TonyMac Posted February 4, 2018 Report Share Posted February 4, 2018 HERE COMES THE . . . AUSTRALIANS In the next issue (85) of Backtrack, Martin Rogers will be looking back at the Australian riders who competed in the two British leagues (BL1 and BL2/NL) between 1970 and 1990.in the 70s & 80s... Alongside the main piece will be a section of supporters' comments about the Aussies who raced in the UK during that era, so please either post your personal recollections, anecdotes, memories or opinions here or email us at: editorial@retro-speedway.com We look forward to hearing from you ASAP – respond and you might well get your name in Backtrack! Thanks. Tony Mac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salty Posted February 4, 2018 Report Share Posted February 4, 2018 27 minutes ago, tmc said: HERE COMES THE . . . AUSTRALIANS respond and you might well get your name in Backtrack! Thanks. Tony Mac Sore point after the Norwegian issue!! No hard feelings really though so I'll have another go. The 70's started with a load of Aussies in the British League yet by the mid -80's they were struggling to get a decent WTC quartet let alone a Test team. My favourite Aussie of the 70's was (of course as a Heathen) Johnny Boulger. Came to Dudley Wood in 1974 (the year the Swedes were banned) and in 3 seasons for Cradley proved a genuine Number 1, which if I recall was his motivation for moving from Leicester where he was in the shadow of Ray Wilson. I loved Johnny B - I can remember me and my mate spending over an hour on a car journey down to Poole singing "NaNaNa, NaNaNa, Wheyhey, Johnny Boulger" until my Dad threatened to turn back at Devizes! Crucially gave Cradley some respectability after a rotten 1973 season. Shout out here to Bob Valentine, who just had one season at Cradley before returning back to Aussie but had a super year. In the 80's as top flight Aussies got rarer I had a soft spot for Billy Sanders. I had a mate who was a Lynn fan and during Billy's year for the Stars we watched him at places like Reading and Hackney where I loved to see him blast off the fourth bend. Always had hopes that the likes of Steve Baker, Mark Fiora and Rod Hunter would break through to International class, but the latter two at least were big hitters in the National League. As a Plough Lane regular in the 80's I have to mention Todd "The Fastest Alive over the First 25" Wiltshire who oozed class and also Nathan Simpson who we saw develop so much as a Don. I always liked the Aussie riders in those days, which is why its sad when you read the negative comments on this Forum about so many of the current crew from Down Under. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted February 4, 2018 Report Share Posted February 4, 2018 Who could forget Garry 'Cassius' Middleton. A real character and one incident I recall is when he proceeded to argue with one 'Soldier Boy' (whatever happened to him?) after a second half incident at Cowley when he invited him onto the centre green so as to continue the 'debate'! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryce Posted February 4, 2018 Report Share Posted February 4, 2018 I can remember a young man coming out in a set of Bruce Penhall's leathers for second half rides at Cradley. He turned out to be David Cheshire, and although he never really hit the international heights, he was a full on entertainer on and off the track. John Boulger, John Titman, Phil Herne and Phil Crump all impressed, but the classiest Aussie of the time for me was Billy Sanders. I remember the shock when he passed away in such tragic circumstances. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidney the robin Posted February 5, 2018 Report Share Posted February 5, 2018 Phil Crump was the main Aussie for me i was lucky anough to watch him regularly and the guy was so consistent.I first see him ride for King's Lynn i never did see him ride for Crewe and then after that he would always pile up huge points for Newport and like at Mildura nearly unbeatable at Somerton Park.Billy Sanders also i was a huge fan of very classy and before his devastating death had really pushed on in career he was at that point certainly in the top eight riders in the world. A big regret was only seeing Jim Airey ride once another class act, Leigh Adams what a classy rider to have the pleasure of seeing him and for a short time the amazing Darcy Ward at the Abbey was a huge treat.Swindon have been lucky to have had some great riders ride for them over the years right up until last season with the present World Champ Doyley. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulco Posted February 5, 2018 Report Share Posted February 5, 2018 In my lifetime Glasgow have always had a strong Aussie connection . In the 60's we had one of the best , the one and only Charlie Monk . When we dropped down to division 2 in 1973 we had the classy Mick McKeon at Coatbridge and Merv Janke when we moved to Blantyre . But the Aussie connection really came into it's own at Shawfield in the early nineties when Shane Bowes , Jason Lyons and Mick Powell all lived in a rented house in Glasgow and starred on the track . 