TonyMac

WE are sad to report that Tony Clarke, a member of West Ham’s treble-winning team of 1965, has died at his South London home after a long and brave battle against a series of major health issues. Tony, who was 73, also rode for Oxford (1966), Wembley (1971), Newport (1972), Wimbledon (1973) and Wolves (1973-75) in a career spanning 12 years. After returning to West Ham from Oxford in 1967, Tony progressed and became Hammers’ No.1 rider in 1969, form that earned him a place on the British Lions’ next tour of Australia and New Zealand. He top-scored in the Test match at Brisbane and played a key role in the tourists’ 3-2 series victory. The interview he gave Retro Speedway, which appeared in issue 12 of Classic Speedway magazine in Spring of 2011, was one of the most candid we have ever published. In it, Tony confessed that he and his brother had been guilty of stealing bikes and equipment belonging to the Russian party attending the 1972 World Final at Wembley – a crime that led to him serving an 18-month prison sentence. A maverick who knew no fear, Tony suffered a stroke in 2010 and a second one in April of last year. He overcame those but was then diagnosed with lung cancer last May. He underwent 32 sessions of radiation treatment, only to be told by doctors that the cancer had spread to his brain. More radiotherapy treatment followed before, last December, he was given three-and-a-half months to live. He hung on in there for a little longer than that but his brave fight ended last Friday morning when he died peacefully at home while being cared for by Easterine, his Sri Lankan-born wife of 34 years, and Marie Curie nurses. Easterine says that anyone who wishes to write any messages or anecdotes about Tony is welcome to email her at easterinem@gmail.com. They will be read out at his funeral service, details of which will be confirmed shortly. Tony Mac www.retro-speedway.com

Hello Rob, I've been eager to contact you followingyour recent email to me, and in fact I sent you the following email, to which I've had no response. Did you receive it? If not, can you please get some words about your collection to me by Thursday of this week? Hope this reaches you. My email is: editorial@retro-speedway.com Cheers, Tony Mac Backtrack magazine Hello Robert, Great to hear from you, and sorry for the delayed response. You won't remember, but we met briefly at the hotel where you had a display of your memorabilia on the weekend Exeter Speedway closed - the luncheon function attended by Ivan, Scott, Vaclav, etc, and where I took a pic of Richard Green with one of your racejackets. So obviously I'm aware of your tremendous collection - and yes, we'd love to feature you and it in the next issue of Backtrack magazine. Can you please type up around 750-to-1,000 words about yourself and your collection. Here's a basic guide to the things we'd like you to cover in your piece: A. Please begin by stating where you are based, your age and occupation (if retired, your previous job). 1. How, and when, did you start collecting - what inspired you to do so? 2. What was the first item in your collection? 3. List the items that give you most satisfaction? 4. What do you regard as your most prized possession, and say why? 5. What was the most difficult item to obtain, and why? 6. Which item cost you most money to purchase, and how much do you estimate your collection has cost you in all? 7. Is there a specific item, or items, of Falcons memorabilia out there somewhere that you would really love to add to your collection? 8. Do you display your collection anywhere permanently? And anything else of relevance that you would like to add... Rob, can you please get the copy to me for Tuesday, April 22, which is when I begin laying out the next issue. Also, please send pics (high-res j.peg images scanned to a min of 250 dpi) of the items that you consider to be the most interesting/unusual/rarest (about up to 8 pics will be fine). These should include one pic showing a row of different racejackets and another showing bikes. I appreciate you have so much stuff, so just select the key items. Please let me know ASAP if all the above is OK with you and, if so, I'll allocate you two pages in the next issue. Look forward to hearing from you. All the best, TMc

