steve roberts

I visited his grave some years ago when pasing by and I have to say when standing over it I felt nothing but contempt for him.

...and then achieved an average of 9 plus in his debut year in Division One and qualified for that year's World Final.

I seem to recall that Dean Barker was one such example when Eastbourne first tried to introduce him to their line-up...ended up at Cradley that year I remember.

I recall when the "Rebels" re-located to White City John Dews was unable to drop down into the National League with Oxford because his average was deemed too high at 6.50!

I saw a lot of Eastbourne during the seventies (when they were Oxford's 'sister' team) and early eighties and the English talent that came thru' Arlington was second to none in my opinion. It must have irked Bob Dugard when foreigners began to prolificate the scene and hence the situation that now exists.

Speaking personally when I re-located I had no close association with a track unless I was willing to travel 30-40 miles which I was disinclined to do. When living in Oxford I was within walking distance of Cowley Stadium which suited me. Never having subscribed to SKY or any equivilant service I lost touch of current affairs but the sport still holds dear and the thirty plus years I spent following my team gives me great memories...wouldn't have changed it for the world.

If I recall the three Aussies were all allocated very low assessed averages when they started their British careers?

If I recall he had a few mediocre seasons prior to 1979. He was a Kiwi who eventually moved to Sheffield in the British League but was tragically killed in an industrial accident. Steve Boxall (Rye House) another potential candidate?

Wayne Brown averaged 3.94 in 1978 increasing his average to 9.00 in 1979 although Steve McDermott pipped him at Number One with an average of 9.12 however injury cut McDermott's season short and he rode in only a handful of matches.

Sad news. He was also the author of some interesting articles in some of the earlier "Backtrack" issues telling often humorous anecdotes. RIP

If I recall Martin rode on the 1968 World Final without having a practice (?) as his promoter (Wally Mawdsley?) expected him to turn out for Exeter instead where, incidently, he had amassed an impressive average that season. Who knows if he had beem better prepared and on better equipment he may well have ended up on at least the rostrum?

I attended one of Olle Nygren's Training Schools just to say I gave it a try and gain respect for those who go out and entertain us not that I needed confirmation of that.

How I miss my visits to White City!

Trouble is that the promoter of any particular team often doesn't own the stadium and are therefore often compromised by their landlord's whims. We experienced it often enough at Cowley and remember when Bristol Stadiums Ltd owned Oxford Stadium and put the venture at risk (!975) until the SOS Committee stepped in at the last minute. Oxford enjoyed great stability during the Northern Sports era but after their collapse the stadium's future was always under threat although Steve Purchase did offer continuity but only leased the stadium.

Never been a fan of Rossiter...always remember when he came onto the third bend terracing at Cowley once to talk to some Poole fans and in earshot of "Cheetahs" fans condemned them. Perhaps their dislike of him carried over from the incident that ultimately ended Andy Hackett's career? I didn't witness it personally but was informed about it by those that did.

Thanks for that...I can't recall the year or time. So long ago now!

Peter registered a time of 63 seconds at Cowley in 1963 and that held up until 1973 only because the track had been shortened by four yards during that season. If I recall Ole Olsen (?) ended the season as holder.

I recall that Hans broke the track record at Reading but was later withdrawn because it was achieved during a meeting that the tapes had failed and the starts were on the green light?

I'm guessing that Hans Nielsen's time of 56.2 achieved at Oxford in 1988 may well have been one of the longest?

Usual scumbags!

Alan Robertson has produced a fabulous in depth document covering those years entitled "British Speedway Leagues 1991 -2014".

Checking my 1978 Year Book Ole Olsen came out top with eight Track records to his name achieved during the 1977 season.

Interesting to see Martin Ashby listed with 18...vastly underrated rider.

I would imagine Hans Nielsen held many track records during his long and distinguished career.

Sad news...a very great lady who devoted her life into caring for Alan after his crippling accident. RIP