2002 Wimbledon Revival And Other Happenings

[Guest]

Sunday, March 12, 2017. This is not a pay in advance event - just get there nice and early!!!

Edited February 24, 2017 by Guest

[Guest]

::: FORWARDED MESSAGE sent by Bert Harkins ==== Jon Stevens and The Dons Den will be exhibiting at the Celebration of Speedway at Paradise Wildlife Park on Sunday 26th February so come along all you Dons' fans and find out what is happening at the Farewell Reunion. Paradise is signposted from Junction 25 of the M25 and is easy to find. Free car parking, BBQ,Rider interviews, Unsilenced bikes started up on the hour every hour, Win 2 tickets for the Cardiff GP, it is all happening on 26th, so "Come On Down"!

[Chadster]

As I recall, on the re-opening night, the track was laid on top of the stock-car track and the plan of the promoters was to 'lift and lay' the shale for every meeting. One problem was that the track shape was far from ideal and coupled with the wet weather, the racing was, shall we say, not for the purist. The initial track record was 90 seconds in heat one though by the time of the abandonment it was in the 60s. The next scheduled meeting was postponed as the saturated shale had not dried in time and fairly quickly the bends were widened to produce better racing. The problem then was that the inner curbs of the stock car track were in the middle of the track, which was considered a safety risk and the new promotion was ordered to build a new track completely inside the stock car circuit. Given the succession of difficulties that were faced I was impressed that the promotion survived as long as it did. I must stress these are the recollections of a terrace fan and not an insider so I hope they are accurate.

[Guest]

As I recall, on the re-opening night, the track was laid on top of the stock-car track and the plan of the promoters was to 'lift and lay' the shale for every meeting. One problem was that the track shape was far from ideal and coupled with the wet weather, the racing was, shall we say, not for the purist. The initial track record was 90 seconds in heat one though by the time of the abandonment it was in the 60s. The next scheduled meeting was postponed as the saturated shale had not dried in time and fairly quickly the bends were widened to produce better racing. The problem then was that the inner curbs of the stock car track were in the middle of the track, which was considered a safety risk and the new promotion was ordered to build a new track completely inside the stock car circuit. Given the succession of difficulties that were faced I was impressed that the promotion survived as long as it did. I must stress these are the recollections of a terrace fan and not an insider so I hope they are accurate.

 

​That's the basis as I recall of the initial efforts to re-establish speedway at Wimbledon in 2002. I think that its salvation at the time was only when that extremely dedicated person Ian Perkin emerged on the promotional scene. Then things started to take on an excellent trend - all thwarted in 2005 by the actions of the GRA.

[iris123]

There was a day long ago when i think 20,000 were left outside the stadium on a speedway night as the stadium was full.Now i doubt if the meeting on the 5th March 2017 will even have half of that 20,000 inside the stadium?

 

I cannot remember from when, in the days when there was speedway at Wimbledon, this happened:

 

Edited February 28, 2017 by iris123

[Guest]

An all speedway goodbye event would indeed have been a nice idea. But who would have financed and staffed such a venture - and how many people would have turned up anyway?

From the various images that have been placed in regard to the Sunday, March 12 event, some rider names have been listed as likely to attend.

Sadly, so far the organiser has not yet issued a detailed background as to what is schemed - apart from the image adverts. For my part I would like to see something specific very soon in this respect.

[The White Knight]

 

I cannot remember from when, in the days when there was speedway at Wimbledon, this happened:

 

 

Sadly - as far as I can see - Speedway doesn't even rate a mention in this latest Poster.

[Guest]

Sadly - as far as I can see - Speedway doesn't even rate a mention in this latest Poster.

 

​That's correct. It's just to indicate that overall there is a demand for motor sport in London. This one is at the capital's LAST remaining circuit - on its way to closure in just a few weeks time. But still able to attract a sell out crowd for a motor sport event - albeit not an over large sell out crowd.

[The White Knight]

 

​That's correct. It's just to indicate that overall there is a demand for motor sport in London. This one is at the capital's LAST remaining circuit - on its way to closure in just a few weeks time. But still able to attract a sell out crowd for a motor sport event - albeit not an over large sell out crowd.

Cheers for that gustix.

[The White Knight]

gustix - I always thought that Speedway was a huge part of Wimbledon's History. It doesn't get a mention in the latest Posters, or on the brief write up.

 

Plenty about the so called Stox but nothing regarding Speedway.

 

A question - were Stox (or whatever they are called) more popular at Wimbledon than Wimbledon 'Dons'?

 

With the likes of Briggo, Ronnie Moore, Tommy Jansson, Cyril Maidment, Wilbur Lamoreoux, Norman Parker et al. I can't believe that 'Stox' was better supported than Speedway.

[Guest]

gustix - I always thought that Speedway was a huge part of Wimbledon's History. It doesn't get a mention in the latest Posters, or on the brief write up.

 

Plenty about the so called Stox but nothing regarding Speedway.

 

A question - were Stox (or whatever they are called) more popular at Wimbledon than Wimbledon 'Dons'?

 

With the likes of Briggo, Ronnie Moore, Tommy Jansson, Cyril Maidment, Wilbur Lamoreoux, Norman Parker et al. I can't believe that 'Stox' was better supported than Speedway.

