TonyMac

More updates tonight... SHEFFIELD (inc 2 'unknowns' from 1987 - one almost certainly Ian M. Stead) STOKE SWINDON

More updates in the Photo section tonight... NOTTINGHAM OXFORD PETERBOROUGH POOLE READING (inc some young 'unknowns' from 1985 pre-season practice) RAYLEIGH RYE HOUSE http://www.retro-speedway.com

The site has been updated again this evening, with more pics added to the following teams: Hull Ipswich King's Lynn Leicester Middlesbrough Milton Keynes Newcastle Newport There are a few 'unknowns' among that lot, so any help with ID would be much appreciated (again!). Thanks for your help and interest. Tmc http://www.retro-speedway.com

An in-depth interview with Mitch Shirra has already been recorded and will appear in our next issue. I've not received it from our man in Oz yet, but he tells me it's very interesting and lively! Should be another good 'un.

Glasgow and Hackney updates have been uploaded tonight. There are a few 'unknowns' to identify in both sections (well, it's those Kestrels!), plus a youngster in Boston colours.

Bob, I can't believe some of this stuff... Firstly, we at Retro Speedway have never, nor ever will, treat our customers "like peasants". You're jumping to the wrong conclusion where John Berry is concerned. He had sight of the original manuscript simply because he helped me to proof read it, and also for advice on one or two points. If anything has been left out from the original, then I can assure you that it has been for a very good reason - eg, it would have libelled somebody who would have sued the a*** of us, or was deemed inappropriate. Trust me, in a book of this highly contentious and sensitive nature, quite a bit of copy that starts out in the original does often get 'spiked' for the reasons given above. In fact, it happens in most books. You call it censorship, I call it law! That does not mean to say that 'Tragedy' is lacking in any way shape or form. And if anyone who reads it doesn't find it harrowing, then they have no feelings. Obviously, I'm bound to defend your wild assumptions at this stage, but I will let the people who do buy the book judge whether it is up to standard and worthy of £15.99. Bob, if you really are as steamed up and anxious to find out whether the book is as good as we say it is, then why don't you treat yourself to a copy? Or, give readers who have bought the book (many on the back of the extract they have read in Backtrack, as it happens) the chance to read it first and then give you the benefit of their opinion. As for those who question the merit of writing the Kenny Carter story, the choice to buy it or not is simply yours. I knew when I went into this that there would be a minority who would question it, and not buy it for that reason, and so be it. The feedback we've had so far has been nothing but positive, though. Even Peter Collins phoned to say it was "compulsive reading" - and that from a man who Kenny described as a w***** in the book's introduction!

