TonyMac

Just had to apologise for the 'deliberate mistake' in our latest issue, in the small piece about the reunion. The date should, of course, read JULY 22, NOT June (must have had brain meltdown at that point!) Se you all then...on JULY 22. That's JULY, OK?

We will be putting our weight behind the campaign to raise funds for the building of the museum, with blanket coverage in the next issues of both Backtrack and Vintage Speedway Magazine. Part of this will be an interview with George Barclay, but we also already have an interview with the great Ivan Mauger, who is all in favour of the museum. It is an absolute must that speedway has its own 'home' to preserve its rich history now and for many years to come...

Yes, the new issue 7, including our interview witb Rick, is on sale at Brandon...

Thanks to the promptings of some of the folk on here, a full four-page exclusive interview with Rick appears in the new issue 7 of Backtrack Magazine. Apart from recalling his days with the Bees and memories of his British League days, Rick has also emailed us recent pics of himself working as a stuntman and one of him at home with his wife and two children.

Grachan - very interesting, and many thanks for your pics. From what you write, I'm glad I took the train! I recall Muller lifting widly coming out of the second bend and all the Poles jeering every announcement of his name - he did get a very hostile reception that day. Wasn't the English support fantastic and, typical of the time, you brought a banner supporting all the contenders. A lot of the Enbglish fans took that view - PC was the draling of the crowd, but everyone respected the efforts of Simmo, Tiger John, Mort and Dougie Wyer and we wanted them all to do well. Naturally, if an Englishman couldn't win, I wanted Zenon Plech to be top man. PC was unstoppable on his Wessie but because the crowd was so far from the track, it wasn't possible to fully appreciate just how fast he was flying that memorable day. The riders seemed small from such a distance, or was that just my Mr McGoo eyesight? Funny thing is, I was 16 and had just left school that summer, before taking up my first job as a clerk in the Ministry of Defence (yawn). Remember, Poland was still under communist rule then and I can tell you, at my interview, my new employers took a lot of convincing when they checked my passport and saw that I'd just been to Poland before joining the Army Air department. I think they thought I might be a Soviet spy! They were lookinbg at me and saying; 'Who goes to spoeedway?...and who goes to Poland to see speedway?....On their own?...aged 16?" The third degree wasn't in it. If anybody else has any pics taken from Katowice '76 that we could use in Backtrack, please get in touch...

