TonyMac

Thank you for your kind comments.

Thank you for your kind words. We're talking to people in the hope that someone suitable will take one or both of them over.

Many thanks, Steve, for your kind words and unwavering support of both magazines. We wouldn't have come this far without our loyal subscribers.

Can anyone help, please, by confirming if any of the 1986 individual meetings listed below were decided by a run-off for FIRST PLACE (not interested in run-offs to possibly determine other rostrum placings)? Thank you. 24/08/1986 Middlesbrough Northern Riders' Championship (NL) Martin Dixon 24/08/1986 Milton Keynes Central Riders' Championship Paul Thorp 28/08/1986 Arena Essex National League Junior Grand Prix Junior Individual Jay Pleece 31/08/1986 Stoke National League Junior Grand Prix Junior Individual Glenn Doyle 04/09/1986 Ipswich Star of Anglia Hans Nielsen 07/09/1986 Mildenhall C.R.M. Trophy Dave Jessup 14/09/1986 Rye House National League Junior Grand Prix Junior Individual Colin Lampkin 17/09/1986 Wimbledon National League Junior Grand Prix Junior Individual Jay Pleece 23/09/1986 Poole National League Junior Grand Prix Junior Individual Will James 26/09/1986 Glasgow National League Junior Grand Prix (North R5) Junior Individual Kelvin Jelaca 30/09/1986 Milton Keynes Craig Featherby Memorial Trophy Alastair Stevens 05/10/1986 Long Eaton National League Junior Grand Prix Final Junior Individual Stuart Thompson 14/10/1986 King's Lynn British Junior League Riders' Championship Sean Wilson 29/10/1986 Wimbledon The Laurels Nigel Sparshott 31/10/1986 Peterborough Hexagon Trophy Les Collins

Do any of you forumites participate in a football prediction game among friends or work colleagues generally known as 'Last Man Standing' , where you pick a different team each week (can't select the same team twice) and whoever goes the furthest without losing wins the prize pot? Entry fee is usually a fiver or tenner. When one 'game' has been won, a new one begins. I take part in a football comp that usually hosts between 4 and 6 'games' a season. It's fun, adds an extra frisson to matches and is relatively low-cost to enter. We would like to set up something very similar tailored to speedway - 'Last Fan Standing' - and would welcome any pointers or advice in terms of the best format to adopt and use of league fixtures that will make the game a worthwhile entry... Obviously, one based solely on the British Premiership is a non-runner due to lack of teams and very fragmented fixture list. But would one geared around the Championship work? Or maybe a combo of Premiership & Championship? We basically need to offer a selection of 8 or 10 matches per week to pick from. We would need to come up with a contingency in the event of rain-offs. It could be that at the same they choose their first pick (team), participants also nominate a second pick that would become active if their first pick is rained-off or postponed at short notice for whatever reason. If there are too many rain-offs, then that week's game would be suspended and held over to the following week (administrator's nightmare!). So please don your thinking caps and any thoughts would be much appreciated. It would be our intention to donate a per-centage of the prize pot to a worthwhile charity - the SRBF being an obvious possibility. If you would prefer to respond privately, my email is retroeditorial@gmail.com Cheers, Tony Mac

Our next issues of Classic Speedway (56) and Backtrack (109) will include in-depth profiles of Sandor Levai, the multi Hungarian Champion and one of the sport’s biggest characters in his heyday. Contributors will include his daughter Sarah Dickens, who has provided a fascinating insight into Sandor ('Alec') the person and family man (including family archive pics) who fled to England following the 1956 Hungarian uprising. But we would also like to hear from speedway followers. With a reputation as a ‘hard man’, Sandor spent years trying to break into British league speedway before riding for Stoke (1963), Norwich (1964), Belle Vue (1965-68), Newport (1969-71), Ipswich (1972-73) and Cradley (1974-75). So what are your memories of this popular Magyar character, with his warm smile and cheery disposition, who died in his native Hungary in October 2009, aged 74? Please post your thoughts, stories or just small anecdotes here, or if you'd prefer, email them to Tony Mac at retroeditorial@gmail.com before next Monday (Feb 21). The best responses will be included in the feature articles.

