TonyMac

Still some gaps to plug, I'm afraid, but here goes... Bent Rasmussen/David Gagen ------ Alan Wilkinson ???/Keith Bloxsome --------- Keith Bloxsome again Finn Jensen ------- Neil Collins (inside)/???? Dave Jessup -------- ??? John Louis ---------- ??? Cradley rider is NOT Carter ----- ??? ??? ------- Billy Sanders

Good point, and of course apologies to all Kestrels followers. I was never a fan of NL racing at Waterden Road, though I respect the efforts and achievements of the management and riders who kept speedway at Waterden Road alive after Len Silver pulled out. What I meant to say was that, after the Hawks folded and Wimbledon had closed, London no longer had a SENIOR LEAGUE venue by 1985. That is until Hackney rejoined the BL in 1987 and speedway returned to Plough Lane.

One of the most pleasing things about producing Backtrack (and VSM now) is the number of speedway people who see the mag and then get in touch with us. We've recently received a phone call from former Sheffield promoter Ray Glover and we will be carrying out an interview with both him and his eldest son, Carl, in the next couple of weeks. Please tell us your memories of the Glovers - either in their respective roles at Sheffield in the 70s/80s, or (in Carl's case) his earlier brilliance for Boston in the old second division. Maybe you have a question you'd like us to put to Ray or Carl? Former British Champion Neil Evitts has also called and we will also be interviewing this hard-riding Midlander, who always gave everything for clubs like Bradford, Halifax, Birmingham, Wolves, etc. Again, let's have your thoughts on Neil and the best questions we will put to him...

I'm delighted to announce that Anders Michanek has agreed to be our main Front Cover Man for issue 4 of Backtrack Magazine. In another major coup for Backtrack, the former Swedish superstar and 1974 World Champion has confirmed today that we are welcome to visit his home to get his exclusive views on his racing career. And as well as looking back on his time at Newcastle and Reading (not forgetting brief spells with Ipswich and Cradley Heath), we'll also be taking exclusive pictures of Anders to go with the feature. As it won't be possible to meet up with Anders on his tiny Swedish island until this coming Saturday, it means issue 4 will be delayed by a few days. But we hope you will consider the slight delay to be worthwhile, especially as we're talking here about one of the sport's undisputed greats. Many of you will have fond memories of Anders and his time in the UK, so why not email us your views or memories of him direct to our email address - editorial@retro-speedway.com - or post your comments here. We could perhaps use some of the best comments alongside the interview itself... Many thanks Tony Mac

There is a nice feature on Arnie in the next issue of Backtrack...

Thanks for your contributions, all very interesting, and I don't want to sound an ungrateful so and so...but can we please return to VSM's general time-frame and the thread sub-heading of PRE-70s!!!! VSM = PRE-70s (apart from the little bits about the early 70s!) BACKTRACK = 1970-1989 inclusive! Sorry if this sounds patronising, but it's pre-70s heroes I'm really looking for here!!!! Anyone offering up post-70s name is obviously far too young to get involved!

You bet, Dave! We'll be running a three or four-page feature on the reunion, including quotes from the star names, along with many pics from Friday and those I also took at Rye on Sunday. Issue 10 will be on sale Aug 29.

John Berry, Backtrack Magazine's top columnist, has entered the ongoing Nicki Pedersen debate in typical forthright style. Never one to duck any issue, Berry will undoubtedly spark more reaction from fans and other observers with his comments in the latest issue. In a general talking point piece titled 'Where Are Today's Enforcers?', he writes: "In my time riders like Nicki Pedersen would have been given a serious word in the ear early on in their careers." Referring to the incident where Pedersen brought down namesake, Bjare Pedersen, in the Swedish GP earlier this season, Berry goes on to say: "Can you imagine Charlie Monk, or Olle Nygren, or Colin Gooddy, or Arthur Browning, or Billy Sanders allowing a rider to get away with what happened in that final?" Berry also wonders whether the advent of the air fence has caused Pedersen (and others) to adopt a more aggressive style?