Retro Speedway is delighted to be in attendance at Havvy's special meeting and with your support, we will be giving Havvy's farewell fund a big extra boost. HALF of all proceeds we receive from sales of our two mags, DVDs and new book at Friday's meeting at Poole will go direct to Gary. As well as our regular mags, Backtrack (£4 - featuring a compelling, new 10-page interview with cover man Havvy) and Classic Speedway (£4), we will also be selling all our other latest products, including: *BRITISH SPEEDWAY MEMORIES book (£18). Our popular series of defunct track DVDs (all of the following are £16 each): MEMORIES OF WEMBLEY LIONS MEMOPRIES OF WIMBLEDON SPEEDWAY MEMORIES OF NORWICH SPEEDWAY MEMORIES OF WEST HAM SPEEDWAY MEMORIES OF HACKNEY SPEEDWAY HISTORY OF CANTERBURY SPEEDWAY RAYLEIGH ROCKETS (1968-73) Plus... MARK LORAM: THE PEOPLE'S CHAMPION SHOOEY: LIFE AND TIMES OF SHAWN MORAN MIKE THE BIKE: MICHAEL LEE MORT: CHRIS MORTON STORY IVAN: THE MAUGER INTERVIEW BOOEY: NIGEL BOOCOCK WORLD CUP WILLY: RAY WILSON JACK PARKER: IN CONVERSATION WITH And also... WORLD FINALS OF THE 70s WORLD FINALS OF THE 80s SPEEDWAY IN THE 50s & 60s SPEEDWAY IN THE 70s SPEEDWAY IN THE 80s Of course, all of the above are also available from our website at http://www.retro-speedway.com