ISSUE 21 (July-August 2007) OUT NOW! MAIN MAN - KENNY CARTER What, you’ve not yet ordered your copy of Tragedy? Well, if you are still undecided about whether to buy the speedway book of the year, then perhaps a read of our exclusive extract in the new issue 21 of Backtrack will tempt you… Read here how the then 18-year-old Carter romped to a brilliant 12-point maximum for Halifax against Sheffield . . . just FOUR DAYS after the heartbreaking experience of finding his mother dead from an overdose at their home. The tragic loss of his mum at the age of 37 haunted Carter for the rest of his life. There are a page of some of the many candid, and at times controversial, quotes from rivals and those who knew Kenny best. Our top columnist John Berry also reviews our new book, and says: “I have had the privilege of reading Tragedy. Its pages, one by one, told me more and more about the man. It told me things I didn’t want to hear, but needed to; it explained much more about where his attitudes and manner were honed and hardened. The book didn’t alter my views overall. What it did was to harden my opinions about Kenny, the driven, misunderstood, brilliant speedway rider and all the good things he did, but it also sickened me even more at the death.” OXFORD BLUES Oxford recently withdrew from the Elite League, but as we report it’s not the first time the Cheetahs have been in crisis. Bernard Crapper recalls how he and fellow fans saved the club from oblivion back in the mid-70s, to provide the springboard for the unprecedented success the Cheetahs enjoyed in the following decade. WHERE ARE THEY NOW? No, not the riders – the FANS! With Oxford out and Reading also in financial trouble and now in the hands of new management, our special report asks what became of the tens of thousands of supporters who used to pack the terraces 30 years ago? GREAT ENTERTAINERS…of the British League We name 31 of the most entertaining, colourful and controversial characters from top flight British speedway in the 70s and 80s. Are your personal favourites among them? Check it out – with every rider named pictured in colour! CRADLEY HEATH – DEFUNCT TRACK They were once also rans, then came the McCormick revolution and by the early 80s the Heathens were the envy of the British League. In our three-page special, we look back at a once great track, including the names who made the headlines before the bikes were banished from the Dudley Wood venue in 1996. TIM HUNT ‘Tearaway Tim’ looks back on his eventful, and at times bruising, career as a combative competitor for Ipswich and Reading, and explains why he considers himself lucky to be in one piece. WORLD OF OUR OWN The latest in our series of ‘Bright Ideas’, this time we recall the ambitious Daily Mirror International Tournament that proved such a big hit back in 1973, culminating in that dramatic run-off at Wembley between Peter Collins and Anders Michanek. IN MY DAY – Reg Fearman The former Reading and Poole boss with the best and worst of his mammoth career as one of the sport’s leading promoters of the 70s. ROB GRANT To coincide with Berwick’s 40th anniversary celebrations, we talk to legendary Bandit Rob about his days as one of the biggest characters on the National League scene. ANDRZEJ HUSZCZA Poland’s Peter Pan, the former Leicester, Hackney and Reading rider is still competing in his homeland at the age of 50! We look back on Andrzej’s amazing career in the saddle. ROB WOFFINDEN Another great characters who has certainly done the rounds in National League circles, ‘Wuffy’ reflects on his racing days with Scunthorpe, Rye House, Middlesbrough, etc, etc, etc, and no wonder he describes himself as a ‘speedway nomad’. CARR BROTHERS The personal memories of Dave Swanton whose own speedway involvement was sparked by the Carr brothers, Louis and Peter. POOLE IN PICTURES A feast of photographic nostalgia for fans of the Pirates, with our two-page picture review of some of the finest to have pulled on the skull-and-crossbones body colour . . . from Pete Smith to Christer Lofqvist, Malcolm Simmons to Leigh Adams. http://www.retro-speedway.com/home.php

Thanks Bob C and all. Wasn't sure if I was right about Bob Watts of Exeter? Could the Crayford action shot (83-2) be Mike Spinks? Those youngsters deserve to be named too! Where's Derek Barclay and Bryn Williams when you need them!? http://www.retro-speedway.com/extras/autog...ders%2FCrayford

Thanks to all for resolving the 'mystery men'. We'll be uploading another batch of pics late tonight, including lots more for Exeter, Cradley & Coventry, plus a few Crayford 'unknowns' who need to be identified... Brian & Norm . . . there are also a lot of pre-70s images to be added in the future, but we're starting with those 70s-80s rider pics that have already been converted from negs to scans for expediency. TMc

Can forum members please help us to identify some of the riders pictured in our Retro Speedway Photo Gallery? There are a number of riders who are, as yet, 'unknown', including a few in the Canterbury, Birmingham, Weymouth and Long Eaton galleries. If anyone can put names to the coded numbers next to the 'unknowns', we'll be very grateful and can immediately give the riders concerned their correct ID. There are many, many more pics to be added yet on all teams, so keep looking...

Just to let everyone know that our Retro Speedway website has now been completely re-designed and relaunched today (June 27). The Photo Gallery/Sales section is ongoing and we'll be updating it very regularly, so worth a look there every now and again to see what great pics from the past have been added since your previous visit. There are literally thousands of pics to be scanned and displayed on site, so please bear with us...we'll get round to your personal favourites sooner or later! It will quickly become the most visually nostalgic speedway site to be found anywhere. Club galleries updated today are: Belle Vue, Coventry, Cradley, Canterbury and Crayford, with more to follow tomorrow... I'm also trying to get most of my audio taped interviews from Backtrack (with the likes of Mauger, Michanek, Wilson, Lee, Jessup, Simmo, etc, etc) converted to the correct audio format, which will enable you to download and listen to segments of the tapes, to add a further touch of authenticity. Wait for the girls to go weak at the knees as smoothie Anders talks about his time in speedway! You will also notice our new Retro Speedway Club (free to join) and a Readers' Questionnaire for you to complete online if and when you get the time. All part of our efforts to interract better with our customers/readers. We've also added a secure server PayPal system, so that people can now purchase books, magazines and other items from our site using their debit/credit card with much more confidence than before. Please let us know what you think... Cheers, TMc Website link: http://www.retro-speedway.com