Having interviewed Ivan at great length to cover his words in both issues 8 & 9 of Backtrack Magazine, I can confirm that he has full respect for Tony Rickardsson. Indeed, in challenging BSI's right to call the SGP a genuine 'World Championship' (he regards it as an invitational event and therefore not a legitimate WORLD Championship), Ivan impressed upon me after the microphone was switched off that he didn't want to be seen to in any way underestimate or disrespect TR's skills and achievements in any way. He was clearly being very diplomatic but his regard for TR is genuine. What Ivan did say, and which cannot be disputed, is that there were far more world title contenders for him to fend off in his day than the relatively weak opposition Rickardsson faces now. Which, in a way, is a little unfair on Tony because he can only beat those he comes up against - it's obviously not his fault that there are few real challengers to his supremacy and no-one at all this season. Ivan says in Backtrack that both he and Fundin would have won at least 10 individual world titles had the GP system been in place then, and, again, I can't argue with that view. Incidentally, many thanks for the many kind comments about our Mauger interview and Backtrack in general.

Issue 50 – Volume 13 No.2 – Summer 2005 Mike Broadbank – the Red Devil who cheated death Yes, that’s definitely Broadbank without the ‘s’, as Mike confirms. Our main five-page interview covers Broady’s splendid racing career with Wembley, Swindon, Stoke, Hackney and Crayford. Mike looks back on good times and bad, including a badly broken thigh and, in the early 60s, a near brush with death when he was hospitalised with pneumonia. Max Grosskreutz Part two of our fascinating interview with the former Australian Test captain, who reflects on his days as promoter at Norwich as well as another track comeback and the crash that ultimately brought about his retirement. Bill Longley and Ray Harris Special tribute to two old favourites who passed away recently. Diminutive Bill Longley, who made a big impression at New Cross, and Ray Harris, a Provincial League star with Stoke. Local Derbies Top columnist Dave Lanning laments the demise of the local derby and recalls one particularly pulsating London cup clash between Wimbledon and West Ham in 1965. Your Hero VSM readers name their own all-time favourites – and why. There are some familiar names among them, including Ove Fundin, Peter Craven, Graham Warren and Ken McKinlay, plus Clive Featherby and Ernie Rawlins. This is a new, regular feature, so why not tell us about your hero? Exeter – Ivan Mauger fighting! Part two of our look back at events at the County Ground, including a crazy night when Ivan Mauger visited with Provincial League Newcastle and ended up fighting with fans on the terraces! Plus Falcons’ wild men, Chris Blewitt and Chris Julian. ‘Pedlar’ Palmer Maintaining a link with speedway’s post-war glory days, Ernest ‘Pedlar’ Palmer, who starred for Long Eaton, is still enjoying the sport as a supporter at Sheffield. England’s 1955 Test winners An evocative centre spread picture of the ’55 Test team prior to their second Test against Australasia at Wembley. Freddie Williams made home track knowledge count to score 17 points. Mike Tams Profiling the man who rode for Southampton in the early 50s and who did so much to establish speedway in Canada. Collectors’ World Nick Barber is back with his regular column for memorabilia connoisseurs, including tips about items from the 1930s period. Chequered Flag Includes a tribute to the late Buddy Fuller. Plus…Ian Hoskins, Eric Linden, your letters and the new VSM Book Club, where you can order a wide range of books about vintage speedway direct from VSM… Enjoy! ------------------------------ It costs only £11.20 per year (4 issues) to subscribe in the UK. You can sign up online at http://www.retro-speedway.com