Issue 61 is out now and includes: GARY HAVELOCK INTERVIEW He became only the fifth English rider to win the world title but as Gary Havelock explains in this compelling in-depth interview with Martin Neal, the former England captain was never fully appreciated by the speedway powers that be. Ahead of his farewell meeting at Poole on March 21, 2014, Havvy reflects on: The effects of his one-year ban for failing a drugs test. How calming a team-mate in a drunken rage cost him thousands in legal fees. How he rode illegally in 1984 and made his competitive debut at the age of just 15. Coming to blows with father and former rider, Brian. His 10 toughest opponents. On the lack of characters in the sport today and the effect of lay-downs. Winning the world title at probably the worst time in speedway history. The best track he has ever ridden. The career-ending crash that still leaves him in pain. Quotes from Havvy: “I felt they missed a big chance. They could have maybe hired a PR company to get behind me and push me. But all the PR we were doing in the weeks and months afterwards we arranged ourselves.” “I got woken up by a Kalashnikov or something similar being poked in my face. Two armed police were there screaming at us and took us down to reception.” “All I ever wanted to do was to be World Champion. I never dreamed of winning six or seven or two or four. I only ever dreamed of winning one and that’s maybe where I went wrong.” “I’m still in a lot of pain. The bones seem to have healed OK but it’s the nerves and it drives me up the wall sometimes. I have good days and bad days and still take a lot of medication.” “Young kids today haven’t really learned any throttle control because there’s only one way to ride a laydown bike and that’s fully pinned. Some of these guys don’t need a throttle – an on-off switch would do. I wouldn’t say laydowns have killed the sport but they’ve changed the riding style.” “When I was a kid every team had a scrapper in it. Ours was Geoff Pusey. Every other meeting he’d have a nose-to-nose or a shouting match or fisticuffs with somebody. Every track had a telephone on the centre green and if a rider got excluded he’d be taking his helmet off, shouting into it in front of the fans and waving his arms about. That’s all gone. Riders don’t want to get stung with a £300 fine.” WORLD TEAM CUPS OF THE 80s Rob Peasley reflects on a decade in which one country virtually took ownership of the sport’s major team trophy. England started the decade with a triumph at Wroclaw in 1980 and ended it with a somewhat hollow victory at Bradford in 1989, in a meeting completely overshadowed by the life-threatening injuries sustained by Danish superstar Erik Gundersen. In between, but for a single American victory at White City in 1982, it was Denmark all the way. In Gundersen and Hans Nielsen, the Danes had the best two riders of the decade. Add in Ole Olsen, Tommy Knudsen, Jan O Pedersen, Bo Petersen and Preben Eriksen, and Denmark had an embarrassment of riches that no other nation could match. PETERBOROUGH: 50 MEMORABLE MOMENTS After another winter of uncertainty, Peterborough are now set to come to the tapes for their 45th consecutive season. Rob Peasley looks back at the history of the Panthers and as well as team matters, he recalls former favourites such as Andy Ross, Richard Greer, John Davis, Brian Clark, Andy Hines, Nigel Couzens, Ian Barney, Kevin Hawkins, Mick Poole, Craig Hodgson, Kevin Jolly, Jason Crump, etc. ALUN ROSSITER INTERVIEW He won three league championships as a rider and, so far, two as team manager. No wonder Alun Rossiter reckons he hasn’t had a bad career in speedway. We caught up with the former railway worker cum new Great Britain team manager to find out more about the life and times of the real Rosco. Quotes from Rosco: “Each week, Bob KIlby would take me out on his bike on the parade . . . Bob was my biggest hero, even with people like Briggo and Martin Ashby in the team.” “There were lots of bonuses and incentives for the riders and I always remember the late, great Bernard Crapper saying that one of my biggest mistakes was leaving Coventry at the end of '86.” “Mechanics nowadays, they're charging £300, £400, £500 a week, yet in our day, it would have been your mate doing it. It was, 'look, come and give us a hand and I'll shout your dinner in the chippy on the way home and I'll shout you a couple of pints after the meeting'.” “You can't lose the passion but it was too much, I was too wound up, too hyped up about it all, and you have to calm down.” “I don't think I was that bad as a rider. I was always a team player. But I must admit, if the track got really dodgy, I was probably the first one packing up and going home!” GRAHAM BROWN INTERVIEW: Team Manager’s Tales In the first of a new series featuring interviews with former team managers, Graham Brown recalls his eventful time at Boston and the fall-out with promoter Cyril Crane that saw him leave the Lincs club. FINN RUNE JENSEN INTERVIEW Finn Jensen admits he was too busy with engines to focus on becoming a better rider. In this interview with Vitek Formanek, one of the top engine tuners in modern speedway recalls his career with Birmingham, Leicester and Cradley Heath. SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE In the year that could bring Scottish independence, Doug Nicolson reflects on the period when Scotland stood alone as a true speedway nation and were regular contenders in the World Team Cup and World Pairs. OPENING TIMES Scunthorpe have had three different homes and this time we look back at the opening of their second venue, at Ashby Ville in 1979, with then Stags promoter Brian Osborn. Plus . . . Martin Neal’s Q&As with ROB TILBURY and IAN FARNHAM, Czech fan Vitek Formanek’s racejacket and autograph collection, your letters, report and pictures from the 2014 WSRA dinner and much more pure nostalgia. To order this single issue or to subscribe, please visit http://www.retro-speedway.com

It's 'on hold' at the moment. We'd planned to launch it at the Crayford reunion last year but when that was cancelled . . .

I can feel an article about this in the next issue of Backtrack coming on... Whatever we can do to help keep Iwade going.

Sincerely hope Iwade overcome all obstacles and keep going - British speedway can't afford to lose any venues, especially ones such as this, where youngsters can learn to ride on the junior track and then develop their skills on the larger track. It's very important that what Ivor and Barry Thomas created from nothing in the early 70s, and the facilities built up and maintained by Graham Arnold and all the other many volunteers and unsung heroes since then and up to the present day, does not go to waste. Good luck. Tony Mac

For those who enjoy looking back at once great speedway venues who are, sadly, no longer staging the sport, have a peek at our latest two trailers in our 'Memories of' DVD series. WIMBLEDON DONS http://www.retro-speedway.com/extras/ytm_gallery/ytm.php?view=W5C3fdqGCjs&p=1 WEMBLEY LIONS http://www.retro-speedway.com/extras/ytm_gallery/ytm.php?view=u_c8RLb3qKY&p=1 Enjoy!

