TonyMac

We're obviously pleased that WHS have agreed to take Backtrack on a trial basis, initially displaying it in 100 of their branches throughout the UK. It's a good opportunity to try and reach potential new readers who didn't know that we've been around for more than nine years and 56 issues! As White Knight quite rightly points out, though, it still works out cheaper (you effectively get one issue free) by taking out a subscription, which in the UK is £20. I appreciate that not everyone can easily afford to buy a yearly subscription. But even the cost of a one-off issue bought direct from us (£4.00 P&P free)works out the same as buying it from WHS or at one of the tracks. What many people do not seem to realise is that publishers (such as ourselves at Retro Speedway and Pinegen, who produce Speedway Star) have to surrender somewhere between 45-50% of the cover price to retailers like WHS for the privilege of being in their shops. So whilst we obviously welcome what WHS are doing for us, a subscription is worth around twice as much to us as a copy sold through a retail outlet. And, ultimately, that is a very important point.

Another couple from the '71 season at West Ham & Hackney: If Not For You (Olivia Newton John) Sugar Sugar (The Archies) - sure this was played at the tracks even though it was No.1 in Oct 1969. Knock Three Times (Dawn)

We understand that Cyril Roger is still around and, indeed, we hope to interview him soon for Classic Speedway mag.

Chart hits played at Custom House in 1971 that always remind me of West Ham Speedway include: Cracklin' Rose (Neil Diamond) Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep (Middle of the Road) Rose Garden (Lynn Anderson)

I'm biased, but Alan Carter's Light in the Darkness and Michael Lee's Back From The Brink are both honest and revealing. You can check out those and our other book titles at www.retro-speedway.com

The response to our British Speedway Memories questionnaire is going very well. For example, here are just a few small extracts from a handful of the answers relating to Q10 – ‘What makes speedway so special?’: It’s the sheer assault on the senses. From the simple things like the satisfying ‘plop’ of the ‘Speedway Star’ on the doormat on the morning of race day; the comforting feel of hallowed accessories like Dad-made programme holder and ‘Ronnie Moore’ banner and precious badge-laden scarf; the heady aroma of burning methanol, hamburgers, onions, shale dust and cigarette smoke; the reverential marking of programmes with the mysterious lexicon of speedway - EF, RR, DNF, F, ECX/T, EXC/F, EXC/2; the strains of ‘Blaze Away’ heralding the arrival of the riders at Wimbledon; raucous crowds cheering local heroes and booing pantomime villains; the unique thrill of the moment just before the tapes fly-up; the deafening roar and speed of powerful machines; marvelling at the sight of leather-clad warriors dicing with death; spectacular crashes and winners’ pulling victory wheelies at the chequered flag. Happiness is 40-38. ------------------------ A unique motor cycle sport where you can see the entire race; the smell of methanol; the theatre of it all, particularly under floodlights; the friends I've made at the speedway; the friendly atmosphere among home and visiting fans - something that has declined over the years sadly. -------------------- The fans are loyal, passionate, long suffering (often taken for granted and let down by the promoters, the governing bodies and the referees) but they never need to be segregated and it remains a safe sport for all the family to enjoy. The noise, smell, colour, personalities, danger, courage, skill and the fact that the entire race can be seen from the terraces all make speedway attractive to me. But it’s the good natured sense of being members of the big speedway family that makes the sport so special. ------------------------- Once speedway is in your blood, you keep on coming. The sport generates so much emotion, and you always have to expect the unexpected. Sometimes off the track, even. What an incredible story it’s been this (2012-13) winter about that brave woman who’s taken over Workington, when all seemed lost (and my heart, after losing Newport the year before, was bleeding for Comets fans). Laura Morgan, is it? Let’s finish on that high note. I don’t suppose I’ll ever get there but that story somehow symbolises what speedway is, what speedway means. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you would also like to contribute your memories to our book, answer the questions below and send them to us at Retro Speedway. Come on, we want the whole of the speedway community – riders, promoters, staff and, of course, supporters to get involved… BRITISH SPEEDWAY MEMORIES A lavishly illustrated book to be published by Retro Speedway in Autumn 2013 LATER this year we at Retro Speedway will publish a new book called BRITISH SPEEDWAY MEMORIES. As the title suggests, it will be a compilation of special memories as recalled by supporters of our wonderful family sport. It doesn’t matter which era of speedway’s history you treasure most . . . whether your interest dates back to the post-war boom period or you have only been following the sport for a short while . . . we all have special moments in time and favourites we like to remember and reflect upon with pleasure. Now let’s share them with each other for our mutual enjoyment. The idea is that we are going to record all of your thoughts and memories in one convenient place that will never be far from reach – hence BRITISH SPEEDWAY MEMORIES. All you have to do to be part of it and ensure your name is included in the book is answer the following 10 simple questions. If not all, then as many as you can. Firstly, please state YOUR NAME, POSTAL ADDRESS, EMAIL ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBER (Don’t worry, apart from your name, we will NOT publish your details in the actual book!) 1. Tell us about the first speedway meeting you can remember attending and what led you to go? 2. Where did/do you watch speedway most regularly? 3. What was/is your favourite away track to visit, and why? 4. Name your three most favourite (not necessarily the best) riders, and why you have chosen them? 5. Of all the meetings you have been to, do you have one memorable classic that stands out from all the rest? 6. Can you single out one particularly great race that will live longest in your memory? 7. What do you miss most about speedway in the past? 8. What, if anything, would you like to see reintroduced to speedway today? 9. What is your favourite memory you take from speedway? 10. Whether you used to attend speedway meeting or still do so today, describe what makes speedway so special to you? Thank you. Now please email your answers to Tony Mac at editorial@retro-speedway.com Please send them to us as soon as possible, but the deadline for responses is August 31st, 2013.