Really sorry for the delay, but we hope it will be well worth the wait. Issue 5 is about to go to print and should hopefully be mailed out to all subscribers by this Thursday (9th). Issue 5 highlights: Main man - Phil Crump Really candid stuff from Crumpie, covering every aspect of his career and life. Read about the reasons why he feels he never became World Champion, the story behind THAT amazing revolutionary 4-valve in the mid-70s, the ups and downs of his relationship with son, Jason, and the only rider he fell out with in a big way. Plus the chance to win framed pictures signed by the Aussie legend. Jason Crump - yes, the new World Champion called up Backtrack REQUESTING an interview! Jason looks back to his childhood and the riders of the 80s he most liked to watch. His regrets about never having raced at Hyde Road, The Shay and infrequent visits to Owlerton. Plus, some very honest words on his sometimes stormy relationship with his famous father! Dag Lovaas - Amazing, soul-searching words from the former Norwegian No.1 who reveals his own personal anguish, haunting fears and why too many death-defying crashes forced him to he retire early. Why Anders Michanek was the reason behind his request to leave Reading, happy days at Hackney and Oxford and some strong words about former Norway rival Reidar Eide. Ron Preston - we catch up with the former USA, Poole and Eastbourne favourite, who looks back on those great England v USA Tests and read what he has to say about the rumoured feud with his former Poole team-mate Malcolm Simmons. Martin Dixon - a National League legend on his wildest days. Why he didn't get along with Kenny Carter at Halifax, the time a visiting promoter suggested he should be drug-tested and the two team managers he has most time for. Also, find out what Dicko does now till three o'clock in the morning! Ian Thomas - the new Belle Vue team boss reflects on his colourful career as a top promoter, including entertaining, anecdotes from his time at Workington, Hull, Newcastle and Belle Vue. John Berry - why he has decided to 'confess'. Bob Radford visits JB Down Under to interview the new author whose book, Confessions of a Speedway Promoter, is selling like hot cakes. Crayford v Workington - the 1980 65-12 whitewash. Quotes from both camps, including a new interview with Comets' Kevin Clapham. Bitter North-East rivals - Jack Millen and Frank Auffret. Plus the usual 'Berry Bites Back' responses to readers' questions. Tributes to the late David Smart and Colin Hill. Subscribe now! Also on sale at the Brighton Bonanza, so why not visit our stand for a chat with Tony Mac and John Berry, who will be signing copies of his new book...

With son, Jason, having recently collected the GP crown, it seemed a good time to make his dad - Phil - our next 'main man' and our front cover subject for issue 5 - on sale around mid-November. Before he returns to Oz to escape our winter, Phil has agreed to be exclusively interviewed at length for Backtrack, so please let's have your questions to put to him. What are your memories of Crumpie from his days in the BL with Crewe, King's Lynn (briefly), Newport, Bristol and Swindon? Any special moments, great races or possibly even something a little more obscure to recall about the tough, formidable Aussie star? We usually prefer to avoid too much technical talk but as Phil was obviously at the forefront of the mid-70s four-valve revolution, we'll obviously be talking to him about his key role in the sudden emergence of the Street convertion - and how that led more or less immediately to Weslake's period of dominance. But what would YOU really like to know about Crumpie and his time in the sport? I'd be delighted to hear from you via this site... Tony Mac