2021-22 WINTER EDITION Issue 55 of CLASSIC SPEEDWAY is out now Here’s a small taste of the feast of nostalgia inside . . . Subscription only at Retro Speedway: CLASSIC SPEEDWAY LATEST ISSUE (retro-speedway.com) COLIN PRATT – TRIBUTE It speaks volumes for the indelible mark Colin Pratt left on his beloved sport as a former star rider and hard-working promoter of integrity that his recent death evoked such a huge flood of tributes from the speedway community. MARTIN ROGERS, who knew Pratty well as a friend, journalist and promoter (he employed him as King’s Lynn team manager in 1983), recalls the pre-70s racing career of an honourable speedway giant. IAN HOSKINS – TRIBUTE Following the death of Ian Hoskins on September 6, 2021, aged 97, DOUG NICOLSON pays tribute to the charismatic promoter, a born showman, who put Scottish speedway on the map. BIG NIGHTS: Pride of the South Continuing his review of key individual meetings, PHIL CHARD heads to the south coast for a look back at Southampton’s annual classic won by three different home track heroes, Barry Briggs, Brian Crutcher and Dick Bradley. Other winners were Bert Edwards, Johnny Hole and Arne Pander. TRACK RIVALRIES: Wembley v Wimbledon ROB PEASLEY recalls the shared post-war dominance of two London clubs and 10 key clashes from the 50s between Lions and Dons, featuring legendary stars such as Tommy Price, Ronnie Moore, Freddie Williams, EXTRAS DOUG NICOLSON looks back at times when promoters came up with added and occasionally quirky attractions to spice up meetings. PROFILE: Tommy Sweetman Taking a season-by-season statistical look at Wolverhampton’s Provincial League-winning skipper who also rode for England, Aldershot, California, Wimbledon, Southern Rovers, Rayleigh Rovers, Norwich, Swindon, Rye House, New Cross, Exeter and Hackney before retiring from the BL and emigrating to New Zealand at the end of 1969. Plus . . . Briggo making light of his heart attack; brief obits on ‘Derek’ Close, Peter Lloyd, Bill Moulin, Gordon Mitchell, Chris Harrison, Brian Meredith and Linda Ochiltree; readers’ letters; photo quiz; crossword; and a full-page 1955 Belle Vue team photo.

Issue 108 (JANUARY – FEBRUARY, 2022) Subscription only at Retro Speedway: Backtrack Magazine (retro-speedway.com) Issue 108 is out now and here’s a small taste of the feast of nostalgia inside . . . DENNIS SIGALOS – Life & Times World Pairs Champion and individual World No.3 in 1982, the world was at the feet of stylish and colourful Californian Dennis Sigalos. ROB PEASLEY looks back at the career of the Hull, Ipswich and Wolverhampton No.1, who would have been best placed to challenge the Danish domination of the late 80s but for a serious ankle injury. RUN-OFFS Whether to determine the winner of an individual meeting or settle the final qualifying places, you can’t beat a nailbiting last-race decider or two to get the crowd buzzing and riders’ nerves jangling. In the first of a two-part feature, DOUG NICOLSON reviews the most controversial and unusual run-offs from British speedway in the 70s. TRACK RIVALRIES: Edinburgh v Glasgow With fresh insights from Brian Collins, who rode for both Monarchs and Tigers, ROB PEASLEY reviews 15 tartan tussles between Scotland’s biggest second tier teams. BIG NIGHTS: Manpower Trophy (Reading) Reviewing British speedway's most prestigious individual meetings, PHIL CHARD rewinds to Reading’s star-studded Manpower Championship that began in 1971. Winners of this classic were Barry Briggs, Ivan Mauger, Anders Michanek, Phil Crump, Peter Collins (twice), Finn Thomsen, John Davis and Chris Morton. ON THE BOSSES – Cyril Crane Of all the promoters with whom MARTIN ROGERS crossed paths, there was nobody quite like Cyril Crane, his boss and later landlord at King's Lynn. Their 20-plus years of shared history was by all accounts 'complicated'. This is a look at some of the contradictions which made up speedway's Jekyll and Hyde personality. CZECH GOLDEN HELMET Since 1928 the Czech Golden Helmet has remained one of the most prestigious meetings in the world speedway calendar. VITEK FORMANEK interviewed Pavel Lejhanec, the man entrusted with making the last 30 editions of this coveted trophy and whose family are intrinsically linked to it. Past winners from the Backtrack era include record seven-times champion Ole Olsen, Jiri Stancl (five titles), Milan Spinka, Dennis Sigalos, John Davis, double winner Erik Gundersen, Hans Nielsen, Per Jonsson and Jeremy Doncaster. Plus . . . Letters, Notebook and a feast of nostalgic pictures.

Norwich Harringay New Cross Sydney Showground Costa Mesa

OUR next issue (56) of Classic Speedway will include an in-depth profile of Sandor Levai, the six times Hungarian Champion and one of the sport’s biggest characters in his heyday. Contributors will include his daughter Sarah Dickens, who will provide an insight into Sandor the person and family man who fled to England following the 1956 Hungarian uprising. But we would also like to hear from you, our readers, followers and speedway enthusiasts of a certain age, With a reputation as a ‘hard man’, Sandor spent years trying to break into British league speedway before riding for Stoke (1963), Norwich (1964), Belle Vue (1965-68), Newport (1969-71), Ipswich (1972-73) and Cradley (1974-75). So what are your memories of this popular Magyar character, with his warm smile and cheery disposition, who died in his native Hungary in October 2009, aged 74? Please email your thoughts, stories or just small anecdotes to me, Tony Mac, at retroeditorial@gmail.com. The best responses will be included alongside the feature article. Thank you, TMc

It's always a pleasure interviewing Booey - and so easy too. Never fails to make me laugh with his quickfire one-liners (some not printable!).