Issue 24 is out now and includes: PAIN IT BLACK – THE BIG SPLIT Turning the clock back half a century, Doug Nicolson and Tony McDonald conduct an in-depth review of the first major watershed in British speedway history – the acrimonious split between the National league and Provincial League that saw second division tracks run ‘black’ outside the SCB’s jurisdiction in 1964 and ultimately led to the formation of the British League a year later. We focus on the main men behind the long-running saga and what they said, the disputes and legal threats that defined this turbulent era, and reflect on the repercussions of the warring factions. LEGEND: ERIC CHITTY Eric Chitty, Canada’s Captain Fantastic, won three unofficial world championships during the war years and, as John Chaplin recalls, he became a big favourite at West Ham on and off the track. CYRIL ROGER INTERVIEW Not that he would admit it, but Cyril Roger was one of England’s great post-war discoveries who became a big star and won league titles with three different clubs, Exeter, New Cross and his last club, Southampton, before retiring in 1963. Tony McDonald ventured into rural Kent to catch up with the 92-year-old, oldest living World Finalist and his family. LEN READ INTERVIEW At 96, Len Read is one of the sport’s oldest living ex-riders. Here, the late starter in speedway, recalls his long-distance travels that took him from Norwich to Singapore, Plymouth to Liverpool. Q&A WITH DAVE GIFFORD The New Zealand international made his UK debut for Newcastle at the start of the British League era in 1965 and had six seasons with the Diamonds. When speedway closed at Brough Park at the end of 1970, ‘Giffy’ spent a season racing in California, before returning to Britain for spells with Wolverhampton, Coatbridge (he was Tigers’ No.1 at second division level in 1974) and Berwick, where he had four seasons and then decided to quit in 1978 at the age of 34. WHITE ROSE HOTSPOT The sport has known good times and bad at a host of Yorkshire tracks. Here Philip Dalling highlights to two less documented venues in the county, at Wombwell and Lundwood. PETER CRAVEN by BARRY BRIGGS Our last issue commemorating the 50th anniversary of Peter Craven’s death went to press just as Barry Briggs was en route to New Zealand, but the four times World Champion was keen to pay tribute to his former friend and rival. We also report on the recent Craven plaque unveiling at Paradise Wildlife Park. ALF WEEDON Tribute to a man who has probably photographed more speedway riders and races than any other – Alf Weedon, who died on January 19, 2014, aged 93. To order this single issue or to subscribe for a year for £16 in the UK, please visit http://www.retro-speedway.com

And good night from me, too. Thanks, Bruiser, for your enlightened contribution. As James was saying...

Sadly, with neither Billy nor JB able to confirm the finer details of the financials sums involved in this debate, none of us will ever know. Interestingly, in the same Backtrack interview, James Easter does also add that he thought Billy should have moved much sooner than he did to escape the shadow of John Louis at Foxhall and become a No.1 in his own right.

Sorry Dave, I still believe you are missing the point. Of course, what JB was asking of his fellow promoters was not in Billy's best interests. But it WAS in the best interests of the sport as a whole, by effectively putting a maximum ceiling on what riders could demand from their clubs. He was attempting to draw a line in the sand with the co-operation of all the other clubs. And from JB's actions in this instance, it's probably safe to assume that Billy was demanding quite a lot, even for a No.1.

