TonyMac

The apathy of forumites is under-whelming.

Sooner, if you can . . . leaving here at 2pm to see Jimmy!

Thanks for the rapid response, fellas. Pse keep it coming. Any more questions or thoughts on the Gooch career? How good was he really? When is someone going to publish a book detailing pre-1975 riders' biogs with complete career stats, beyond the info contained in the one Peter Morrish produced? Put me down for a copy...

Hello forumites, We're about to interview Jimmy Gooch for the next issue of Classic Speedway mag. Just wondered if any of you had any special memories of Jim from his racing days and if you have any particular questions or points you'd like us to put to him. Sorry, it's very short notice, but we're talking to him tomorrow (Wednesday)! Sure Bob Bath will now be conjuring up happy memories of Jim riding for the Wasps, but what about fans of Oxford, Wembley, Norwich and, finally, Hackney, where Jimmy ended his career in 1970? Cheers, Tony Mac

ENGLAND - SPECIAL REPORT No, this is not another grim examination of the current global economic recession . . . we’re talking England’s miserable standing in world speedway. It’s 20 years since England last won the World Cup. As another new manager takes charge, we conduct a special report into what went wrong through the eyes of three former national team managers and look back on an era when Britain was a truly great speedway nation. Read the hard-hitting, no-nonsense views of JOHN BERRY, who guided the Lions to World Cup glory in 1977, and also those of IAN THOMAS and ERIC BOOCOCK, who worked together to mastermind the World Championship grand slam in 1980. All three men are renowned for their outspoken opinions and they are here for all to read, including the question of whether Scott Nicholls ¬- or any other GP rider ¬- should be considered for the national team having decided to skip the Elite League. Berry says: “With all due respect to Rob Lyon, his new position might well carry some kudos and give the media something to write about, but the role will be entirely incidental until, and unless, the promoters collectively decide on a radical rethink on how the sport is run in the UK. “Spending time and money on training camps and assistants and matching suits is all well and good, but this is just expensive window-dressing at a time when the sport is fighting for survival at domestic level.” Thomas says: “I have to say I think that too many riders these days are more concerned about doing well on the Grand Prix circuit than anything else. They don’t take the World Cup as seriously as our blokes did in the 70s and 80s. It was our good fortune to have so many lads who really WANTED to ride for England.” And his fellow Yorkshireman ‘Booey’ added: “Kenny Carter’s attitude was ‘stuff everyone else’, including his team-mates! He wanted to do his best for the team and three points was better than two. He was 100 per cent British and always wanted to get one over the foreigners. We could do with half a dozen like him now.” As usual, we’ve also got some compelling, new major interviews... TREVOR HEDGE Following our in-depth interview in the latest issue of Classic Speedway magazine, we met up with ‘Hedgey’ to reflect on the second half of his racing career ¬- with Wimbledon, King’s Lynn and finally Hackney. Trevor admits his disappointment at being denied a richly-deserved testimonial after 10 full seasons at Plough Lane, recalls the pain of his one and only World Final appearance and explains why he is no longer the UK’s main GM agent. RICHARD GREER It’s not easy keeping pace with the multi-functional Peterborough legend, but we spent time with ‘King Richard’ to look back on his eventful career, which also embraced spells with Oxford, White City and Birmingham. ROBERT HOLLINGWORTH He’s been riding a speedway bike for 36 years and, astonishingly, he continues to do so. Backtrack meets a Boston legend who rode for pride rather than glory . . . IPSWICH HEROES John Berry, the man who made the Witches one of the greatest teams in British League history, selects his Top 20 heroes from the period 1970-90. See who did and who didn’t make it. SHEFFIELD in PICTURES Looking back at some of the major names and fans favourites who wore the Tigers¹ racejacket during the 70s and 80s, including Bob Valentine, Doug Wyer, Reg Wilson and Shawn Moran. Plus . . . Rod Haynes’ column (including his thoughts on past visits to Hull and Halifax), Q&As with Mark Chessell and announcer Graham Hambly, your letters and another huge helping of speedway nostalgia. To subscribe now for £17.50 per year (6 issues) in the UK, visit our website: http://www.retro-speedway.com