One of the respondents to our British Speedway Memories questionnaire has today named Tommy Jansson as one of his three favourite riders of all-time, and he wrote the following: With Ronnie Moore’s retirement Dons’ fans desperately needed a new star and hero in 1973, and it was the raw and exciting Swedish second-halfer Tommy Jansson that became the new darling of Plough Lane faithful. Unlike those other 70s era good-looking, talented, teenage heartthrobs Donny Osmond and David Cassidy, who were both quietly despised by all British teenage boys, Tommy was never a figure of jealously even though most of the girls swooned over him. He was adopted by us boys as a sort of surrogate elder brother whose career and exploits we followed with excitement and pride. Tommy grew in stature on both the domestic and international fronts, regularly beating world class riders with his smooth racing style and ability to win from the tapes or from the back. With the departure of Briggo at the end of 1975, Tommy effortlessly assumed the Number 1 slot in the Wimbledon team for the ’76 season, and looked set fair to build on his League, World Pairs title and Golden Helmet success. We were all so excited at Tommy’s success and knew he had what it took to challenge the very top riders in the world; it was surely only a matter of time until he would be challenging for the World crown. Alas, it was never to be, as his life was cruelly cut short on that fateful night in Sweden. As a 16 year old I’d never experienced death until that moment; it was a shattering experience which I remember to this day. I think all Wimbledon fans died a little that dreadful night. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you would also like to contribute your memories to our book, just answer the questions below and send the answers to us at Retro Speedway… BRITISH SPEEDWAY MEMORIES A lavishly illustrated book to be published by Retro Speedway in Autumn 2013 LATER this year we at Retro Speedway will publish a new book called BRITISH SPEEDWAY MEMORIES. As the title suggests, it will be a compilation of special memories as recalled by supporters of our wonderful family sport. It doesn’t matter which era of speedway’s history you treasure most . . . whether your interest dates back to the post-war boom period or you have only been following the sport for a short while . . . we all have special moments in time and favourites we like to remember and reflect upon with pleasure. Now let’s share them with each other for our mutual enjoyment. The idea is that we are going to record all of your thoughts and memories in one convenient place that will never be far from reach – hence BRITISH SPEEDWAY MEMORIES. All you have to do to be part of it and ensure your name is included in the book is answer the following 10 simple questions. If not all, then as many as you can. Firstly, please state YOUR NAME, POSTAL ADDRESS, EMAIL ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBER (Don’t worry, apart from your name, we will NOT publish your details in the actual book!) 1. Tell us about the first speedway meeting you can remember attending and what led you to go? 2. Where did/do you watch speedway most regularly? 3. What was/is your favourite away track to visit, and why? 4. Name your three most favourite (not necessarily the best) riders, and why you have chosen them? 5. Of all the meetings you have been to, do you have one memorable classic that stands out from all the rest? 6. Can you single out one particularly great race that will live longest in your memory? 7. What do you miss most about speedway in the past? 8. What, if anything, would you like to see reintroduced to speedway today? 9. What is your favourite memory you take from speedway? 10. Whether you used to attend speedway meeting or still do so today, describe what makes speedway so special to you? Thank you. Now please email your answers to Tony Mac at editorial@retro-speedway.com Please send them to us as soon as possible, but the deadline for responses is August 31st, 2013.

