Ray Wilson

[TonyMac]

WORLD CUP WILLY

The Ray Wilson Story

 

Produced by Retro Speedway, £16.00.

Running time: 3 Hours.

 

RAY WILSON was one of the greatest English riders of his generation, an outstanding world class performer for club and country.

 

He began his career with Long Eaton in 1963 but when the Archers moved to Leicester five years later it was a move that saw him establish himself as an international star who would make history on the world stage.

 

Indeed, it was his 12-point maximum for the victorious Great Britain side in the 1971 World Team Cup Final the first full score by any Brit - that earned Ray the enduring nickname World Cup Willy.

 

In this entertaining double disc production, we visit Ray at his Leicester home to film him reliving an illustrious career that brought him a host of major titles, including the 1973 British Championship, a hat-trick of World Team Cup winners medals and one World Pairs title.

 

The former England No.1 and skipper recalls those magical Wembley occasions when he led his country to victory against Sweden, Poland and the USSR. He reveals the secrets to England successes during this golden period for British speedway, including an insight into his brilliant partnership with Terry Betts that brought them glory in 1972.

 

He talks about his years as the local hero of his beloved Leicester Lions and his relationships with team-mates and fellow heat leaders such as Anders Michanek, John Boulger and Dave Jessup. And what it was like riding for his father, Ron Wilson, at Blackbird Road.

 

Weve video action footage of his brilliant victory over Martin Ashby to secure a place in the 1975 World Final at Wembley, plus other races featuring one of the countrys most respected and well-liked racers.

 

As well reflecting on his halcyon days with Leicester, Willy also explains why he finally left the Lions den in 1977 to end his racing days with Midlands rivals Birmingham.

 

And bringing us right up to date, we follow Ray to Leicesters Beaumont Park, where he gives us his views on the Lions new home.

 

With many still photographic image to complement the video footage, including colour cine action from Leicester, plus interviews with Rays wife Jane, new Leicester Lions boss David Hemsley, club historian Alan Jones and a word with Rays long-serving ex-mechanic Frank Lewin, this three-hours DVD is a must . . . not only for all Ray Wilson fans, but anyone who respects him for the true national hero he became.

 

To order your copy for £16 (post-free in the UK), visit http://www.retro-speedway.com or phone our Credit/Debit Card Hotline on 01708 734 502.

Edited November 4, 2010 by tmc