TonyMac

ISSUE 11 of Backtrack is out now and includes... Main Man – Hans Nielsen He’s one of the greatest riders ever, and without doubt is the most successful of all the Great Danes to have graced the British League. In this eight-page exclusive with Hans, we look back on his BL days with Wolves, Birmingham, Oxford and Coventry, at the World Finals that got away and how he finally conquered his World Championship hoodoo. (At this point, we would like to apologise to referee Frank Ebdon, who, contrary to what we have stated, did NOT officiate at the 1994 final at Vojens – it was in fact Dutchman Hennie Van Den Boomen who crucially excluded Hans that day. Sorry, Frank!) Probably the most compelling part of this new, in-depth interview with the Main Dane is his take on his bitter dispute with the legendary Ole Olsen, who ostracised Nielsen from the Denmark team in the mid-80s and compounded that act by siding with Hans’ main rival, Erik Gundersen. Read what Nielsen has to say about his infamous feud with the most powerful figure in Danish speedway and today’s GP director. Bringing it right up to date, four times World Champion Hans talks of his new life as a property developer, helping his wife’s business and how their two children are now making their own mark in competitive sport. Our top columnist, John Berry, also gives his personal insight into Nielsen, whose heroics at the 1978 World Team Cup Final led to JB offering to resign as England boss. John Boulger One of Australia’s all-time greats and the top Aussie around in the early 70s, we caught up with John on his recent flying visit to Britain. The former Leicester star looks back in this four-page exclusive on his highs and lows with the Lions, plus his time spent with Cradley Heath in between. John captained his country to the first-ever World Team Cup victory in 1976 but he reveals that probably his proudest moment came two years earlier, when he and Phil Crump almost pulled off a World Pairs shock. The Adelaide taxi driver, who is also pictured recently with fellow former Leicester star Ray Wilson, reflects candidly on why he didn’t make the breakthrough to world class status. Kelly Moran The colourful Californian reveals his likes and dislikes, best and worst, in this three-page question-and-answer interview, including why he feared the worst after a hard race against Phil Crump and why team-mate Dennis Sigalos had everyone laughing at Hull. Colin Richardson Candid four-page interview with the former National League Riders’ Champion, who was a 70s hero at Eastbourne before under-achieving in the top flight with Wimbledon and King’s Lynn. Colin also admits his surprise that his son, Grand Prix contender Lee Richardson, has become such a success in modern speedway. Exeter Farewell Our exclusive coverage of the End of Era meeting at the County Ground in October, including pictures and quotes from the Falcons’ luncheon attended by Ivan Mauger, Scott Autrey and Vaclav Verner. Oxford 1985-86 Reunion We were at Sandy Lane the night Hans Nielsen and most of the other riders from that great Cheetahs team of the mid-80s were reunited. Again, plenty more exclusiove pics of those former Oxford favourites as they are today, plus brief updates on Andy Grahame, Per Sorensen, Troy Butler, Jens Rasmussen and Klaus Lausch. …And Peterborough Pics and brief report from the recent reunion of Peterborough Panthers, including most of the founder members of the inaugural 1970 second division team. Taffy Owen One of the biggest characters around the old second division scene in the 70s, Taffy Owen finally reveals his true age and looks back on happy days with Belle Vue Colts, Rochdale and Workington in this three-page interview. Happiness is 40-38 (and 49-47!) Looking back at the crucial 1983 National League match between great rivals Mildenhall and Newcastle. Plus…Your letters. Book Reviews Why our two new books, Wiggy! and Sliding Into Hell, should be top of your Christmas list. __________________________________ Don't forget, BACKTRACK continues to publish during the winter. To ensure you don't miss either our November or January issue, why not take out an annual subscription today? It costs only £16 a year (6 issues) in the UK to have every copy mailed direct to your door. And if you've already subscribed, how about treating a friend or relative to a sub as a special gift this Christmas...