Of course it makes good sense. And if British promoters would stand up to riders who demand the earth (not just points money, but guarantees and extra cash for mechanics and transport), then it would now be in a much healthier state. When run of the mill riders, who don't put 'bums on seats' but just bleed their club dry, are getting £200 per point in the Elite League, it can only end in tears. If riders are not earning what they think they are worth, then they are free to go and seek employment elsewhere, like any other working man or woman. That doesn't mean it would be wrong of promoters to try and impose a wage ceiling across the board. The trouble is, there is always someone prepared to break ranks in their foolish pursuit of glory. Promoters who lack John Berry's business acumen don't have the balls or the nous, or both, to call the riders' bluff in this way, which is one of the main reasons the sport is in such a mess. How can anyone be 'earning' £100-£200 per point when there are less than 1,000 people in the stadium paying to watch them? Bewildering.

Well said, Oldace - you clearly get it.

Think you're missing the point here. The fact that promoters don't stick to a rigid and sensible maximum pay agreement across the board (history tells us they very rarely have) is one of the main reasons why many promoters are losing money and tracks are unsustainable at current attendance levels. What John Berry was effectively saying to his fellow promoters at the time was, 'if you give in to Billy's demands, then it will open the floodgates for other top riders to demand more and more each season', and then we'll all be up s*** creek without a paddle. Which is exactly what has continued to happen year on year, even though attendances have gone the other way. In fact, it's not only the top riders who are demanding far more than they will ever be worth in a commercial sense. With respect, no-one has done more to protect and preserve Billy's reputation since his tragic death than James and JB combined. You, and others who were not that close to the situation, will never know how much they did, and, indeed, continue to do. It appears that too many individuals have taken James' comments out of context and, in many cases, too personally. Of course, he would never deny any supporter the right to voice his or her opinion. But the tone of much venomous and personal criticism of promoters and other officials on here has been OTT.

Very wise. I don't think he was aiming his barb at you, Iris, nor the others deeper thinkers on here who genuinely care and put forward strong, honest and heartfelt opinions in the best interests of the sport and its future well being.

The point is, James DID put his money on the line. Not that there is anything wrong in anyone making a critical opinion of something they care about.

Although we at Retro Speedway obviously focus mainly on the past, the people we interview often convey interesting thoughts and opinions on how the sport has changed over the years, for better or worse. For instance, in the latest (issue 60) of Backtrack magazine, former Australia, England and USA team manager James Easter - the Travel Plus Tours supremo - has some forthright things to say about the current state of speedway with a reference to the 70s and 80s, which may well resonate with modern promoters and supporters. He has also made some typically robust comments about users of this forum. Here's a tiny sample of what Jimbo has to say in Backtrack. If you want to read the full, in-depth interview (including the men James believes would be most suited to the independent figurehead role he advocates to replace the BSPA), then you'll have to buy the issue for yourself from http://www.retro-speedway.com. JAMES EASTER INTERVIEW In part two of his in-depth interview with Tony McDonald, Travel Plus Tours boss James Easter recalls the highs and lows of managing three of the worlds top nations, Australia, England and USA, and his time as co-promoter at Peterborough. The outspoken Jimbo also explains why British speedway needs an independent leader. Quotes from James: Jimbo on managing Australia "It didnt matter that I've never ridden a speedway bike. I used to say to them: I cant ride your bike for you. When you go through the pit gate, you are the person riding the bike. Ill just get you in the right frame of mind and organised before you go out there. Its up to you. If you dont want to do it, dont go in for it. But dont p*** me about." Jimbo on trying to open speedway at Blackpool "The stadium was right in the middle of town and although we could have put in a track, it would have taken two years to do it. There was also a noise issue that might have been a problem, so we decided over fish and chips to go into Peterborough instead. We called our new promoting company Ramsden Sports Promotions Ltd on account of where we were eating at the time." Jimbo on co-promoting at Peterborough "When you add up what I got back by selling my shares, I came out of it OK financially. I was probably one of the last people to make money out of speedway. This is what slices me off with the internet forums and all the people who go on there and tell promoters what they should be doing. Lets see if they are prepared to put their arse on the line, pay their money upfront and see if their mouth is as big as their money. Dont criticise people who are losing money hand over fist." Jimbo on managing England "We had a deal with the riders pay which was agreed between the riders and the BSPA. But when their pay slips came through, the BSPA had reverted to the old rates. They ostensibly blamed me but it wasnt my fault. In my opinion I was lied to in front of other people. It just degenerated from there and Id had enough of it." Jimbo on past promoters "It's not right to keep looking back but in the old days you had proper promoters the Reg Fearmans, Wally Mawdsleys, the wonderfully magical Ian Thomas, Mike Parker, who nobody liked but, by god, he was good, and Charles Ochiltree, who was the best there was, and then there was Lennie Silver, who is still around now. Were talking about real promoters. But today weve got a lot of people running tracks who are fans with a few bob and they idolise riders. Dont idolise them make them work and do things to promote tracks." In the interview, James sets out his radical, thought-provoking proposal for a new two-tiered top flight structure: an Elite League and a British League combined He says: "Some of these Polish riders who come over here have had more clubs than Tiger Woods and they are mercenaries. Its got to stop. Whether its the great British island factor, I dont know but, generally speaking, people will not support riders from other countries. I think thats one of the things Sky have been looking at. "In what other business does the employee come in to work and tell the employer what he or she can or cannot do? Thats b******s. But its happening in speedway. "I remember being with John Berry at one of the winter conferences at a time when he was having a lot of trouble trying to do a deal with Billy Sanders, who wanted a lot more money than Ipswich were offering him. So during one meeting of the general council, JB told them all exactly what was going on with Sanders and asked for everyones agreement not to approach his star rider or offer him more money under any circumstances. If they did, he warned them that he would never deal with them or do them any favours ever again. And they all stuck by that verbal agreement, it worked. No-one else came in for Billy and so he stayed with Ipswich on the same money as before. Promoters have got to stick together in this way." I like James Easter. He calls a spade a shovel, and it's a pity more people involved in the world of sport don't. (Sorry, for some reason most of the apostrophes have been erased by the formatting)