2004 brought us the Messiah , Shane Parker , so it's been a very successful relationship 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g13webb Posted February 5, 2018 Report Share Posted February 5, 2018 I always felt the Australians have a bond of togetherness, not always evident from other countries. Probably because they are a long way from home and cant just pop back when they want, for whatever reason this togetherness stretches back years.... When considering their small population, I am amazed at the number of quality sportspeople they have. It doesn't matter what sport we talk of their percentage of high quality far out weighs other countries. We at Lynn have been really fortunate seeing some wonderful talent, first stopping here to further their careers. Just a pity many only used it as a stop gap before moving on. To many, Darcy Ward stands out of an impressive list, but to me Phil Crump was head and shoulders above them all. Back in 1972, there wasn't the influx of top riders as there are these day, Maury Littlechild, who was also in charge of Crewe as well as Lynn , introduced Phil into the Stars line up to compliment the Betts, Simmo and Cole heat leader partnership. in a hope of bringing that long awaited league success . The effect was immediate. he was outscoring the more established stars from the oft. In only his first or second meeting he score a 15pt max his talent was there for all to see. Unfortunately he didn't stay very long, Neil Street, helped by his daughter, persuaded him to join Newport the following year. Out of sight probably, but never out of mind. He had a tremendous talent that was complimented by the relationship of future 'father-in-law' Neil Street, Crumpy went from strength to strength. I know he didn't win that world Championship, but he was always there or there abouts. When Jason came on the scene it was only fitting that he continued the Crump and Street upbringing, to bring home the big one. Seeing Jason riding them boards was so remmonissant of his dad all them years ago.... Remembering these wonderful times, really does gives me a warm feeling 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gavan Posted February 6, 2018 Report Share Posted February 6, 2018 At Ipswich we have a long line of Aussies from my time of starting to go in the early 80's starting with Billy Sanders. We had a few characters none more so then Craig Hyde and Steve Widt. I remember Ipswich riding at Lakeside and Craig Hyde did a full circuit of the M25 before finding his way back! Shane Parker coming over and scoring 19 points in an away match at Rye House in his first season was pretty special. Then you had the Langdon brothers at Poole who werent exactly quiet either 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawk127 Posted February 6, 2018 Report Share Posted February 6, 2018 At Rayleigh Peter Moore, what a wily old character who could really gate and was the only rider I can recall with slightly raised left hand side of the handle bars. The other was Bob Young. Another cracking rider who in style rode a bit like Batchelor does now. Those were the days. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salty Posted February 6, 2018 Report Share Posted February 6, 2018 Further to my earlier post I have to mention Dave Shields. Returned to Cradley for the 1981 season after 2 years away from Britain. After a slowish start to the campaign he became a key component of our Championship winning team ending with a League average of 6.12 from reserve, bringing the house down against Hull when beating Mauger and Drury? from the back. Never returned to these shores, but a key signing to help bring that title to Cradley for the first time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidney the robin Posted February 7, 2018 Report Share Posted February 7, 2018 (edited) 21 hours ago, salty said: Further to my earlier post I have to mention Dave Shields. Returned to Cradley for the 1981 season after 2 years away from Britain. After a slowish start to the campaign he became a key component of our Championship winning team ending with a League average of 6.12 from reserve, bringing the house down against Hull when beating Mauger and Drury? from the back. Never returned to these shores, but a key signing to help bring that title to Cradley for the first time. Going back before that Salty Gordon Guasco,Geoff Curtis, both sadly killed were very good riders Les Sharpe, Dennis Gavros,Bob Jameson,Greg Kentwell ,Paul Oneill all very popular at Halifax.Favourites of mine later on were Ron Henderson, Rod Hunter,Stan Bear,Steve Baker,Rob Ashton the Aussies have really unearthed some real talent at all levels over the years who i have really enjoyed watching. Edited February 7, 2018 by Sidney the robin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyMac Posted February 7, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2018 21 hours ago, salty said: Further to my earlier post I have to mention Dave Shields. Returned to Cradley for the 1981 season after 2 years away from Britain. After a slowish start to the campaign he became a key component of our Championship winning team ending with a League average of 6.12 from reserve, bringing the house down against Hull when beating Mauger and Drury? from the back. Never returned to these shores, but a key signing to help bring that title to Cradley for the first time. Wonder what happened to Dave and where is he now? He is one we would like to interview for Backtrack... