TonyMac

Just to let you know, we've just added a number of new pictures of sadly defunct tracks to our site. If you can stand the pain of looking at these shrines to British speedway, colour pics were taken at the following: Belle Vue (Hyde Road) Crewe Glasgow (Craighead Park)-in black & white only Hackney (arrrrgggh!) Halifax Harringay Leicester (Lions fans of a sensitive disposition should not go there - it's a pic of a flattened Blackbird Road. Sorry.) Reading Rochdale Walthamstow Wimbledon http://www.retro-speedway.com Click the 'Gallery' tab on our Home Page and go to the Defunct Tracks section... If anybody has any pics of defunct tracks that they would like us to add to our site, so that others can enjoy viewing and reminiscing over them, then please email the pic(s) to me at editorial@retro-speedway.com. We would be pleased to add your name to the list of credits, if you wish. Cheers, Tony Mac

WOULD you like to listen to the stars of the past talking today? Well, thanks to our Listen to Legends section at Retro Speedway, now you can! We pride ourselves on bringing you the best, in-depth and exclusive interviews in both Backtrack and Classic Speedway magazines. Most of our major interviews, featuring the superstars who have appeared on our front covers, have been recorded on high quality audio tape - and excerpts from those many hours of tape can now be brought to you in audio form via various clips. It's nice to sit down and read a chunky interview with a former rider but it's something else to be able to actually hear what they have to say in their own words. We hope our readers will enjoy this added bonus. The first legend you will be able to hear is Erik Gundersen, the three-times former World Champion who we visited at his home in Denmark to look back over his illustrious career that ended so tragically in 1989. You can hear - in Erik's own words - what he now thinks of his intense rivalry with Hans Nielsen, his relationship with Ole Olsen - and what he makes of the rift between Olsen and Nielsen. Erik, the idol of the Cradley Heath fans, also talks candidly about that fateful day at Bradford when his career - and almost his life - ended in the most awful circumstances. He analyses the crash itself, how his injuries occurred and the aftermathbattling back and how lucky he was to be able to walk again. You can feel the raw emotion in Erik's voice. Obviously, this will appeal to Cradley Heath fans but supporters worldwide, no matter which team they follow now or in the past, will hopefully enjoy listening to Erik's Danish/Black Country accent again and what he has to say now about the major issues that surrounded his great career. Please let us know what you think via this forum. To listen to the dynamic Dane, just click here to go to our Retro Speedway website at http://www.retro-speedway.com On the Home Page, scroll down to the bottom and click on the Listen to Legends banner featuring Anders Michanek and Ray Wilson - just two more of the past stars we'll bring you in audio form in the weeks and months to come, along with the likes of Michael Lee, Ivan Mauger, Ole Olsen, Hans Nielsen, Sam Ermolenko, Malcolm Simmons, John Louis, Terry Betts, Chris Morton, etc, etc.

Brian, Pse post to: Retro Speedway (CS Sub) 103, Douglas Road Hornchurch Essex RM11 1AW Many thanks.