Issue 107 is out now and here’s a small taste of the feast of nostalgia inside . . . Subscription only at www.retro-speedway.com/ JAN O. PEDERSEN – Life & Times In the first of a few new features in this edition that will stir emotions among Cradley Heath supporters in particular, ROB PEASLEY recalls the highs and lows of the popular, diminutive Dane who became an international giant and individual World Champion in 1991, less than a year before his brilliant career was tragically cut short. COLIN PRATT – Tribute Too many grand masters of our sport have qualified for the Grand Final in the sky this year. Towering figures have left us, few with a greater backstory or enduring love for speedway than Colin Pratt, remembered here by MARTIN ROGERS. In this ‘other side of the fence’ feature, the focus is on Readers and our social media followers also share their memories of a much respected and genuine giant of speedway, who is much missed by all who knew him. ERIC BOOCOCK – exclusive interview In an exclusive new interview with TONY McDONALD, Eric Boocock reveals his previously unknown role in Colin Pratt returning to Cradley as their new promoter in 1984. Booey also recalls the highs and lows of his partnership with old pal Pratty as joint-managers of England for eight years. ALAN GRAHAME – Tribute Within 24 hours of Colin Pratt’s death, Heathens supporters were dealt another blow with the tragic news that long-serving rider Alan Grahame had succumbed to the serious head injuries suffered while practicing for a sidecar event at a grasstrack meeting in the Midlands on September 25. Alan was the passenger in a unit that careered out of control. We look back on this wholehearted trier’s days with Birmingham, Cradley, Swindon and England, in particular. TRACK RIVALRIES: Exeter v Poole With fresh insights from Neil Middleditch, ROB PEASLEY reviews 15 clashes between south-west adversaries at both first and second division level. Riders featured include Ivan Mauger, Malcolm Simmons, Scott Autrey, Antoni Woryna, the tragic Kevin Holden, Kevin Smith, Stan Bear, Leigh Adams, Steve Regeling, etc. BIG NIGHTS: Olympique Reviewing British speedway's most prestigious individual meetings, PHIL CHARD is in the West Midlands for the Olympique, which usually featured handicap racing. Past winners of this Wolverhampton classic were Ole Olsen, who won all of the first six stagings between 1970 and ’76, plus Peter Collins, Billy Sanders, Gordon Kennett, Phil Crump, Les Collins, Mitch Shirra, Hans Nielsen, Sam Ermolenko and Jan O. Pedersen. Shirra’s victory and the first by Nielsen came at Birmingham. SENIOR SERVICE Knocking on a bit himself, DOUG NICOLSON writes in praise of ‘golden oldies’ from the Backtrack era who graced our tracks for many years. Jimmy Squibb was aged 53 in his final season with Canterbury, in 1975. Other notables to feature include Jack Biggs, Ken McKinlay, Gordon McGregor, Doug and Willie Templeton, Sandor Levai, Olle Nygren, Ron Mountford, Neil Street, Ivan Mauger, Colin Gooddy, Reg Trott, Nigel Boocock, George Hunter, Ronnie Genz, etc. We also reveal the oldest combined pairings and teams. TIGERS TITANS Brief extracts from our new Memories of Sheffield Speedway DVD featuring interviews with club legends Doug Wyer and Reg Wilson. Plus . . . your letters, Notebook and a feast of nostalgic pictures.

