potty5

Dear speedway forum members, a few Crewe Kings supporters are planning to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Kings winning the double in 1972 by publishing a book to celebrate their magnificent achievement. All the authors of the original book 'When They Were Kings' are involved and we are basically re-writing the 1972 chapter of the book, with extra information, results from all the teams and a month-by-month summary of the 1972 season in Division II. We have managed to obtain some ultra rare photos from the season, related to the Kings, but we are appealing to the British speedway community in general, if you have any photos of your club against Crewe in the 1972 season, or were Crewe fans and have personal photos. The book sold out many years ago and is still sought after, and even though it is not viable to do a re-print, we couldn't let the 50th anniversary pass without doing something to commemorate the double winning campaign. We summarise the first three years (1969, 1970 and 71) and then the final years (1973, 1974 and 1975), so if you do have photos from these six seasons as well, we could use your photographs, if they are Crewe connected. It will be a limited edition print run, but we are hoping to raise a few pounds, which we will donate to a speedway related charity or fund. Any photos submitted and used will receive a credit in the book. Thanks very much for reading and if you do have anything we could use, to commemorate the exploits of Phil Crump, John Jackson, skipper Dai Evans, Dave Morton, Gary Moore, Garry Flood, Dave Parry and company, can you contact me on markpotts7764@gmail.com Thanks very much, Mark.

Hi all. Can anybody inform me who rode in PCs farewell meeting at Belle Vue in March 1987? Thanks.

Dear forum members, do you have any personal photographs of Dave Morton we could use in Dave's forthcoming auto-biography "TAPES, BREAKS & HEARTACHES." Not really looking for the action shots but the more personal ones, especially ones from the 1985 Ellesmere Port season (Silver Helmet winner, Ken Dodd at presentation night etc. etc.). All photos used will be credited. You can email scanned images (300dpi minimum) to mark@markpotts.wanadoo.co.uk Thanks very much.

Dear forum members, we are currently in the final stages of completing Dave Morton's auto-biography "TAPES, BREAKS & HEARTACHES" which is to be published in March 2015. One incident in that year (one of many) was the final heat at Glasgow with EPG needing a victory to at least secure a point. Dave is a bit unsure on what went on, but basically they rode the heat three times. In the third Dave and Louis Carr were ahead when a Mckinna fall saw the heat stopped by a steward on the centre green waving a red flag (not stopped by the ref with a red light). The track officials come onto the track to help up Mckinna, as Andy Reid and Louis Carr pull up. The ref then orders another re-run, but According to Speedway Star Dave Morton is excluded under the 2 min rule and so is his replacement Phil Alderman. Surely both riders failing to beat the clock??? Mort seems to think he said that he wasn't going to race again, and Phil Alderman stated the same. Louis Carr therefore was the only rider for EPG in the re-run and won the race. The EPG eventually were given the points after an appeal. Can anybody who known anything about the incident get in touch please. Thanks.

Hi, I have the last 10 copies for sale of the highly acclaimed hard back book "When They Were Kings - The Crewe Speedway Story". 400 pages, every score, report, all the heat placings, times etc of all the 7 seasons, plus averages for all riders who rode for the Kings. Illustrated throughout. Now only £10 plus £4.50 post (very heavy book). If interested please contact at mark@markpotts.wanadoo.co.uk Rates available for more than one copy. When they are gone that's it, all the print run sold out. Thanks very much to all who contributed and also bought a copy.

Hi all. I am after a decent colour photo of Dave Morton in action for England or the British Lions for his forthcoming autobiography Tapes, Breaks & Heartaches. We have plenty of photos of him while riding for his various teams, but very few from his international appearances. Thanks very much.

Hi all. I am after a decent colour photo of Dave Morton in action for England or the British Lions for his forthcoming autobiography Tapes, Breaks & Heartaches. We have plenty of photos of him while riding for his various teams, but very few from his international appearances. Thanks very much.

Hi all. Helping Dave Morton write his biography and am wondering if anybody out there has the heat details for the 74/75 New Zealand Championship which Dave won. Many thanks.

Dear forum members, I am currently helping Dave Morton (Crewe Kings, Hackney, Wolves, Sheffield, Newcastle, Ellesmere Port & Long Eaton) write his biography TAPES, BREAKS & HEARTACHES which is to be published by MPire Books in September. We have an extensive library of photos for the book but are appealing for any photos of Dave from personal collections that can be used in the book. If you do have any can you send them (300dpi or above please) to my email address at mark@markpotts.wanadoo.co.uk Thanks very much. I will post later how you can pre-order the book at discounted rates. Mark Potts

Dear forum members. We are currently compiling details for Dave Morton's book DAVE MORTON - TAPES, BREAKS & HEARTACHES which is due for publication next year. As many of you are aware, Dave rode for Crewe, Hackney, Wolves, Sheffield, Newcastle, Ellesmere Port and Long Eaton, as well as representing England on a number of occasions. What info we are currently looking for is Dave's start in speedway. In 1971 he started riding in the 2nd halfs at Crewe, as his starts in the 2nd halfs at Belle Vue were limited. But does anybody have any records (filled-in programmes etc) that had Dave riding in a 2nd half race at Hyde Road? Even a date would be fine, but riders names etc would be even better. Thanks, Mark Potts

Just thought I'd let forum members know that on Friday September 17 we are unveiling a plaque commemorating the Crewe Kings speedway team. It is to be erected on a wall on the Kings Arms pub, the gateway to the old Earle Street track (top of Rainbow Street). It is to be unveiled by Colin Tucker, who built the famous Earle Street bowl and captained the team in their first season in 1969. He is flying over from Auckland, NZ. Any riders who rode on the track will be welcome and invited to a few beers after. Track staff and supporters are also invited. Thanks, Mark Potts

Do any forum members have any video or DVD files of Crewe Kings riders, either riding for the Kings or for other teams. There is a great video on Youtube of the 1981 Northern Riders Final (Heat 8) featuring Dave Morton, Ian Cartwright and Graham Drury, but the video is quite poor quality. If somebody has a decent copy of this I would be very grateful. Any videos, especially John Jackson, Phil Crump, Geoff Curtis, Jack Millen, Dave Morton, Chris Turner, Dai Evans, Keith White, Graham Drury, Dave Parry etc etc.

To be fair, its not Allied Carpets that have stopped us putting the plaque up but Savills, who own the buildings. The current Allied Carpet shop on the old pits bend is currently empty!!! We are now planning a plaque to be erected on the Kings Arms public house at the top of Rainbow Street where officials, supporters and riders of the Kings would mingle after a match. After all, it is highly likely (never proved) that the Kings name was derived from this very watering hole. The current landlord is very keen for this to go ahead and was an old Crewe speedway supporter - so good for him. Thanks for all your positive comments, Mark Potts (co-author of WHEN THEY WERE KINGS)