Issue 7 of Backtrack Magazine includes... John Louis is Mister Ipswich and in this issue 'Tiger John' looks back over his brilliant career as England racing legend, team manager and promoter, most of them spent with his beloved Witches. Louis recalls the rise of his home town club from a Suffolk backwater outfit to the pinnacle of British speedway as BL double winners in the mid-70s. But it wasn't all glory and happiness...he also reflects candidly on his fall out with promoter John Berry, when he was discarded from the team in 1980 and the hurt that caused him. He talks of his famous fellow heat leaders at Foxhall, Tony Davey and the late Billy Sanders...and why he still can't comprehend why Sanders took his own life 20 years ago. Also...why our top columnist John Berry believes the time to hoour John Louis is now long overdue... Rick Miller was one of the colourful, spectacular American riders of the 80s, when he won consecutive British League titles with Coventry. The Californian talks from his home about the great days at Brandon, riding for Charles Ochiltree and learning the ropes under Ole Olsen, plus his fall-outs with race partner John Jorgensen. And Rick also explains how he's now earning a living as a stuntman, rubbing shoulders with some of Hollywood's finest in top movies and TV commercials. George Hunter lost his battle against cancer in 1999, but we present an interview conducted by Richard Bott shortly before the Scottish speedway legend's death in which looks back over his turbulent career and how things might hgave been so different. In an astonishingly frank interview, George admits how he was later haunted by the crash that claimed the life of Peter Craven...and how he reacted when he came face to face with Craven's young children. Peter Collins will never forget the glorious summer of 1976 and we bring back great memories of that time with a review of the World Final from Poland, as well as some memories from fans who travelled all the way to Katowice to witness PC's finest hour. Steve Bastable hit the heights in 1981 when he was the shock winner of the British Final. Stevie B looks back on that momentous night at Coventry, as well as the ups and downs of his career with clubs like Stoke, Cradley Heath, Birmingham, Swindon and Coventry. Barry Crowson made history by competing in the first-ever Division Two race for Canterbury at Belle Vue in 1968. Barry also looks back at his spells with Crusaders' arch rivals Eastbourne, plus King's Lynn and why moving to Wimbledon in the mid-70s was a mistake. King's Lynn celebrate their 40th anniversary this year and to mark the landmark we publish an extract from former Lynn promoter Martin Rogers' new book, Forty Years On; King's Lynn Speedway. We look back at the big impact made by Stars' former England stars, Terry Betts, Malcolm Simmons, Michael Lee and Dave Jessup. Plus check how some of the old Saddlebow Road favourites look today with our picture coverage from the recent Lynn reunion, including up to date shots of Lee, Betts, Simmons, Ian Turner, Ray Bales, Mel Taylor and Graham Edmunds. Plus... Anders Michanek was brought to England in 1968 by promoter Reg Fearman, who recalls the success of the Super-Swede and some of the more lighter moments of their relationship. Scunthorpe are back in business after an absence of 20 years and we talk to former Scunny No.1 Nicky Allott about his memories from days gone by at the club's two previous tracks. John Berry returns with part two of his lament to the passing of Rider Control and the old controversial method of trying to balance team strengths in another major talking point feature. Latest reviews...we've got the low down on the new Bruce Penhall Story on DVD/Video, plus the new, remastered World Speedway Champions of the 80s production. And especially for fans of Danish riders, we've a special two-page picture spread reviving memories of Hans Nielsen, Erik Gundersen, Jan O Pedersen and a host of others who came from Denmark to make their mark on British speedway in the 70s and 80s. ----------------- Subscribers' copies being mailed out today (Tues, March 29), so please give it time! If you haven't subscribed yet, and don't want to miss an issue due to rain-offs at the tracks, then why not click on the front cover image below and subscribe online to the next six issues for: £16 - UK; £22 - Europe (air mail); Rest of World (air mail) - £30. Cheers, Tony Mac

In the next issue (7) of Backtrack, we will be running a feature looking back at the brilliant 1976 World Final and Peter Collins' great victory in Poland. I wondered how many of you travelled to that meeting and, in particular, aboard the special Warnerspprts train all the way to Katowice? I did, but my memory of the trip is very hazy (might have something to do with beer in West Berlin at our stopover!). What an experience - Communism, 'Check Point Charlie' and all that... It would be great to include some interesting, entertaining memories from English supporters who recall that momentous day in speedway history, when the fans turned out in force to support PC, Simmo, 'Tiger' John, Mort and 'Flyer' Wyer. Didn't it rain before the start? I'd be very grateful for any good memories from fellow fans on that trip... Cheers, Tony Mac

Good shout, spin king! Although the line-up of VIP guests on the night is looking very strong, JB and ourselves would appreciate any help in contacting the following: Brian Messenger John Cook Kai Niemi Stan Pepper Ted Spittles Please email any possible contact details to me at: editorial@retro-speedway.com Cheers, Tony Mac

Pleased to confirm that Rick has answered our call and already been in touch with the Backtrack office. We're going to hook up soon for a phone interview (Backtrack expenses won't cover the return air fare to California, more's the pity!). Hopefully the interview will go in the next issue...

King's Lynn legends Terry Betts, Mike Lee and Malcolm Simmons were reunited last night, when the town hall hosted a special 40th anniversary civic reception. Other former 'Stars' riders who joined current promoters Buster and Jonathan Chapman and the Mayor of King's Lynn were: Ian Turner, Richard Knight, Trevor Hedge, Mel Taylor, Ray Bales, David Gagen, Barry Crowson, Troy Pratt and Graham Edmunds. Troy Batchelor, Adam Allott and James Brundle kept the flag flying for the modern-day 'Knights' - sorry, but I just can't get used to them being nicknamed anything but Stars with the gold & green racejacket and five stars emblem! Bettsy was on great form, recounting tales of winning the first-ever meeting at Saddlebow Road (nah, can't have the Norfolk Arena either!), while gracious Simmo paid tribute to his former team-mate by referring to him as 'Mister King's Lynn'. Mike Lee also looked in very good nick and is busy preparing engines for eight young English riders this season, including Lynn's Brundle. Exclusive full report and pictures from this nostalgic occasion will appear in the next issue of Backtrack...

