Issue 55 - Colin Pratt, Wembley v Wimbledon, Tommy Sweetman, Pride of the South, etc

[TonyMac]

 

2021-22 WINTER EDITION

Issue 55 of CLASSIC SPEEDWAY is out now

Here’s a small taste of the feast of nostalgia inside . . .

Subscription only at Retro Speedway: CLASSIC SPEEDWAY LATEST ISSUE (retro-speedway.com)

COLIN PRATT – TRIBUTE

It speaks volumes for the indelible mark Colin Pratt left on his beloved sport as a former star rider and hard-working promoter of integrity that his recent death evoked such a huge flood of tributes from the speedway community. MARTIN ROGERS, who knew Pratty well as a friend, journalist and promoter (he employed him as King’s Lynn team manager in 1983), recalls the pre-70s racing career of an honourable speedway giant.

IAN HOSKINS – TRIBUTE

Following the death of Ian Hoskins on September 6, 2021, aged 97, DOUG NICOLSON pays tribute to the charismatic promoter, a born showman, who put Scottish speedway on the map.

BIG NIGHTS: Pride of the South

Continuing his review of key individual meetings, PHIL CHARD heads to the south coast for a look back at Southampton’s annual classic won by three different home track heroes, Barry Briggs, Brian Crutcher and Dick Bradley. Other winners were Bert Edwards, Johnny Hole and Arne Pander.

TRACK RIVALRIES: Wembley v Wimbledon

ROB PEASLEY recalls the shared post-war dominance of two London clubs and 10 key clashes from the 50s between Lions and Dons, featuring legendary stars such as Tommy Price, Ronnie Moore, Freddie Williams,

EXTRAS

DOUG NICOLSON looks back at times when promoters came up with added and occasionally quirky attractions to spice up meetings.

PROFILE: Tommy Sweetman

Taking a season-by-season statistical look at Wolverhampton’s Provincial League-winning skipper who also rode for England, Aldershot, California, Wimbledon, Southern Rovers, Rayleigh Rovers, Norwich, Swindon, Rye House, New Cross, Exeter and Hackney before retiring from the BL and emigrating to New Zealand at the end of 1969.

Plus . . . Briggo making light of his heart attack; brief obits on ‘Derek’ Close, Peter Lloyd, Bill Moulin, Gordon Mitchell, Chris Harrison, Brian Meredith and Linda Ochiltree; readers’ letters; photo quiz; crossword; and a full-page 1955 Belle Vue team photo.