Look what’s in issue 9… Main Man – Ivan Mauger Part two of our exclusive interview with the greatest speedway rider ever. Mighty Mauger talks candidly about his relationship with Kenny Carter and Hans Nielsen – and spells out why he believes the outspoken former England star threw away the chance to win the 1982 World Final to Bruce Penhall. Also, why Nielsen paid the price for ignoring his advice…and what he needed to break his World Final jinx. And for the first time, the legendary Kiwi speaks out about the Speedway Grand Prix, explaining why it should not be compared to the traditional World Championship of his day. What he thinks of Tony Rickardsson and Jason Crump…why British speedway is struggling to attract big crowds and where the BSPA went wrong…how Exeter pulled off an audacious masterstroke to give him one last season in the British League…looking back at his key World Finals and revealing why losing the 1973 run-off to Jerzy Szczakiel was not the worst thing to happen to him on speedway’s biggest occasion…who were the most gifted riders who wasted their talent?…the controversial and hard-hitting Mauger tells all – only in Backtrack Magazine. Neil Evitts "Some people might think I’m arrogant or ignorant, but I didn’t set out to be popular."…Neil Evitts has never been afraid to tell it like it is and in this candid exclusive the 1986 British Champion talks openly about all his conflicts with officialdom, including when he defied the rules to race as an under-aged 14-year-old before going on to ride legally for Stoke, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Halifax, Bradford, Sheffield and Wolves again. The no-nonsense Black Country man got to know Kenny Carter better than any other rider when they were team-mates at Halifax and Bradford, and here Neil reflects on the impact KC had on him and what he recalls of their final days together… Carl Glover The 1974 Second Division Riders’ Champion reveals how he is lucky to be alive after suffering a near fatal heart attack earlier this year. Carl also reflects on his racing days as Boston No.1, plus why riding for home-town club, Sheffield, was a mistake which led to him returning east to King’s Lynn. After his riding career ended early at 26, Carl went on to fulfil his dream job when he was appointed England manager in 1984 . . . but at times it became a nightmare. We get Carl’s fascinating insight into what it was like to deal with Kenny Carter and why he had to strip him of the captaincy…the problems with Michael Lee and why his England team were beaten before they faced the Danes in the World Team Cup final. Ray Glover The father of Carl takes over in the second half of our Glover family dynasty double interview. He explains what drove him to have a stab at promoting at Sheffield – the club he supported from boyhood – in 1980 and why he decided to sell up just four years later after a series of setbacks and problems with riders who let him down. Ray – and Carl – also reveal their thoughts on former Sheffield superstar Shawn Moran – what he was like to deal with and why they say he lost his way in the sport. Also, they examine the effect Kelly Moran had on his younger brother… Steve Weatherley The second in our regular, new series where we catch up with a rider left disabled by speedway racing. This time we visit former Eastbourne and White City star Steve Weatherley, who talks for the first time about the fatal crash that claimed the life of Hackney’s Vic Harding and left him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. In this uplifting story, brave Steve enthuses about his enjoyment of family life and how he is even winning races again! Mick Bell We talk to the man who holds the record for winning three senior league championships as both rider AND team manager, with Reading and Coventry. Modest Mick tells about what it was like on both sides of the fence and the differences between world superstars Ole Olsen and Anders Michanek. Where Are Today’s Enforcers? Our lead columnist John Berry asks the question after seeing current Grand Prix star Nicki Pedersen dishing it out again. JB says: "In my time riders like Pedersen would have been given a serious word in the ear early on in their careers." Berry Mort in print We publish an extract from Chris Morton’s new hardback, Until The Can Ran Out, in which he admits how ‘track rage’ got the better of him and he deliberately set out to ‘attack’ a rival during his early days with Belle Vue. Americans in Pictures A treat for fans of those colourful Californians…nostalgic pictures from the 70s and 80s, featuring Bruce Penhall, Bobby Schwartz, Kelly and Shawn Moran, Dennis Sigalos, Scott Autrey, Rick Miller, Sam Ermolenko, Ronnie Correy, Lance King, Steve and Jim Gresham, Mike Curoso, Sumner McKnight and Rick Woods. ----------------------------------------- Subscribers copies mailed out today (Thursday, June 30) Enjoy!

Shazz, We at Retro Speedway won't be producing any magazine or book 'special' for sale on the night of the reunion, as I'm told the organisers are publishing a souvenir prog/brochure themselves. I was wondering if we should offer for sale old black & white pics (action & portrait) of the ex-Hackney riders who will be there on the night (with a donation to the Vic Harding fund), but maybe there won't be much response to that? I know you'd buy 10 pics of Ted, but who else will want to know????? But we will definitely be covering the event, in words and pics, for our following issue of Backtrack, as well as pin down a few of the former Hawks present for interviews that can be held over to a later date...

Napolean - Following your comments about Mike Broadbank, you should enjoy the next issue (50) of VSM...which includes a very good exclusive interview with the 'Red Devil' himself.

More additions to the Issue 9 'cast'... STEVE WEATHERLEY...talking about life after THAT crash. What an inspirational fellow this man is. He's still racing today. MICK BELL...6 times a British League title winner, with Reading & Coventry as both rider and team manager. Many thanks for the (disappointingly) few bits of feedback to the earlier content mentions. NEIL EVITTS was typically forthright and he can still argue with the best of 'em. He tells us that he even managed to get himself fined £500 immediately after winning the British Championship! Now that takes some doing! Morose? Never. Just misunderstood and very difficult to get to know, but I think we've got a lot closer than most. He certainly knew Kenny Carter better than any other rider. CARL & RAY GLOVER - Very, very honest stuff about the Morans, the lack of team spirit at Sheffield (pre-Ray) and how the Wayne Brown saga hit the management badly. Oh, and how Carl recently had a brush with death but thankfully recovered in hospital. IVAN (Part 2)...where do we begin? Carter, Lee, Morans, Nielsen...all those World Final wins (was PC REALLY lucky in '76?) and why he has lost interest in the GP. And then some... CHRIS MORTON...we'll be running a 3-page extract from his new book. AMERICANS...I suppose not everyone will be dancing through hoops at our two-page spread, but they didn't half bring some colour and spectacle to the British scene, didn't they? And we could do with a few more like 'em round today, eh? And JOHN BERRY having a 'Slightly Sideways' pop at Nicki Pedersen and the lack of modern 'enforcers' to 'sort him out'. Trust JB to stick his oar in...! Better crack on and get this one finished...it will be out first week of July...promise! Btw, We've already lined up Michael Lee as the 'main man' for issue 10. Should be very interesting... What, you haven't subscribed yet?