Ipswich Witches fans will be interested to know that John Berry, in association with Backtrack, is to hold a reunion of former Foxhall favourites on Good Friday, March 25. After Witches' home match against Arena Essex in the afternoon, JB and his old friends and colleagues are gathering at the nearby Kesgrave Community Centre for an evening of fun and pure nostalgia, including a fans' forum where you can fire questions at Berry and co. Among the VIP guests who have already confirmed their attendance are: Dave Gooderham Jeremy Doncaster John Louis Kevin Jolly Mike Lanham Preben Eriksen Ron Bagley Ted Howgego Tim Hunt Tony Davey Trevor Jones Mick Hines Andy Hines Richard Knight Others are expected to be there, including Michael Lee - yes, after all these years, JB has finally relented and called on a 'guest' . . . and from Witches' arch East Anglian rivals, too! Tickets are priced just £10, which includes complimentary 32-page souvenir programme and light refreshments. Doors open from 6pm but the main part of the evening commences at 7.30pm, and ends at 11pm. Tickets are very limited, and are only available in advance of the event, so we urge you to book early to avoid disappointment. You can order tickets (£10 per person) via the Backtrack office credit card hotline on: 01708 379 079. If you call outside normal office hours, just leave your name and number and we'll call you back as soon as possible. Or send a cheque/postal order (payable to Backtrack) to: Backtrack (Ipswich Reunion), Unit 4, Ashton Gate, Ashton Road, Harold Hill, Romford, Essex, RM3 8UF. For those who live in or near Ipswich and would prefer to collect your tickets in person, they can also be bought in the town centre from: Ipswich Tourist Centre, St Stephen's Church, St. Stephen's Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1DP. If you enjoyed your speedway at Foxhall Heath during John Berry's 15 years there, between 1969 and 1985, then you won't want to miss this!

Hello Rick! Good to hear you're doing well for yourself. Like so many others, I found your comments on here very interesting and, given the limitations of the messageboard (and the strain on your typing fingers!), I wondered if you would like to be interviewed by Backtrack Magazine (you might remember me from my days at Speedway Mail in the 80s?). If so, please email me at editorial@retro-speedway.com with your phone number, and hopefully we can arrange to hook up soon. I'd like to call you to chat about the glory days at Brandon and your time in the USA Test team, etc, etc. I'm sure our readers would enjoy an in-depth interview with you in our next issue... Look forward to hearing from you soon... Cheers, Tony Mac Backtrack Magazine

Well, come on then...thanks to those who have taken the trouble, but there must be another million of you out there who are keeping those magic memories of past BLRC nights at Hyde Road locked away from us all! Share those memories with us...please!!!

John, Craig has been in touch and a copy of issue 6 has been sent to him - thanks for the thought. TMc

Just to confirm (for those who may be wondering) that the annual gathering, organised by Vintage Speedway Magazine, will be held at High Beech tomorrow (Sunday, Feb 6) from 11 am to 4pm. As usual, there will be a collectors' fayre and a display of vintage machines and memorabilia. A great pre-season meeting place for 'old-timers' to get together and get all nostalgic. Come and visit us at our table, where we'll be selling the brand new issue of Backtrack Magazine, John Berry's Confessions of a Speedway Promoter and the new issue of Vintage Speedway Magazine. See you there! Tony Mac

We had planned to hold an exclusive interview with Alan in a future issue of Backtrack Magazine. Our correspondent, Alan Jones, had sounded out Alan C at the Leicester reunion last November and he was due to conduct the interview on Alan's return to England early this year. Sadly, it hasn't been possible and now Alan Jones has written the tribute he never wanted to write in the new issue 6. RIP, Alan C. I never had the pleasure of meeting you but I know what a great character you were around the tracks. Tony Mac