Issue No.51 – Volume 13 No.3 – Autumn 2005 Look what's on offer for us golden oldies... Gote Nordin – exclusive, new interview with the ‘Gentleman Swedish Star’ who had spells with Belle Vue, Newport, Poole, Wimbledon, Wembley and Halifax. The former world No.3 reflects on his days as one of Sweden’s top riders. Clive Featherby – another top exclusive, this time with one of the toughest characters to ever grace the British track scene. Clive talks candidly about his days with Sheffield and King’s Lynn, when he was regarded as one of the most forceful riders around. Leg-Trailers – a new series where we look at the thrill merchants who used to shift cinders using the spectacular leg-trailing style. Your Heroes – VSM readers tell us the former favourites who really pressed their buttons! Vic Duggan – the former Australian and Harringay star is inducted into the Hall of Fame. Memories of a 40s Fan – looking back to the post-war boom period through the eyes of a young London speedway fan. Plus… Commentator Dave Lanning’s 50 up…Mike Tams…Leicester Super…Collectors’ World…Chequered Flag (including tribute to Les Hewitt). _______________________________________ TREAT SOMEONE TO A SUBSCRIPTION TO VSM THIS CHRISTMAS! It costs only £11.20 (UK) for a year's subscription to Vintage Speedway Magazine, so why not treat a friend or relative – or even yourself – this Xmas and arrange for all 4 issues to be mailed direct to your door. Overseas rates (sent by airmail): Europe £15 Rest of World £18

I certainly wouldn't insult a very talented and nice man like Arne by comparing him to the other AP you mentioned! Blimey, Pander had real talent He is apparently very well and living in Norfolk and we hope to interview him very soon for VSM Mag...but not Backtrack, which is 1970-1989 remember! Wrong bit of the history section!

Many thanks to all those who have emailed or posted tributes so far, but shame on you if you haven't done so already. We've extended the deadline, so if you're reading this, don't log off without typing a few appropriate words in memory of a great all round motorcyclist... C'mon, imagine how nice it will be for Wiggy's young children, Abi & Ricki, to read many, many thoughtful tributes about their Dad in this book? There are nearly 4,000 members of this forum, so where are you all? How long does it take, for God's sake, to write a one or two line message, if you can't come up with anything more substantial? So instead of wasting time squabbling over silly issues, or boring most of us with innane postings about nothing of any great importance to anyone but yourself (I appreciate it's a free world, but some of the drivel here could be confined to personal email), why not do something worthwhile . . . and GIVE US SOME WORDS ON WIGGY! Thanks for taking the time, and please don't take this personally (unless the cap fits!) Tony Mac

Cheers for that!

I'd be very grateful if anyone can point me in the right direction, to a website that carries previous results (riders' points scores, etc) from previous World Longtrack Finals. A Google search throws up nothing, and the FIM site doesn't include any history or past results of their own World Finals in speedway or any other m/c sport! Any help much appreciated. Tony Mac

That's very good of you, cheers. Sounds like a weekend to remember at Scheessel. Ideally, can you please Email pics to: editorial@retro-speedway.com Tony Mac

Wunderbar! Many thanks for doing that. There is certainly plenty in the book to interest German readers and it would be nice to include some contributions from people in the country where Simon enjoyed some of his greatest successes.

Nice on, Steve. They're excellent - any chance of us using a few in the book? If so, would you mind emailing slightly larger j.pegs to me, as the ones on the site are not quite large enough for print quality? Sorry to be a pain... and obviously we'll credit you in the book! By the way, keep the copy to a max of 300 words, please. Cheers Tony Mac

