steve roberts

There was a Chris Trewin who rode sidecars during that same period?

I was talking to someone today who knew a Dean Trewin who used to ride speedway/grasstrack during the seventies/eighties? I have to admit I have never heard of him but apparently he once rode against Ivan Mauger? Has anyone come across the name?

Of course Bwitcher (whatever happened to him?) could have used Malcolm as an example to back his wild claim that "numerous" riders back in the seventies rode for teams after only a few weeks/months after first sitting astride a speedway bike (or indeed any bike was I recall his claim?). Knowledge would have highlighted however that although there were a few riders who apparently appeared on the scene from nowhere most had competed on the grass or, as in Ballard's case, scrambling so were already very accomplished motorcyclists. Tony Davey is another who springs to mind who was also a scrambler prior to taking up speedway.

Of course there was the tragic accident involving Rolf Gramstad which ending Rolf's speedway career and left him with mobility issues.

Not sure if I ever saw him ride? Did he once have the nickname "Kermit?"

Apparently one time rider Vic Lonsdale used to collect "jars of shale!"

My brother once owned a most bizarre collection of samples of shale from tracks around the country (contained in those "Tic-Tac" boxes) including Wembley!

Being an Oxford fan I saw lots of "Mad" Malc during second halves (a sad loss in my view) due to the promotional tie up with Eastbourne and his eventual appearance in the team going full time in 1973. Controversy was never that far where Malc was concerned and the stand out meeting was down at Arlington in 1974 (after he had left the "Rebels") during a 4TT when he was involved in some ugly scenes with riders representing the "Hawks"...great entertainment however and brought the meeting to life!

...or, indeed, his brother Timmy who I remember taking part in the second halves at Cowley?

He hit the ground running in 1971 but his scrambling experience would have helped him I'm sure! Not the best of friends with Dave Kennett!

Does anyone know of the wearabouts of Malcolm Ballard and whether he takes a keen interest in speedway? Remember "Mad" Malc when he was an overnight sensation and there were high hopes he would continue his rise when he joined the "Rebels" but after a transfer to Poole and ultimately Leicester he disappeared from the scene citing, if I recall, mechanical hardships getting him down? I remember reading he helped Lewis Bridger (another unpredictable rider) for a while. Any memories would be greatly appreciated and would have made a great interview in an edition of "Backtrack".

Paul Lydes-Uings.

I had the entire collection of White City programmes home and away during 1977 (including challenges, 4TT etc) in what was an amazing year for yours truly. Complete set of Oxford programmes from 1972 to 2002. Many one-off specials and I always cherished visits to track shops picking up programmes to add to my vast collection now, alas, all gone!

...could well open up a whole "can of worms" and there may well be some who don't come out of it too welll? Looking forward to it all the same.

...looking forward to the Peter Collins' Book!

Terrible news!

Having just received my latest edition of "Backtrack" I read with dismay that the next editions of both magazines may well be the last as the present team of Tony and Susie wish to move on. I sincerely hope that someone else picks up the mantel because I thoroughly enjoy reading both magazines and not having either to read will create a massive void in my retrospective insight into speedway's last "Golden Era". May I wish both Tony and Susie very best wishes and thank you most sincerely for producing two great magazines which I will cherish and continue to read the back numbers in an attempt to re-fresh diming memories.

My White City progamme board!

...and "Brown Envelopes!"

David Shields if I recall on his debut for Oxford at Milton Keynes?

Thanks Matt! I hope that you are okay and still got the SKOL Cheetahs coat that I gave you?

Does anyone know long time Oxford fan Geoff Gammage? I recently was in a cafe near where I live and I overhead someone talk about Horspath Cycle Speedway and I happen to remark whether Geoff is still involved? Apparently he still is and I recall many a converstion I use to have with him on the terraces at Cowley together with James Battle going back many years. Small world but here I am in Yorkshire and just by chance met someone who knows Geoff!

There is an image of Ken sat on his bike in a West Ham team photo. If you google "Ken McKinlay Images" (I don't know how to download images I'm afraid) You have to scroll a way down to find it.

James Timy Te-Kerehi Herini-Moore.

I remember because during that time we painted those Britain's Speedway Riders and ran a league and I recall placing a cover over Ken's engine. Incidently when the 4 valve revolution kicked in those riders who had 4 valves we tended to paint the top of the engine black to differentiate them from those on 2 valves! Memories!