With the BL list set to appear in our next issue (to be posted out this Thursday), we're now looking further ahead to the following issue (No.22) and our Great Entertainers for the National League. Don't forget, the period we're focusing on is 1970-1990 only, so come on, please let's have your nominations... There are probably more candidates than at BL level. Here are some obvious contenders to get you going... Barney Kennett Martin Dixon Richard Green Jack Millen Barry Thomas Alan Mogridge Andrew Silver Rob Grant Kelvin Mullarkey Arthur Browning Rob Woffinden Roger Johns Martin Goodwin Jens Rasmussen Joe Owen Neil Collins Merv Janke Colin Cook Mark Loram Tony Childs Tony Featherstone Gary Havelock Tiger Beech Dave Kennett Gordon Kennett Phil Collins Les Collins Malcolm Ballard Geoff Maloney Eric Broadbelt Bob Garrad Gary Peterson Stan Bear Simon Wigg Les "Red' Ott Peter Collins(!) Brian Foote

OK, thanks to all for your input. The BL list is published and all will be revealed in the next issue (which will be mailed out this Thursday evening). In the following issue we will be publishing a Great Entertainers National League fixture, so please see the new thread and your suggestions are, as always most welcome...

Steve, Fair shout re. Kelvin in '83, but that was purely because he was a raw novice. He soon settled down. What I'm really looking for are riders who were spectacular and/or entertaining - on a bike – THROUGHOUT their career, or certainly during their peak years. Preben Eriksen is not what you would call spectacular, but his robust (to be kind) style made him entertaining because you daren't take your eyes off him. I suppose leaving out Shawn Moran was designed to provoke a reaction - and it worked! Would 'older' Sheffield fans bear me out on Arnie Haley's worthiness? I didn't see that mijch of him. And is Peter Carr (Sheffield era) a possible contender? Shirra was steady on a bike, not spectacular, though I hear what you say about the boxing skill. Mitch has already been interviewed for the following issue of Backtrack (issue 22), not the one that will be out on June 30.

We're going to present a 'Great Entertainers' feature in Backtrack and I wondered if anyone would agree or disagree with the following list, or if you have any others worthy of inclusion. Remember, we are initially considering a BRITISH LEAGUE (first division) list (so no National League names, please, at this stage)and the riders need not be star names. They are essentially riders you could not take your eyes off while they were on track; riders who always entertained with their efforts - crowd-pleasers.... Finally, they must fit into the Backtrack era timescale of 1970-1990. I know it will spark debate and some of you will disagree with these initial choices, but see what you think of this list of 20, in no particular order: GREAT ENTERTAINERS (BL) Barry Thomas Andy Smith Chris Morton Peter Collins Kelly Moran Roman Matousek John Cook Jan O Pedersen Zenon Plech Phil Collins Zdenek Kudrna Vaclav Verner Alan Mogridge Preben Eriksen Christer Lofqvist Kenny Carter Andrew Silver Gary Guglielmi Steve Gresham Sean Wilson Arnie Haley

Help! Can anyone please help with the brief loan of old copies of the Speedway Mail newspaper? I urgently need to look through copies covering the period 1985 (all season) and pre-July 1986, in connection with reseach for our Kenny Carter book. Trouble is, I need to look through the papers BEFORE NEXT MONDAY! as the deadline is looming. So, if anyone who has these copies wouldn't mind letting me have a flick through them (ideally, someone who lives near enough to us in Hornchurch, Essex, so that we can collect from you), then they would be in line for a knighthood! Don't ask me why I never bothered to keep all my old Mails. Who has a garage or loft that big anyway! Seriously, if anyone can help, please either PM me by email at editorial@retro-speedway.com or phone me or Susie at Retro Speedway on 01708 734 502 asap. Obviously, any copies loaned will be kept in the same condition we receive them and returned safe and secure next week. I'd offer to buy them if someone would sell, but I assume anyone who has kept the papers that long will not wish to part with them. If not, name your price! Cheers, Tony Mac

Craig Pendlebury not only lives in Perth, he has sent a couple of emails to our office in the last couple of days in reply to the questions we put to him for our forthcoming Kenny Carter book. Craig featured in one of our earliest issues of Backtrack. Would love to track down Garry Middleton but, so far, we've had no luck doing so. Ivan Mauger told us his son Kym bumped into 'Cass' on a golf course on the Aussie Gold Coast a year or two back, but no-one has seen him since. If anyone can help put us in touch.... Fiora has been 'done', so has Kelly Moran in the form of a brief Q&A. I'm attempting to contact Kelly for his comments on Carter, too. Mark Courtney is another we are hoping to interview in the next few issues. Rob Grant, Rob Woffinden, Tim Hunt and Les Collins are other hopeful interview subjects in the pipeline. Trying to get a reply from Ole Olsen (so hang in there Stan!). Just got to talk at length to the one and only Zenon Plech at some point soonish.... We can't interview everyone at once, though! Thanks for your interest and comments. Keep 'em coming...! Tony Mac