Many thanks to posters for previous comments. Can anyone out there remember the name of the Mai's seller at Poole (think he might also have sold at Exeter)? He was a deaf and dumb chap.

Here's a snippet from one set of 'memories' received: The first speedway meeting I attended was Leicester v Kings Lynn on April 1, 1969. I'd never heard of speedway before but my dad, who used to go to Leicester Super many years before, asked me if I'd like to go. We'd moved up to Leicester from Bromley in the previous September and my only experience of live motor sport prior to this was one visit to Crayford to watch stock cars. Before the first lap had been completed that evening I was completely hooked, and had a new sporting hero in Ray Wilson. I knew from that first lap that all I wanted to be was a speedway rider. I was completely captivated by the smell, speed and sight of the chrome plated bikes under the floodlights.

No, although similar, they are not linked. The specific questions for our forthcoming book are set out in the first post of this thread.

Many thanks, Neil, for getting back to me and smoothing the way for us to be there so efficiently. We are very much looking forward to being part of what promises to be a great and historic day - the first new speedway track to open in Kent since Canterbury's sad closure in 1987 and the venue should be one the sport can be proud of. There is so much negativity around the sport these days, so it's great to see a new venture getting off the ground. Also good to know that our Backtrack columnist 'Super Simmo' will be among the Kent 'legends' on parade. No doubt he will be writing about the Kent Kings' opening in our next issue.

Hello Nikko, Obviously, good luck for Monday and the rest of the season to all concerned at Kent Kings. Having noted that there will be a number of 'attractions' on opening day, would it please be possible for ourselves, Retro Speedway, to join them by having a stand (table) inside the stadium on Monday to sell our magazines and DVDs? Just as a one-off, at the opening meeting? In exchange, we would be pleased to offer Kent Kings a FREE half-page advert in the next issue of Backtrack, which we hope will help boost attendances for the rest of your 2013 meetings. If you would prefer to email me, it's editorial@retro-speedway.com I look forward to hearing from you. Cheers, Tony Mac

Thanks for your feedback, Salty. Suppose it's a case of 'one man's meat' and all that, but the listing-type feature you refer to is very popular with many people who want something light and easy and a change from the longer interviews, which we have never been short of. In that respect, glad you enjoyed the Yorkie interview. It is not meant to be an in-depth history of the club and, by definition, such articles are not going to uncover ‘something new’ that Cradley fans won’t already know. We can’t alter history! And I disagree that supporters of other teams would not be interested. I don’t think it was a case of ‘missing’ the Middleton incident. Apart from the fact that it did happen outside our basic 1970-90 timescale was one factor in leaving it out (it was mentioned in our in-depth feature on Middleton himself last year), but he was riding for Hackney AT Dudley Wood. We also omitted to mention Kenny Carter badly breaking his leg there in ’84 for the same reasons – there is only so much space to cram in the most important things, including the Heathens’ many achievements. Anyway, it’s all a matter of opinion. Just glad you appear to have renewed your subscription!

Excellent! We're also sure that Dave would really appreciate a call. He's done really well to come through some very dark days and his enthusiasm for speedway has been rekindled. This would probably mean a lot to him. He was, after all, Canterbury's last No.1 and (I think I'm right in saying) the winner of the last ever race at Kingsmead in 1987.

Can you please confirm who these 'legends' are?

