falkirkbandit Posted October 14, 2009 Report Share Posted October 14, 2009 I was rummaging through a box of old DJ Magazines the other night looking for a particular issue when i came across this Speedway Star, i seem to remember it being given away with an issue of Speedway Star a few years ago, i might be wrong though, but i don't recall ever buying it! Anyhoo, its been great reading all the stories in it but this one by Howdy is a great read, and just as relevant today i think, 50 plus years after it was written, and if you flipped things round the other way, from a speedway fans point of view, it means just the same thing, well it does to me, we just can't get speedway out of our systems. Anyway, i've got my typing fingers primed and ready, here goes: There isn't a man riding today who isn't drugged! Startling? Stark, true fact. Where else can you find a sport like ours, where competitors take so many appalling risks as just part of the job? Where nightly, men chance a broken arm, a broken leg, or even risk the greatest thing they have to offer - their life? Why do we do it? Payment is good when you hit star status. But no money on earth is good enough when you run the risk of permanently crippling yourself or leaving behind all you hold dear, as we riders do with every race we ride. No, its not payment alone. That helps us get into the game, but what is it that keeps us in? What gets such a stranglehold on us that the very last thing we ever think of discussing is retirement? And when we do retire, what is it that draws us back to the track, even if only to watch others do what we once did, to smell with an appreciating nose the reek of burning rubber, the stench of racing dope, to potter round the pits lending a helping hand, or just to pay our bobs and take our place on the terraces? Can money do that to a man, especially when he's no longer getting any from that source? I'll tell you what keeps me in the game. Maybe you'll be a little more understanding then at those riders who, though long past their best, haven't the courage to make a complete break from the game we all love. The actual racing brings its thrills and a feeling of physical power and well being thats hard to explain. The love of the chase is born in all of us, in speedway it gets an outlet. The thrill of chasing, catching and passing the man in front, the power of controlling the mechanical monster, bending it your will, thrilling the thousands of onlookers. The terrific kick you get when the fans cheer. Its you they're roaring for. Imagine it. And can you wonder why we feel good when we hear your cheers and your warcries? The feeling that you are somebody when the kids come to get your autograph.You watch them beam with pleasure as they push their books under your nose. They run off and you think "well i've really given them something." The fascination of adjusting and experimenting with your engine or a frame, of trying your experiments out. Of inventing something - no matter how trivial or simple - and thinking "this is going to make me better than the other guy." And the pat on the back you feel like giving yourself if your gadget happens to work. The chance to travel to other countries, see life there. No stagnating in any one spot. Out and about around the world, see how the other half lives and never give yourself time to get bored. The feeling of comradeship such as we have never known since our schooldays (ah, happy times) ended. The skylarking about in the dressing rooms before the meeting. The thrill of opening the paper and seeing your name or photo in print. The living on your nerves, the haring round the country, the eternal "shop" talk, the never ending quest for a better motor, a better frame. Thats all part and parcel of my scrambled and probably garbled version of speedway. And why it gets such a hold on us that we just can't draw away. Yes, it has its sad times and moments of depression too, the pal you visit in hospital, the lad you know who, for one reason or another will never ride again. Worst of all, the speedway widows you meet, their saddened, haunted eyes seeing their husband, sweetheart or hero in your leathers. Then there's you, the paying public, the pleasant things you write, and some that aren't always so pleasant! The chatter at dances and socials, the boost you give us and the way you show your appreciation of our efforts to keep you entertained. You are nice people to know, its been a privilege that, but for speedway, i might never have had. Are there still any who do not understand why we cannot and will not get this drug called speedway out of our system? I just think its a great article...i'm off to put my typing fingers in an ice bucket after typing all that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOBBATH Posted October 15, 2009 Report Share Posted October 15, 2009 Thanx for sharing this falkirkbandit-Howdy was a great guy-just remember the end of his riding career with Hackney I think. In the Speedway Star years ago he wrote his reminiscences about his time as P.O.W. in Japan-made a real impression on me-it was serialised over about three issues-he had a way with words as well as being a great character.Thanx again for reminding us of good old Howdy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianmartin Posted October 15, 2009 Report Share Posted October 15, 2009 VERY, VERY GOOD POST falkirkbandit. I think a lot of Supporters can relate to a lot of this also. Once Speedway gets in your blood - it is certainly there to stay. I have loved this Sport for over forty years. I know others who have loved it even longer. I will probably go to my grave loving it still. Thank you for sharing Howdy's comments with us falkirkbandit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedyguy Posted October 17, 2009 Report Share Posted October 17, 2009 Thanx for sharing this falkirkbandit-Howdy was a great guy-just remember the end of his riding career with Hackney I think. In the Speedway Star years ago he wrote his reminiscences about his time as P.O.W. in Japan-made a real impression on me-it was serialised over about three issues-he had a way with words as well as being a great character.Thanx again for reminding us of good old Howdy. Are you sure it was the Speedway Star and not the Speedway Gazette (the latter about 1951)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOBBATH Posted October 17, 2009 Report Share Posted October 17, 2009 No I'm sure it was the Speedway Star and think it was about 1954-56-anybody out there remember this series of srticles by Howdy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedyguy Posted October 17, 2009 Report Share Posted October 17, 2009 (edited) No I'm sure it was the Speedway Star and think it was about 1954-56-anybody out there remember this series of srticles by Howdy. This is a message 5444 (October 5 2009) posted on the first site in my signatures It could, of course, be a different set of articles. The OTS message reads: Re: They went to war...1939-45 The Speedway Gazette ran a series of articles on Howdy Byford, written by the champ himself. This was 1951-52. They were very detailed They ran for several weeks. Edited October 17, 2009 by speedyguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOBBATH Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 Sorry mate must have got it wrong-its my memory!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedyguy Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 (edited) Sorry mate must have got it wrong-its my memory!! Not so. Perhaps the OTS poster was wrong and you are correct in regard to Howdy Byford's writings about his time in a Japanese PoW camp. Who knows? Edited October 18, 2009 by speedyguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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