Issue 106 of BACKTRACK is out now, so if you need to renew your subscription or take out a new one, please do so at https://www.retro-speedway.com Here’s a small taste of the feast of nostalgia inside . . . IVAN MAUIGER & OLE OLSEN: Golden Greats Between them, iconic legends Ivan and Ole won nine of the 12 individual World Championships staged between 1968 and 1979, as well as leading their respective nations and British League teams to the highest honours. It was the Great Dane who finally ended the mighty Kiwi’s historic bid for four consecutive World Final victories in Gothenburg 50 years ago. JOHN DAVIDSON, a big fan of Ivan’s, and TONY McDONALD discuss the merits of two inextricably linked track giants. ON THE BOSSES – Ron Wilson There was a time when a number of the country's leading promoters successfully had track interests in both the top tier of speedway and the second. Former Leicester, Teesside and Milton Keynes boss Ron Wilson provides one such example. A quiet, thoughtful man who made a significant contribution, as MARTIN ROGERS recounts. TRACK RIVALRIES: Coventry v Oxford With fresh insights from Cheetahs co-promoter John Payne, ROB PEASLEY reviews 16 top flight clashes between two giants who shared five consecutive British League championships in the late 80s. BIG NIGHTS: Silver Plume Reviewing British speedway's most prestigious individual meetings, PHIL CHARD looks back at eight stagings of Swindon’s once coveted Silver Plume classic. Previous winners: Ray Wilson, Bengt Jansson, Martin Ashby, Peter Collins (three times), Jim McMillan and Michael Lee. COLIN RICHARDSON – exclusive interview Welcome to Colin Richardson’s sometimes weird and whacky world of sponsorship, as told to TONY McDONALD. The former Eastbourne and Wimbledon star talks condoms, cod and crankcases. SEND IT SIDEWAYS – Darcy Ward DVD advertorial To coincide with the launch of the eagerly-awaited new four-hour Darcy Ward DVD, co-producers Martin Rogers and Mike Bennett explain the background story to the superbly executed Send it Sideway: The Life and Times of Darcy Ward production that pays handsome tribute to the former King’s Lynn, Poole, Swindon and Australian favourite whose career was tragically cut short. Where did it START To go wrong? British speedway is in the grip of yet another crisis. In recent weeks cash-strapped Eastbourne pulled the plug in mid-season, while Newcastle have possibly staged their last-ever meeting and the Birmingham owners have announced they are pulling out at the end of the year. But in fairness, not all present and multiple woes can be laid at the feet of the 2021 members of British Speedway Promoters Ltd. Let’s be honest, mistakes were made in the 70s and 80s, too, and many have been unaddressed. So we asked our social media ‘friends’ and followers: ‘Where did it START to go wrong in the past that has led the sport to this point?’ STAR QUALITIES – Obits The speedway media has suffered some major losses in recent times. The death of Philip Rising, aged 75, is the latest in a storied list. For 32 years he was managing editor of the sport's flagship weekly Speedway Star, and a member of its staff and various sister publications for almost as long before that. And whatever walk of life you're in, there needs to be a suitable celebration to acknowledge a great contribution. Phil's longtime friend and erstwhile colleague MARTIN ROGERS offers personal thoughts, plus there’s a brief nod to Riso’s predecessor in the Star hotseat, Paul Parish. JUST LIKE THEIR HEROES – Cycle Speedway DOUG NICOLSON and TONY McDONALD recall much simpler times, when future speedway riders, promoters and others involved in our sport first got the racing buzz. A star-studded list includes Simon Wigg, Scott Nicholls and Dave Perks, plus promoters Ian Thomas, Terry and Ronnie Russell. THAT NAME RINGS A BELL – Ipswich Whatever became of them, all the ex-riders who had second-half races, junior matches or interval spins in the 70s at . . . IPSWICH? In this memory-jogger, we list all those budding one-time Foxhall Heath hopefuls, including: Mick and Andy Hines, Mike Lanham,, Ted Howgego, Trevor Jones, Phil Herne, Colin Cook, Kevin Jolly, Nigel Flatman, Kevin Teager, Mel Taylor, Andy Hibbs, Tim Hunt and many more. Plus: Gote Nordin and heaps more nostalgia . . .

Issue 54 of CLASSIC SPEEDWAY is out now, so if you need to renew your subscription or take out a new one, please do so at https://www.retro-speedway.com Here’s a small taste of the feast of nostalgia inside . . . GENTLEMAN GOTE 60 years on from Gote Nordin’s finest international achievement, PHIL CHARD presents a thorough examination of the stylish Swede’s illustrious career that spanned eight British teams and 22 seasons. BIG NIGHTS: Southern Area League Riders’ Championship Continuing his review of individual meetings, this time PHIL CHARD dips into the third tier where the Southern Area League Riders’ Championship proved the launchpad for future internationals and a few world finalists, including Mike Broadbank, Leo McAuliffe and Brian Brett. Past winners also include Alby Golden, Dave Hankins and Ross Gilbertson. GLASGOW: 50 Memorable Moments ROB PEASLEY traces the turbulent history of speedway in Glasgow, focusing mainly on Tigers and their heroes such as Tommy Miller and Charlie Monk, but also the four seasons of city rivals Ashfield, led by Ken Le Breton. STRIKE ACTION DOUG NICOLSON looks at walk-outs and strikes at a time when industrial action and wildcat strikes were a feature of working life. PROFILE: Brian Brett Taking a season-by-season statistical look at the former England international and World Finalist who rode for his local team Rye House, Southampton, Swindon, Newcastle and Cradley Heath. CAN YOU COME BACK TOMORROW? DOUG NICOLSON looks back at postponed meetings that were hastily rearranged for the next day or very shortly thereafter. Plus . . . brief obits on Harry Bastable, Ian Hoskins, Jack Geran, Johnnie Reason and Taffy Owen, readers’ letters, photo quiz, crossword and a full-page 1952 New Cross team photo.