The publicity material is stock car orientated because it is being provided by Spedeworth Motorsport who have been promoting car racing there since 1962. There has not been an active speedway promotion at the stadium since the end of 2005.

It is only through the co-operation of Spedeworth Motorsport that former Dons' rider Jon Stevens has been able to stage a speedway memorial event on Sunday, March 12. As it is, this is only be staged as part of a mainstream stock car meeting.

Whether or not stock cars were more popular at Wimbledon than speedway - overall I would vote in favour of speedway.

Edited March 1, 2017 by Guest

[Guest]

The latest Poster that mentions speedway on Sunday, March 12, 2017:

[Guest]

This Wikipedia item in regard to Wimbledon Stadium IMO needs updating in parts, but for all that is an interesting look at what has taken place at the soon to be lost to motorsport venue.

https://en.wikipedia...mbledon_Stadium

[BangerBoy]

 

The publicity material is stock car orientated because it is being provided by Spedeworth Motorsport who have been promoting car racing there since 1962. There has not been an active speedway promotion at the stadium since the end of 2005.

It is only through the co-operation of Spedeworth Motorsport that former Dons' rider Jon Stevens has been able to stage a speedway memorial event on Sunday, March 12. As it is, this is only be staged as part of a mainstream stock car meeting.

Whether or not stock cars were more popular at Wimbledon than speedway - overall I would vote in favour of speedway.

 

Think you will find that Stock Cars were more popular hence they kept going from 1962

[Guest]

 

The publicity material is stock car orientated because it is being provided by Spedeworth Motorsport who have been promoting car racing there since 1962. There has not been an active speedway promotion at the stadium since the end of 2005.

It is only through the co-operation of Spedeworth Motorsport that former Dons' rider Jon Stevens has been able to stage a speedway memorial event on Sunday, March 12. As it is, this is only be staged as part of a mainstream stock car meeting.

Whether or not stock cars were more popular at Wimbledon than speedway - overall I would vote in favour of speedway.

 

 

 

Think you will find that Stock Cars were more popular hence they kept going from 1962

 

You make a strong point in favour of stock cars BangerBoy. I tend to agree that 55 consecutive seasons since 1962 does indicate much interest in 'stock car' racing at Wimbledon Stadium.

But also consider that speedway ran 11 seasons from 1928 to 1939 then had an enforced break because of WW2 until 1946. They then ran until 1992 which was a 46 season spell, so there are extremely favourable comparisons for speedway?

[Guest]

The adverts have been excellent but still VERY urgently needed is a Press Release FULLY detailing an agenda for Sunday March 12. Just what organisation is to be in place to ensure the event is a success?

[Guest]

WIMBLEDON STADIUM MARCH 12 2017

Countdown to the Final Farewell..........from Jon Stevens, event organiser:

Latest News:

TheDonsDen Tent will be at Wimbledon Stadium from 3:30pm onwards. We will be situated past the old pit bend by the entrance to the stadium

Please be reminded admission into the stadium is now via the old back straight (Mick the Miller stand).

We will have Speedway bikes on display dating from 1929 up until modern era. You will get an opportunity to hear these bikes starting from 4:30pm onwards prior to the start of the stockcar meeting at 5:30pm.

You can purchase /pick up (for pre-orders) any items from the DonsDen stall inside on the ground floor Grandstand.

You will see the DonsDen area along the top tables in the Grandstand. Please go along and grab an autograph, photo with the Dons Riders there. Not all riders will be on parade.

Sit back enjoy the stockcar action..... brace yourself for that iconic Blaze Away tune when the sound and smell of Speedway Machines with riders mounted on them will be heard roaring from the pit bend tunnel and onto the track for the last four laps.

Admission prices can be found below or if you require further information please follow the link below;

Spedeworth Motorsports
NB: While we take all possible care in compiling this list we cannot be held responsible for the non-appearance of an individual driver!
WWW.SPEDEWORTH.CO.UK

Spedeworth Motorsports

SPEDEWORTH.CO.UK

Edited March 6, 2017 by Guest

[Guest]

Forwarded message:

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7 hrs ·

SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL THIS SUNDAY AT WIMBLEDON.

In addition to the usual exciting four formula Stock car racing, this Sunday we are extremely pleased to announce a very special event in association with our friend Jon Stevens at The Dons Den.

As well as the superb Classic Hot Rods, Back To Basics Unlimited Bangers, Stock Rods and Junior Rods, classic Speedway bikes return to Plough Lane for the first time since 2005.

A one-off Farewell Reunion will be taking place, featuring some of the biggest names from the illustrious history of the Wimbledon Dons Speedway team.

Come along and meet some former stars of the sport such as former World No.2 Gordon Kennett and Swedish International Bo Jansson amongst many others.

Bikes will be gathered just past the old pit bend by the entrance to the stadium from 3:30 and fired up from 4:30pm. The plan is then for the bikes to appear on track mid way through the stock car meeting.

More details of who will be appearing can be found on 'The Dons Den' Facebook page.

[iris123]

Forwarded message:Urgent update. The start time for the stockcars has been brought forward to 5:10pm. Please ensure you arrive early enough to avoid disappointment. The speedway bike warm up will now take place at the slightly earlier time of 4pm.

[Sidney the robin]

Is there any chance of getting the Dons racejacket with Jansson on it? looks superb.