Bob, whcih pic are you referring to? In the 'Mystery Men' section? I'm convinced that none of the three Cradley riders now pictured in action in our Mystery gallery are Triggy. Ignoring Persson, Trigg and Squibb (who I feel sure are not among those pictured), here are the other riders who DID appear for Cradley in the 1972 season, so we can narrow it down to three of them. Btw, all three of the 1972 photos were taken at Reading, if that helps to narrow it down even further: John Hart Pete Jarman Bob Andrews Mick Handley Bengt Andersson Ian Ross Dave Perks Dave Harvey Gerald Smitherman Cheers, Tony Mac PS - Thanks to all for continued help on these and other images. I'll update the site again the next chance I get, as there are so many thousands more images to be added.

Remember how, at the end of White City meetings, the riders would walk the length of the centre green from the pits before disappearing down an underground tunnel that led to the dressing rooms? The track was wide and fast enough and produced some fine races - PC has possibly never ridden better (in England) than he did that day in '77 to win the ICF. Think he came from the back to win five times. And remember Penhall and Carter clashing and both falling off, in near slow motion, at the OF in 1981 - the day their simmering feud became general public knowledge and how ITV made the most if it. John Davis refusing to leave the track after being excluded for knocking off Mauger in the 1977 ICF - a very harsh decision that cost him his world final place that year. Mort beating Penhall to win the run-off for the 1980 ICF - nice to see a real crowd-pleaser come out on top. Pity that England failed to qualify for both of the WTC finals held there, in 1976 & '79. Still, it gave the Aussies and Kiwis the chance to make history. Personally, from a fan's perspective, the racing (viewed from high up in the stands) in league matches never seemed so good, although I didn't visit more than six times a season, to be fair. The fans were quite a way from the track and the riders seemed to be going in slow motion. There was little sense of speed and the four riders often got too spaced out. And because crowds for domestic meetings were so low, there was very little atmosphere. Remember Bo Petersen making his Hawks debut at WC at the start of 1978. Dave Mort enjoyed the big track and so did Finn Thomsen, who finished third in the 1979 ICF, won by Mike Lee. Remember the big buzz when Lee made his international debut v the Rest of the World at WC in May 1977? Richard Greer has been interviewed for the next issue of Backtrack and he obviously talks about his season with the Rebels in 1976. The most memorable part for him was featuring in that Blue Peter TV programme, as mentioned previously on here. He also recalled that, in their efforts to drum up entertainment for the fans, promoters Bob Dugard and Danny Dunton arranged for various 'acts' to appear at the Wood Lane venue, including rock band Hawkwind (of Silver Machine fame). They even had a female belly dancer performing in front of the crowd one night. Much more exciting than Gordon Kennett!

Tim, That's because it is! Thanks for highlighting my embarrassment! Seriously though, I felt absolutely gutted when Middlo (Jnr) very politely pointed this cock-up out to me before the WSRA dinner on Saturday night. Thankfully, being the supreme gentleman that he is, Ken doesn't hold it against us and Bridget, being the wonder woman that she is, phoned to say how pleased they were with the feature. Looking at the pic again now, I can clearly see that it isn't Ken and, in fact, it's (as you say Tim) Ivor Brown. The photo negative was in the same batch as the pic we used of Ken on the last page of Issue 3, the one of him outside his corner shop, so I foolishly assumed this next shot to be of him too. No excuses, though. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up. Bloody awful. Many years ago, a smart arse once told me that ASSUME can make an ASS out of U and ME . . . and how right he was! Still, hopefully my error, bad though it was, has not spoiled our readers' enjoyment of this issue too much. Cheers, Tony Mac

Yep, we'll be there selling our wares before dinner...