Readers of Backtrack magazine, who have seen the current issue (No.10), will already be aware that we at Retro Speedway are in a very advanced stage of publishing a book in tribute and memory of the late Simon Wigg, called WIGGY! (what else!) which will go on sale before the end of October. We have slightly delayed the publication date because it was felt that we should also give speedway supporters, from all over the world, the opportunity to contribute their own few words to what we believe will be a brilliant book on probably the world's greatest all round tracksport rider. So what we're please asking now is for you to email us a few words on Simon - they can be a simple, one line message or perhaps a slightly longer account of your own personal memory from having met Simon, who was so popular wherever he went to ride speedway, longtrack or grasstrack. We want to know what Simon Wigg meant to you. It is coming up to nearly five years since he sadly left us, but it's not too late for you to be a part of his life story. You can post your message here on this thread, for us to simply download for the book, or if you'd prefer to email your words direct to us at editorial@retro-speedway.com. We can't guarantee that every message will be printed but we will endeavour to use as many as possible. But please get writing quickly, as the book must go to press very shortly. Also, it would be helpful if you could also state your real name, and home town (ie. John Smith, Oxford) rather than your forum alias! The book has the full co-operation and support of Simon's family – his brother Julian has contributed the foreword and widow, Charlie, has written her own very personal and heart-rending account of her life with Simon. Even Simon's daughter, Abi, has written her own personal tribute to 'Daddy Simon'. Indeed, Simon's children, Abi and Ricki, will receive a donation from the sale of EVERY book. Wiggy! will be great value at just £14.99, with 252 pages and around 200 pictures that will evoke many happy memories for all readers. As well as those in-depth contributions from close members of the Wigg family, the book also includes previously unpublished interviews from Simon himself, running to some 30,000 words, plus unique tributes from the following people, who all have their own favourite Simon Wigg story to tell: World Speedway Champions – Peter Collins, Gary Havelock, Michael Lee, Erik Gundersen, Ivan Mauger, Barry Briggs, Egon Muller, Jason Crump, Mark Loram England Speedway team-mates & management – Chris Morton, Kelvin Tatum, Malcolm Simmons Hans Nielsen, Simon Cross, Jeremy Doncaster, Andy Smith, Carl Glover, Eric Boocock, Colin Pratt Speedway Team Mates & Friends – Martin Yeates, Troy Butler, Steve Johnston, Armando Castagna, Olli Tyrvainen, Graeme Gordon, Phil Collins Promoters & Team Managers – Neil Street, Pete Adams, Bernard Crapper, John Payne, John Louis, Allan Ham, Keith Chapman, Chris Van Straaten, David Tapp Long-Track & Grass-Track – Karl Maier, Lew Coffin, Trevor Banks, Steve Schofield, Martin Hagon, Paul Hurry, Dickie Staff Friends & Sponsors – Clint Gunn, Nigel Wagstaffe, Pete Webb (Windsor Comp) John Gillard, Brian Griffin, Jeff Bing, Steve Brandon, Paul Cross, Christopher Eyes Engine Tuners & Mechanics – Otto Lantenhammer, Hans Zierk, Don Godden, Brett Walton, Greg Williamson Media – Richard Clark, John Gaisford, Peter York, Tony Lethbridge Thomas Schiffner (Bahnspoirt Aktuell). The Fans' section will appear at the back of the book. It is possible to order a copy of WIGGY! in advance now by phoning our credit card hotline on 01708 734 502 – as many of you have already done. If you would prefer to pay by cheque (payable to Retro Speedway), then post your order to: Retro Speedway (Wiggy!), 103 Douglas Road, Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 1AW, England. However, I assure anyone who does order before publication that your payment will not be processed until the book is despatched later next month. So come on, let's have your words for WIGGY!..... Please note: Deadline for supporters' copy is next Thursday, October 6, 2005. Many thanks for your support and I'm sorry that this message is so long, but we didn't want you to miss out on this unique chance to add your own personal message to a wonderful tribute to a great racer... Tony McDonald Retro Speedway