Issue 60 (our 10th anniversary edition) is out now and is packed with lots more nostalgia from the 70s & 80s, including: WORLD TEAM CUPS OF THE 70s Remember when Great Britain/England ruled the international speedway waves, when Peter Collins became a household name and the likes of Ray Wilson, John Louis, Malcolm Simmons, Terry Betts, Dave Jessup, Michael Lee and co. just couldnt stop winning? Rob Peasley looks back at a decade of Rule Britannia and a couple of major shocks from Australia and New Zealand on the biggest stage. SIMMOS COLUMN Having won four World Team Cup FIM gold medals in his glittering career, Super Simmo happily recalls that glorious period and why perhaps he shouldnt have been there for Englands last victory of the 70s. JAMES EASTER INTERVIEW In part two of his in-depth interview with Tony McDonald, Travel Plus Tours boss James Easter recalls the highs and lows of managing three of the worlds top nations, Australia, England and USA, and his time as co-promoter at Peterborough. The outspoken Jimbo also explains why British speedway needs an independent leader. Quotes from James: Jimbo on managing Australia It didnt matter that Ive never ridden a speedway bike. I used to say to them: I cant ride your bike for you. When you go through the pit gate, you are the person riding the bike. Ill just get you in the right frame of mind and organised before you go out there. Its up to you. If you dont want to do it, dont go in for it. But dont p*** me about. Jimbo on trying to open speedway at Blackpool The stadium was right in the middle of town and although we could have put in a track, it would have taken two years to do it. There was also a noise issue that might have been a problem, so we decided over fish and chips to go into Peterborough instead. We called our new promoting company Ramsden Sports Promotions Ltd on account of where we were eating at the time. Jimbo on co-promoting at Peterborough When you add up what I got back by selling my shares, I came out of it OK financially. I was probably one of the last people to make money out of speedway. This is what slices me off with the internet forums and all the people who go on there and tell promoters what they should be doing. Lets see if they are prepared to put their arse on the line, pay their money upfront and see if their mouth is as big as their money. Dont criticise people who are losing money hand over fist. Jimbo on managing England We had a deal with the riders pay which was agreed between the riders and the BSPA. But when their pay slips came through, the BSPA had reverted to the old rates. They ostensibly blamed me but it wasnt my fault. In my opinion I was lied to in front of other people. It just degenerated from there and Id had enough of it. Jimbo on past promoters Its not right to keep looking back but in the old days you had proper promoters the Reg Fearmans, Wally Mawdsleys, the wonderfully magical Ian Thomas, Mike Parker, who nobody liked but, by god, he was good, and Charles Ochiltree, who was the best there was, and then there was Lennie Silver, who is still around now. Were talking about real promoters. But today weve got a lot of people running tracks who are fans with a few bob and they idolise riders. Dont idolise them make them work and do things to promote tracks. BERWICK: 50 MEMORABLES MOMENTS Shining the spotlight on a founder member club of BL2 who are still going strong in the second tier some 47 years later. Since their formation in 1968 the Bandits in Border Country have reached a string of KO Cup Finals, provided two winners of the NLRC and had an expensive dabble in the top flight led by international stars. MARK LEWISOHN INTERVIEW Years before he became a best-selling author and the worlds only professional Beatles historian, Mark Lewisohn was passionate about speedway. He spoke to us about his passion for Wembley Lions, White City and Eastbourne, and his friendship with boyhood hero Bert Harkins. OPENING TIMES Speedway returned to Sunderland in 1971 after a gap of seven years. Here we look back at the reopening meeting against North-East rivals Teesside and events surrounding it with Stars skipper and No.1 Russ Dent, who played a key role as track manager at the East Boldon venue. ALF WEEDON REMEMBERED Alf Weedon, who photographed more riders and races than anyone in his 50 years experience in the sport since 1947, gave Tony McDonald his first job in speedway as boss of Speedway Mail. Here our editor pays tribute to one of the sports great characters, who died in January, 2014, aged 93. We also reflect on the late MIKE LETCH, who overcame tragedy very early in his speedway career to become an inspirational figure in his native Australia. Plus . . . Martin Neals Q&As with STEVE PAYNE and BARRY KING, as well as your letters, a keen collector of Halifax and Castleford memorabilia and news that two roads in Bradford are to be named after former Odsal favourites. To subscribe or order this single issue, go to http://www.retro-speedway.com or phone 01708 734 502. Cheers, Tony Mac