Yes, Bobby's selfless attitude to racing was far removed from today's self-absorbed 'me, me, me' society.

Issue 105 is out now Here’s a small taste of the feast of nostalgia inside . . . On subscription only (£25 in UK) from www.retro-speedway.com GORDON KENNETT: Life & Times ROB PEASLEY recalls the career highs and lows of the former world No.2, Eastbourne legend and White City’s title-winning talisman who overcame diabetes to reach the top. Why the England star, who also rode for Oxford, King’s Lynn, Wimbledon, Milton Keynes, Wolverhampton and Exeter, almost took out a Danish licence, and much more. BOBBY SCHWARTZ – exclusive interview He won three gold medals and made history for the USA but, as ‘Boogaloo’ explains to TONY McDONALD, personal fame and glory was never his priority. ON THE BOSSES – Stuart Bamforth Few promoters of the Backtrack era managed to be such a polarising figure as Stuart Bamforth of Belle Vue. But MARTIN ROGERS, one of his contemporaries, is quick to confirm he wasn't the villain his critics claimed. TRACK RIVALRIES: Belle Vue v Ipswich With fresh insights from Kevin Jolly, ROB PEASLEY reviews 16 top flight clashes between top flight heavyweights, starring Peter Collins, Chris Morton, Alan Wilkinson, John Louis, Billy Sanders and Tony Davey, who invariably contested the chase for major honours. BIG NIGHTS: Blue Riband Reviewing British speedway's most prestigious individual meetings, PHIL CHARD is back on the south coast for Poole’s premier classic. Previous winners in the Backtrack era include: Barry Briggs, Ole Olsen, Ray Wolson, Malcolm Simmons (x 4), Bobby Schwartz, Dave Jessup, Bruce Penhall, Erik Gundersen, Mitch Shirra, Stan Bear, Kevin Smith, Mel Taylor, Steve Schofield and Chris Louis. THEY RETIRED TOO SOON Sporting life can be full of regrets and deciding when to stop is a major decision faced by all who still have the choice. DOUG NICOLSON looks at riders who may reflect that they should have raced on longer. As well as big American stars such as Penhall, Autrey, Preston and Sigalos, think Graeme Smith, Dave Mills, Wayne Brown, Rudy Muts, Ron Henderson, Malcolm Ballard, Ian Cartwright, Garry Flood, Martin McKinna, Bobby McNeil, etc. OUT OF CONTEXT We asked our social media ‘friends’ and followers: ‘Where, to your great surprise, did you bump into a rider, or someone else closely connected with our sport, AWAY from speedway?’ Responses include the London Underground, supermarkets, hospital waiting room, pubs, a chippy, service stations, DIY store, a fishing competition, Thai bar, rock concert, shoe shop, beach, Little Chef, Chinese restaurant, Edinburgh Castle, Walmart in Florida, taxi, Legoland, a canal and many other weird and wonderful locations. THAT NAME RINGS A BELL – Exeter Whatever became of them, all the ex-riders who had second-half races, junior matches or interval spins in the 70s at . . . EXETER? In this memory-jogger, we list all those budding one-time County Ground hopefuls, including: Ian Gills, Clark Facey, Kevin Holden, Mike Sampson, Bob Coles, Vic Harding, Les Rumsey, Danny Kennedy, Tony Sanford and many more. Plus: Probably the shortest meeting in history, your letters and heaps more nostalgia . . .

As Dag told Backtrack many years ago, he lost his nerve after a series of nasty crashes.