Issue 26 out now, including... MAIN MAN – TERRY BETTS There really is no other apt title for Terry Betts than ‘Mr King’s Lynn’, so who better to reflect on the 70s and 80s at Saddlebow Road than the Stars legend who spent 14 wonderful years with the Norfolk club. Posing for our photographer with the Lynn Trophy he won in the first-ever meeting staged at KL in 1965, ‘Bettsy’ talks of his respect and affection for Maurice Littlechild – the man who tempted him out of retirement. He also pays tribute to the other man who set him on the path to domestic and international stardom, his great friend Colin Pratt, who made Terry realise that he needed a much more professional approach if he was ever to fulfil his potential. Betts often fought a lone battle as Lynn’s spearhead, until the arrival of Malcolm Simmons in 1968. Terry talks about their rivalry and how it led to him breaking his arm in a second-half final. He reflects, too, on the sudden emergence of Michael Lee and then, at the end of 1978, his unhappy departure from his beloved Saddlebow Road, where he found himself out in the cold after the signing of Dave Jessup. “My career didn’t end the way I wanted it to,” admitted a regretful Betts, who spent his final season with Reading before calling it a day at the age of 36. Our lead columnist JOHN BERRY provides his insight into a rider he describes as a “down to earth bloke’s bloke.” NEIL STREET We talk to the man who revolutionised speedway in the mid-70s with his controversial four-valve engine. Neil reveals how he masterminded the Jawa conversion that took the sport by storm in 1975 and why he wasn’t able to sustain its initial success as rival companies, Weslake and Jawa, unveiled their motors. One of speedway’s most respected and enduring characters, ‘Streetie’ looks back on the latter days of his own long racing career with Newport and his defence of the much-maligned Somerton Park track also makes very interesting reading. Neil also explains the satisfaction he gained from nurturing the careers of his son-in-law Phil Crump and grandson, 2008 British GP winner Jason Crump. BRUCE CRIBB Another one of the sport’s most colourful characters, Bruce clearly revelled in his hard-man image and recalls some of his more interesting scrapes from a long career that took in spells with Cradley Heath, Wolves, Berwick and Exeter among others. Also, he reveals what he remembers most from New Zealand’s 1979 World Team Cup victory and looks back on his ice racing exploits. BOBBY McNEIL One of the finest products of the Eastbourne academy, Bobby McNeil showed promise at top flight Swindon and Hackney before retiring at a relatively young age to pursue business interests. He recalls how the death of a former team-mate and career-ending injuries to another good friend hastened his decision to quit. BOSTON: DEFUNCT TRACK They were a dominating force in Division Two in 1973 but the roar of the bikes had gone before the end of the 1987 season. Looking back at Barracudas’ highs and lows and local heroes like Arthur Price, Carl Glover, Robert Hollingworth and debutant Michael Lee. JAN VERNER An exclusive interview from the Czech Republic, as we catch up with one of the famous racing family, who had spells in the BL with Exeter and Swindon and made his own slice of World Championship history. WAGS Behind every top man . . . we turn the clock back to the 70s and recall the views of three wives of former riders – Angela Collins, Pat Louis and Yvonne Sjosten. Plus… The Rod Haynes column, Q&As with Mike Wilding, Andy Meldrum and Mike Bennett, your letters the final round of Backtrack Mastermind and more… It still costs only £16.00 to subscribe, or you can order this single issue direct from us at: http://www.retro-speedway.com

Just to let all know that we've got the Past Riders Today picture gallery up and running today, with more than 200 images of former riders, promoters, etc, that we've photographed since Backtrack magazine started in 2004, now uploaded to our Retro Speedway site. Some old favourites will be instantly recogniseable, but others will possibly amaze you at how they've turned out after all these years! Sadly, one or two have since passed away. See how many you can recognise without looking at their names first....! Click on the link below and then go to 'Gallery' from the main menu at the top of the Home Page. http://www.retro-speedway.com Please let us know what you think....

Yes, Bettsy, Mister King's Lynn, is our MAIN man in the next issue, going to print this weekend. Terry gave us a great interview. How could anybody possibly dislike the man? Great bloke. Top rider. Here are some bang up to date pics of Terry, as taken at his place last week... Follow the link below, just click on 'Gallery' in the main menu at the top and head for our new Past Riders Today section. http://www.retro-speedway.com If you're a King's Lynn fan from the 70s or 80s, you'll come across a number of other familiar faces.

Will any knowledgeable Boston fans, who have a good sense of Barracudas' history, pse email me asap (today, ideally!) as I need some help with an article for Backtrack... Much appreciated. Tony Mac Email: editorial@retro-speedway.com

BARGAIN BOOKS SUPER SUMMER SALE! AT a time when just about everything is going up, up, up in price, we at Retro Speedway are very pleased to announce our Great Summer Bargain Book Sale. The following four books published by Retro Speedway have been slashed in price to just £5 each – POST-FREE! WIGGY – Simon Wigg, In His Own Words BOOEY – Around in Circles, The Eric Boocock Story TOMMY JANSSON – Legend Who Died Young MORE CONFESSIONS – by John Berry Yes, you did read that correctly . . . only a fiver for one of these four excellently produced books. Even at £20 for all four, it’s a virtual giveaway! Absolutely ridiculous. Any of these books will make an ideal read on your summer holidays, or why not treat yourself, a friend or a member of your family with one of our great value gifts? To snap up these bargains of the century, simply go to our website: http://www.retro-speedway.com and click on the book(s) cover of your choice in the left-hand panel. Follow the link to the Paypal cart checkout. Alternatively, you can order by phoning 01708 734 502 or send a cheque by post.