Good to see three responses in already via email, from fans who grew up supporting Halifax, West Ham and Wimbledon.

For anyone who needs it explained to them, a large number of supporters who will respond to our questions will not even have access to the internet or use email, and will therefore send in their handwritten responses to us by post. And then, of course, there's that other vague possibility that some people might just happen to want to read what others have written - kindred spirits, shared experiences and all that, so they could well decide to buy the book instead of re-reading their own post on the BSF. I could be wrong, though. But seriously, thanks to those with brains for their positive reactions.

BRITISH SPEEDWAY MEMORIES LATER this year we at Retro Speedway will publish a new book called BRITISH SPEEDWAY MEMORIES. As the title suggests, it will be a compilation of special memories as recalled by supporters of our wonderful family sport. It doesn’t matter which era of speedway’s history you treasure most . . . whether your interest dates back to the post-war boom period or you have only been following the sport for a short while, we all have special moments in time and favourites we like to remember and reflect upon with pleasure. Now let’s share them among each other for our mutual enjoyment. The idea is that we are going to record all of your thoughts and memories in one convenient place that will never be far from reach – hence BRITISH SPEEDWAY MEMORIES. All you have to do to be part of it and ensure your name is included in the book is answer the following 10 simple questions. If not all, then as many as you can. Firstly, please state YOUR NAME, POSTAL ADDRESS, EMAIL ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBER (Don’t worry, apart from your name, we will NOT publish your details in the actual book!) FIRST TIME Tell us about the first speedway meeting you can remember attending and what led you to go? TEAMS & TRACKS Where did/do you watch speedway most regularly? What was/is your favourite away track to visit, and why? FAVOURITES Name your three most favourite (not necessarily the best) riders, and why you have chosen them? CLASSICS Of all the meetings you have been to, do you have one memorable classic that stands out from all the rest? Can you single out one particularly great race that will live longest in your memory? THEN AND NOW What do you miss most about speedway in the past? What, if anything, would you like to see reintroduced to speedway today? MOMENTS TO TREASURE What is your favourite memory you take from speedway? WHY SPEEDWAY IS SPECIAL Whether you used to attend speedway meeting or still do so today, describe what makes speedway so special to you? Thank you. Now please email your answers to Tony Mac at editorial@retro-speedway.com. Ideally, please send them to us as soon as possible, but the deadline for responses is August 31st, 2013.

Peter Craven: YOUR memories HE was one of the greatest entertainers the sport has ever produced, a thrill merchant who set pulses racing and reminded you every time he rode just why you had paid your admission money. When Peter Craven was tragically taken from us on that blackest of nights in Edinburgh in September 1963, speedway lost a true great. Not just a double World Champion, but a hugely popular fellow and a genuine racer. We miss him. Speedway misses him. But we will never forget him. He will forever hold a place in our hearts and his name enshrined in the pantheon of great speedway riders. This year brings the 50th anniversary of his death and to mark the sad occasion Classic Speedway magazine will dedicate a large section of issue 23 to Peter and the fond memories the little Belle Vue idol still evokes. We will collate the thoughts of those who rode with and against him . . . but we also want to include the views of you, our readers. Let’s share our memories of one of Britain’s all-time legends. Tell us what made Peter Craven special to you as a supporter. Maybe you knew him well; or only met him briefly; or you were at Old Meadowbank on that fateful night? Or perhaps your love of him simply stems from having watched his brilliance from the terraces, at Hyde Road and beyond? Whatever it is, we want to hear from as many of you as possible. Please write your memories down on an email to Tony Mac at editorial@retro-speedway.com This issue of Classic Speedway will be special, just like Peter Craven was. So be part of it . . .

