steve roberts

I think tha he achieved a higher average around Eastbourne than either Gordon or Kelly.

Remember Ron Preston at Arlington...a very classy rider especially his first bend sweeps!

During 1961 in a match at Coventry Arne was thrown from his machine in an accident involving Les Owen and suffered a fractured skull. Obviously before my time but some I have spoken to who witnessed the accident blamed Owen and never forgave him.

...and early morning starts for Pete Wigley who was a postman and Dave Younghusband a milkman and, yes, before any smart alec replies I understand the 'tongue in cheek' direction in which this particular thread is heading!

He was never really forgiven at Cowley for the serious injury suffered to Arne Pander when they once met on track.

My first year of speedway and Belle Vue visiting Oxford was a highlight that I shall never forget...especially when Garry Middleton had an off-track argument with the character 'Soldier Boy' who was there supporting Aces' guest Ray Wilson!

I would agree as has the analysis of Tai Woffinden and "who's best" and comparing eras etc etc.

Seem to remember 'Joe' and an equally tough competitor Les Owen settling their 'differences' on track once.

Always recall looking at 'Joe's' bike strapped to the back of his car (no vans/mobile homes in those days) and it had so much tape on it holding it together. Of the old school and it was riders like Colin who were the soul of the sport...a great character.

He and Pete Jarman would look out for each other as team mates at Cowley and if either was messed about on track by a rival then retribution would be delivered by one or the other.

Malcolm Simmons held him in high esteem I remember reading.

Very sad news indeed. A great servant and respected rider and someone I shall always remember with affection and fond memories. Sad to think that my first year of following speedway at Cowley (1972) five of the original starting line-up are sadly no longer with us. Garry Middleton, Oyvind S. Berg, Ken McKinlay, Svein Kaasa and now 'Joe' Gooddy. May he R.I.P.

Remember 'Kojak' at Cowley...a real character and would wind up the crowd!

I'm sure it is as I painted a picture of him in very similar, if not the same, leathers for a friend at the time.

Having read Lee Kilby's superb book on father Bob it became apparent that Bob was more of a team player (like many others during that and subsequent periods) and found it difficult to motivate himself on the World stage.