Nice one, Old Saint...it's good to remember one of the unsung heroes and if this doesn't squeeze into our next issue, it will make it into the one after. There must be lots more riders, not leading points scorers but good, solid characters who gave their all and provided entertainment, worthy of a mention, so come on and get thinking/writing... Shazzybird...Like me, you are clearly too young to take part in any pre-70s debate, but thanks for the (inevitable!) mention of Ted! (though I'm not sure he'd appreciate being mentioned in a pre-70s feature...!

Many thanks to all those subscribers to VSM who have returned the Readers' Questionnaire inserted in all subscribers' copies of the latest issue. A great cross-sections of views that will be take onboard and which will hopefully make VSM an even better read in the future...

Wizard - if you give us a call on 01708 734 502, we will check out the problem for you and try to resolve it. If you are a paid-up subscriber, you should have received issue 8 by now Why not give Susie a call and she'll check it out...

Issue 8 out now - look what’s inside… Main Man – Ivan Mauger Part one of our exclusive 7-page interview with the world’s greatest-ever rider. Ivan talks candidly about his rivals, how he became one of the fastest starters and why he would have still been among the fastest gaters under any rules. Ivan reflects on his time with Newcastle, Belle Vue, Exeter and Hull. He reveals why he turned down the chance to buy Belle Vue before Stuart Bamforth took over at Hyde Road; why the daunting County Ground track at Exeter was unfairly criticised; and his bitter disappointment that he didn’t quite win another league title with the Vikings. With characteristic confidence in his own ability, Ivan believes that he would have won the world title at least 10 times had the GP formula applied in his day. Our top columnist John Berry provides his own insightful profile on the mighty Mauger. Jeremy Doncaster Interview with the former England, Ipswich and Reading favourite ahead of his farewell meeting. Was he too laid-back for his own good? Wally Mawdsley Reveals his personal struggle to overcome the severe financial blow of losing his battle to keep Canterbury alive. The former BSPA chairman also looks back at his days promoting at Romford, Exeter and Bristol and, also, what he describes as the worst decision ever taken in speedway. Martin Ashby The former England star names his all-time seven from the team-mates he rode with at Swindon, Exeter and Reading, and what he thinks of each of them. Reg Wilson The former Sheffield Tiger on his loyalty to his beloved Yorkshire club and why he perhaps regrets not making a move to Wolves that would have furthered his career. Tommy Jansson Could he really have stopped Peter Collins winning the world title in 1976, had fate not intervened? A reader puts the case of the hugely popular Swede. John Simmons-wheelchair bound The heart-rending story of the former Ipswich junior who was so badly injured at Peterborough in 1972 that he will spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. John describes his battle to cope with his disability, physically and financially, and why he owes so much to his caring mum. First of a series on those we must not forget. Mark Fiora What became of the former Middlesbrough, Edinburgh and Long Eaton star, who returned home to Australia? Reg Trott Title-winning rider who turned referee, the former Eastbourne veteran recalls his part in helping the fledgling Eagles soar to the top of Division Two. Rider Control John Berry offers a possible solution to the age-old team equalisation debate. When is it time to go? Knowing when to quit is a tough choice facing both riders and promoters. Martin Rogers offers some advice. Swedes in Pictures A two-page picture spread to delight fans of former Swedish stars in the British League, including Michanek, Lofqvist, Sjosten, Jansson, Holmqvist, Johansson, Hellsen, Persson, Nygren and co. _______________ Have you subscribed yet? It costs just £16 a year in the UK and subscribers will receive their copies FIRST! www.retro-speedway.com

