John Louis Book - Your Memories Wanted

[TonyMac]

JOHN LOUIS BOOK - your memories, please!

 

JOHN Louis, Ipswich Speedway's greatest servant, is writing his amazing life story and his publisher is inviting supporters of the Witches to contribute to what promises to be a must-read book.

 

Retro Speedway will be publishing John Louis: A Life in Speedway in October.

 

In the meantime, they would like supporters to send in their own personal memories of 'Tiger' from his time in the sport as rider, promoter and team manager - an illustrious career spanning from 1969 until the present day.

 

Perhaps you have a personal story about JL, or recall a favourite meeting or race involving the 'Tiger'?

 

The best contributions will appear in a 'Tributes' section at the end of the book itself. Even if you write just a few words or sentences, no tribute will be too small.

 

Please email your comments to publisher Tony McDonald at editorial@retro-speedway.com (or simply post them on here) before September 1, 2015.

[WembleyLion]

John 'Tiger' Louis is my favourite rider of all time. I first saw him ride at Ipswich in 1970 and watched him regurlarly throughout the 70's as he lead the Witches to back to back championships in 1975 and 1976.

 

There are three individual meetings that stand out for me though and I was fortunate enough to witness all of them. Firstly, the 1975 British Final at Coventry and a 15 point maximum in front of huge crowd and then of course the World Final at Wembley later that year and third on the rostrum having beaten Ivan Mauger in a run off. JL was the first British rider to make the rostrum in 13 years since the late Peter Craven won in 1962. The final individual performance of my three was the memorable BLRC victory at Belle Vue in 1979 and the title winning ride against Bruce Penhall was one John's finest victories without doubt.

 

A truly great rider and fantastic servant to Speedway!

[TonyMac]

John 'Tiger' Louis is my favourite rider of all time. I first saw him ride at Ipswich in 1970 and watched him regurlarly throughout the 70's as he lead the Witches to back to back championships in 1975 and 1976.

 

There are three individual meetings that stand out for me though and I was fortunate enough to witness all of them. Firstly, the 1975 British Final at Coventry and a 15 point maximum in front of huge crowd and then of course the World Final at Wembley later that year and third on the rostrum having beaten Ivan Mauger in a run off. JL was the first British rider to make the rostrum in 13 years since the late Peter Craven won in 1962. The final individual performance of my three was the memorable BLRC victory at Belle Vue in 1979 and the title winning ride against Bruce Penhall was one John's finest victories without doubt.

 

A truly great rider and fantastic servant to Speedway!

Thanks - good to see at least someone has taken the trouble.

 

Can you please confirm your full name (either by private message, if you don't wish to divulge it here, or email to editorial@retro-speedway.com)

[cityrebel]

My first two memories of John Louis, like my mate 'wembley lion' were in 1970. Firstly riding for the youngs Brits against the mad Czechs at Romford, followed by the occasional appearance for west ham at custom house. What really stood out for me as a child were his 'tiger' leathers, a real flash of colour when most riders were still racing in black!

[salty]

First memory of John. Saturday 18th July - Cradley v Swindon. A new name appears amongst those in the second half.

Event 4 - Cradley Stakes

R - John Louis

B - Mike Letch

W - Cyril Francis

YB - Arne Pander

John finishes second to the winner Cyril who posted a time of 73 seconds dead.

Two races later and John is up against Arne again as well as Mike Gardner and John Bishop (the respective number 7's) and again finishes 2nd.

 

Amazing how time plays tricks because I would have sworn that I saw John ride in Cradley second halves more than once, but my programmes (and I missed few meetings that season) say otherwise. Maybe he rode extra laps after the meeting because he obviously made enough of an impression for me to stay behind and get his autograph on the front cover of the programme.

 

Pretty sure at that time I would have had no idea of John's Ipswich connection and would have considered him another second half hopeful.

Poignantly, this meeting took place the Saturday after Lokeren. Not only was there no Colin Pratt in the Heathens line up, but it is likely that John would have been due to ride against Mal Carmichael (who lost his life in Belgium) in the second half.

 

My next vivid memory of John is him exchanging insults and threats with a fired up bunch of Heathens supporters from the back of the victory tractor as it took the Witches down the back straight at Dudley Wood after Ipswich had curtailed another cup dream.

[TonyMac]

First memory of John. Saturday 18th July - Cradley v Swindon. A new name appears amongst those in the second half.

