steve roberts

All seems very ambiguous to me.

I remember tha late Peter Seaton once suggesting that the pits should be on the centre green but I'm not sure how practical that would be?

I'm sure you are correct...I recall an article in "Backtrack" some years ago where he had stables with some horses.

I recall that White City moved the pits from within the stand structure unseen to the third and fourth bend which made better sense all round.

A very underated rider in my opinion. I think (withiut checking) that 1979 was his best year and I'm sure he qualified for the Commonwealth Final that year?

Remember seeing Scott ride in his first year in the UK (together with Rick Woods - who I didn't see I think? - and Sumner McNight). You could tell he was something special even then.

I think it's fair to say that Garry peaked at Oxford but unfortunately fell out with the promotion and moved on in a very complicated deal. Was never the same rider again. Dag was another favourite...always an Oxford track specialist even during his Reading days when he was overshadowed by Mich. Personally I think that he was equally good for both Hackney and Oxford (his dream move) but the move to White City seemed to effect him quite badly (he was an advocate of the JAP engine which wasn't suited to Wood Lane) and a bad crash played on his mind. He was a superb exponent of the notorious adverse camber on the pits turn at Cowley using it to his advantage. I remember presenting him with a bottle of bubbly after the last meeting at Cowley in 1975. A great rider!

Thanks Sid. I always smile when driving in the Wetherby area when I see a company of skip lorries painted in day-glo orange livery...reminds me of Garry and the full face helmet he used to wear during that year.

That would have been some feat! Remember Roger competing in second halves at Cowley during 1972 in his bright green leathers...always thought that he would end up at Oxford due to the then promotional tie up but like Bobby McNeil ended up elsewhere.

Thanks Sid for that...I guess I was only going on the time that Garry was a "Rebel' in 1972? Are you able to give stats for that season alone?

Middleton always seemed to have someting extra when up against Briggo but rarely had the better of Martin Ashby! Great memories Sid!

One of my memories of Hyde Road was Hans trying to cover the entire track in an attempt to keep both Peter Collins and Chris Morton at bay in one race...he failed!

...and we were conned the tie in 1972 due to Briggo spitting his dummy out!

Remember him taking part in the World Pairs Final at Belle Vue when paired with Egon Muller.

Hear and smell it from Headington?

Thanks for that...quite bizarre!

Perhaps he was also the referee in charge when Hans Nielsen literally fell over the tapes during one individual meeting?

My uncle was also part of the SOS committee back in 1976...let's hope for good news!

I recall he was involved in a controversial decison whilst a referee but for the life of me can't remember what?

I seem to recall that Ivan toyed with idea during the winter of 1972 due to a contractual dispute with his club at the time?

Remember Phil "Digger" Bass when he rode for the "Cheetahs"...riding a wide outside line.

Anybody remember Arnold Haley who spent the best part of his career at Sheffield? Interesting that when I was visiting the NYMR during the week I got talking to a stranger (as you do) and found out that he used to mechanic for Arnie! Unfortunately he couldn't tell me much as he admitted that it was a very long time ago and his memory wasn't what it once used to be except that Arnie used to ride flat out and never knew how to shut off!

I seem to recall that he and Bruce Penhall didn't exactly hit it off?

RIP Pete...always a popular figure at Cowley for many years.

At least he was honest!