Issue 20 of Classic Speedway is out and includes . . . FREDDIE WILLIAMS RIP When we visited Freddie Williams at his Berkshire home for the in-depth interview that appeared in our last issue (No.19), none of us could have imagined that they would be his last recorded public words. Just eight weeks later the speedway world was shocked by the news that the double World Champion had suffered a fatal stroke and died at the age of 86. We make no apology for the fact that the Welsh wizard dominates this magazine for a second consecutive edition. The tributes that appear – from family, friends, former rivals, team-mates and others who knew him well – say everything about Freddie Williams, the speedway star and the person. TADEUSZ ‘TEO’ TEODOROWICZ We reveal the full, remarkable story of the former Swindon favourite called ‘Teo’ who made a daring escape from East to West for what turned out to be a short-lived freedom before tragedy struck one night at West Ham. BILL POWELL INTERVIEW He was in the same race in which team-mate Peter Craven was killed and was close to others who lost their lives in motorcycle accidents. But there were highlights, too, for former Belle Vue and Wolves rider Bill Powell. NORWICH TRACK SPARE No.1 The bikes Ove Fundin rode during his greatest years with Norwich have become part of speedway folklore. We shed more light on an ongoing mystery. DAVE YOUNGHUSBAND Q&A The former Middlesbrough, Halifax and Cradley Heath rider looks back at the highs and lows of his career. LEGEND: ALEC STATHAM In a tribute to the supreme stylist, John Chaplin wonders what became of the Harringay, Bradford and Wimbledon star who attracted a record transfer fee and was on the brink of speedway greatness. Ian Hoskins recalls two of his Glasgow discoveries, Tommy Miller and Ken McKinlay and what links them. John Hyam on Walthamstow’s three-year post-war period, plus the New Cross revival in 1959. 1970 Bradford Northern full colour team group. To order this single copy or to subscibe in the UK for a year for just £14, please go to: www.retro-speedway.com

Issue 55 is out now and includes... CRADLEY HEATH: 50 Memorable Moments They produced four World Champions and signed another. Oh, and Dudley Wood was also the best place to visit for pork sandwiches. Rob Peasley looks back at the highs and lows of the once dominant but now sadly defunct Black Country club. TONY CHILDS REMEMBERED Although foiled in his recent attempt to complete an in-depth interview with Tony Childs, Richard Bott looks back at one of the sport’s true characters and entertainers who recently passed away suddenly at the age of 71. PETER YORK For two years Peter York had possibly the most thankless job in British speedway. Here the former Birmingham and Oxford announcer and current Coventry presenter looks back on his troubled time as BSPA manager. BEST OF BERRY In another edited extract from Confessions of a Speedway Promoter, the late John Berry reveals why, in 1986, he walked away from the chance to become the BSPA’s first Director of Operations – an autonomous leader the sport is still crying out for now. ALLAN EMMETT The whereabouts of Allan Emmett has been a mystery for the past 25 years and more . . . but now Tony McDonald has finally caught up with the former British Under-21 Champion whose promising young career was shattered by serious injury. ALF BUSK Not even the traditional Vojens downpour could put a dampener on Alf Busk creating a slice of history. Vitek Formanek catches up with the double BL title winner who starred for Coventry before spells with Swindon and Sheffield. SPEEDWAY MAIL It’s 40 years since Speedway Mail launched as a new weekly rival to Speedway Star. Tony McDonald, the longest serving of all the Mail’s editors, takes a personal look back on the publication’s early years and its turbulent history. BERWICK AWAY DAYS Recalling the early 70s, when hair was long and time was short. Petrol, for a time in these halcyon days, cost a mere 6/8d (33p) per gallon and this encouraged Glasgow fans (like our own Doug Nicolson) to made the Saturday afternoon trip down to Berwick to watch their juniors ride in second division meetings. IGOR MARKO He was one of the brightest prospects to emerge from Eastern Europe in the 80s but Igor Marko’s life ended tragically. We talk to the World Under-21 champion’s well-known former Russian coach to find out more. Plus… Martin Neal’s Q&As with Ian Jeffcoate, Stan Pepper and Phil Cain, your letters and more. To order this single issue or to subscribe for just £20 a year in the UK, please go to www.retro-speedway.com

Yes, I've been in touch with Mark and will be forwarding all contact details to him ASAP. Should be a cracking night. Between now and then, we will also be putting together a Crayford History DVD, to further keep alive memories of the Highwaymen and Kestrels.

Can anyone please confirm the cover-date of the last issue of Speedway Mail International - think it was some time during 1997? Much appreciate any help on this.