Event 4 - Cradley Stakes

R - John Louis

B - Mike Letch

W - Cyril Francis

YB - Arne Pander

John finishes second to the winner Cyril who posted a time of 73 seconds dead.

Two races later and John is up against Arne again as well as Mike Gardner and John Bishop (the respective number 7's) and again finishes 2nd.

 

Amazing how time plays tricks because I would have sworn that I saw John ride in Cradley second halves more than once, but my programmes (and I missed few meetings that season) say otherwise. Maybe he rode extra laps after the meeting because he obviously made enough of an impression for me to stay behind and get his autograph on the front cover of the programme.

 

Pretty sure at that time I would have had no idea of John's Ipswich connection and would have considered him another second half hopeful.

Poignantly, this meeting took place the Saturday after Lokeren. Not only was there no Colin Pratt in the Heathens line up, but it is likely that John would have been due to ride against Mal Carmichael (who lost his life in Belgium) in the second half.

 

My next vivid memory of John is him exchanging insults and threats with a fired up bunch of Heathens supporters from the back of the victory tractor as it took the Witches down the back straight at Dudley Wood after Ipswich had curtailed another cup dream.

 

Excellent! Thank you.

[TonyMac]

I read so much bullrubbish on this forum from many people who don't have the first clue what they are talking about; and the same from others who are so far up themselves that they really believe they are truly important in speedway when, in reality, they are nonentities; and then others who have half a brain but really just want attention and can't be bothered to type a couple of sentences because it's not self-serving.

 

So many words of drivel are posted almost every minute of every day, by those who need to get themselves a proper life, but try getting people to take a few minutes to momentarily put aside childish vendettas and petty jibes aimed at faceless keyboard warriors; to make a worthwhile contribution and let an English speedway legend know that he did some good in his career . . . nah, they can't be bothered.

 

Rant over.

 

To the precious few who have taken the trouble, thank you.

[oldace]

I read so much bullrubbish on this forum from many people who don't have the first clue what they are talking about; and the same from others who are so far up themselves that they really believe they are truly important in speedway when, in reality, they are nonentities; and then others who have half a brain but really just want attention and can't be bothered to type a couple of sentences because it's not self-serving.

 

So many words of drivel are posted almost every minute of every day, by those who need to get themselves a proper life, but try getting people to take a few minutes to momentarily put aside childish vendettas and petty jibes aimed at faceless keyboard warriors; to make a worthwhile contribution and let an English speedway legend know that he did some good in his career . . . nah, they can't be bothered.

 

Rant over.

 

To the precious few who have taken the trouble, thank you.

 

 

That is a lesson in how to lose any credibility you had and destroy the respect anyone may have had for you.

 

I am sure a few of those you have just seen fit to insult will be (probably now ex) customers of retro speedway

Edited September 4, 2015 by Oldace

[AndyJ]

Or perhaps the majority of BSF members quite simply have no John Louis stories to share? I must have seen him race during my childhood years at Hyde Road but, other than he was a heat leader who (I think) scored well when visiting, I've zilch of any value to contribute to this thread.

 

There is indeed a lot of claptrap posted on here and arguments galore, in common with pretty much all online forums, but BSF is still a fantastic fountain of knowledge courtesy of the many who do make plenty of informative posts. Bit harsh to criticise so strongly methinks..

Edited September 4, 2015 by Tkdandy

[The White Knight]

Or perhaps the majority of BSF members quite simply have no John Louis stories to share? I must have seen him race during my childhood years at Hyde Road but, other than he was a heat leader who (I think) scored well when visiting, I've zilch of any value to contribute to this thread.

 

There is indeed a lot of claptrap posted on here and arguments galore, in common with pretty much all online forums, but BSF is still a fantastic fountain of knowledge courtesy of the many who do make plenty of informative posts. Bit harsh to criticise so strongly methinks..

I'm afraid that I fall in to that category tmc.

 

I read so much bullrubbish on this forum from many people who don't have the first clue what they are talking about; and the same from others who are so far up themselves that they really believe they are truly important in speedway when, in reality, they are nonentities; and then others who have half a brain but really just want attention and can't be bothered to type a couple of sentences because it's not self-serving.

 

So many words of drivel are posted almost every minute of every day, by those who need to get themselves a proper life, but try getting people to take a few minutes to momentarily put aside childish vendettas and petty jibes aimed at faceless keyboard warriors; to make a worthwhile contribution and let an English speedway legend know that he did some good in his career . . . nah, they can't be bothered.

