Where Are They And What Are They Doing Now ?

[racers and royals]

As I have got older I have started reminiscing a lot more- probably because I can`t remember what happened 10 minutes ago . It set me thinking that lots of us supporters would love to know how a lot of ex- riders are doing these days.

I know Rob Peasley (Lucifer Sam) tracks down and interviews some for Backtrack magazine.

I don`t go on social media- so maybe some ex-riders are active on there ?

I would like to start the ball rolling by asking about a couple of real characters I got to know fairly well.- Tommy Palmer and Dave Steen.

Steeny had a most successful testimonial meeting - anyone remember "Bike Mania" seemed to go on for a day and a half

Tommy one day- allegedly got flashed by a speed camera on the A1 - stopped the van, got some Methanol and set fire to the camera !!!!

Please add to the list and any sleuth`s out there with any information to whereabouts will be gratefully received.

[RobMcCaffery]

I picked up on a few stories when I was also doing those Backtrack interviews. The best was probably Jamie Luckhurst who had become a professional glamour and fashion photographer whose main subject was a gorgeous young thing.

 

Where did it all go wrong?

 

I seem to remember David Walsh was working at the university in Glasgow, which perhaps for those who know him or have read is poetry would be no surprise.

 

One story that I'm sure has some wider media potential is Gary O'Hare, the speedway rider who simply wouldn't quit and is still travelling all over the country to race and win at an amateur level.

 

Those using Facebook won't find the next one news but a major personal surprise for an ex-Rocket was to find the long-lost Karl Fiala burst back onto the scene in a major way on social media after disappearing from the sport in 1981. We spent a fair bit of time in that appalling post-championship year wondering what had happened to him. He's apparently built a successful business making debit, credit and smartcards.

 

A while back I was at the Ellesmere Port reunion and Karl turned up there, a good couple of hundred miles from home.

 

Off-topic, there was also a display of bikes there that included one used by Dave 'Tiger' Beech of the Rayleigh Rockets in the early 70s. That's the first time I've ever wanted to be photographed sitting on a bike! Any veterans (survivors?) of the Weir will understand....