Backtrack is the new retro speedway magazine, 40 A4 pages packed with exclusive interviews and features on the 70s & 80s... Issue 2 includes: Kenny Carter, the most controversial rider of the early 80s, is our 'main man'. We talk exclusively to the man who knew him best, Eric Boothroyd, the former Halifax and Bradford promoter who gave the ill fated KC his first speedway rides as a 16-year-old in 1978. Eric talks candidly, like never before, about how he came to regard Carter almost as a son and recounts in depth about his relationship with his former number one rider . . . what Kenny was like to deal with on and off the track; how, as a teenage boy, he had to cope with the tragic deaths of both his elder brother and mother; his battle to overcome a succession of serious injuries; his relentless pursuit of business success away from the track; and, ultimately, the shock and sadness he felt on hearing news of the deaths of Kenny and Pam Carter in 1986. John Berry, who managed Kenny Carter as England boss, also gives his typically forthright views of the rider who dubbed himself England's number one. Regular Backtrack columnist JB explains why he decided not to award Carter the captaincy and recalls Kenny's reaction after being escorted from the Ipswich track by security guards. Peter Collins v Anders Michanek ­ was their KO Cup match race decider in 1973 the greatest race ever seen at the old Belle Vue? Dick Bott, who was at Hyde Road as a radio commentator on that epic night, says he has never seen better than THAT titanic battle between the respective number ones of Belle Vue and Reading. Happiness is 40-38 . . . .our classic meeting this time features a memorable Midlands derby between Coventry and Cradley Heath from 1983, when the Bees managed to inflict a rare defeat on the Heathens as they romped towards the BL title. Denmark dominated the sport in the second half of the 80s and we look back at their finest achievement in that period - their 1985 World Team Cup final victory in California, where they had to overcome their American hosts on and off the track. If the Danes were on the rampage internationally, domestic racing in England was dominated in the mid-80s by Hans Nielsen-led Oxford Cheetahs. Former co-promoter Bernard Crapper gives us the lowdown on the BL team that was unstoppable in both 1985 and 1986. Frank Ebdon was undoubtedly the most talked about, controversial referee in speedway in the 80s. We visited big Frank's Essex home to find out what he is really like away from the track. How did he build up his £1million business empire... Ivan Mauger stunned speedway when he moved from Belle Vue to unfashionable Exeter in 1973. We look back at the momentous day when the six times World Champion drew 10,000 fans to the County Ground to see his debut for the Falcons v Poole. Another Kiwi legend, Ronnie Moore, also talks exclusively about his enduring passion for the sport at the age of 71 and how he is slowly regaining his memory after the 1975 track smash that almost killed the former Wimbledon idol. Arena Essex have now been operating for 20 years, so we talk to the former promoter and team manager Peter Thorogood about the early days at the track with no safety fence. Hackney, Weymouth and Sunderland followers will be keen to read our personal tribute to the late Vic Harding, who died in a track crash 25 years ago. A memorial meeting will be held in his honour at Weymouth on June 11. From East Anglia, we've got a profile on former King's Lynn favourite Terry Betts, we recall the 70s style and professionalism of Rye House and Mildenhall and ask: who was the first-ever foreigner to ride for Ipswich? Fans from the North-East will enjoy a profile of Berwick cult hero Rob Grant and memories of speedway at Middlesbrough's defunct Cleveland Park circuit. While Scottish folk will doubtless enjoy Colin Caffrey recalling his early days as a young rider trying to break into the sport. Fans of Polish riders will enjoy a journey back in time as our two-page picture spread captures images of former BL-based Poles like Zenon Plech, Edward Jancarz, Andrzej Huszcza, Bolek Proch, Marek Cieslak and more... With John Berry answering questions from readers in his own unique style, there is so much for everyone to enjoy in issue 2 of Backtrack Magazine. http:www.retro-speedway.com

Henka certainly was one of the most entertaining to watch - but he's not exactly an 'old boy' and is really too recent to fit into our 70s-80s timescale. Maybe in 10 years' time he will be ripe for an in-depth piece... Tony Mac

Thanks for your suggestions. Simmo is obviously right up there as a prime candidate for the Backtrack front cover, 'main man' treatment. When we spoke at the recent Lynn reunion, he said he enjoyed the magazine and was very much up for an interview, so hopefully that will happen before long... ...Mike Lee is another who says he would welcome an in-depth interview. In the meantime, the main man for issue 8 is going to be the one and only...Ivan Mauger, who gave us a typically candid and revealing four-hour interview that will probably have to run over two issues. Tony Mac

Spotted munching on a bag of chips outside West Ham's ground yesterday...former Crusader and Canterbury junior, Alan Diprose! Seems Alan has been a season ticket holder at the Hammers for the past 15 years, so he's suffered a lot, obviously! Mentioned the Canterbury reunion to him and he seems very interested. I've asked him to email me and when I have all his contact details I'll forward them on...