Ooops! Sorry, here they are: MASTERMIND ANSWERS FROM ISSUE 19 1 Finn Thomsen riding for Coventry. His first BL club was Wolverhampton (6pts). 2 Bobby Beaton (4pts). 3 Kevin Jolly, John Louis and Melvyn Taylor (12pts). 4 Chris Bevan and Des Wilson (6pts). 5 Michael Coles (5pts). 6 Soren Sjosten (4pts). 7 Ellesmere Port, 1972 (6pts). 8 Doug Wyer (4pts). 9 Ari Koponen and Trond Skretting (8pts). 10 Bert Harkins (4pts).

Dave Jessup has agreed to be our 'Main Man' in issue 20, so does anyone have any specific and interesting questions they would like me to put to DJ, besides the obvious? As well as the cruel luck he experienced in Wembley World Finals, we'll also be looking back over his long and illustrious career for club and country, including his spells with... Eastbourne Wembley Leicester Reading King's Lynn Wimbledon Mildenhall Perhaps because he wasn't as spectacular as PC, as headline-grabbing as Mike Lee or as aggressive as Kenny Carter, Dave's class tended to be underestimated by some? He was certainly superbly consistent for his clubs and England and one of the country's all-time greats. Can anyone really remember him getting out of shape or in trouble on the track? He always looked so neat, compact and steady, didn't he? And, of course, his brilliant passing manouevre to win THAT race in the 1974 WTC final at Katowice still rates as one of the greatest televised speedway races of all-time. Thanks for your input.... Tony Mac

Remember how courageous Peter Collins was when he rode in the 1977 World Final in Gothenburg...despite having to hobble around the pits on crutches and with his badly damaged leg full of stitches? PC had almost denied himself the chance to defend the world title when he ran into a open drain cover on the inner kerb at Belle Vue, just a week before the World Final in Sweden. In the next issue (20) of Backtrack, the former Belle Vue and England legend recalls the dramatic incident and the pain he went through to not only ride in Sweden, but finish second to Ivan Mauger in terrible track conditions. Do you have memories of watching that final and a remarkable performance by a great rider?

SPEEDWAY MUSEUM MEDIA DAY THE organisers behind the new Speedway Museum would like to confirm that next Monday’s gathering is for invited Press and Media only – and is NOT the official public opening. Former World Champion Michael Lee, Rye House promoter Len Silver and Rockets riders Chris Neath and Luke Bowen are scheduled to be interviewed by journalists and photographers who will assemble at Paradise Wildlife Park from 11am on April 23. But Speedway Museum committee member Linda Barclay says out: "We are anxious to point out that this is NOT a public opening – it is for media representatives only on this occasion."

You might find it easier and quicker to research the info you need from back issues of Speedway Star and Mail. And why has this been posted in the Backtrack sector of the site. Surely, it should be in Speedway History (if anywhere). Or, alternatively, you could do the research for whatever project you are working on yourself!

YOU COULD BE AMONG THE FIRST TO VIEW THE SPEEDWAY MUSEUM Supporters are being offered the chance to attend a VIP dinner at Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne on the evening of Friday, April 20, from 6.00pm. Tickets cost £45 each and in addition to a drinks reception and three-course meal, those in attendance will receive a memento of the evening and, best of all, be given a grand tour of the museum BEFORE it opens officially to the general public later in the month. A memorabilia auction and raffle will also be held at this function. Tickets are strictly limited, so if you would like to be a part of speedway history in the making, contact organisers George or Linda Barclay on 020 8592 3361. Naturally, all proceeds from this special event will go to the Speedway Museum Fund. George Barclay said: "This is a unique opportunity for genuine supporters to be among the first to step foot inside the museum. There are only 100 tickets on offer and we’ve already sold around half of those, so anyone interested should get in touch immediately to avoid disappointment. "As well as enjoying the dinner and museum, the price of the ticket also includes a tour of Paradise Wildlife Park, run by former speedway rider Pete Sampson. It’s a wonderful facility and a great experience in itself."