Readers of Backtrack magazine, who have seen the current issue (No.10), will already be aware that we at Retro Speedway are in a very advanced stage of publishing a book in tribute and memory of the late Simon Wigg, called WIGGY! (what else!) which will go on sale before the end of October. We have slightly delayed the publication date because it was felt that we should also give speedway supporters, from all over the world, the opportunity to contribute their own few words to what we believe will be a brilliant book on probably the world's greatest all round tracksport rider. So what we're please asking now is for you to email us a few words on Simon - they can be a simple, one line message or perhaps a slightly longer account of your own personal memory from having met Simon, who was so popular wherever he went to ride speedway, longtrack or grasstrack. We want to know what Simon Wigg meant to you. It is coming up to nearly five years since he sadly left us, but it's not too late for you to be a part of his life story. You can post your message here on this thread, for us to simply download for the book, or if you'd prefer to email your words direct to us at editorial@retro-speedway.com. We can't guarantee that every message will be printed but we will endeavour to use as many as possible. But please get writing quickly, as the book must go to press very shortly. Also, it would be helpful if you could also state your real name, and home town (ie. John Smith, Oxford) rather than your forum alias! The book has the full co-operation and support of Simon's family – his brother Julian has contributed the foreword and widow, Charlie, has written her own very personal and heart-rending account of her life with Simon. Even Simon's daughter, Abi, has written her own personal tribute to 'Daddy Simon'. Indeed, Simon's children, Abi and Ricki, will receive a donation from the sale of EVERY book. Wiggy! will be great value at just £14.99, with 252 pages and around 200 pictures that will evoke many happy memories for all readers. As well as those in-depth contributions from close members of the Wigg family, the book also includes previously unpublished interviews from Simon himself, running to some 30,000 words, plus unique tributes from the following people, who all have their own favourite Simon Wigg story to tell: World Speedway Champions – Peter Collins, Gary Havelock, Michael Lee, Erik Gundersen, Ivan Mauger, Barry Briggs, Egon Muller, Jason Crump, Mark Loram England Speedway team-mates & management – Chris Morton, Kelvin Tatum, Malcolm Simmons Hans Nielsen, Simon Cross, Jeremy Doncaster, Andy Smith, Carl Glover, Eric Boocock, Colin Pratt Speedway Team Mates & Friends – Martin Yeates, Troy Butler, Steve Johnston, Armando Castagna, Olli Tyrvainen, Graeme Gordon, Phil Collins Promoters & Team Managers – Neil Street, Pete Adams, Bernard Crapper, John Payne, John Louis, Allan Ham, Keith Chapman, Chris Van Straaten, David Tapp Long-Track & Grass-Track – Karl Maier, Lew Coffin, Trevor Banks, Steve Schofield, Martin Hagon, Paul Hurry, Dickie Staff Friends & Sponsors – Clint Gunn, Nigel Wagstaffe, Pete Webb (Windsor Comp) John Gillard, Brian Griffin, Jeff Bing, Steve Brandon, Paul Cross, Christopher Eyes Engine Tuners & Mechanics – Otto Lantenhammer, Hans Zierk, Don Godden, Brett Walton, Greg Williamson Media – Richard Clark, John Gaisford, Peter York, Tony Lethbridge Thomas Schiffner (Bahnspoirt Aktuell). The Fans' section will appear at the back of the book. It is possible to order a copy of WIGGY! in advance now by phoning our credit card hotline on 01708 734 502 – as many of you have already done. If you would prefer to pay by cheque (payable to Retro Speedway), then post your order to: Retro Speedway (Wiggy!), 103 Douglas Road, Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 1AW, England. However, I assure anyone who does order before publication that your payment will not be processed until the book is despatched later next month. So come on, let's have your words for WIGGY!..... Please note: Deadline for supporters' copy is next Thursday, October 6, 2005. Many thanks for your support and I'm sorry that this message is so long, but we didn't want you to miss out on this unique chance to add your own personal message to a wonderful tribute to a great racer... Tony McDonald Retro Speedway