Glad you finally found us after five years! Who says advertising doesn't pay! Seriously, we're delighted that you enjoyed Issue 10. As far as subscribing goes, please note that our address may be different to the one printed in that 2005 edition (can't remember if we'd moved by then). It is: Retro Speedway 103 Douglas Road Hornchurch Essex RM11 1AW Alternatively, you may prefer to subscribe online, using PayPal. The link to our website is: http://www.retro-speedway.com/ While we have no plans to re-print the sold out Issue 11, you will find every other one of our 30 issues available to purchase as back copies. Welcome aboard! Cheers, Tony Mac

Well done, Gemini (and the rest of you who have kindly tried to help)... a copy of Issue 4 will be on its way to you soon. Cheers, Tony Mac

Right, eyes down, fingers on buzzers... We're going to use a 1955 Leicester Hunters team photo in the next issue of Classic Speedway magazine, but I urgently need your help to name the complete line-up (inc team manager). Here's the link to the pic on our Retro Speedway website. Just click on the Leicester team pic to enlarge the image... http://www.retro-speedway.com/extras/autog...autogallery.php The pic will be used as part of our exclusive Derek Close interview. We know that Derek is second from right. We also know that Gordon McGregor is to his immediate right, with Ken McKinlay sat on the bike. But can you fill in the gaps for us, please, so that we can present a full and correct caption? Please state left to right, etc, so it's clear who's who. To help, here are the other riders who rode for Leicester in official matches that season, so, in theory, the names to the faces are among the following: L. Williams, R. Phillips, Charlie Barsby, Johnny Green, B. East, Brian Elliott. Oh yeah, and I need your answer before 10.00am tomorrow (Thursday), cos that's when we go to press! Many thanks for your help. As a little incentive, the first forumite who confirms the full line-up will receive one copy of issue 4 of Classic Speedway FREE!!! Can't say fairer than that! Cheers, Tony Mac

We're currently working on issue 4 of Classic Speedway and the highlights include exclusive, new in-depth interviews with Trevor Hedge, Ken Middleditch and Derek Close. Trevor and Ken devoted themselves to their main clubs, Wimbledon and Poole respectively, while Derek was a high profile rider on the Northern scene with Newcastle and Motherwell in the late 40s and early 50s. Eric Boocock was the first rider to be awarded a testimonial for services to his club (Halifax) in 1974, but Wimbledon's failure to offer 'Hedgey' the same reward for his 10 years at Plough Lane was a major oversight by the club's management at the time. In his 10 full seasons with the Dons, Trevor never even received a signing-on fee and just rode for standard start and points money. And remember, he remained loyal to the Dons for a decade despite having to travel the furthest of all the Wimbledon riders to home meetings in south-west London - from his Norfolk home. Trevor is one of the sport's genuine nice guys, a shy, unassuming man who deserves the recognition Classic Speedway is delighted to give him in our next issue. http://www.retro-speedway.com/

ISSUE 30 is out now and includes: MAIN MAN: PREBEN ERIKSEN Committed rider who never gave less than 100 per cent ¬ or a wild man who should have been committed? He was one of the most forceful riders of his era whose robust riding style divided opinion. Preben Eriksen talks about his ‘hard man’ tag and recalls some of the explosive incidents that brought the Danish World Team Cup winner unwelcome headlines during his eventful spells with Ipswich and Wolverhampton. In this exclusive, Eriksen told Backtrack: “I was never a dirty rider. I never did anything to anyone deliberately. Sometimes I was a bit too ambitious and I tried a bit too hard, but I never went out to push someone out of the way.” It was our lead columnist JOHN BERRY who introduced Preben to British speedway in 1979. Read what the former Ipswich boss thinks about one of his few overseas imports. NEIL MIDDLEDITCH As supporter, rider and now successful team manager, Neil Middleditch has virtually done the lot at Poole. Backtrack ventured into deepest Dorset to talk to a candid Middlo about all aspects of his speedway life with Eastbourne, the Pirates and Arena-Essex ¬ his highs and the lows, how it all turned sour at Wimborne Road and the problems and heartache of managing Great Britain. BARRY BRIGGS Only a track legend as determined and passionate for his sport as Barry Briggs would even dare contemplate a racing comeback at the age of 49. But that¹s what Briggo did 25 years ago. Following part one of our in-depth exclusive interview with the mighty Kiwi in our last issue, we talk to Barry about other events that followed his retirement from British League speedway in 1976, including New Zealand¹s historic World Team Cup victory. SHAWN McCONNELL He may not have scaled the dizzy heights of his American contemporaries but just like vintage California wine, Shawn McConnell has matured into one of the finest products of the west coast scene. We catch up with the former Birmingham and Swindon rider. ROCHDALE and ELLESMERE PORT Speedway tracks come and go but mostly they go, never to return. Sadly, we have seen the last of two old northern venues, Rochdale and Ellesmere Port, where success on the track was not reflected at the turnstiles. Rochdale’s Athletic Grounds is now the site of a Morrisons Supermarket and Thornton Road Greyhound Stadium, Ellesmere Port, which has not staged speedway since 1985, is expected to be sold for housing this year. But both venues and their speedway history are inextricably linked because when Rochdale closed after only two seasons, in 1971, many of their riders moved to Ellesmere Port, near Merseyside, which opened the following year. This article is really about why the two tracks opened in the first place and why they closed. SWINDON HEROES We name the Top 20 Robins heroes from the Backtrack era of 1970-90. Martin Ashby, Bob Kilby, Phil Crump and, of course, Barry Briggs are in there, but who else made it? Plus . . . Tribute to the late Bob Kilby, Andrew Silver’s comeback bid, John Berry on junior second halves, Rod Haynes’ column, Q&As with former Wembley announcer Ed Stewart and Mark Crang, your letters and another huge helping of nostalgia from the 70s and 80s . . . http://www.retro-speedway.com/

