scarletrider

Forever remembered by all of Sunderland Speedway. "That lovely Lad" . R.I.P. Vic. Bob and Molly

You are dead right Steve, great days!! "The Mackem"

Only in Speedway can a team scoring the most points end up as second best. And they wonder why the sport is on it's knees!!! Aside from that, some great racing. "The Mackem"

Ref. Lindgren. 15 meetings rode - 7 homes, 8 away. Apart from four big double figure scores (all at home = 58 pts) Leaving 19 pts from remaining home meetings. Rode 8 away meetings for 29 pts, giving an average of 3.62 pts per meeting. Facts, not opinions. "The Mackem"

A sad, sad loss to the whole speedway world. R I P Ivan. Bob Ferry

One particular Newcastle rider has an annoying habit of completely ignoring the crowd, instead he seems to prefer to gaze at the empty back straight during the riders introductions. Much prefer the two teams walking out together and acknowledging the fans who pay their wages, walking out as a team, not as individuals. Please do away with the currant intro's and back to the old style parades......come out as a team lads - and give the fans a wave. "The Mackem"

Sunderland are to host another pre-Xmas reunion on Saturday the 28th October. Tickets are £20 each and include a sit down three course meal. There will also be a giant raffle, memorabilia and a chance to meet and talk with the riders past and present. Tickets are available now. Contact myself or "The White Knight" for further details. "The Mackem"

Another highly successful Reunion. Many thanks to all those who attended and contributed in making it a night to remember. Hope to see you all again next year when Brian and Sue will be back to organising the event. Bob "The Mackem"

Many thanks Gustix, we live in hope! "The Mackem"

Thank's Steve. Bob

Hi Tony. In my two books about Jack Millen, "Crazy Jack" and "Both Sides Of The Track", you will find plenty of interesting tales of Jack and his pal Jim Wells. You are welcome to using any material from these books. Cheers Bob Ferry Hi

With regard to wikipedia, ref Sunderland Speedway. In 1971- 1974, Sunderland Stars/ Gladiators raced in the British League Division 2, not the National League as stated. 71 - 73 they rode as the "Stars", then in 74 as the "Gladiators". Among the notable riders were Russ Dent, George Barclay and Jack Millen. "The Mackem"

The foreign writing is still dotted around the sight Ian, and photographs part covering some text. Shame our hard work is made to look "Mickey Mouse". I suspect the person who has done this is known to us, and I hope they are shame faced - have some decency man! "The Mackem"

I vividly remember my first, and my last visits to see speedway at my local track, Boldon Stadium, Sunderland. The first was Sunderland v Newcastle in 1964. I remember the stadium was packed to the gunnals, we had to fight for a viewing space. One rider dominated the meeting - Ivan Mauger, Mr 100% record around the Boldon track in three meetings. My last visit was a very sad day, we all knew the track was closing down. Brian Havelock won the last race at Sunderland - and then I stood, in a trance as the stadium emptied, and the silence took over. No more roaring engines - just silence. And it's that silence that really gets to me after all these years. I've visited the Stadium many times since, I just gaze at the Stadium searching for memories, all I hear is the silence and the ghosts of the past. I stand where I stood all those years ago selling raffle tickets, shouting "Raffle tickets, two for a bob". Was it all a dream? Great memories, we never had a great team - but they were our team, and we loved them all. "The Mackem"

I was told years ago by a well respected rider - "Part of a speedway riders job, is to learn how to ride under all track conditions, wet, dry, deep or slick". Something it would seem, that not all of the Diamonds were prepared to do last night! "The Mackem"

The last time the Sunderland colours were seen on track was in 2008 at Redcar. They beat the Tees Valley Tigers 14-16, and yes Jade was in the Sunderland team. And it will be a big thrill to see the colours back on track once again- good luck to the "Stars" - and thank you to Redcar Speedway for the opportunity to see them once more. "The Mackem""

Paulco/Chunky - Nice to see my old pal Russ Dent remembered, he will be chuffed about that. No finer sight than Russ blasting around the fence for a last gasp win. Remember him beating home favourite Bruce Forrester in a run off to win the Teesside Farewell Trophy in 1971 - the place was jumping that night. Fond memories indeed. "The Mackem"

Sorry if I've misread the statement my friend!

Totally agree with you, the points reduction is bad, and a ten team league is a joke. It leaves you with 9 home league meetings, in what - about 27 weeks approximately of the speedway season. The mainstay of any sport is the league system, it is a measure of a teams progress. The fans like to see different teams and riders, not repeat after repeat by the same teams. Speedway is dying, it's a self inflicted slow stangulation. After nearly 50 years I'm beginning to question my will to carry on supporting speedway - only the comradeship of my pals have kept me going recently. "The Mackem"

First class post Chris, I agree entirely with your comments. "The Mackem"

In case my previous post is misleading anyone, I must point out that my comment "It's a shambles" was directed at speedway in general - and not directed at Newcastle. Speedway is in big trouble, it's dying on it's feet. It has taken for granted the supporters who are the life blood of our sport. It needs a big re-think, a big shake up before it's too late. "The Mackem"

Some very good points there mate, how very true they are. Too many people complaining about the sport. If wasn't for the company of my pals at Brough, I very much doubt that I would be there every week. It's a shambles!!! "The Mackem"

Shocked and saddened by the news. Dave started as a raw novice for the Sunderland Stars in 1971 and quickly progressed to became a heat leader by 1973. A likeable and pleasant lad, a true "Star" for Sunderland Speedway. Fondly remembered by all Sunderland speedway supporters, and thanks for the memories. Rest In Peace Dave. Bob and Molly Ferry

I fully agree with your comments, speedway is a mess. This isn't a go at Newcastle, it's about the sport of speedway, the sport I've loved and supported for many, many years. Speedway is fast loosing it's appeal for me, I'm at the crossroads, do I go on supporting it, or do I call it a day? To be honest I attend more because of the banter with the lads, more than the actual racing. And to be honest, the prospect of going into the second meeting of the season with only three of the team line up - well says it all doesn't it. Your team is your team, and you support them through thick and thin, that's how you build up loyalty. Not some hoch pot of riders thrown together to make up the numbers - and this could be a regular thing so I'm led to believe! "The Makem"

Thank you for your advice gustix, let's hope we get to the bottom of it all. "Mackem"