FIRST-EVER ISSUE! Welcome to issue 1 and the exciting launch of another new magazine from Retro Speedway. Classic Speedway is committed to bringing you compelling, in-depth interviews with many of the sport's leading riders and personalities from the past and look what we've got lined up for starters... IVAN MAUGER - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Who else but Ivan Mauger, the greatest rider in speedway history, to adorn the front cover of our first issue? In our new, exclusive interview with the six times World Champion he talks candidly about his early career...his battles and long-running feud with promoter Mike Parker. "With all due respect to Ronnie Greene and Charles Ochiltree, they were wimps compared to Parker," says Mauger, who explains why it was his disputes with his Newcastle boss that drove him to leave the Diamonds in 1969. "If Parker had left Newcastle, I would never have joined Belle Vie," he added. But the Kiwi legend admits that if it hadn't been for the launch of the Parker-inspired Provincial League in 1960, he would not have returned to England following his unsuccessful spell with Wimbledon in the late 50s, when he did a milk round to try and make ends meet. Mauger reveals the influence he had on the Aces, how he turned them from also-rans to triple BL champs in the early 70s. He talks about Peter Collins and how he went before the Belle Vie board of directors to try and get PC in the team before he stepped up from Rochdale. "PC didn't even know I'd been to see them," he admitted. OLLE NYGREN We're back with the Swedish maestro (part one of this interview appeared in the last-ever issue of VSM) for more remarkable revelations and memories. In this issue, Nygren reflects on the hazardous nature of motorcycle sport, recalling incidents that led to the deaths of rivals, team-mates and old friends. Olle was the first on the scene, along with Joel Jansson, when fellow Swede Tommy Jansson lost his life in Stockholm in 1976. We take up the story of Nygren's incredible career during his Norwich days in the early 60s and also hear what he made of his subsequent spells with Wimbledon, West Ham, Ipswich, Coventry and King's Lynn. He also talks openly about race-fixing and ‘doing favours' in World Championship meetings. He pursued one rider who owed him £50 all the way to Australia! "There was a system in Sweden of ‘covering' races and I understood how it worked," says Olle, who revealed that he was in the pits at one World Final when a fellow countryman was offered a £1,000 bribe to throw a key race. Powerful stuff from this Grandfather of Swedish speedway, who has just recovered from major heart bypass surgery. NEIL STREET Many current day fans know Neil as team manager at Newport and as the influential grandfather of double World Champion, but in this interview we discover the background to Neil's respectable riding career. He describes his voyage of adventure from Australia, the sacrifices he made to make the grade with Swindon and Exeter, and has a firm response to those who have described Newport's old Somerton Park as one of the most dangerous of all. BRUCE CRIBB Kiwi Cribbie's career spanned three decades, but here we focus on his battle to find his way in his early days with Poole in the 60s. "I wasn't a naturally talented rider and Poole could have sent me home years before I eventually came good for them," said Bruce, who played his part in solid Pirates' 1969 BL-title winning victory. FLASHBACK We look back the years 1948, 1958 and 1968, featuring the the BL Division Two introduced so successfully 40 years ago. VIC HUXLEY One for the old-timers to savour, as we examine the impact made by speedway's first superstar. NEW CROSS Looking at the impact made by Ron Johnson through the years at the south London track. NAME THAT TRACK Can you recognise the two tracks featured in our picture quiz? Plus your letters, great nostalgic pics (some rare and previously unpublished) and much more. Order this historic first issue online today for just £2.00 + £1 P&P or take out a year's UK subscription (4 issues) for as little as £12.00... http://www.retro-speedway.com/

Moving on....have now added loads of pics from season 1976. The opening of White City Rebels. Oxford Cheetahs going National League. Last UK pictures of the late Tommy Jansson of Wimbledon taken just days before his tragic death. The Aussies winning the World Team Cup after knocking out England in the UK qualifier. More Weslakes and uprights! England's day in Katowice. ...and plenty new 'unknowns' for you experts to identify! http://www.retro-speedway.com

Cheers Harry, Tim et al for the good luck messages. Harry, don't fear, part 2 of our Olle interview features prominently in the first Classic Speedway. Don't want to get you too excited now but there's a pic of Olle on the back cover in full colour, showing off his original Hammers race jacket, plus a b&w pic of him in his West Ham racing days. Inside, you'll find a shot of Christer Lofqvist with Gordon Parkins. As for 'Cass the Gas', we'd love to interview the man who was one of my first favourites at Hackney in 1971. Alas, he is proving impossible to track down amid various conflicting (and unsubstantiated) rumours about what has become of him and where he might be... Obviously, if anybody knows where Garry is, or how we might get in touch with him, please let us know.

