steve roberts

However it was a question when the hat fitted as my example given regarding Oxford and Bernard Crapper's anger.

I think that we've heard it all before!

If I'm right four generations of the Allott family rode?

Speedway does tend to get its "knickers in a twist". There were issues with tyres back in the eighties/nineties...you'd think it would have learnt lessons?

...would be interesting to know? He rode for Oxford during the Nielsen years.

I second that...a great servant to the sport.

Interesting observations made by Eric Boocock in his autobiography regarding Bamforth...the spilling of coffee over Eric's programme notes without any regard or apology for example.

...I think he also made the Longtrack Final the same year so that made it five World Finals?

I think I'm right in saying that Jan rode in four World Finals that same year? Speedway and Ice Individual, Pairs and World Team Cup?

Sorry I don't understand?

Certainly there was a clash of personalities when he acquired Hyde Road which led to Eric Boocock resigning his post.

I have to say that moving away from Oxford some 17 plus years ago I haven't been to a speedway since as the nearest, I guess, would be Sheffield (?). I would expect more than just 15 heats (?) for my money and when i would have to take into account petrol costs (especially nowadays) it just doesn't add up for me.

Very sad with what's happening at Arlington. We at Oxford/White City had close promotional connections with Eastbourne and I use to enjoy my visits there. The Arlington Academy was second to none and it must have grieved the late Bob Dugard that more and more British Speedway began to turn to the continent for riders and Eastbourne were no different. Personally I feel that Eastbourne never really excelled with the new found status of affairs (although they did win a few championships) but their ability to unearth English riders was so succesful it lost its way like speedway in this country generally.

...exactly!

...and the promotion at the time. I personally felt the last few seasons at Cowley were rather lack lustre although Nigel Wagstaff tried his best following the Purchase's withdrawal. I was in correspondence with someone (GRA) who held office at Cowley Stadium when I put it to them that they were allowing the stadium to deteriorate on purpose but of course they denied such a thing!

Great to have Oxford, Swindon & Reading all running again...one can only hope!

Having spent 30 plus years attending meetings at Cowley and my Dad having gone to the very first meeting back in 1949 (although they did run meetings prior to the war) it pleases me that Oxford has again risen from the depths and I wish those all involved all the very best and congratulations on what is probably the best story to come out of speedway this year.

...just need to get some Reading fans there and the picture would be complete. Great rivalry and nothing beat good local derbies of which there were many producing many great moments to cherish.

The second Scunthorpe (Ashby Ville)!

Oxford has been one of the success stories this season and, by golly, speedway needs a few of those! Not sure what the "lack of medical cover" was all about however let us wallow in something positive when there is so much negativity within the sport...only wish that I could make a meeting at Cowley. Both my brothers have attended (on seperate occasions) and had nothing but praise.

To be honest I didn't attend a meeting but called in as I was on my way possibly to the town of Berwick? Someone was sat on a tractor grading the track and I spoke to someone who said that Mark Courtenay was often there practising. Obviously the stadium was empty but I didn't get a chance to have a look round but it seemed well appointed from where I stood.

I called in once when holidaying in the area and, yes, it was definatley in the midle of nowhere!

...knowing the BSPA they are just as likely to introduce such a ruling here in their continual "blind alley".

They used to in the "Star" many years ago for, I believe, one season and stopped doing it for reasons one can only conjecture?

Yes I have both of John's books...a great read. I even corresponded with him over "money changing hands" during a meeting which my uncle attended and witnessed. John mentioned the story in his first book and I collaborated the incident which he acknowledged in his second book.