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iris123 Posted February 7, 2018 Report Share Posted February 7, 2018 On 05/02/2018 at 11:05 AM, g13webb said: Back in 1972, there wasn't the influx of top riders as there are these day, Maury Littlechild, who was also in charge of Crewe as well as Lynn , introduced Phil into the Stars line up to compliment the Betts, Simmo and Cole heat leader partnership. in a hope of bringing that long awaited league success . The effect was immediate. he was outscoring the more established stars from the oft. In only his first or second meeting he score a 15pt max his talent was there for all to see. Unfortunately he didn't stay very long, Neil Street, helped by his daughter, persuaded him to join Newport the following year. Out of sight probably, but never out of mind. He had a tremendous talent that was complimented by the relationship of future 'father-in-law' Neil Street, Crumpy went from strength to strength. I know he didn't win that world Championship, but he was always there or there abouts. When Jason came on the scene it was only fitting that he continued the Crump and Street upbringing, to bring home the big one. Seeing Jason riding them boards was so remmonissant of his dad all them years ago.... Remembering these wonderful times, really does gives me a warm feeling Phil rode for Lynn in 1973,but it was a very short season as I think he was out injured as early as April for the rest of the year? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted February 7, 2018 Report Share Posted February 7, 2018 3 hours ago, tmc said: Wonder what happened to Dave and where is he now? He is one we would like to interview for Backtrack... Remember his sensational debut season riding for the "Cheetahs' in 1978. Shame he gave Britain a miss returning some years later at Cradley...could have achieved a lot more in the sport. I'm sure his son, Ben, had a spell over here at the same time as Adam but never really made it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted February 7, 2018 Report Share Posted February 7, 2018 19 minutes ago, iris123 said: Phil rode for Lynn in 1973,but it was a very short season as I think he was out injured as early as April for the rest of the year? If I recall he broke his scaphoid when attempting to replace a wheel on his car when the jack gave way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidney the robin Posted February 7, 2018 Report Share Posted February 7, 2018 8 minutes ago, steve roberts said: If I recall he broke his scaphoid when attempting to replace a wheel on his car when the jack gave way. He rode one meeting i believe Steve in 1973 before his scaphoid injury the next three years were the pinnacle of his career.He averaged over 10.5 twice and a 11.15 average 74,75,76, He had a bad injury with Martin Ashby at Sheffield in 77 but he came back and always averaged between 9 .5 and 10 points a meeting if only he had put his Streety conversion away for the World Final 75/76 he had every chance great rider though. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted February 7, 2018 Report Share Posted February 7, 2018 19 minutes ago, Sidney the robin said: He rode one meeting i believe Steve in 1973 before his scaphoid injury the next three years were the pinnacle of his career.He averaged over 10.5 twice and a 11.15 average 74,75,76, He had a bad injury with Martin Ashby at Sheffield in 77 but he came back and always averaged between 9 .5 and 10 points a meeting if only he had put his Streety conversion away for the World Final 75/76 he had every chance great rider though. Yes, Sid, a great rider. I remember when he came to Cowley in 1974 riding for Newport and managed to smash the track record! Glad that I saw him ride at Newport (twice if I recall)...a difficult track which he graced with distinction! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidney the robin Posted February 7, 2018 Report Share Posted February 7, 2018 6 minutes ago, steve roberts said: Yes, Sid, a great rider. I remember when he came to Cowley in 1974 riding for Newport and managed to smash the track record! Glad that I saw him ride at Newport (twice if I recall)...a difficult track which he graced with distinction! We always had a load of meeting's against Newport great rivals with Crump,Street,Trigg,Tebby,Mudge etc) good crowds and Newport walloped us a few times great days. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triple.H. Posted February 7, 2018 Report Share Posted February 7, 2018 4 hours ago, tmc said: Wonder what happened to Dave and where is he now? He is one we would like to interview for Backtrack... Was speaking to Adam Shields at Cardiff about 9 or 10 years ago and he said his Uncle Dave still had a spin on Matt Shields track. Said Dave's black leathers with the yellow handprint on the bum still fitted him too. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dontforgetthefueltapsbruv Posted February 21, 2018 Report Share Posted February 21, 2018 Given that had my parents not returned to the UK after nearly 3 years living out there I couldve been an Aussie I have often had soft spot for riders from down under although most of my memories of are of those outside the Backtrack era. Shane Parker was a brilliant character and great entertainment and today Cam Heeps is all action and 'worth the admission money alone' as the saying goes. During the Backtrack period there is of course just one I will pick out - the Witches legend that is Billy Sanders. One of my first true heroes as a kid and a big influence on me understanding life (and death) as I hit my teenage years. That October night at Smallmead watching the Witches clinch the title lead by Billy will never leave my memory and in all too short a time after how things changed! More recently my brother was involved in helping the Leigh Herne and Taylor Poole so there is link to the Backtrack era through their fathers - quite apt given my first sentence. Generally Ive always found the Aussies to be great fun and fierce competitors and a welcome and important part of British Speedway. Whilst I support all efforts to promote British youngsters for me there is always a place for our antipodean cousins. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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