Commencing our fourth year of publication, issue 19 is out now and with an EXTRA EIGHT PAGES your favourite speedway magazine is packed with more nostalgia than ever before! MAIN MAN – SAM ERMOLENKO During a break in preparation for his recent farewell meeting, Sam Ermolenko gave one of his most candid interviews ever to Backtrack. From his early BL days at Poole in 1983 through his many years of loyal service to Wolverhampton, the former American star recalls the highs and lows of his spectacular career, on and off the track. Read why the Californian admits he was "lucky" to finally win the World Championship in 1993, where he thinks his main rival Hans Nielsen made a big mistake . . . and why he deliberately ‘threw’ a race to mess up Nielsen and avenge what he perceived to be some dodgy dealing by the Danes years earlier. Why ‘Sudden’ Sam wishes he could turn back the clock and do things differently at the 1985 Bradford World Final and why being "too eager to please others" ultimately cost him more individual glory. The terrible injuries that nearly killed him, his role in Wolves’ most successful era and what he might do next now that he has quit racing . . . this is probably the most revealing Sam Ermolenko interview you’ve ever read. Our lead columnist JOHN BERRY also runs his usual impartial rule over the colourful American. DEFUNCT TRACK: HACKNEY Another tear-jerker from the archives as we look back at the now sadly defunct East London track, where Hawks, Kestrels and Lions had their time on one of the fairest, most raceable raceways in the world. Bengt Jansson, Barry Thomas, Zenon Plech, Dave Morton, Andy Galvin, Mark Loram, it’s a three-page feast for those who couldn’t wait to ‘Make it a Date – Friday at Eight’. Plus more new exclusives with past favourites: THE GRAHAME BROTHERS To mark the re-opening of Birmingham, we visited two of the Brummies’ finest products – Alan and Andy Grahame, who remember their earliest shale days in the yellow-and-red, as well as their experiences at numerous other clubs, including Milton Keynes, Swindon and Oxford. Alan talks about the controversial incident with Chris Morton that left him with a broken leg. He also reveals his uplifting battle to conquer Hodgkins Disease and his courageous return to enjoy yet more success with Cradley Heathens. Andy reflects on the 1982 British Final, the greatest night of his career when he and his elder brother dominated the plum Coventry meeting. We also catch up with youngest brother John and find out what all the Grahames are doing today. GRAHAM DRURY Still on the Birmingham revival theme, we talk in-depth to the man leading the Brummies’ comeback at Perry Barr. Graham looks back at his racing days with Ellesmere Port, Crewe, Hull and Long Eaton and why his court case against Oxford won him a hefty pay-out and led to a new career. Also, why John Berry doesn’t feature on Graham’s Christmas card list… ALAN MOLYNEUX One of the unsung heroes of Coventry’s back-to-back championship-winning teams of the late 70s, Alan explains the importance of his formidable partnership with Brandon legend Ole Olsen and what two spells with his home-town team Long Eaton did for his career. And why it went wrong for him in his one season with Sheffield. MIKE KEEN Another who was never an outstanding star, but a dependable middle order man nevertheless. Mike gave Swindon many years loyal service but he reveals why his well-earned testimonial turned out to be a wash-out in more ways than one. IPSWICH 16-LAPPER Starting a new series of ‘Bright Ideas’, we take a close look at the success of the marathon 16-lap race at Ipswich, where former Witches boss John Berry explains the background to this popular annual event that first caught the fans’ imagination in 1979. IN MY DAY – PETER THOROGOOD One of the most popular promoters of his time, Peter Thorogood reveals the good, the bad and the ugly from his managerial days with Rayleigh, Crayford and Arena Essex. Plus…the final round of our MASTERMIND QUIZ and SPEEDWAY MUSEUM update. Colour team photos of BELLE VUE (1976) and EDINBURGH (1981). _________________________________________ What, you still haven't subscribed? It still costs only £16 a year (for six issues), mailed direct to your door as soon as it's printed. Subscribe online at http://www.retro-speedway.com

Malcolm Simmons and Eric Boocock will be in the main reception area of the Coventry Hilton from around 3pm until 5.30pm on Saturday, signing copies of their respective autobiographies. Simmo: The Whole Truth has nearly sold out, while it's a good opportunity for Southern or Midlands-based people to get Booey to sign his book for you. We will also be selling copies of Backtrack, VSM, our other books, plus stacks of great, nostalgic colour and black-and-white A4 size pictures of riders and teams from previous eras.