steve roberts

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!

Apparently when he was allocated to Oxford (unbeknown to himself) he said that he wouldn't have bothered catching the ship to the UK. He had hoped that he would continue at Southampton but he did settle down at Cowley but I believe only rode the one season for "The Cheetahs"?

All looks pretty depressing to me!

Sounds a bit like the sort of thing that Dave Jessup would have done?

When my brother attended an Olle Nygren Training School at King's Lynn he always referred to a bolt that used to get red hot and cause discomfort on the inside leg!

If I remember it was an actual cover that he placed over part of the engine?

Recall that Ken McKinlay used to have a white engine cover!

I was at both!

Gate Four was never the best gate even on the "old" Cowley circuit.

...they served a purpose and we got well entertained at Cowley during the Dunton/Dugard era.

...I don't I have to say!

Wasn't there some sort of a track at Ringwood once? Recall that Martin Yeates used to practice there.

Jeff Sexton was once rumoured to be joining "The Rebels"...but I think it was just that! Rumours!

I used to paint programme boards and sell them...had a good contact in Germany I recall. One of my boards featured in "Backtrack" some years ago now.

Three times Sid! (B)rough each time! Last time I visited we went up in a mini-bus and on the way back on the M1 were pulled up by the police who thought we were "Flying" Pickets during the days of the mining disputes. I ended up showing them my programme board of Hans Nielsen and they sent us on our way...memories!

My brother intends visiting for this one. He's never been to (B)rough Park befiore.

Nice to read that Unipart are offering parking as they did way back when the "Cheetahs" last ran. If I recall Chris Brown organised the initiative originally?

The most important thing in my opinion is that Oxford is back after 17 years dormant years. The priority this year I would have thought was to win the majority of their home matches and hopefully their away form will follow once they've become re-established. I wish all those involved great luck and for their enthusisam and dedication...wish I was able to make return visits to Cowley but living in East Yorkshire makes that difficult but I hope to get back sometime in the near future!

Sad news indeed. Although I was not that familiar with his TV work I do know that his energy and enthusiasm was immense. Will be sorely missed. RIP

I recall that Oxford "Rebel" Dag Lovaas would put in an appearance if racing returned to Cowley?

My brother was very impressed with what he saw...well done to all those who got speedway back at Cowley!

...especially like the reference to the "Moonrakers!"