steve roberts

Martin was very under-rated but was up there with the best Britain could offer during those glorious years of the sixties and seventies speedway's last "Golden Era".

Always sad when a track closes down but what went on at Swindon was despicable with lies upon lies and false promises.

...reminds me at Coventry when we did the same after the League Cup Final Second Leg in 1985 (we were humbled!) when all we wanted to do was to get out of there as quickly as possible!

I visited some years ago and there wasn't much left but with a bit of imagination you could work out the shape of the track.

When I phoned thru' my order I was told by the end of October?

Yes it was during 1975 under the guise of "Bristol Stadiums Ltd (?)" when he "sold" the stadium to the council who were considering developing the site until the SOS Committee (which my uncle was a member) saved the site albeit the Divison One license was transferred to White City. Rather ironic now that the council wishes to retain the site as a leisure activity? Osbourne was never liked during his time at Cowley and no wonder. Remember Osbourne once taking on Gordon Kennett in a race round the circuit in some "hot" cars and I recall Gordon crashing his?

Yes the track did leave a lot to be desired on occasions during that period I recall. Shame because it was beautiful shape and when prepared properly the racing was superb.

I remember a race between Phil Crump and then "Brummie" Hans Nielsen...super race where they passed and re-passed each other I can't recall how many times. All very fair and each giving the other plenty of room however I can't remember who won?

What I've seen on DVD (only went to Bradford once) it struck me that although the track was very wide and heavily banked much of it offered no advantage after the first two bends from the start? I'm happy to be corrected by those with a better knowledge of attending meetings at Odsal.

I was at that meeting I remember watching "Rebel" Bob Kilby guesting for both sides...also Swindon's 25th Anniversary Meeting and Oxford spoiling the party!

I would be grateful if you could enlighten please?

He was also involved with Bristol Speedway and what a debacle that ended up as...no planning permission to run speedway.

Oh dear that name again...sold Oxford down the river during the mid seventies and still talks "bo**ocks"

Spent many happy evenings down the road at the "old enemy" with some classic encounters...however, and I'm sure "Robins" fans won't want to be reminded, the night the "Cheetahs" won 56-22 during that glorious year of 1986 (if you were a "Cheetahs" fan!) That apart the memories of Martin Ashby, Bob Kilby and Phil Crump blasting their way round was always a pleasure to behold as well as the likes of Mike Keen and Edgar Stangeland...great memories! A great track when prepared properly and will be sorely missed.

Looking forward to it!

Astonishing to think that Svein died fifty years ago...my first year going to speedway and briefly watching him when he rode for the "Rebels". I adopted his name in his memory when I was a 'Viking" working at Jorvik. RIP

Disgraceful state of affairs how the Swindon public have been led down the garden path with false promises...may those involved hold their heads in shame!

Just done it...that's Xmas sorted!

I have a replica Oxford "Rebels" race jacket that was made specially for me. Super quality. I was never really into badges but collecting programmes was my real interest.

The whole Swindon situation has been a sorry affair from the time it was announced that there would be a new stadium...feel sorry for the fans who have been taken for a ride.

...wouldn't trust anything he says.

Must order my copy!

...or Coventry.

Who owns Belle Vue?

Great stuff!