steve roberts

...I'm sure many a rider past and present after the first couple of bends just sit back and consolidate their postion. Some are referred to as just "gaters" and some just don't have the natural ability to make a pass successfully. That's why the fans generally appreciate a "trier" and riders who give the impression of giving it a go.

...did he refer to it on social media as I was reliably informed? If true a daft admission to make as it wouldn't actually adhere him to the fans.

I'm guessing that the "Official " average (do "Green Sheet" averages still exist?) does include bonus points (but excluded when declaring a team under whatever the points limit may be) otherwise you'd have the scenario whereby riders who put emphasis on their average (and there have been plenty of examples over the years) would view things very different if bonus points weren't included?

The rider in question apparently mentioned it on social media. Both my brothers have witnessed him ride on separate occasions this season.

We had Nicki Pedersen at Cowley for a handful of matches until he "fell out" with Nigel Wagstaff in the pits at Peterborough? Personally I was glad to see the back of him!

...that would involve looking into how averages are calculated. Many riders deem that their individual average is important hence why bonus points were introduced to stop same team riders racing against each other. However whether bonus points should be included when declaring a team under a points limit is another question (I think it was tried on one occasion)?

Certainly not!

Different scenario I know but wasn't there a rider for Oxford this year who went public and stated that if he missed the gate he would just ride round not making an effort to pass the rider in front?

An interesting one. I remember on more than one occasion where the rider running a last has pulled up only for one of the others to either fall or suffer an engine failure thereby losing a point and grief on the terraces.

Sad news...Brian rode briefy for Oxford in 1982 before injury curtailed his appearances. RIP

...was one of the things that grabbed me when I first attended speedway. I used to stand overlooking the pits taking it in!

I had a friend who raced go karts on a specially designed circuit and I was soon bored with it...their centre of gravity is so low and the steering so acute they just hugged the racing line. Cowley had a go kart circuit on the centre green and I watched it a couple of times and felt underwhelmed.

...I'd forgotten about quads racing. We had some demonstration races at Cowley I recall. During the days of Second Halves I remember during 1972 we had Grasstrack riders competing on their grasstrack bikes. The likes of Julian Wigg, Chris and Alan Drewett, Ken Matthews, Ralph Waller and the like. It added a bit of variety which I used to enjoy.

...I would agree. I remember Roger Measor being one of the stars? Unfortunately Rick Timmo's career as a speedway rider ceased when he broke his leg (?) when he competed as a passenger in early 1974.

Just seen this...brilliant piece of work!

The whole episode has been a disgrace but hopefully things have turned round for the better.

Passing was at a premium I remember but they were noisy and spectacular but personally I wouldn't watch a meeting that was just sidecars...as a Second Half attraction they held some interest.

...and nearly sold Oxford down the river back in 1975. His name is "reviled" for those who remember. As for Bristol Speedway at Eastville we know what a farce that turned out to be where planning permission hadn't been sought. Don't recall him having anything to do with White City however (?) That was a Dugard/Dunton enterprise.

I used to enjoy sidecar racing as an added attraction during some meetings however I always felt that the traditional speedway tracks weren't/aren't wide enough to give them full justice and the bends too acute especially at Cowley.

....mine will be under the tree!

...I know that when I was in correspondence some ten plus years ago with the owners of Cowley Stadium I happened to mention that they were allowing the stadium to fall into a state of dis-repair with a view of selling it off to a developer. The person I was in contact with seriously denied it but of course we found out later that was their intention until pressure was put upon them from various sources and thankfully the stadium was saved.

...I had read somewhere that Ulf had been referred to as "Ol' fluff ass" but I never heard it said personally.

Hopefully it can be as successful as Oxford's resurrection!

...no that was Ulf!

...yes I would be interested in what monies changed hands during the SKY years?