Issue 53 of CLASSIC SPEEDWAY is out now Here’s a small taste of the feast of nostalgia inside . . . Subscription only (£20 per year in UK) from https://www.retro-speedway.com/ BIG NIGHTS: Internationale Continuing his review of major individual meetings, PHIL CHARD re-examines the first nine stagings of the classic introduced to compensate Britain for the loss of the lucrative World Final to Sweden in 1961. Inevitably, Ove Fundin – winner of the first three meetings – was in the spotlight for contrasting reasons. Other winners include Barry Briggs, Charlie Monk, Gote Nordin, (cover man) Nigel Boocock and Wimbledon’s home track favourite Trevor Hedge. CYCLE SPEEDWAY: How ‘skid kids’ caught the racing bug DOUG NICOLSON and TONY McDONALD look back on the significant contribution of cycle speedway to its ‘big brother’. Includes a long list of some 90+ names who progressed from pedal power to the ‘real thing’, while BERT HARKINS reveals how he captained two teams who wore the famous colours of Wembley Lions. CRADLEY HEATH: 50 Memorable Moments “Ommer ’um, Cradley!” ROB PEASLEY traces the progress of a Midlands club from its humble third tier beginnings to top flight status and a world class rider in Bernie Persson. Others to feature in our six-page feature include Les Beaumont, Geoff Bennett, Graham Warren, Alan Hunt, Harry Bastable, Ivor Brown, Ivor Hughes (tragically, the only rider killed at Dudley Wood), Chris Julian, Roy Trigg and Bob Andrews. HOME & AWAY What is there to do when your team is racing away on your regular race night? DOUG NICOLSON looks at what enterprising promoters did in the 40s and 50s. PROFILE: Cyril Maidment In the first of a new series, we take a season-by-season statistical look at the former Belle Vue star who also rode for and managed Wimbledon. SECOND CHANCE In the last in our series recalling all non-regular team members who rode in second-halves, junior matches and trials at first division tracks in the first five years of the British League, from 1965 until the end of '69, we dig deep at EXETER, LONG EATON and NEWCASTLE. MORE SHEFFIELD MEMORIES Following 50 Memorable Sheffield Moments published in our last issue, Tigers supporter TONY BAKER sent in his own personal recollections of Thursdays spent cheering on Tigers from the Owlerton terraces throughout the 60s. Plus . . . brief obits on Ernie Baker, Stan Bradbury and John Stallworthy, readers’ letters, photo quiz, crossword and a full-page 1953 Birmingham team photo.

In issue 105 of Backtrack we'll be looking back at riders from the 70s and 80s who quit early at a relatively young age, for reasons not directly related to serious injury, in 'They Retired Too Soon'. Which riders would YOU include in this bracket?

Here’s a small taste of our feast of nostalgia inside . . . BOBBY SCHWARTZ: Life & Times ‘Boogaloo’ always put his team before personal glory. A natural leader, he was the ultimate definition of ‘Captain America’ and also twice won the US National Championship in his 80s heyday. In a nine-page special, ROB PEASLEY recalls the career highs and lows of the enduring, charismatic Californian who, in his mid-sixties, is still winning races for fun. ON THE BOSSES – Len Silver MARTIN ROGERS profiles one of the greatest showman in the history of speedway promoting, a canny Cockney who left an indelible mark at Hackney and Rye House, with England glory and World Final track curator skill to add to his impressive CV. Remarkably, at 89, he is still going strong in Kent. HUGHIE SAUNDERS – exclusive interview After a brief and patchy spell at Eastbourne, late starter Hughie Saunders quickly became No.1 at Rayleigh, a match-winner for top flight cup winners Hackney and, back with the Rockets, led Rye House to major honours as both rider and team manager. KEITH McGHIE caught up with the Channel Islander for a new four-page interview with the Channel Islander. TRACK RIVALRIES: Mildenhall v Newcastle With fresh insights from Joe Owen and Richard Knight, ROB PEASLEY reviews a dozen battles between second tier heavyweights. BIG NIGHTS: Pride of the East Reviewing British speedway's most prestigious individual meetings, PHIL CHARD goes east to King’s Lynn for one of the most eagerly awaited of end-of-season classics that regularly attracted crowds in excess of 10,000. Past winners in the Backtrack era include five-time victor Ole Olsen, Anders Michanek, Ivan Mauger, John Louis, Peter Collins, Dave Jessup, Michael Lee, Tommy Knudsen, Hans Nielsen, Jan Andersson, Sam Ermolenko, Kelvin Tatum and Martin Dugard. SHARE ISSUES DOUG NICOLSON, a lifelong Clydebank FC fan, looks at the love/hate relationship between speedway and football clubs. CONTRASTING VUES It could never be compared to Hyde Road (what track could?), but Kirky Lane still deserves an important place in the rich history of Belle Vue Aces. TONY McDONALD reflects on the latest old speedway stadium to be demolished. BEHIND THE SCENES Long-time Birmingham supporter CEDRIC READ recalls how and why the 1979-80 close season passed so quickly. THAT NAME RINGS A BELL – Sheffield Whatever became of them, all the ex-riders who had second-half races, junior matches or interval spins in the 70s at . . . SHEFFIELD? In this memory-jogger, we list all those budding one-time Owlerton hopefuls, including: Reg Wilson, Doug Wyer, Bob Valentine, Carl Glover, Nicky Allott, Craig Pendlebury, Billy Burton, Steve Finch, Pete Smith, Phil White,. Brian Havelock, Ian Jeffcoate, Sid Sheldrick, Keith Evans, Tony and Danny Boyle, Bent Rasmussen, Gary Guglielmi, Roger Lambert, Louis Carr, Rob Woffinden, Neil Collins, Steve McDermott and many more. Plus Maurice Ducker obit, your letters and heaps more nostalgia . . . Available on subscription only from Retro Speedway (retro-speedway.com)

If you don't already, you should subscribe to Backtrack magazine if it's real insight into an ex-rider's career you want. We find they open up to us if you ask the right questions and know your subject well. Retro Speedway (retro-speedway.com)

PC and ourselves at Retro Speedway are in very advanced discussions about us publishing his autobiography and we look forward to working with him on this and another exciting project. Watch this space...