How did we not recognise him...New Cross (1)....engine manufacturer and top grass/long-tracker Don Godden in his youth! Thanks to Graham Brodie for that one.

Just to say thanks again to all for your continued efforts. It's good to put names to these men, so that they receive the recognition they deserve. There is (inevitably) conflicting opinion on some photos. We seem to have hit a brick wall on many of them, though. Can't believe the Norwich boys don't recognise at least one or two of these former 'Stars' in the Mystery Men section! And where are you experts from Reading, Canterbury and Cradley? Sorry, but I can't agree that Cradley (5) 72-2 is Roy Trigg. This pic was taken at Reading in the 1972 season and it would therefore point to one of the following: Ian Ross, Bengt Andersson, Dave Murray or Gerald Smitherman. The Cradley pics 6 & 7 were also taken at the same meeting at Tilehurst. Cradley (4) was taken in 1971, also at Reading. Possible contenders include: Mike Holmes, Richard Eslick, Laurie Sims, Cyril Francis, Andrew Bearne and Ralph Waller. Some rare names there! Canterbury possibles from the pics taken in 1968 include: Pat Flanaghan, Charlie Coleman, Pat Adaway & Chris Raines. Any ideas? If anyone fancies another crack at it, here's the link: http://www.retro-speedway.com/ Cheers, TMc PS - If you visit the Gallery section again, you'll see that we have now added dedicated sections for New Cross, Harringay, Southampton & Norwich. Other former tracks (inc Cardiff & Odsal) will be added in due course.

Can somebody please quickly confirm the colours used on the old Bradford Tudors racejacket? The Yorkshire rose is obviously white, but what is the background colour? Blue? Black? Red? Many thanks for your help.

No, definitely not. It must be a King's Lynn youngster, who rode second halves in that 1974 season but didn't make an official team appearance.

And some more suggestions via email... Belle Vue (1) This is Cyril Maidment. Looks like it was taken at Sheffield; same meeting as the Sheffield Belle Vue Photo below Belle Vue unkown leading Fundin at Norwich. Not a typical pose but the face mask and boots lead me to believe this is Ron Johnston. I doubt very much this Peter Williams; I never saw him ride or photographed without trademark white socks folded over the top of his boots Canterbury v Belle Vue Colts 68-1 Almost certain this is John Woodcock. I dont know if it is at the league meeting or challenge match that year. Doubt if is was any of the other riders who rode in white in these meetings Peter Craven leading Belle Vue unknown I agree with others it is Gote Nordin Sheffield v Belle Vue I believe Y/B is Cyril Maidment as above. And white is Dick Fisher. I believe it is 1965. Sheffield rider outside is John Dews. If I am right about the other 3 then the fourth man can only be Tommy Roper April 15th. Or Billy Bales 1st July. My guess is Tommy Roper Southampton (6) v Belle Vue I am certain Maurice Payling is in the centre, probably yellow; the positioning of the left leg is a dead give away. Ron Johnston is inside, white; I have seen similar pictures of him, particularly the boots and face mask (same as when leading Fundin above). These 2 riders rode quite a lot as a pair in the late 50's Rayleigh (7) v Belle Vue Colts 68-1 and Rayleigh (9) v Belle Vue Colts 1 I believe White to be Ken Moss. And (Y/B) to be Ken Eyre. I am almost certain is taken at a challenge match Saturday 15th June 1968. They rode at 1 and 2in that match Exeter (2) Chris Sweetman suggests Mike Cake (see previous post), but Jock Davidson reckons Phil Woodcock. Hackney (Junior) 8 Anyone agree with me that it's former Wick and Rye House 2nd-halver from the mid-70s, John Waldrab? Thanks again to all for their help...even if we are now getting many conflicting views!!!!