Readers of Backtrack magazine, who have seen the current issue (No.10), will already be aware that we at Retro Speedway are in a very advanced stage of publishing a book in tribute and memory of the late Simon Wigg, called WIGGY! (what else!) which will go on sale before the end of October. We have slightly delayed the publication date because it was felt that we should also give speedway supporters, from all over the world, the opportunity to contribute their own few words to what we believe will be a brilliant book on probably the world's greatest all round tracksport rider. So what we're please asking now is for you to email us a few words on Simon - they can be a simple, one line message or perhaps a slightly longer account of your own personal memory from having met Simon, who was so popular wherever he went to ride speedway, longtrack or grasstrack. We want to know what Simon Wigg meant to you. It is coming up to nearly five years since he sadly left us, but it's not too late for you to be a part of his life story. You can post your message here on this thread, for us to simply download for the book, or if you'd prefer to email your words direct to us at editorial@retro-speedway.com. We can't guarantee that every message will be printed but we will endeavour to use as many as possible. But please get writing quickly, as the book must go to press very shortly. Also, it would be helpful if you could also state your real name, and home town (ie. John Smith, Oxford) rather than your forum alias! The book has the full co-operation and support of Simon's family – his brother Julian has contributed the foreword and widow, Charlie, has written her own very personal and heart-rending account of her life with Simon. Even Simon's daughter, Abi, has written her own personal tribute to 'Daddy Simon'. Indeed, Simon's children, Abi and Ricki, will receive a donation from the sale of EVERY book. Wiggy! will be great value at just £15.99, with 252 pages - 16 in glossy full colour - and around 200 pictures that will evoke many happy memories for all readers. As well as those in-depth contributions from close members of the Wigg family, the book also includes previously unpublished interviews from Simon himself, running to some 30,000 words, plus unique tributes from the following people, who all have their own favourite Simon Wigg story to tell: World Speedway Champions – Peter Collins, Gary Havelock, Michael Lee, Erik Gundersen, Ivan Mauger, Barry Briggs, Egon Muller, Jason Crump, Mark Loram England Speedway team-mates & management – Chris Morton, Kelvin Tatum, Malcolm Simmons Hans Nielsen, Simon Cross, Jeremy Doncaster, Andy Smith, Carl Glover, Eric Boocock, Colin Pratt Speedway Team Mates & Friends – Martin Yeates, Troy Butler, Steve Johnston, Armando Castagna, Olli Tyrvainen, Graeme Gordon, Phil Collins Promoters & Team Managers – Neil Street, Pete Adams, Bernard Crapper, John Payne, John Louis, Allan Ham, Keith Chapman, Chris Van Straaten, David Tapp Long-Track & Grass-Track – Karl Maier, Lew Coffin, Trevor Banks, Steve Schofield, Martin Hagon, Paul Hurry, Dickie Staff Friends & Sponsors – Clint Gunn, Nigel Wagstaffe, Pete Webb (Windsor Comp) John Gillard, Brian Griffin, Jeff Bing, Steve Brandon, Paul Cross, Christopher Eyes Engine Tuners & Mechanics – Otto Lantenhammer, Hans Zierk, Don Godden, Brett Walton, Greg Williamson Media – Richard Clark, John Gaisford, Peter York, Tony Lethbridge Thomas Schiffner (Bahnspoirt Aktuell). The Fans' section will appear at the back of the book. It is possible to order a copy of WIGGY! in advance now by phoning our credit card hotline on 01708 734 502 – as many of you have already done. If you would prefer to pay by cheque (payable to Retro Speedway), then post your order to: Retro Speedway (Wiggy!), 103 Douglas Road, Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 1AW, England. However, I assure anyone who does order before publication that your payment will not be processed until the book is despatched later next month. So come on, let's have your words for WIGGY!..... Please note: Deadline for supporters' copy is next Thursday, October 6, 2005. Many thanks for your support and I'm sorry that this message is so long, but we didn't want you to miss out on this unique chance to add your own personal message to a wonderful tribute to a great racer... Tony McDonald Retro Speedway

Moose man, where have you been hibernating? In the previous 10 issues, the following have previously been featured as Main Cover Man, with in-depth exsclusive interviews...Ivan Mauger (issues 8 & 9), Phil Crump (issue 5), Peter Collins (issues 3 & 4). These have been featured prominently: Shawn Moran & Jason Crump. Hans Nielsen is lined up as our next main man for issue 11... Peter Craven doesn't fit Backtrack's 70s-80s timeframe, but he's mentioned regularly in our sister retro magazine, VSM. Check it all out at: http://www.retro-speedway.com

Still some gaps to plug, I'm afraid, but here goes... Bent Rasmussen/David Gagen ------ Alan Wilkinson ???/Keith Bloxsome --------- Keith Bloxsome again Finn Jensen ------- Neil Collins (inside)/???? Dave Jessup -------- ??? John Louis ---------- ??? Cradley rider is NOT Carter ----- ??? ??? ------- Billy Sanders

Good point, and of course apologies to all Kestrels followers. I was never a fan of NL racing at Waterden Road, though I respect the efforts and achievements of the management and riders who kept speedway at Waterden Road alive after Len Silver pulled out. What I meant to say was that, after the Hawks folded and Wimbledon had closed, London no longer had a SENIOR LEAGUE venue by 1985. That is until Hackney rejoined the BL in 1987 and speedway returned to Plough Lane.

