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Issue 11


TonyMac

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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...

Edited by tmc
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  • 4 weeks later...

Enjoyed reading the Colin Richardson interview, quite sad that Colin felt that he only had one good year from his riding career.

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 2 weeks later...
I just spotted where you're based, whowasetc.

 

Are they still doing that excellent buffet in the casino in Townsville?

 

Top notch seafood buffet, went there after the Townsville Cup....very nice.

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