More confirmations and comments received via email... Chris Sweetman, son of former Hackney, Wolves & Exeter rider Tommy, kindly emailed us the following suggestions from NZ. His views contrast with some previous opinions on here, so see how many you agree with... Page 1 Belle Vue Unknown ­ Its Jack Parker leading Barry Briggs ­ Not Fundin Birmingham (1) ­ Georgie White Birmingham (2) ­ Ronnie Moore and Georgie White Brits (1) ­ On the right ­ Ron Mountford. I think its Eric French on the left? Canterbury (1) ­ Martyn Piddock Cardiff (1) ­ Mick Holland from New Zealand Coventry (1) ­ Outside Les Owen, inside Ken McKinlay Page 2 Coventry (10) v Oxford ­ outside Ken McKinlay inside Jack Biggs Coventry (11) ­ outside Colin Goody inside Ken McKinlay Coventry (6) Ron Mountford leads martin Ashby Coventry (9) ­ Yes, Bob Mark Cradley Heath (10) ­ Ian Ross Cradley (4) ­ Roy Trigg Cradley (5) ­ Ian Ross Cradley Heath lead ­ R to L ­ Bob Andrews, Chris Julian, Ted Leassing, Bill Andrew Page 3 Craven leads ­ Dick fisher Crayford (1) ­ Chris Harrison Exeter (1) ­ Hugh Geddes Exeter (2) ­ Mike Cake Glasgow unknowns ­ outside Willie Templeton, inside Alf wells Hackney (2) ­ Gary Everett Hackney (3) ­ Des Lukehurst Hackney (5) ­ Jack Biggs Hackney (6) ­ Jack Biggs Halifax (2) ­ Greg Kentwell Page 4 Harringay (2) ­ might be Buster Brown guesting for Harringay as he rode for Wembley Ipswich (2) ­ Harry Edwards Ipswich (4) ­ harry Edwards Leicester (2) ­ Jack Geran Leicester (3) ­ R to L ­ Cyril Roger, unknown, ken McKinlay Page 5 Leicester (4) R to L ­ Ken McKinlay, unknown, Cyril Roger New Cross (2) ­ Bobby Croombs Newcastle (1) ­ Rider ­ Peter Kelly, others unknown Newcastle (2) ­ Brian Craven Newcastle (3) ­ Brian Craven Norwich (1) ­ Gerry King ­ Wimbledon NOT Norwich Norwich or Wimbledon (2) ­ Inside Ron How, outside Cyril Brine ­ both Wimbledon Page 6 Oxford (5) ­ front Jon Erskine, chasing unknown Oxford (7) R to Left ­ Barry Briggs, unknown, Clive Hitch Poland (1) left henry Zyto, other unknown (World Final photo) Poole (5) v Oxford ­ R to L ­ Colin Pratt, Norman Strachan, unknown, Geoff Mudge ­ Poole v Hackney Rayleigh (1) ­ Derek Strutt Rayleigh (2) ­ Frank Bettis Page 7 Russia (4) ­ Boris Samaradov Russia (5) - Boris Samaradov Rye House v Oxford ­ Mike Keen (RH) leads Eddie Reeves (Oxford) Rye House (Red Devil) 2 ­ Vic Ridgeon Rye House (Red Devils) unknown ­ R to L ­ Derek Timms, Colin Pratt, Roy Trigg Sheffield (1) ­ John Dews Sheffield v Belle Vue unknown ­ R to L ­ Billy Bales (Sheff) Jim Yacoby (BV) Nils Paulson (Sheff) Page 8 Southampton (2) Bob Roger leads Ronnie Moore Southampton (3) v Sweden ­ No British Match Race Challenge ­ outside Fundin, inside Bob Roger Southampton (4) inside Chum Taylor, outside Bob Duckworth Southampton v Norwich ­ No v Wimbledon ­ R to L Ronnie Moore, Bjorn Knutsson, Bob Roger Southampton v BV unknowns ­ R to L ­ Ron Johnson, unknown, Barry Briggs Swindon (1) guy in the middle is Bob Jones, others? Swindon (3) ­ outside martin Ashby, inside Mike Keen Swindon (4) v Oxford R to L ­ Barry Briggs, Eddie Reeves, Clive Hitch Page 9 Unknown Cradley Heath (7) ­ Bob Andrews Unknown (10) ­ is NOT Graham Warren Unknown 5 ­ Eric Boothroyd ­ Middlesborough Unknown Rye House ­ Sandor Levi Page 10 Unknown Officials ­ left ­ Nils Ringblom (Sweden), middle Don Clarke (Sunday Pictorial) right unknown Unknown on Tractor ­ Ron Mountford Unknown steps out of car ­ Jim Tebby (Wimbledon) Unknown v Oxford ­ Les Owen (Coventry) Colin Goody (Oxford) Unknown WC Round ­ Semi Final British Championship at Southampton about 1962 ­ R to L ­ Ronnie Moore, Peter Craven, Barry Briggs, Bob Andrews ­ Heat One. Unknowns (3) ­ Ernie Baker (Wolverhampton) Unknown action ­ R to L ­ Mike Broadbank, Barry Briggs, Cyril Roger Page 11 Unknown ­ Yes Jan Holub Wembley (2) ­ Tommy Price West Ham (2) ­ yes Terry Betts West Ham (3) v Booey of Coventry ­ R to L ­ Norman hunter, Booey, Ken McKinlay Wimbledon (2) ­ Yes Reg Luckhurst Wolves (2) ­ Graham Warren Wolves (3) ­ Midland Riders Championship 1963 at Wolverhampton. ­ R to L ­ Tom Sweetman (2nd) Peter Jarman (1st) Kid Bodie / Howard Cole (3rd) World team Cup Final ­ in the middle Nigel Boocock for GB, others unknown.

