steve roberts

Mike Bennett for some reason wasn't a success at Oxford which is something he has often mentioned although he did get a good reception when he made an announcement on behalf of Bernard Crapper deriding a decision made by the match referee on one occasion!

Didn't Dave Lanning try this at Wimbledon?

Couldn't agree more...good old H&S and of course once upon a time kids (and the odd adult) were once allowed to ride pillion on the bike during the interval etc.

John Earey ("As long as we know") also at White City was very good...never a great fan of Peter York despite being the presenter at Cowley for many years!

The third bend...my spot together with my mates! Great days!

My brother is at Cowley this evening and I'm seriously jealous...he's very impressed with the stadium and what has been achieved in such a short time.

I was never a fan of 'live' speedway on the TV...too much pontificating. Much better a match that has been edited without all the time wasting.

Dave Hammond at Cowley was one of the best announcers in my opinion...smooth delivery and a nice man into the bargain.

Ah the days when riders used to roll into the tapes to try and catch out a rival who would break the tapes in anticipation...Garry Middleton was a master at it! Certainly got the fans going never mind the oppostion rider and Team Manager who would be straight on to the centre green phone adding to the entertainment!

John Berry, Dave Lanning (during his tenure at Cowley) Len Silver and Bob Dugard/Danny Dunton amongst others would often be controversial in their editorials but as you point out they had to tone down their observations in case it upset the "hierarchy.".

John Berry put his name forward but soon realised that he wouldn't get the support of others within the sport and in a flash withdrew his interest.

I used to place comments in my programmes so when I went back to consult them they would evoke fond memories...better written down as one's memory diminishes with each passing year!

I actually got to watch a couple of races from the centre green and personally I was disappointed as they seemed just to be riding round in circles! It's the same when I watch a DVD when the meeting was filmed from the centre green. I find that watching from the outside from a height you get a better perspective...just my opinion.

I believe that you can park at Unipart (Watlington Road) which is just up the road from the stadium. I did read that they run a shuttle service but I'll leave that someone more in the know to confirm?

My brother is going to Oxford speedway next week and I'm envious and have asked him to get me a programme as a souvenir so at least I have something tangible to remind me of years past at Cowley when I used to stand on the third bend chewing the fat with colleagues and fillling in my programme...all part of the night out in my opinion.

Never mind tractor "racing" but apparently at the Crystal Palace track after heavy rain during the meeting created ruts a ten ton steam roller was introduced to iron out the track so that racing could continue...that would have been some sight!

John Berry's comments were often controversial and always worth a read as were many others around the country.

Harringay "Caneries", "Tigers" and finally "Racers". Their Junior team rode under the name of "Whelps".

Agree entirely...damn awful nickname! When I questioned the choice of name I was told that when the Purchases "sold" the rights to Nigel Wagstaff the nickname "Cheetahs" wasn't part of the deal? I'm not sure if I believe that personally.

I always bought a programme when I visited a speedway...an essential part of the overall experience in my opinion.

He was good at Cowley in 1972 "Let Battle Commence" as well as for a few years down at Arlington.

Sad news indeed...hopefully it can come back at a future date as it has many times in the past.

'Cass the Gas" Middleton "Manoleto" Holmqvist

Cowley was walking distance for me. My nearest track now, I guess, is Scunthorpe across the bridge...wouldn't contemplate going if I'm honest.

Len Silver also gave Graeme Smith the nickname "The Corduroy Kid" after he turned up at Weymouth (?) and rode in his corduroy trousers!