2021 SPRING EDITION Welcome to issue 52 of our quarterly magazine, Here's a flavour of what to expect . . . OLLE NYGREN Tribute Martin Rogers recalls the indelible impact made in Britain and on the world stage by Olle Nygren, the first of the Swedish greats, who died recently, while Tony McDonald adds his personal memories of this Boy’s Own hero known affectionately as ‘Varg Olle’. BRIAN CLEMENTS Interview Phil Chard recalls a curious, short-lived British career that was strangled by speedway red tape before ex-Southampton rider Brian Clements turned on the horse power and made his mark in another racing sport. NATIONAL TROPHY – up for the Cup! Doug Nicolson looks at the all too few shocks and giant-killings in the National Trophy, a knockout competition that ran from 1931 to 1964. Second Division upsets were caused by Birmingham, Norwich and Poole. SHEFFIELD: 50 Memorable Moments Rob Peasley traces Tigers’ turbulent history in the pre-70s era at Owlerton. Ex-riders featured include Tommy and Guy Allott, Stan and Len Williams, Ron Bagley, Tommy Roper, Jack Kitchen, Clive Featherby, Bengt Larsson, Charlie Monk, Arnie Haley, etc. BIG NIGHTS: British League Riders’ Championship Reviewing British speedway's major individual meetings, Phil Chard reflects on the first six years of the BLRC dominated by Swindon superstar Barry Briggs in front of packed crowds at Belle Vue. SECOND CHANCE Name-checking all non-regular team members and others who never made the grade but rode in second-halves, junior matches and trials at two top flight tracks in the first five years of the British League, from 1965 until the end of '69 inclusive. This time we revisit King’s Lynn and Newport. See how many of them you remember having a skid at the end of the swinging 60s. Plus . . . brief obits on Rune Sormander, Ken Middleditch, Dennis Gray and Pat Flanagan, your letters, photo quiz, crossword and a 1966 Poole team photo. --------------------------- To subscribe (we don't sell single copies), please go to Retro Speedway: CLASSIC SPEEDWAY LATEST ISSUE (retro-speedway.com)

ISSUE 103 (MARCH – APRIL, 2021) Issue 103 of Backtrack is out now and here's a small taste of the feast of nostalgia inside . . . RAY WILSON – Life & Times Almost 50 years since ‘World Cup Willy’ made history in Wroclaw, ROB PEASLEY recalls the highs and lows of the England and Leicester legend who began his illustrious career with Long Eaton and ended it with Birmingham. In between, the 1973 British Champion captained his country to their greatest triumphs at Wembley and beyond. ON THE BOSSES – John Berry Talented, controversial, complex, intense and driven but enormously respected, the notoriously private John Berry bared his soul in a couple of post-retirement books. Our columnist MARTIN ROGERS, another man of many words, was – at times – as closely associated with JB as any of their promoting contemporaries. BRIAN LARNER – exclusive interview After years of unprecedented success with Newcastle and signing the world’s greatest-ever rider for ambitious Hull, BRIAN LARNER’s promoting career and his high profile partnership with Ian Thomas ended in acrimony. KEITH McGHIE has the inside story on a Yorkshire character. TRACK RIVALRIES: Rayleigh v Romford With fresh insights from Terry Stone, Bob Coles and Geoff Maloney, ROB PEASLEY reflects on all 17 matches raced at The Weir and Brooklands, spanning three seasons, between these county neighbours and intense rivals. A six-page special on the original Essex Boys. BIG NIGHTS: Dews Trophy Reviewing British speedway's most prestigious individual meetings, PHIL CHARD heads to Halifax for a close look at the long-running Shay classic over six pages. Previous Dews Trophy winners include: Eric Boocock, Ole Olsen, Phil Crump (who once beat five Dukes in one bizarre race!), Graham Plant, Dave Jessup, Alan Wilkinson, Ian Cartwright, Kenny Carter and John Louis. Plus a two-page interview with Booey, the Halifax legend and twice Dews Trophy winner . THE NUMBERS GAME – race formula study (part 2) After examining the varied formulae used in domestic UK league racing in our last issue, this time DOUG NICOLSON looks at international and other British competitions, including three and four-team tournaments, plus best pairs. OLLE NYGREN – Tribute OLLE NYGREN had been fighting throat cancer for more than six months when he died in Ipswich Hospital on February 13, 2021, aged 91. MARTIN ROGERS, the last promoter to sign the Swedish legend, reflects on the life and times of an extraordinary character whose enduring career wound down in the Backtrack era with spells at West Ham, Ipswich, King’s Lynn and Coventry. This four-page tribute also acknowledges Olle’s talent-spotting skills, including his introduction of Hammers favourite Christer Lofqvist. THAT NAME RINGS A BELL: Hackney Whatever became of them, all the ex-riders who had second-half races, junior matches or interval spins in the 70s and early 80s at . . . HACKNEY? In this memory-jogger, we list all those budding one-time Waterden Road hopefuls, including Tony Davey (yes, the one who slipped away to Ipswich), Allan Emmett, Geoff Maloney, Dave ‘Tiger’ Beech, Les ‘Red’ Ott, Dave Kennett, Ted Hubbard, Barney Kennett, Steve Lomas, Dave Morton, Bob Garrad, Karl Fiala, Ashley Pullen, Kevin Smith and four members of the Barclay family. ------------------------------------ To subscribe (we don't sell single copies), please go to Retro Speedway: Backtrack Magazine (retro-speedway.com)

