steve roberts

I'm surprised someone didn't take a chance with Samuelsson unless it was his own decision not to race again in the UK? Recall Klingberg at Eastborne as well as Ring and Hammerberg. Eastbourne lost their way when they joined the British League giving outings to many average foreign riders which was a great shame considering their history developing British talent. I enjoyed my visits to Arlington and then they changed the first two bends (I had stopped going by then) but what I saw of it on TV thought it was a mistake with riders giving the impression of a coming to a near full stop at the apex. Would liked to have visited The Shay and got to view inside the stadium a long time after the "Dukes" had moved on and it was nigh impossible attempting to work out how the track once fitted!

....was I correct about the two Finns or was I imagining it?

Dag Lovaas and Helge Langli at one & two at Oxford in 1975.

...I was being lazy thinking out loud!

...I could add Cradley and Wolves to that as some of their fans could be somewhat 'enthusiastic' to coin a phrase!

...who, if I recall, were brother-in-laws? Piet Seur and Frits Koppe at King's Lynn in 1978 (not sure whether in the same meeting?) Henk Steman and Henny Kroeze at Bristol in 1978 (ditto)

Yes Mike was one of my favourites also. I recall Albert Klinge and a Lars Inge Hultberg (1973?)

....remember the open to the elements toilets!

My interest in New Cross is based on watching the film "Once a Jolly Swagman" and for those living in London during that era were really spoilt for choice however remember reading Martin Peters' 'autobiography' when he was quoted as enjoying his trips to White City Speedway during his youth!

...probably the sport would be in a lot better condition!

Went to Cradley many times during the Nielsen era and more often that not we turned the "Cabbage Patch Kids" over! Not one of my favourite tracks I have to admit but it was always nice coming away with a win!

Like most tracks Sid there were both good and poor meetings. Gordon really blossomed as a rider at Wood Lane and became a more complete rider having been brought up on small tracks. No one could ride ride the outside devoid of any real banking better than Marek Cieslak but it was sad to see Dag Lovaas struggling with the track. He was one of very few riders who stuck with the JAP and perhaps it wasn't the best engine for the vast City Bowl? One memorable race was the emerging Kai Niemi who on the last lap passed both Terry Betts and Michael Lee (one on the outside the other the inside) to cross the line first. Another race Gordon outwitting the team riding Ole Olsen and Alan Molyneux! Great memories!

Pleased to say I was a regular when the "Rebels" located to Wood Lane between 1976 and 1978. Continued to support the "Cheetahs" at Cowley during that period so experienced the best of both worlds! Great days!

I went looking for the site of New Cross some years ago and could vaguely make out where the track once was.

....nothing would surprise me about Osborne having endured him at Cowley when the SOS Committee stepped in to save the stadium from re-development.

Yes I was a Grammar School laddie and it was Union...not being of particular big build (still not!) used to get flattened by all the fat kids (and those who thought themselves 'hard' and got away with what most would consider bullying tactics) who 'excelled' at Rugby but who were hopeless at everything else sportwise!

...to be honest Rugby could re-invent itself numerous times and It still wouldn't grab my interest having being forced to play the wretched game at school!

Obviously enjoyed re-living Gordon's career and especially enjoyed reading Bobby's interview which I found to be very refreshing in outlook!

...even used to turn off the fairy lights strung up around the track at both Swindon & Poole!

Personally I used to prefer watching speedway under lights especially at Oxford where the lighting was second to none!

The same scenario existed during the Purchase tenure at Cowley.

West Ham, New Cross, Southampton, Norwich & Great Yarmouth.

I would have continued going to Oxford for as long as it was operating as it was only a short walk for me. Since re-locating to York I've not been to a speedway (nearest being Sheffield I would guess?) as I would expect more than just 15 heats of racing to entice me to spend petrol money and time spent travelling.

When I helped out just prior to the Wagstaff era and had access to the track I was surprised how banked it was as it wasn't always noticeable from the terraces. When Hans joined the "Cheetahs" he advised that the bends be brought in to allow for more lines. Personally I think if the bends were brought in any more you'd end up with a too tight track just like when Eastbourne messed around with the first and second bend and ruined the racing in my opinion with riders almost coming to a stop at the apex. When the Cowley track was prepared by Barry Strange and John White (I think that was their names?) the track was second to none with just the right amount of grip and opportunities to pass inside and out.

A lot would depend on who takes on the responsibility and finance of upgrading the stadium? It's very admirable those volunteers who are involved (as I would be if I lived close by) who are doing great things but money will have to be found making the buildings/structures safe and everything else when mananging a stadium. When I saw a photo inside the main grandstand it looked to be in a shocking state of disrepair. It may well be the plan to limit the public to areas where substancial upgrading is at a minimum certainly in the near future with plans to expand the project when things become more clearer?