As usual, Retro Speedway will be in attendance at the CoS. We'll have all our ever-expanding range of products for sale, including the new British Speedway Memories book and the launch of our brand new MEMORIES OF WEMBLEY LIONS DVD, featuring the last ever filmed interviews with Lions legends Tommy Price and Freddie Williams. Plus new interviews with another former Wembley No.1 Bert Harkins, as well as avid Wembley fan and Beatles historian and author Mark Lewisohn. Also, Tony Clarke, Dave Jessup and Lionel Van Praag. Usual price of £16 for a double-disc DVD lasting approx. 4 hours. See you there! Or if you can't make it to PWP on Sunday, the Wembley DVD can be purchased from our website from this Wednesday at http://www.retro-speedway.com Cheers, Tony Mac & Susie

Can anyone please help with cine footage from Wembley Lions' last era (1970-71)? We would obviously pay to have the footage converted to DVD format and provide a complimentary copy of our forthcoming Memories of Wembley Lions DVD. If you have any footage, or can put us in touch with someone who does, please email me at editorial@retro-speedway.com. I was amazed to recently discover lots of good quality colour footage taken at Wimbledon in the 60s, much of which is featured on our new Memories of Wimbledon Speedway DVD. There must be something of the Lions in action gathering dust in someone's loft or garage? Many thanks. Tony Mac

A very intriguing post. I'm sorry I can't help you with a definitive answer at this stage (but I'm working on it), but can I please ask why you are even asking this question? Just out of interest.