Jim, Good research work, many thanks. I still haven't come across the two pics you mention above, though if I do I will, of course, let you know. We do definitely have one pic of Craven (alongside Bjorn Knutson in the pits) in New Cross colours. I'll upload it to the site, along with some other NX pics, as soon as the NX 'body colour' logo and the others from the earlier era have been drawn for us. Cheers.

Sod bloody eBay...what about the poor, hard-working publisher who has 3 kids, a missus (an ex-missus) and 5 dogs to pay for! Oh yeah, and we also happen to be the main sponsors of this very forum! Loyalty, I ask you. Back issues right here, thanks very much: http://www.retro-speedway.com/

Confirmations we've received via private emails include: World Team Cup unknowns: Heat 1 from Vienna - Bjorn Knutson leading Dick Fisher and Antonin Kasper. Wolves (3) Riders' Championship @ Wolves, August 16, 1963 - 1st Pete Jarman, 2nd Tommy Sweetman, 3rd Howard Cole (aka Bodie). Unknown WTC round: British semi-final at Southampton, July 24, 1962 - heat 1: Craven leading Briggo, Moore & Bob Andrews. Sunderland (1) is John Lynch. The Briggo/Ronnie Moore gate shot was at the 1959 Wembley World Final practice. Halifax (2) is John Titman. There is some debate about Cradley (5). Some say Roy Trigg (his distinctive handlebars have been mentioned), but Ian Silk has also been put forward. Maybe he borrowed Triggy's bike? Think the pic was taken at Reading. Any further thoughts? Cradley Heath (2) is Andrew Bearne (as confirned by his daughter Lucy!).

Cheers for the clarification. Did Liverpool also ride in blue and white jackets?

Excellent research, Bob. How can you tell tell the difference between Poole and Liverpool's jacket? On the subject of colours, can someone please confirm the main background colour of the old Odsal Tudors body colour (obviously the Yorkshire rose was white!). We have some old Tudors pics to upload to the site but I need to get their racejacket drawn up first.