As usual, we have another batch of exclusive interviews and features for your delight! Highlights include: BOBBY SCHWARTZ – our BIG, 6-pager with the former USA captain, who gives his frankest interview to date. 'Boogaloo' talks about his relationship with Bruce Penhall (inc the vow he made to beat Brucie) and his other World Pairs-winning partner, Dennis Sigalos. He explains the real story behind the infamous 'drugs bust' at Heathrow airport, when he and Kelly Moran were arrested and ended up facing a court fine. Also, Bobby opens his heart to recall the poignant death of his great friend and Reading team-mate, Denny Pyeatt, and why he walked out of a meeting at Hackney a year on from Denny's fatal accident at the same track. What he thinks of the fans who abused him . . . and he reveals the country that asked him and Siggy to 'throw' a race in the World Pairs final at Sydney in 1982. All this and much more from the colourful Californian... SIMON CROSS – Our second blockbuster . . . we talk to the former England star who reflects on the two big crashes of his turbulent career. First, the four-man pile up at Odsal that ended his Cradley Heath team-mate Erik Gundersen's career; and then the heavy fall in the World Pairs final at Landshut a year later that left 'Crossy' in a coma for five days and came close to leaving him paralysed. Simon also talks, from his new home in southern France, about his early National league days with Oxford and Weymouth, followed by the glory days at Dudley Wood, and what it was like to race in the same team as Erik, Jan O Pedersen, Lance King and the rest. He explains the frustrating end to his career at Coventry and read why he wished he'd quit racing sooner. TONY DAVEY - An Ipswich legend from the 70s and 80s, Backtrack columnist John Berry - Tony's former promoter at Foxhall - provides a brilliant, and at times sad, insight into the characteristics of the great, little racer we all knew as 'Shrimp', and his great courage in overcoming not just his own serious track injuries but also the personal loss of a loved one. MARTIN GOODWIN - The former Arena Essex and Rye House 'hard man' talks about his tough guy image and names the other riders he had run-ins with. The fiery Goodwin also looks back at some of his wildest moments, including the night his crash helmet smashed through the window of the referee's box and the food-throwing antics of his Hammers team-mates on a northern tour. Also, why the death of two fellow riders, and personal friends, affected the way he viewed his team-mates from then on. MICK HINES – Explaining his anger and frustration at becoming one of the last high profile victims of the old rider control system, which forced him to move from his home-town club, Ipswich, to Wimbledon in 1976. He took legal advice over it. Mick also recalls his NL days back in East Anglia with Mildenhall and Peterborough. ERIC BROADBELT – The much-travelled former England international tells how he he quit speedway to work on the markets of the north-west and now runs his own hardware shop. 'Broady' also looks back at a career spanning a host of clubs, including Belle Vue, Sheffield, Poole, Halifax, Edinburgh and Long Eaton. NEIL MIDDLEDITCH - Q&A with the Team GB Manager, who looks back at his earliest racing days as a young and hungry Eastbourne Eagle in the early 70s. Plus... John Berry presents the first of his three-part, in-depth analysis of the controversial Rider Control rule that cause such furore in the 60s and 70s. Bert Harkins revives memories of those great Scottish Cup battles between Edinburgh and Glasgow and looks at the roles the Templeton brothers played in those epic clashes. We've a tribute to the late Alan Cowland, and a profile of another Leicester 'old boy', Bruce Forrester, who is remembered as a legend on Teesside. Bob Spelta contacted us from Australia to talk about his eventful four seasons with Canterbury in the mid-70s. He reveals how he broke his back for the second time just two years ago. Hackney fans will doubtless enjoy our 'replay' of their classic 1977 victory over title-chasing Exeter and that momentous match-winning ride by Hawks hero Barry Thomas. There are more picture quizzes for you to answer, as well as a two-page photo review of that glorious Summer of '76... Ahh, those golden memories..... Don't miss 'em! Subscribe today for just £16 in the UK. It's easy...just go online at http://www.retro-speedway.com NOW! _________________________ NOTE: Issue 6 will be mailed out to all subscribers next Monday (Feb 7)...

