally I never had a problem with the length of a meeting as others apparently do. I used to stand with a good bunch of people on the pits bend at Oxford and in between heats we would discuss the night's racing and possible tactical moves etc. I never did appreciate Frank Ebden's desire to get the meeting over as soon as possible giving hardly enough time to draw breath! Each to their own I suppose.

Couldn't agree more! The domestic programme in this country has been strangulated by the effect of the GPs. The days of employing 'star riders' has passed and those wishing to compete in the GP should be given an ultimatum...compete in the British League or the GP? Okay there would be a drop in standard (debatable!) but it's time that British speedway grasped the nettle and then hopefully there may be light seen at the end of the never ending tunnel?