Watch out for the frankest interview ever given by Michael Lee in issue 10 of Backtrack (copies to be mailed out to subscribers next Tuesday)... In a whopping 10-page exclusive, Lee talks candidly about his dramatic fall from grace . . . his descent into drugs...use of cocaine...three prison terms (the last for 18 months)...the people he blames for his speedway problems...falling out with his dad (and making up again)...what he's up to in his garden...and how he says finding true love has changed him...and much, much more from 'Mike the Bike'. Also featured in the next issue... EGON MULLER - brand new 4-page exclusive with the multi-talented '83 World Champ who complains that he never got the respect he deserved for winning at Norden, and why he liked 'dressing up' in women's clothes! ARNIE HALEY - a great Yorkshire character who, before his sad death, admitted he probably stayed too long at Sheffield. PIP LAMB - the former Oxford youngster on why he feels the hospital was to blame for his disability sustained in 1979. HACKNEY REUNION - 4 page special from the recent bash at Paradise Park, inc plenty of pics and mini interviews with Thommo, Thomsen, Plech, Lovaas, Jansson, McNeil, Dave Mort, Petersen. MALCOLM BROWN - former Leicester favourite talking on his recent visit. JOHN BERRY'S PICK - JB chooses his track-by-track 'No.1s' from the Backtrack era of 1970-90. See how many you agree with... SIMON WIGG - news of a great, new book on the former World No.2, who sadly died five years ago. Endorsed and encouraged by Simon's family, it contains Wiggy's own words from a previously unpublished interview, plus stacks of personal tributes from those who knew him best - including heart-rending accounts from close family and friends - and more than 200 photos of Wiggy throughout his illustrious career. This will be published by ourselves at Retro Speedway, very reasonably priced at £14.99, and in the same successful and value-for-money format as our Confessions of a Speedway Promoter book by JB. Details of how to order can be found in the new issue. GARY FRANKUM – the 'world's most popular junior', who rode for a number of tracks between 1987 and '91, reveals his battle to beat the illness, ME. READING 38, SWINDON 40 - We review this stormy encounter from Smallmead in 1980, when Steve Gresham and Barry Briggs came to blows. Plus honourable mentions (and new pics of) Tiger Beech (Rayleigh) and Rob Jackson (Crewe). _________________________ Have you subscribed yet? It costs only £16 a year (6 issues) in the UK and with rain again playing havoc with the fixtures, be sure not to miss a copy by having it mailed direct to your door... Just visit: http://www.retro-speedway.com

There is a nice feature on Arnie in the next issue of Backtrack...

Thanks for your contributions, all very interesting, and I don't want to sound an ungrateful so and so...but can we please return to VSM's general time-frame and the thread sub-heading of PRE-70s!!!! VSM = PRE-70s (apart from the little bits about the early 70s!) BACKTRACK = 1970-1989 inclusive! Sorry if this sounds patronising, but it's pre-70s heroes I'm really looking for here!!!! Anyone offering up post-70s name is obviously far too young to get involved!

You bet, Dave! We'll be running a three or four-page feature on the reunion, including quotes from the star names, along with many pics from Friday and those I also took at Rye on Sunday. Issue 10 will be on sale Aug 29.

John Berry, Backtrack Magazine's top columnist, has entered the ongoing Nicki Pedersen debate in typical forthright style. Never one to duck any issue, Berry will undoubtedly spark more reaction from fans and other observers with his comments in the latest issue. In a general talking point piece titled 'Where Are Today's Enforcers?', he writes: "In my time riders like Nicki Pedersen would have been given a serious word in the ear early on in their careers." Referring to the incident where Pedersen brought down namesake, Bjare Pedersen, in the Swedish GP earlier this season, Berry goes on to say: "Can you imagine Charlie Monk, or Olle Nygren, or Colin Gooddy, or Arthur Browning, or Billy Sanders allowing a rider to get away with what happened in that final?" Berry also wonders whether the advent of the air fence has caused Pedersen (and others) to adopt a more aggressive style?