 

Rant over.

 

To the precious few who have taken the trouble, thank you.

Please see above Tony. Sorry.

 

 

That is a lesson in how to lose any credibility you had and destroy the respect anyone may have had for you.

 

I am sure a few of those you have just seen fit to insult will be (probably now ex) customers of retro speedway

Well I will NOT be cancelling any of my Subscriptions Oldace.

[stratton]

TMC i actually did not even see the thread until now,i have not been on the forum this week much.Louis (snr ) was a terrific rider was not a favourite of mine but he must of been one of the best visiting No 1s stat wise over a period to ride at the Abbey.He beat Briggs,Ashby,Kilby (ect) and as a visitor he would be up there with Olsen,Mauger,Michanek, Wilson, as one the best to visit Swindon.These threads i love as a rule where you can learn from others,and it is great to hear others people's memories.I like WK won't be cancelling Backtrack a great read,i have every one of them and all i would say is keep up the good work TMC.

[25yearfan]

_{I read so much bullrubbish on this forum from many people who don't have the first clue what they are talking about; and the same from others who are so far up themselves that they really believe they are truly important in speedway when, in reality, they are nonentities; and then others who have half a brain but really just want attention and can't be bothered to type a couple of sentences because it's not self-serving.}

 

_{So many words of drivel are posted almost every minute of every day, by those who need to get themselves a proper life, but try getting people to take a few minutes to momentarily put aside childish vendettas and petty jibes aimed at faceless keyboard warriors; to make a worthwhile contribution and let an English speedway legend know that he did some good in his career . . . nah, they can't be bothered.}

 

_{Rant over.}

 

_{To the precious few who have taken the trouble, thank you.}

 

 

No need whatsoever!

 

That said I'll share my memories of John Louis one of Englands finest and Ipswich speedways greatest rider!

 

I think Ipswich speedways rise from oblivion in the late 60's to one of Britains boom centres had a lot to do with the amazing impact of John Louis. His brilliance in 1971 meant the Witches had to move up into the 1st Division or go very stale in the 2nd Division without him!

 

I've seen no rider move up the ranks as quickly as John did. It seemed he went from unknown 2nd halfer to star rider in a matter of weeks!

 

I remember going to the 1972 World Final were only 3 years after his 1st 2nd halfs rides, John Louis came 4th and half the crowd seemed from Ipswich. Indeed at quite a few away meetings at near rivals King's Lynn and Hackney there seemed to be more Ipswich fans than away fans!

 

I remember going to pub in Suffolk just of the A140 {Norwich/Ipswich road) where they had a local singer who was singing a song about John Louis!

That shows how popular John was in Suffolk in the heady years of the 1970's!

 

I became a regular at King's Lynn on Saturdays in the summers of 1983/84 when the by now 40 plus John Louis was King's Lynns best rider when the top flight of British speedway had virtually all of the Worlds top riders in it!

 

One memory which stands out for me regarding John Louis was from his final 1984 season when in the Ipswich 16 lapper he gated in front of the other 7 riders and a couple of laps later dropped it on the 1st bend causing major carnage!

Edited September 6, 2015 by 25yearfan

[waiheke1]

I read so much bullrubbish on this forum from many people who don't have the first clue what they are talking about; and the same from others who are so far up themselves that they really believe they are truly important in speedway when, in reality, they are nonentities; and then others who have half a brain but really just want attention and can't be bothered to type a couple of sentences because it's not self-serving.

 

So many words of drivel are posted almost every minute of every day, by those who need to get themselves a proper life, but try getting people to take a few minutes to momentarily put aside childish vendettas and petty jibes aimed at faceless keyboard warriors; to make a worthwhile contribution and let an English speedway legend know that he did some good in his career . . . nah, they can't be bothered.

 

Rant over.

 

To the precious few who have taken the trouble, thank you.

Wow, someone's obviously not getting any!

Very strange post, especially given the way the vast majority have put aside differences recently (Blaze and Jacques agreeing with Sid!) to express unified support for Darcy.

Not to worry, hasn't put me off getting Simmo's book on Kindle from the kids for father's day.

My memories of Louis:

I started attending Belle Vue in the 80s. So I recall him as an ok Heat Leader for Halifax, normally good for half a dozen points around Hyde Rd, 7 or 8 at the Shay - certainly not a rider to be feared, unlike Kenny Carter. When he moved to KL I recall one devastating maximum at Hyde Rd in 83, but some other mediocre displays, including 1 point in the BLRC in 84. Basically, I only saw him when he was past his peak, and thus saw only brief glimpses of the rider regarded as something of a track specialist in the 70s. The same could be said of the likes of Olsen, Simmons, Jessup, Kennett who at the time I under rated as I never saw them in their prime (and certainly the latter two never rode Hyde Rd particularly well anyway).