In conjunction with the site administrators, we have agreed to nominate a HOT TOPIC at regular intervals, covering more general subjects and issues for fans from all over the country to debate. The difference, though, is that your views - or at least the best ones posted on here - will be reproduced in a future issue of Backtrack Magazine. It's a two-way thing - the forum site gets wider recognition through the pages of the magazine, hopefully creating awareness among those of our readers who are not yet visitors to this brilliant internet forum; while the mag will hopefully gain more subscribers/readers who want to see their names and views in print and then love Backtrack so much, they just have to buy every issue! Simple, eh? Right, enough of all that waffle... The first subject we want to hear from you about is the British League Riders' Championship (we'll cover the NLRC another day). Please share your great memories of this once annual classic meeting with us all - but not just the racing and any track incidents you particularly recall, but the occasion itself - the day out at Belle Vue; visit to the zoo; the cameraderie of the fans who filled Hyde Road, etc, etc. What was your favourite memory from past BLRC finals (and we're talking the 'Backtrack years' of 1965 to 1989 here, folks). Perhaps it was that epic duel between the veteran John Louis and Bruce Penhall in 1979? Or the night Kenny Carter threw it away when he stopped while leading after just three laps, thinking the race had ended? Maybe it was one of Briggo's six wins in a row in the 60s, or a glory night for Mauger, Olsen or PC? The great thing about printing your comments posted here in Backtrack, is that the feature on our pages will be enhanced by pictures from these great, old meetings. Sadly, we can't get the old Belle Vue back, or perhaps not even recapture the prestige of the BLRC for future stagings, but no-one can stop us wallowing in pure nostalgia and great times past... So c'mon....and thanks for your contributions.

Bobby Schwartz is our 'main man' in issue 6, to be published at the end of this month. One of the most successful and popular of the Americans who raced in Britain in the late 70s and through most of the 80s, 'Boogaloo' has given Brian Burford a great, new major interview exclusively for Backtrack. Bobby, now 48, talks candidly about: The memory of his dad and why he wore his name on his leathers. Early days at Cradley Heath and a dodgy B&B he shared with buddy, Bruce Penhall. His friendship and rivalry with double world champion Penhall and the vow 'Boog' made to him at Irwindale one night. His World Pairs successes with Penhall and Dennis Sigalos – the pits shenanigans among the Danes and Poles in Poland in '81, and then why the Americans had such a big advantrage over their rivals at Sydney in '82. The reason why he thinks Penhall really decided to quit England. His best-ever season at Reading when 'Racers' were champs in 1980. Why the fans and management turned against him and why he "couldn't care less’’ by the time he left the Smallmead club. Happy days at Eastbourne. Personal tragedy and the horror of seeing his mate, Denny Pyeatt, killed at Hackney. Bobby relives his shocking ordeal, including the note he found in Denny's trouser pocket... The truth about being arrested (with Kelly Moran) for possessing drugs at Heathrow in 1983. What Bobby really thinks of himself as a rider. What he's doing now...and more. Let us hear your memories of Bobby Schwartz via this messageboard... _________________ More news on what's in store in issue 6 to follow soon...

Brian, there's a good chance your 'Chalky' piece will be used in issue 6, though I have to guard against accusations of Hackney bias, when there are so many other ex-riders and tracks equally (well, almost!) deserving of attention...

Did anyone see that 'Confessions' got a good, positive mention in Saturday's issue of The Guardian newspaper - in the column reviewing best sports books of the year? When was the last time a speedway book got such credability? Have you ordered yet? It really is the best speedway book ever written - even The Guardian say so! - and the way sales are going a re-print may soon be on the cards...