Having interviewed Ivan at great length to cover his words in both issues 8 & 9 of Backtrack Magazine, I can confirm that he has full respect for Tony Rickardsson. Indeed, in challenging BSI's right to call the SGP a genuine 'World Championship' (he regards it as an invitational event and therefore not a legitimate WORLD Championship), Ivan impressed upon me after the microphone was switched off that he didn't want to be seen to in any way underestimate or disrespect TR's skills and achievements in any way. He was clearly being very diplomatic but his regard for TR is genuine. What Ivan did say, and which cannot be disputed, is that there were far more world title contenders for him to fend off in his day than the relatively weak opposition Rickardsson faces now. Which, in a way, is a little unfair on Tony because he can only beat those he comes up against - it's obviously not his fault that there are few real challengers to his supremacy and no-one at all this season. Ivan says in Backtrack that both he and Fundin would have won at least 10 individual world titles had the GP system been in place then, and, again, I can't argue with that view. Incidentally, many thanks for the many kind comments about our Mauger interview and Backtrack in general.

Issue 50 – Volume 13 No.2 – Summer 2005 Mike Broadbank – the Red Devil who cheated death Yes, that’s definitely Broadbank without the ‘s’, as Mike confirms. Our main five-page interview covers Broady’s splendid racing career with Wembley, Swindon, Stoke, Hackney and Crayford. Mike looks back on good times and bad, including a badly broken thigh and, in the early 60s, a near brush with death when he was hospitalised with pneumonia. Max Grosskreutz Part two of our fascinating interview with the former Australian Test captain, who reflects on his days as promoter at Norwich as well as another track comeback and the crash that ultimately brought about his retirement. Bill Longley and Ray Harris Special tribute to two old favourites who passed away recently. Diminutive Bill Longley, who made a big impression at New Cross, and Ray Harris, a Provincial League star with Stoke. Local Derbies Top columnist Dave Lanning laments the demise of the local derby and recalls one particularly pulsating London cup clash between Wimbledon and West Ham in 1965. Your Hero VSM readers name their own all-time favourites – and why. There are some familiar names among them, including Ove Fundin, Peter Craven, Graham Warren and Ken McKinlay, plus Clive Featherby and Ernie Rawlins. This is a new, regular feature, so why not tell us about your hero? Exeter – Ivan Mauger fighting! Part two of our look back at events at the County Ground, including a crazy night when Ivan Mauger visited with Provincial League Newcastle and ended up fighting with fans on the terraces! Plus Falcons’ wild men, Chris Blewitt and Chris Julian. ‘Pedlar’ Palmer Maintaining a link with speedway’s post-war glory days, Ernest ‘Pedlar’ Palmer, who starred for Long Eaton, is still enjoying the sport as a supporter at Sheffield. England’s 1955 Test winners An evocative centre spread picture of the ’55 Test team prior to their second Test against Australasia at Wembley. Freddie Williams made home track knowledge count to score 17 points. Mike Tams Profiling the man who rode for Southampton in the early 50s and who did so much to establish speedway in Canada. Collectors’ World Nick Barber is back with his regular column for memorabilia connoisseurs, including tips about items from the 1930s period. Chequered Flag Includes a tribute to the late Buddy Fuller. Plus…Ian Hoskins, Eric Linden, your letters and the new VSM Book Club, where you can order a wide range of books about vintage speedway direct from VSM… Enjoy! ------------------------------ It costs only £11.20 per year (4 issues) to subscribe in the UK. You can sign up online at http://www.retro-speedway.com