Many thanks, as always, to those who have identified riders for us. Just added to the site are lots of pics from 1975, the year of... New Weslake engines. Mike Lee starting at Boston. The opening of Crayford, Paisley & Mildenhall, plus the re-opening of Reading. The Wembley World Final dust. ...and that unforgettable Hackney legend, Timmy Joe Shepherd (one match, two rides, zero points, never been seen again). This could well be the only pic ever taken of him.. http://www.retro-speedway.com/extras/autog...pg&start=80 The 'Glasgow Unknowns 68-1 at Coventry' is causing consternation. One Tigers fans is convinced the rider in white is Oyvind Berg and another says it's Bo Josefsson. One says the man on the inside is Russ Dent, the other says Bill McMillan. Anyone have a view on it? Here's the link to the pic in question. http://www.retro-speedway.com/extras/autog...ventry_68-1.jpg Cheers, Tony Mac

Cheers, Bob, very much appreciated and glad you liked it. Yes, all current VSM subs will be honoured and continue as usual...the subs price will remain the same even though the normal cover price for Classic Speedway will increase from £2.00 to £3.50 per issue after this launch edition.

Classic Speedway is the brand new quarterly magazine from Retro Speedway . . . and it’s coming your way soon! What better way to mark the early stages of British speedway’s 80th anniversary than to unveil what we hope will become required reading for all supporters and connoisseurs of our great sport with a sense of history. Classic Speedway, with glossy full colour covers, extra pages and a larger format, replaces Vintage Speedway Magazine, which has now closed after a run of 15 years – issue 60 being the last one produced. Full details here: http://www.retro-speedway.com

Classic Speedway is the brand new quarterly magazine from Retro Speedway . . . and it’s coming your way soon! What better way to mark the early stages of British speedway’s 80th anniversary than to unveil what we hope will become required reading for all supporters and connoisseurs of our great sport with a sense of history. Classic Speedway, with glossy full colour covers, extra pages and a larger format, replaces Vintage Speedway Magazine, which has now closed after a run of 15 years – issue 60 being the last one produced. For a full explanation, please visit the home page of our site: http://www.retro-speedway.com/

Fair point. Would anyone who has anything useful to say please PM me instead of speculating on the forum itself. I've now edited my previous post and would please ask JC and Chunky to do the same. Sorry lads! Many thanks.

Cheers for that - it's a start. Does 1951 at Rayleigh sound about right for him?

Wonder if anyone can help with any info at all... One of our readers has been in touch to try and find all she can about a Rayleigh rider with the surname 'Thackery' or something similar (before anyone asks, it's not Alf Viccary). All she can give us to go on is that (she thinks) the mystery man rode for Rayleigh around 1951, and that he came from New Zealand. Terry Stone doesn't recall the name, but can anybody else shed any light on this man... Cheers, Tony Mac

There's a small piece on Ashington in the latest issue of Backtrack.

Not yet. I did speak briefly to Thommo at the 2005 Hackney Reunion and we carried some quotes in the following issue. But, for whatever reason, he seemed reluctant to be interviewed - or was he just content to chat about 'old days' with Plechy, Ted H, Bobby Mac and Banksy? Some riders love to reflect on their past, while others can be a bit less enthusiastic. Agree that Thommo must have lots of great anecdotes worth recalling. Fag in one hand, pint in the other...aye, they don't make sportsmen like him any more! What a great entertainer, though. How the sport could do with 10 Thommos today...

All of the above have previously been interviewed or covered in some depth in previous issues of Backtrack. To check out back issues, go to: http://www.retro-speedway.com We have every back issue now in stock.

I understand. But can't you just cut out expenditure on the wife... or re-direct 16 quid of her annual allowance to a year's Backtrack subscription. She'll love you for it!

Issue 25 didn't...it only went to the printer today!

I tell you what . . . if you're home, say, around 3-ish this Sunday, I'll pop over and read the article to you! It'll save us having to print more than just a few copies!

These are John's thoughts entirely. He is proud of his image and his contribution to the good of speedway. Interestingly though (and this may surprise those who consider him self-centred) he is not satisfied with what he achieved as a rider, especially in the UK, where he felt a bit under-appreciated on the whole. He says he should have more than two individual world final appearances to show for a long career. He loved Wimbledon - his favourite of all British tracks - but preferred the bigger tracks in general. One widely held perception of John that he is keen to quash is that he 'had it easy' and enjoyed a privileged background. Sure, his dad Harry gave him great support and he very much acknowledges that, but it may not be generally known that John had to grow up fast after his mum was left a paraplegic from a car crash when he was just 12. I hope you all enjoy the JD interview, along with everything else in the next issue. We'd be very interested to receive your feedback after you've read it, so pse get in touch, either via this forum or the letters page in Backtrack. I'd better stop waffling on here and get it finished and to the printer...! http://www.retro-speedway.com