TBH TMC, I wasn't sure that was the kind of memory you were after!

[ColinMills]

I read so much bullrubbish on this forum from many people who don't have the first clue what they are talking about; and the same from others who are so far up themselves that they really believe they are truly important in speedway when, in reality, they are nonentities; and then others who have half a brain but really just want attention and can't be bothered to type a couple of sentences because it's not self-serving.

 

So many words of drivel are posted almost every minute of every day, by those who need to get themselves a proper life, but try getting people to take a few minutes to momentarily put aside childish vendettas and petty jibes aimed at faceless keyboard warriors; to make a worthwhile contribution and let an English speedway legend know that he did some good in his career . . . nah, they can't be bothered.

 

Rant over.

 

To the precious few who have taken the trouble, thank you.

im quite happy to answer this. I am no longer interested in Ipswich speedway after being a fan of 40 yrs 1971-2011.. but for you I will be totally positive, john Louis was plastered over every inch of my wall as a child, I saw john win at Hackney, div 2 riders championship, superb baptism to speedway..highlights of his riding days, the pair victory with tony Davey, his team riding with mike lanham, ron bagley..I still have the cutting from the paper when he returned to foxhall with Halifax. headlines "tiger back at foxhall and trouble", the night tim hunt put him through the home straight fence..loved the way he beat john cook in heat 4, as it was the first visiting rider I shouted for!....unfortunately he couldn't get near sigalos that night, great golden helmet wins over phil crump, leathers were probably best leathers in speedway, could praise him for ages, as a rider, a legend at foxhall

[dontforgetthefueltapsbruv]

Only just found this thread and seems I am too late to add my comments in line with tmcs OP deadline.

But for what its worth anyway here goes...

 

Mr Ipswich Speedway. Full stop.

 

John Berry rightly gets credited for the success story that was Ipswich Speedway upon its resurrection but every master craftsmen needs the best tools to work with.

In John Louis he had just that -he was the perfect local hero to build around.

Very few riders rise so quickly as John did and goodness knows what he couldve achieved had he started 10 years earlier.

Then of course not content with such a worthy riding career he embarks on taking on the mantle of ' the boss'.

Whilst never as successful as Berry trophy wise (1998 aside - who could forget that year!!) it could easily be argued John was more important than Berry in that without him there may no longer be an Ipswich Speedway and he has kept going through the tough times whilst comparatively Berry was there when you just had to open the gates.

In terms of a personal memory I still have hanging in my wardrobe a race jacket won towards the end 1979.John raffled a few off in the last weeks of the season. Dad won but I got it.

Somewhere in the archives will be a picture of a skinny 8 year old with a beaming smile on the centre green at Foxhall with John presenting it - thats me!!

In summary - thanks John for all of that and of course the dynasty continues with Chris...

[Reviresco]

Totally agreed 'Fuel Taps'.

 

I doubt if there is any other rider whose promoter would have taken his club up a division to keep a particular rider at that club.

 

I can't believe it is nearly 45 years since I first saw JL ride - as a Guest for Eastbourne (who had Dave Jessup & Gordon Kennett in their team) at Brooklands in October 1970. John won his 4 heats by at least half a lap and set the fastest time of the night. (I think JL then scored a paid max the following evening guesting for Hackney against West Ham)

 

The next time I remember seeing John ride was for the Witches at Romford in a BL2 match at the beginning of the 1971 season when both he and Tony Davey rode to maximums and either broke or then equalled the Track Record during the meeting before JL equalled the new Record again in retaining the Silver Helmet.

 

Saw John in both the 1975 and 1976 World Finals, but still consider that 1973 may have been his best chance of winning the Title but for his disqualification from the British/Nordic round. As '25 Year Fan' says, finishing 4th in the 1972 Final in only his third year in the sport and his first full-time riding in the top division, was an amazing achievement. JL's rapid rise from 2nd Half rider to world class was meteoric. Not sure whether being a late starter helped or hindered his career.