Issue 7 of Backtrack Magazine includes... John Louis is Mister Ipswich and in this issue 'Tiger John' looks back over his brilliant career as England racing legend, team manager and promoter, most of them spent with his beloved Witches. Louis recalls the rise of his home town club from a Suffolk backwater outfit to the pinnacle of British speedway as BL double winners in the mid-70s. But it wasn't all glory and happiness...he also reflects candidly on his fall out with promoter John Berry, when he was discarded from the team in 1980 and the hurt that caused him. He talks of his famous fellow heat leaders at Foxhall, Tony Davey and the late Billy Sanders...and why he still can't comprehend why Sanders took his own life 20 years ago. Also...why our top columnist John Berry believes the time to hoour John Louis is now long overdue... Rick Miller was one of the colourful, spectacular American riders of the 80s, when he won consecutive British League titles with Coventry. The Californian talks from his home about the great days at Brandon, riding for Charles Ochiltree and learning the ropes under Ole Olsen, plus his fall-outs with race partner John Jorgensen. And Rick also explains how he's now earning a living as a stuntman, rubbing shoulders with some of Hollywood's finest in top movies and TV commercials. George Hunter lost his battle against cancer in 1999, but we present an interview conducted by Richard Bott shortly before the Scottish speedway legend's death in which looks back over his turbulent career and how things might hgave been so different. In an astonishingly frank interview, George admits how he was later haunted by the crash that claimed the life of Peter Craven...and how he reacted when he came face to face with Craven's young children. Peter Collins will never forget the glorious summer of 1976 and we bring back great memories of that time with a review of the World Final from Poland, as well as some memories from fans who travelled all the way to Katowice to witness PC's finest hour. Steve Bastable hit the heights in 1981 when he was the shock winner of the British Final. Stevie B looks back on that momentous night at Coventry, as well as the ups and downs of his career with clubs like Stoke, Cradley Heath, Birmingham, Swindon and Coventry. Barry Crowson made history by competing in the first-ever Division Two race for Canterbury at Belle Vue in 1968. Barry also looks back at his spells with Crusaders' arch rivals Eastbourne, plus King's Lynn and why moving to Wimbledon in the mid-70s was a mistake. King's Lynn celebrate their 40th anniversary this year and to mark the landmark we publish an extract from former Lynn promoter Martin Rogers' new book, Forty Years On; King's Lynn Speedway. We look back at the big impact made by Stars' former England stars, Terry Betts, Malcolm Simmons, Michael Lee and Dave Jessup. Plus check how some of the old Saddlebow Road favourites look today with our picture coverage from the recent Lynn reunion, including up to date shots of Lee, Betts, Simmons, Ian Turner, Ray Bales, Mel Taylor and Graham Edmunds. Plus... Anders Michanek was brought to England in 1968 by promoter Reg Fearman, who recalls the success of the Super-Swede and some of the more lighter moments of their relationship. Scunthorpe are back in business after an absence of 20 years and we talk to former Scunny No.1 Nicky Allott about his memories from days gone by at the club's two previous tracks. John Berry returns with part two of his lament to the passing of Rider Control and the old controversial method of trying to balance team strengths in another major talking point feature. Latest reviews...we've got the low down on the new Bruce Penhall Story on DVD/Video, plus the new, remastered World Speedway Champions of the 80s production. And especially for fans of Danish riders, we've a special two-page picture spread reviving memories of Hans Nielsen, Erik Gundersen, Jan O Pedersen and a host of others who came from Denmark to make their mark on British speedway in the 70s and 80s. ----------------- Subscribers' copies being mailed out today (Tues, March 29), so please give it time! If you haven't subscribed yet, and don't want to miss an issue due to rain-offs at the tracks, then why not click on the front cover image below and subscribe online to the next six issues for: £16 - UK; £22 - Europe (air mail); Rest of World (air mail) - £30. Cheers, Tony Mac