Issue 58 of the retro mag for fans who loved speedway in the 70s & 80s includes... DENNIS SIGALOS INTERVIEW Triumph over Tragedy One of the greatest Americans of his generation, DENNIS SIGALOS overcame family tragedy and heartache before becoming a big star at Hull and Ipswich. The former World Pairs champion talked candidly to Tony McDonald on his recent brief return to England. If not for a fateful snap decision he took at the age of 14, Siggy would have been killed along with his mother Joyce in the 1974 plane crash that also claimed the lives of Bruce Penhalls parents. I should have been on that plane, he says. Also, Siggy on . . . *Why injury forced him to quit racing at 26. *His British League career with Hull, Ipswich and Wolves. *John Berry and John Cook. *Riding for the USA and his Dad's role in America's World Pairs glory. *Kenny Carter and why he'll never forget his comments on TV. *World Final disappointments. *The family business in California. *Includes never-before-seen photos from the family album. EXETER: 50 Falcons Memorable Moments They were crowned league champions at three levels and no other track provided faster top flight racing than Exeters unique County Ground. Rob Peasley looks back at the cream of Devon speedway, including Ivan Mauger, Scott Autrey, Vaclav Verner, Michael Coles, etc. JOHN LANGFIELD in profile His British League career with West Ham and Poole was brief, eventful and typified all-round motorcyclist John Langfields gutsy approach to racing. Australias top speedway writer Peter White looks back in crazy capers with his old mate Langy. SID SHELDRICK INTERVIEW In his trademark white top and boots, Sid Sheldrick stood out at Bradford. Richard Bott caught up with one of the second divisions most distinctive characters who, as well as discussing his racing career, revealed his brushes with Sir Alex Ferguson and Leo the lion and his friendship with actor Sean Bean. SIMMOS COLUMN Our star columnist pays tribute to the bravery and achievements of Tai Woffinden and takes a look back at Sheffield, explaining why he never got the hang of Owlertons D-shaped track. BRAVE NEW WORLD In our last issue we examined the impact of scrapping second halves in National League. This time Ron Peasley weighs up the damage caused by the British Leagues decision to abandon junior leagues. PICTURE THE SCENE Belle Vue track photographer Eddie Garvey puts us in the picture about his memorabilia collection and his favourite images. LIFE IN A BOX Doug Nicolson reveals more inner-secrets from the officials' box at Glasgow, including the real strength of an extra-strong mint. Plus . . . Martin Neal's Q&As with Keith Evans, Tony Primmer and John Bostin. And lots more pictures to bring those nostalgic memories flooding back. To order this issue for £4 or to subscribe for one year in the UK for £20, please visit http://www.retro-speedway.com

DONT MISS THE 2013 BOOK OF THE YEAR! BRITISH SPEEDWAY MEMORIES Edited by Retro Speedway's Tony McDonald Re-live great times from speedways past with this new 256-page collection of personal contributions from supporters, promoters, team managers, ex-riders, journalists, PROs, announcers and other media representatives. *Your first time at speedway *Favourite teams and tracks *Favourite riders *Most memorable meetings *Classic races *Moments to treasure *What you miss most *Why speedway is special to you Packed with superb pictures, including 32 pages in full colour - from Peter Craven to Tai Woffinden. £18 (post-free in UK) Dont forget to pre-order your book of memories and make someone happy this Christmas! Order by phoning Retro Speedway Hotline number on 01708 734 502 Or go online at http://www.retro-speedway.com Or send cheque/postal order for £18 (payable to Retro Speedway) to: Retro Speedway (Memories book), 103 Douglas Road, Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 1AW. Add £5 per book when ordering from overseas.

Agreed, there are very few plausible options. But James Easter puts forward the name of one genuine candidate for the role in his in-depth interview to appear in the next issue of Backtrack magazine. Oh, and it's not him!