 

The Thursday after the 1975 World Final. I made the trip up the A12 to Foxhall for the Witches match against Reading with JL (3rd in the World) taking on Anders Michanek (2nd), only for John to be excluded for taking Mich off on the 1st bend of the 1st heat which led to Michanek's withdrawal from the meeting. (Remember Billy Sanders scoring a maximum)

 

BLRC2 and BLRC champion. Not sure if anyone else has achieved this.

 

Not sure if its an urban myth but was told that for an oil company (Castrol?) commercial, John was asked to drop his clutch late in one meeting so he could be filmed passing through the field to the front.

 

Mention John Louis and team riding always comes to mind and as 'Colin' has mentioned there were 2 x BL Pairs titles (with Billy). I can't forget John Earrhy making the comment over the PA that JL had been warned by the referee for looking behind him more than forwards after one particular heat of team riding.

 

After the unveiling of the Prince Obolensky statue in Ipswich, Radio Suffolk asked what other person should be honoured similarly and for his services to his sport and to his town, JL deserves that accolade.

[The Doctor...]

I read so much bullrubbish on this forum from many people who don't have the first clue what they are talking about; and the same from others who are so far up themselves that they really believe they are truly important in speedway when, in reality, they are nonentities; and then others who have half a brain but really just want attention and can't be bothered to type a couple of sentences because it's not self-serving.

 

So many words of drivel are posted almost every minute of every day, by those who need to get themselves a proper life, but try getting people to take a few minutes to momentarily put aside childish vendettas and petty jibes aimed at faceless keyboard warriors; to make a worthwhile contribution and let an English speedway legend know that he did some good in his career . . . nah, they can't be bothered.

 

Rant over.

 

To the precious few who have taken the trouble, thank you.

 

I saw this thread on the day it was created, but with me being mid 30s, i had clearly nothing to add.

 

Look at the folks on this forum who chip in regularly...most will have nothing to say that would be any kind of use to you about John Louis. Thats not to slag off any particular group, its simply a fact of life.

 

I seriously doubt that any of the folk you aim your rant at would even be of the age or brain power to contribute to what will no doubt be an excellent read, no matter how much feedback you get from the bsf.

 

I know zilch about John Louis,

 

But i do know, as a young lad in 1990 taking my first steps in the sport, with you as editor, the Speedway Mail was a big part of me falling in love with the sport.

 

And i thank you for that.

 

Screw John Louis

Edited September 10, 2015 by The Doctor...

[TonyMac]

im quite happy to answer this. I am no longer interested in Ipswich speedway after being a fan of 40 yrs 1971-2011.. but for you I will be totally positive, john Louis was plastered over every inch of my wall as a child, I saw john win at Hackney, div 2 riders championship, superb baptism to speedway..highlights of his riding days, the pair victory with tony Davey, his team riding with mike lanham, ron bagley..I still have the cutting from the paper when he returned to foxhall with Halifax. headlines "tiger back at foxhall and trouble", the night tim hunt put him through the home straight fence..loved the way he beat john cook in heat 4, as it was the first visiting rider I shouted for!....unfortunately he couldn't get near sigalos that night, great golden helmet wins over phil crump, leathers were probably best leathers in speedway, could praise him for ages, as a rider, a legend at foxhall

 

Very well said, thanks.

Only just found this thread and seems I am too late to add my comments in line with tmcs OP deadline.

But for what its worth anyway here goes...

 

Mr Ipswich Speedway. Full stop.

 

John Berry rightly gets credited for the success story that was Ipswich Speedway upon its resurrection but every master craftsmen needs the best tools to work with.

In John Louis he had just that -he was the perfect local hero to build around.

Very few riders rise so quickly as John did and goodness knows what he couldve achieved had he started 10 years earlier.

Then of course not content with such a worthy riding career he embarks on taking on the mantle of ' the boss'.

Whilst never as successful as Berry trophy wise (1998 aside - who could forget that year!!) it could easily be argued John was more important than Berry in that without him there may no longer be an Ipswich Speedway and he has kept going through the tough times whilst comparatively Berry was there when you just had to open the gates.

In terms of a personal memory I still have hanging in my wardrobe a race jacket won towards the end 1979.John raffled a few off in the last weeks of the season. Dad won but I got it.

Somewhere in the archives will be a picture of a skinny 8 year old with a beaming smile on the centre green at Foxhall with John presenting it - thats me!!

In summary - thanks John for all of that and of course the dynasty continues with Chris...

 

Lovely tribute. Would you mind pleasing confirming your full name by email to me at editorial@retro-speedway.com?

 

Thanks.