steve roberts Posted July 2, 2016 Report Share Posted July 2, 2016 (edited) No, definitely don't miss that. Most fans left after the main match anyway so we'd be losing two heats if they went back to that idea. We had great second halves at Cowley during the early seventies with the Eastbourne and Peterborough kids taking part due to Oxford's promotional tie up. Hence why Oxford and White City built up a good pool of riders unlike some other teams who relied on hand-outs (Kennett, Ballard, Davis, Geer, Gachet, Clark, Weatherley, Greer etc) enabling them to mix it with the main team during the second half. Oxford didn't lose many fans significantly after the main match...stayed behind to watch the kids! In fact just recently re-read an interview with James Easter (Businessman and one time promoter and Team Manager) who agreed. Joe Screen also acknowledges his success to initially riding in second halves. Edited July 2, 2016 by steve roberts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted July 2, 2016 Report Share Posted July 2, 2016 7 man teams. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aces51 Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 A bigger league. A home match every week giving 28+ home meetings a season. Keeping most of the team season after season. Local riders in the team. The old T/S rule. Last year I would also have added some of the other things mentioned but the NSS now provides a brilliant track where spectators can be close up to the racing and with the option to get covered in shale for those who want it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pugwash Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 Lee Richardson. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 The Shay 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Voice Of Reason Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 - Bombing up and down the motorways to away fixtures on Saturdays, following my beloved Hackney, and seeing speedway bikes strapped to the back of cars (riders seemed to have a particular love of Citroen estates). - As already mentioned - tape touching; replaced with the current process which entails numerous restarts and does anything other than speed up the meeting. - Speedway Mail - always preferred it to The Star. - Admission prices that were reasonable AND for more than 15 heats.......spread out over 2 hours! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 - Bombing up and down the motorways to away fixtures on Saturdays, following my beloved Hackney, and seeing speedway bikes strapped to the back of cars (riders seemed to have a particular love of Citroen estates). - As already mentioned - tape touching; replaced with the current process which entails numerous restarts and does anything other than speed up the meeting. -Speedway Mail-always preferred it to The Star. - Admission prices that were reasonable AND for more than 15 heats.......spread out over 2 hours! Sold of course by 'Big Arthur.' You could hear his booming voice from the other side of the stadium! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 Sold of course by 'Big Arthur.' You could hear his booming voice from the other side of the stadium! ...or Kojak at Cowley! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triple.H. Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 In the old wooden main stand at Oxford people banging on the door at the bottom of the steps leading upto the referees box, mostly using language that would make a vicar blush. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 In the old wooden main stand at Oxford people banging on the door at the bottom of the steps leading upto the referees box, mostly using language that would make a vicar blush. Yes my friend's father was one of them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobnob Smith Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 Yes my friend's father was one of them! ahh the good old days , doing the old war cries gives a c etc 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 ahh the good old days , doing the old war cries gives a c etc Two, Four, Six. Eight who do we appreciate....... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spencebel Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 Everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyd Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 (edited) Mr controversy Garry Middleton, a man guaranteed to liven up any meeting either by his riding or by upsetting a opposition rider, team manager or promoter. The London Cup The Southern Riders Championship The Gold Cup Wembley, Wimbledon, Hackney and White City Speedway clubs The WD & HO Wills International at Wimbledon The end of season Champions Chase at Hackney Edited July 3, 2016 by tonyd 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 Mr controversy Garry Middleton, a man guaranteed to liven up any meeting either by his riding or by upsetting a opposition rider, team manager or promoter. The London Cup The Southern Riders Championship The Gold Cup Wembley, Wimbledon, Hackney and White City Speedway clubs The WD & HO Wills International at Wimbledon The end of season Champions Chase at Hackney Great source of entertainment! 'Cass the Gas' always good value. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norbold Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 - Bombing up and down the motorways to away fixtures and seeing speedway bikes strapped to the back of cars. I was going to say that! Also seeing cars with team stickers in the back window. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fourentee Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 The late Mel Pettit rising slowly but inexorably from his seat in the stand at Derwent Park, the late evening sun flashing off the myriad badges on his blazer, and pivoting on the balls of his feet to favour some unfortunate referee with an incinerating glance in which contempt and pity fought for supremacy. A much missed gentleman. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midland Red Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 A bigger league. A home match every week giving 28+ home meetings a season. Keeping most of the team season after season. Local riders in the team. The old T/S rule. Spot on! That's the only way forward - by going back to this Plus, 13 heats and a second half Riders socialising with fans in bar afterwards 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
screm Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 ahh the good old days , doing the old war cries gives a c etc C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triple.H. Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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