Just to say 'thanks' to everyone who bought a signed copy from JB, either at Brighton yesterday or at one of the three signings at Ipswich on Saturday. It was great to meet so many Backtrack readers and forum members at Brighton. There is still time to order 'Confessions' in time for Xmas. We will guarantee delivery in time for Xmas on all orders received before this Thursday evening (Dec 16). Just give us a call on our credit card hotline - 01708 379 079. If you phone outside normal office hours, just leave your phone number and we'll get back to you asap. Many thanks. Tony Mac

Utopia beckons... As soon as the important details are confirmed - date, venue, etc - let me know and we'll ensure a good plug for the event in the next available issue of Backtrack Magazine (issue 6 in January?) I've already mentioned the idea to Dag Lovaas, who says he is keen to be there. He's more than willing to board a cheap Ryanair flight from Norway to be at the reunion. Once details are confirmed, I'll be only too pleased to help in contacting as many other ex-Hawks as poss to ensure a great turn-out for what will be a momentous occasion. Incidentally, no fans of the old Hawks should miss our exclusive with Dag in the brand new issue 5) of Backtrack, which will be mailed out to subscribers today. He has some nice words to say about his 1974 season at Waterden Road. Tony Mac

In case you haven't heard, John Berry is paying a flying return visit from his Australian home this week and will be signing copies of his brilliant new book, CONFESSIONS OF A SPEEDWAY PROMOTER, at the Brighton Bonanza meeting next Sunday (12th). So why not pop along to the Backtrack stand at Brighton to meet JB for a quick chat and to get your book signed? Even if you have already purchased your copy of 'Confessions' elsewhere, John will still be very happy to sign it for you, dog-earned or not! For Ipswich fans, or those living in the Suffolk area who perhaps can't make it to Brighton, John will also be signing his book at the following outlets on Saturday (11th): Orwell Motorcycles, Ranelagh Road (including special guest appearances by John Louis, Jeremy Doncaster and possibly Tony Davey) - 10am-12noon. Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, St Stephen's Church, St. Stephen's Lane (12.30pm) WH Smith & Son, Ipswich town centre (from 2.15pm). See you there!

Really sorry for the delay, but we hope it will be well worth the wait. Issue 5 is about to go to print and should hopefully be mailed out to all subscribers by this Thursday (9th). Issue 5 highlights: Main man - Phil Crump Really candid stuff from Crumpie, covering every aspect of his career and life. Read about the reasons why he feels he never became World Champion, the story behind THAT amazing revolutionary 4-valve in the mid-70s, the ups and downs of his relationship with son, Jason, and the only rider he fell out with in a big way. Plus the chance to win framed pictures signed by the Aussie legend. Jason Crump - yes, the new World Champion called up Backtrack REQUESTING an interview! Jason looks back to his childhood and the riders of the 80s he most liked to watch. His regrets about never having raced at Hyde Road, The Shay and infrequent visits to Owlerton. Plus, some very honest words on his sometimes stormy relationship with his famous father! Dag Lovaas - Amazing, soul-searching words from the former Norwegian No.1 who reveals his own personal anguish, haunting fears and why too many death-defying crashes forced him to he retire early. Why Anders Michanek was the reason behind his request to leave Reading, happy days at Hackney and Oxford and some strong words about former Norway rival Reidar Eide. Ron Preston - we catch up with the former USA, Poole and Eastbourne favourite, who looks back on those great England v USA Tests and read what he has to say about the rumoured feud with his former Poole team-mate Malcolm Simmons. Martin Dixon - a National League legend on his wildest days. Why he didn't get along with Kenny Carter at Halifax, the time a visiting promoter suggested he should be drug-tested and the two team managers he has most time for. Also, find out what Dicko does now till three o'clock in the morning! Ian Thomas - the new Belle Vue team boss reflects on his colourful career as a top promoter, including entertaining, anecdotes from his time at Workington, Hull, Newcastle and Belle Vue. John Berry - why he has decided to 'confess'. Bob Radford visits JB Down Under to interview the new author whose book, Confessions of a Speedway Promoter, is selling like hot cakes. Crayford v Workington - the 1980 65-12 whitewash. Quotes from both camps, including a new interview with Comets' Kevin Clapham. Bitter North-East rivals - Jack Millen and Frank Auffret. Plus the usual 'Berry Bites Back' responses to readers' questions. Tributes to the late David Smart and Colin Hill. Subscribe now! Also on sale at the Brighton Bonanza, so why not visit our stand for a chat with Tony Mac and John Berry, who will be signing copies of his new book...