Issue 102 of Backtrack is out now and here's a small taste of the feast of nostalgia inside . . . SCOTT AUTREY – Life & Times A trailblazer who led his country to its first World Team Cup triumph, Scott Autrey is still revered by Exeter fans and respected by many more as the articulate all-American hero. ROB PEASLEY chronicles the life and times of the popular, stylish former World No.3 who also had UK spells with Swindon and Poole. ON THE BOSSES – Reg Fearman Love them or hate them, the speedway promoters of the Backtrack era included some of the sport's all-time heavyweights as well as a new brigade of youthful innovators. As a member of the BSPA in the 70s and 80s, a longtime management committee member and vice-chairman, MARTIN ROGERS rubbed shoulders – and crossed swords – with all of them. Forever associated with the first two decades of the British League and, before that, the game-changing Provincial League, Reg Fearman was a powerhouse in promoting circles. Our columnist sat alongside him on the BSPA management committee for several of those years and gives his assessment of a Backtrack era colossus. ZENON PLECH – golden days as a Hackney Hawk Paying tribute to a boyhood hero, TONY McDONALD recalls the early career and impact of Poland’s first superstar whose fearless riding for Hackney earned him cult status. TRACK RIVALRIES: Cradley Heath v Wolverhampton With fresh insights from Alan Grahame and Ronnie Correy, ROB PEASLEY reflects on 14 meetings between Black Country neighbours, clashes invariably laced with controversy and sometimes police intervention. Let’s take you back to brutality on bikes! BIG NIGHTS: Golden Sovereign Reviewing British speedway's most prestigious individual meetings, PHIL CHARD heads to Ipswich for a close look at the nine stagings of the Golden Sovereign between 1973 and ‘83. Past winners include Witches legends John Louis and Billy Sanders, inaugural champ Ole Olsen, Peter Collins, Mel Taylor and Hans Nielsen. THE NUMBERS GAME – race formula study DOUG NICOLSON looks at the development of race formulae used for team meetings in domestic UK racing. From the popular 13-heat ‘Happiness is 40-38’ era through the various KO Cup formats, to the current 15-heat nominated riders’ finale, our in-house accountant has it all figured out. KEN MARSHALL – Mr Felton MARTIN NEAL recognises the selfless key role Felton training track co-founder Ken Marshall played in the development of young riders at the North-East outpost. KELVIN TATUM – book extracts Following the successful December launch of KELVIN TATUM’s Tales From The Top Drawer, we present extracts from the autobiography of the former England star and World No.3 who rapidly rose from raw rookie to stardom with Wimbledon before winning back-to-back league titles with Coventry, plus spells with Berwick, Bradford, Arena-Essex (twice), London Lions and Peterborough. THAT NAME RINGS A BELL: Belle Vue Whatever became of them, all the ex-riders who had second-half races, junior matches or interval spins in the 70s at . . . BELLE VUE? In this memory-jogger, we list all those budding one-time Hyde Road hopefuls, including Eric Broadbelt, Alan Wilkinson, Peter Collins (whatever happened to him!), Dave Morton, Chris Morton (and him!), Ian Hindle, Les Collins, Tom Owen, Dave Trownson, Chris Turner, Keith Bloxsome, Bernie Collier, among the many who ‘had a go’ at this world famous venue. On subscription only from www.retro-speedway.com