TonyMac Posted January 14, 2022 Report Share Posted January 14, 2022 Issue 107 is out now and here’s a small taste of the feast of nostalgia inside . . . Subscription only at www.retro-speedway.com/ JAN O. PEDERSEN – Life & Times In the first of a few new features in this edition that will stir emotions among Cradley Heath supporters in particular, ROB PEASLEY recalls the highs and lows of the popular, diminutive Dane who became an international giant and individual World Champion in 1991, less than a year before his brilliant career was tragically cut short. COLIN PRATT – Tribute Too many grand masters of our sport have qualified for the Grand Final in the sky this year. Towering figures have left us, few with a greater backstory or enduring love for speedway than Colin Pratt, remembered here by MARTIN ROGERS. In this ‘other side of the fence’ feature, the focus is on Readers and our social media followers also share their memories of a much respected and genuine giant of speedway, who is much missed by all who knew him. ERIC BOOCOCK – exclusive interview In an exclusive new interview with TONY McDONALD, Eric Boocock reveals his previously unknown role in Colin Pratt returning to Cradley as their new promoter in 1984. Booey also recalls the highs and lows of his partnership with old pal Pratty as joint-managers of England for eight years. ALAN GRAHAME – Tribute Within 24 hours of Colin Pratt’s death, Heathens supporters were dealt another blow with the tragic news that long-serving rider Alan Grahame had succumbed to the serious head injuries suffered while practicing for a sidecar event at a grasstrack meeting in the Midlands on September 25. Alan was the passenger in a unit that careered out of control. We look back on this wholehearted trier’s days with Birmingham, Cradley, Swindon and England, in particular. TRACK RIVALRIES: Exeter v Poole With fresh insights from Neil Middleditch, ROB PEASLEY reviews 15 clashes between south-west adversaries at both first and second division level. Riders featured include Ivan Mauger, Malcolm Simmons, Scott Autrey, Antoni Woryna, the tragic Kevin Holden, Kevin Smith, Stan Bear, Leigh Adams, Steve Regeling, etc. BIG NIGHTS: Olympique Reviewing British speedway's most prestigious individual meetings, PHIL CHARD is in the West Midlands for the Olympique, which usually featured handicap racing. Past winners of this Wolverhampton classic were Ole Olsen, who won all of the first six stagings between 1970 and ’76, plus Peter Collins, Billy Sanders, Gordon Kennett, Phil Crump, Les Collins, Mitch Shirra, Hans Nielsen, Sam Ermolenko and Jan O. Pedersen. Shirra’s victory and the first by Nielsen came at Birmingham. SENIOR SERVICE Knocking on a bit himself, DOUG NICOLSON writes in praise of ‘golden oldies’ from the Backtrack era who graced our tracks for many years. Jimmy Squibb was aged 53 in his final season with Canterbury, in 1975. Other notables to feature include Jack Biggs, Ken McKinlay, Gordon McGregor, Doug and Willie Templeton, Sandor Levai, Olle Nygren, Ron Mountford, Neil Street, Ivan Mauger, Colin Gooddy, Reg Trott, Nigel Boocock, George Hunter, Ronnie Genz, etc. We also reveal the oldest combined pairings and teams. TIGERS TITANS Brief extracts from our new Memories of Sheffield Speedway DVD featuring interviews with club legends Doug Wyer and Reg Wilson. Plus . . . your letters, Notebook and a feast of nostalgic pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted January 15, 2022 Report Share Posted January 15, 2022 Another very excellent read...particularly enjoyed the interview with Eric Boocock. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyMac Posted January 17, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2022 On 1/15/2022 at 6:45 PM, steve roberts said: Another very excellent read...particularly enjoyed the interview with Eric Boocock. It's always a pleasure interviewing Booey - and so easy too. Never fails to make me laugh with his quickfire one-liners (some not printable!). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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