steve roberts

Rob Hollingworth was a bit of a track specialist at Cowley as was Steve Lomas when he moved to Boston (although I remember when he first started out at Weymouth - a day by the sea followed by speedway in the evening and a visit to "Alf's Fish and Chips")

There was letter in my TV Guide where someone was criticising Michael Portillo's dress sense? It was suggested that he should dress 'contempory'...okay dress with shorts that cover the knees or jeans slashed and wearing a branded teashirt plus a baseball camp! Okay his colour co-ordination sometimes clashes but at least he is smart in appearance.

All I can say is that I was glad I grew up during the era that I did.

Could well qualify as the best father and son combination? Phil was awesome round Cowley especially on the occasion when he smashed the track record!

During the glory years there were two great track curators ( can't recall their names I'm afraid) and Hans had nothing but praise for them Unfortunately due to cut backs they resigned as they couldn't be guarenteed the time and equipment to do a good job and the track began to deteriote much to Wiggy's aghast! By the time Colin Meredith came along the track was nothing like its former self and I recall helping him out prior to Nigel Wagstaff's first year in charge and the track was awful with bumps all over the place.

David Shields and John Hack formed a very formidable reserve pairing during the early matches in 1978 and together with the immaculate George Hunter 1978 proved to be great year which got better in 1979. Unfortunately Cradley's involvement began to wain causing riders to move on or who were transferred and things began to deteriorate at Cowley before Northern Sports stepped in resulting in the glory years at Oxford.

Yes Ali Stevens was another 15 year old who gave demonstration rides at Cowley. He looked very promising and I seem to recall he suffered an off-track injury which seemed to set him back and never really fulfilled his full potential in my view. Saw David Shields ride to an immaculate 12 point maximum at Milton Keynes in only his second appearance for "The Cheetahs" in 1978. If he had chosen to return in 1979 I think that he would have become a very big rider in the National League and by the time he returned to these shores some years later I think that the early impetus was lost.

I was fortunate Sid that at Cowley we had many talented Eastbourne & Peterborough riders take part in the old Second Halves (lamented in my opinion). Great days!

Colin Richardson who I saw as fifteen year old giving demonstration rides at Cowley and beating a young Michael Lee. Another great product who never really progressed beyond his sensational 1977 season.

Did great service for "The Cheetahs" in 1977. Steve Weatherly was another great rider from that era. The old Second Division/National League produced many talented riders.

Mike Sampson was a favourite of mine and really came to the fore in 1977 when he also doubled up for "The Rebels". The Second Division produced so many star riders...Dave Jessup, Peter Collins, Gordon Kennett etc. It was no accident that when the League went its seperate way Britain began to loose its dominance. Another good post Sid!

I recall a Cup Final between the sides in 1989?

I have a problem downloading images...given up trying if I'm honest!

Also like to add my best wishes.

That's a good question Sid? The track length was 354 yards, if I recall, when Peter achieved his never to be beaten track record of 63secs. It was shortened to 350 yards in 1973 (the reason I have no idea) and when Hans arrived in 1984 it was altered again when the entrances and exits of the bends were pulled in.

Great post Sid! I miss your speedway related subjects...something lacking on the BSF at the moment!

One rider I dearly would have liked to have seen was the late, great Peter Craven. To think that his track record at Cowley stood for nearly ten years and nobody got anywhere near it despite changes to bikes etc. Only a change in the track length warrented a new track record!

According to the 1982 Speedway Yearbook it was Hans Nielsen achieved on the 28th September 1981 in a time of 59.7 seconds.

Great stuff! I sold my collection when I re-located and I've regretted it ever since.

I always thought highly purchasing a programme...not one of these that thinks that they are outdated and/or unneccessary....just wish that I hung on to mine!

As the speedway scribe John Chaplin once said if you don't want your illusions spoilt remain your side of the fence! My uncle saw money change hands in the pits during a World Championship meeting (a story confirmed by John Berry) and I'm sure it's been going on since the introduction of the sport. I never quite understood all the furore surrounding the Sunday People allegations except the riders in question were foolish/naive to get cosy with, as it turned, investigatory journalists.

I've just re-read Reg Fearman's excellent book and that's something he highlighted when he broached the subject of stadium ownership.

Maybe the "speedway researcher" site might be a good place to start?

A very good read...good luck in attempting to secure a copy.

Still remember like it was yesterday. I only saw him ride on too few occasions but was a supreme stylist and a very accomplished rider. Who knows how far he would have gone in the sport? Personally I felt that he was destined for the top but sadly we were never to know. I've often read that Wimbledon never really recovered from his loss and certainly Sweden took a long time re-establishing itself as a major force after his untimely death. I have his book and it is a very poignant read.