Look what’s in issue 9… Main Man – Ivan Mauger Part two of our exclusive interview with the greatest speedway rider ever. Mighty Mauger talks candidly about his relationship with Kenny Carter and Hans Nielsen – and spells out why he believes the outspoken former England star threw away the chance to win the 1982 World Final to Bruce Penhall. Also, why Nielsen paid the price for ignoring his advice…and what he needed to break his World Final jinx. And for the first time, the legendary Kiwi speaks out about the Speedway Grand Prix, explaining why it should not be compared to the traditional World Championship of his day. What he thinks of Tony Rickardsson and Jason Crump…why British speedway is struggling to attract big crowds and where the BSPA went wrong…how Exeter pulled off an audacious masterstroke to give him one last season in the British League…looking back at his key World Finals and revealing why losing the 1973 run-off to Jerzy Szczakiel was not the worst thing to happen to him on speedway’s biggest occasion…who were the most gifted riders who wasted their talent?…the controversial and hard-hitting Mauger tells all – only in Backtrack Magazine. Neil Evitts "Some people might think I’m arrogant or ignorant, but I didn’t set out to be popular."…Neil Evitts has never been afraid to tell it like it is and in this candid exclusive the 1986 British Champion talks openly about all his conflicts with officialdom, including when he defied the rules to race as an under-aged 14-year-old before going on to ride legally for Stoke, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Halifax, Bradford, Sheffield and Wolves again. The no-nonsense Black Country man got to know Kenny Carter better than any other rider when they were team-mates at Halifax and Bradford, and here Neil reflects on the impact KC had on him and what he recalls of their final days together… Carl Glover The 1974 Second Division Riders’ Champion reveals how he is lucky to be alive after suffering a near fatal heart attack earlier this year. Carl also reflects on his racing days as Boston No.1, plus why riding for home-town club, Sheffield, was a mistake which led to him returning east to King’s Lynn. After his riding career ended early at 26, Carl went on to fulfil his dream job when he was appointed England manager in 1984 . . . but at times it became a nightmare. We get Carl’s fascinating insight into what it was like to deal with Kenny Carter and why he had to strip him of the captaincy…the problems with Michael Lee and why his England team were beaten before they faced the Danes in the World Team Cup final. Ray Glover The father of Carl takes over in the second half of our Glover family dynasty double interview. He explains what drove him to have a stab at promoting at Sheffield – the club he supported from boyhood – in 1980 and why he decided to sell up just four years later after a series of setbacks and problems with riders who let him down. Ray – and Carl – also reveal their thoughts on former Sheffield superstar Shawn Moran – what he was like to deal with and why they say he lost his way in the sport. Also, they examine the effect Kelly Moran had on his younger brother… Steve Weatherley The second in our regular, new series where we catch up with a rider left disabled by speedway racing. This time we visit former Eastbourne and White City star Steve Weatherley, who talks for the first time about the fatal crash that claimed the life of Hackney’s Vic Harding and left him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. In this uplifting story, brave Steve enthuses about his enjoyment of family life and how he is even winning races again! Mick Bell We talk to the man who holds the record for winning three senior league championships as both rider AND team manager, with Reading and Coventry. Modest Mick tells about what it was like on both sides of the fence and the differences between world superstars Ole Olsen and Anders Michanek. Where Are Today’s Enforcers? Our lead columnist John Berry asks the question after seeing current Grand Prix star Nicki Pedersen dishing it out again. JB says: "In my time riders like Pedersen would have been given a serious word in the ear early on in their careers." Berry Mort in print We publish an extract from Chris Morton’s new hardback, Until The Can Ran Out, in which he admits how ‘track rage’ got the better of him and he deliberately set out to ‘attack’ a rival during his early days with Belle Vue. Americans in Pictures A treat for fans of those colourful Californians…nostalgic pictures from the 70s and 80s, featuring Bruce Penhall, Bobby Schwartz, Kelly and Shawn Moran, Dennis Sigalos, Scott Autrey, Rick Miller, Sam Ermolenko, Ronnie Correy, Lance King, Steve and Jim Gresham, Mike Curoso, Sumner McKnight and Rick Woods. ----------------------------------------- Subscribers copies mailed out today (Thursday, June 30) Enjoy!

Shazz, We at Retro Speedway won't be producing any magazine or book 'special' for sale on the night of the reunion, as I'm told the organisers are publishing a souvenir prog/brochure themselves. I was wondering if we should offer for sale old black & white pics (action & portrait) of the ex-Hackney riders who will be there on the night (with a donation to the Vic Harding fund), but maybe there won't be much response to that? I know you'd buy 10 pics of Ted, but who else will want to know????? But we will definitely be covering the event, in words and pics, for our following issue of Backtrack, as well as pin down a few of the former Hawks present for interviews that can be held over to a later date...

Napolean - Following your comments about Mike Broadbank, you should enjoy the next issue (50) of VSM...which includes a very good exclusive interview with the 'Red Devil' himself.