steve roberts

....what the sport needs is a "Mike Parker" type of adminstrator who had forsight back in the sixties but again wasn't everyone's cup of tea (Reg Fearman!) which is always going to prove contentious whoever is put in charge where personal interests come into play.

Thereby lies part of the problem...conflicts of interest between the SCB and the BSPA and throw in the FIM and ACU for good measure. Often a lack of co-operation/communication between the authorities and personal agendas.

One can not ignore the impact that Mervyn Stewkwsbury had on the sport but is best remembered for driving a wedge between the two leagues and very much a good part of self interest (Poole) was his want. His Promotion/Relegation idea was ill conceived and was never going to work satisfactorily as there were too many factors to consider which were never thought thru'.

The Shawcross Report.

...I wouldn't completely ignore and/or reject such a proposal as for example an independant body came up with a solution to 'rescue' the sport during the winter of 1964/65. Unfortunately I can't recall the body responsible now? However is the present situation beyond 'repair'? I would hope not...

It's been well documented that speedway had an opportunity many years ago when John Berry put himself forward but some members of the BSPA got cold feet and Berry re-tracted his offer. If I recall Peter York stepped in what became a very diluted position of power and never got the co-operation of the BSPA. During his short tenure he came across all sorts of problems and it didn't help matters that the two leagues had different administrations with very different agendas but that was to be expected considering the in-rivalry amongst the speedway fraternity hence the problems that continue to exist within the sport.

Troy Batchelor now confirmed.

Very apt...been saying it for years that speedway needs an independant body to run the sport and now the same being said in football.

...Nordin rode a few matches for Halifax in 1972 but not when they visited Oxford. There was talk of Tobjorn Harrysson riding for the "Rebels" but that's all what it was and the same was said of Sverre Harfeldt! We could have had a great side at Cowley based on riders rumoured...Jeff Sexton was another!

Another I was unfortunate not to see!

...thankfully I experienced the last "Golden Era" the seventies and early eighties. Great memories!

Anders Michanek was another armchair stylist I remember.

...it attracted me as a 12 year old in 1972 and many others no doubt. Trouble is the powers that be have so diluted/messed around with the product it no longer attracts people of all ages in any great number.

One rider I never saw unfortunately.

List of the winners of the European Rounds were Neunenknick (West Germany) - Chris Morton Landshut (West Germany) - John Davis Gniezno (Poland) - Roman Jankowski Leszno (Poland) - Preben Eriksen Edinburgh - Peter Collins Bremen (West Germany) - John Cook Belle Vue - Erik Gundersen Hope this helps?

As much as we all get excited watching the "harum scarum" sat on the back mudguard brigade it's also pleasing watching those that appear in total control and stylish. Top of my list would include the likes of Tommy Jansson, Dag Lovaas, Ronnie Moore and Mark Courtenay to name but four. There will be many others that come to mind and not generally regarded as world beaters by any means.

Problem is despite the 'authorities' constantly changing the rules they've been unable to resurrect the "Good Old Days" when speedway enjoyed prime time terrestrial TV and sponsorship and when riders like Mauger, Briggs & Collins were household names and the sport enjoyed decent crowds.

Hans Nielsen was overal winner of the Australian Series on 108 points according to Peter Oakes 1986 Year Book. The European Series is less straight forward with individual winners declared at each meeting held (seven in total)

...you "play" with trains too BOBBATH?

Good post!

...cheeky! Remember dad visiting Wren Davis Dairies in Great Missenden repairing the batteries to his milk floats. Wren (or to give him his actual name David) was a fanatical collector of steam traction engines and used to attend rallies!

...Oh dear! I missed that one!

Yes Great Missenden is very near Amersham...an area I used to know well as that was the area my dad covered when he was Battery Engineer for Crompton Batteries! Don't know the name of the pub I'm afraid?

Remember Bob Kilby joning the "Rebels" in a complicated move involving himself Garry Middleton and Tony Lomas in 1973. Prior to joining Oxford he received a nasty knee injury when involved in a crash with Chris Pusey. When he moved to Cowley he showed only glimpses of his previous form before he had to admit defeat and have surgery done. In 1974 he got back to some sort of form but never reached the heights of 1972 although he put in further sterling service after he moved back to Swindon...and Oxford were 'done out' of a transfer fee in the process!

Think it was Great Missenden?