Jump to content
British Speedway Forum

RIP Taffy Owen


Recommended Posts

Used to go into his bike spares shop on Hyde Rd as a kid...

Looking in awe at the complete bikes and bike parts..

Remember him going over the safety fence once too, bike and all...

Sad news...

R.I.P. Taffy... 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Shame.  I also recall trips to Belle Vue, Hyde Road; before the meeting pop across the road to 'Taffys Super Cool Speedway Shop', Track In Spares actually, to drool over all the super cool speedway stuff for sale, chat with riders picking up bits & pieces, chat with Taffy himself, maybe buy the odd sticker, then back across the road for the speedway.  RIP Taffy....

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Very sad to hear of Taffy passing away. He signed for the Comets during the first Ian Thomas ( with Geoff Brownhutt) regime in 1970. The season was almost over when Taffy signed from Rochdale in September of that year. The fans took to him straight away..it was noticeable how immaculate his bikes were.  Sincere condolences to the family, RIP Taffy Owen.....top Comet.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My late wife and I shared a taxi with 'Taffy' and Peter Kelly many years ago returning from a Crewe Reunion to the Hotel where we were staying. I never laughed so much in all my life. What a character he was. We were both privileged to be in the company of such a friendly and entertaining couple of people.

Fond memories indeed.

My condolences to all 'Taffy's Family and friends.

I, for one, will never forget him.

R.I.P. + 'Taffy'.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Taffy was in the very first race I ever saw back in August 1970 on the opening night of Boston Speedway, and he helped the Barracudas to a win against local rivals Peterborough Panthers.
 
Taffy's passing means the two riders that represented the 'Cudas in their first ever heat 1 are sadly no longer with us. 
 
Taffy was guesting for the injured Arthur Price, and he and the late 'Jolly' Jack Bywater raced to a 5-1. On the wishes of Boston co-promoter Cyril Crane, Taffy eased up to allow Jack to pass him and take the chequered flag, as Crane told Taffy that he wanted one of Boston's own riders to win the first ever race at New Hammond Beck Road. 
 
There was an Aces match at the NSS in August a couple of years ago just about on the 49th anniversary of Boston's opening night, so I spoke with Taffy in the Peter Craven Suite about it. He remembered the night vividly and talked about all the pre-match media attention reporting on the opening night, and mementoes given to the riders of both teams.  
 
He was quite taken that I remembered he went onto notch up a paid maximum and ended the night as the track record holder.
 
His contribution to opening night meant he was then always a popular visitor to Boston as an opposition rider.
 
RIP Taffy and thank you for the memories.  
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. Privacy Policy