ianmartin

A couple of weeks ago I enjoyed a visit to the Speedway Museum at Paradise Wildlife Park. I feel I must congratulate ALL the people involved for a wonderful facility presenting virtually a full HISTORY of our wonderful Sport of Speedway.. The memories evoked were in some ways very sad for me. My Club, Sunderland closed back in 1974 - but - how nice it was to see a Poster had been put up to at least show that Sunderland were part of Speedway's GREAT history. The old Speedway Bikes from pre-war up to Jason Crumps Bike of today. Peter Craven (one of my heroes), Gary Havelock from my current Club Redcar 'Bears', Terry Stone - President of the WSRA - former Rayleigh 'Rocket' who actually rode at Sunderland all those years ago. Ivan Mauger (rode in 19 Races at Sunderland and won the lot), Bert Harkins, 'Banger' Jansson, Steve Wilcock - ahh the Memories. Also nice to see the Vic Harding Memorial Meeting Race Jacket (another former Sunderland Rider) hanging up with SO many Club Race Jackets from yesteryear. Thank you for a superb experience. I WOULD RECOMMEND A VISIT - I GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.

As there is not a Topic here on the Classic Speedway Section for Forum users to suggest Riders who they would like to read about - I thought I would start one. I was prompted to do this after I had returned home from a Long Eaton Reunion. Whilst there I met a very interesting former Rider called Ken Vale - I would love to read more about him. Ken Sharples is another who springs to mind. Any possibility Tony.

Well said hyderd.

Thank you very much Danish Webmaster.

Barry Briggs has been a Hero to me since I first got interested in Speedway 46 years ago. The man is a true Legend of the Sport. I have been fortunate enough to have met him on a number of occasions over the last five or six years. He is still my Hero. He had time to talk to me, allowed me to have my photograph taken with him and was at all times a perfect Gentleman in the true sense of the word. So he used some industrial language on a DVD - So what - a warning was given. Speedway is a tough Sport and Riders have to be tough to take part in it. A few swear words won't tarnish my memories of 'Briggo' - in fact it could be said that he is showing an obvious passion for the Sport. Finally - 'Briggo' has my total admiration for what he is attempting to do for our disabled Speedway Riders - it is good to see that even at his age - 'Briggo' has not yet settled for his pipe and slippers.

Yes - as a Sunderland 'Stars' Supporter - I would like to thank you for reminding us too. Vic was very highly thought of up here in the North East. His name still comes up regularly. He was a great Rider and a truly lovely bloke. He is much missed by the friends and Supporters here in Sunderland. Vic - R.I.P. +

Full of GREAT stuff this Magazine. Enjoyed the Alf Hagon Interview. Bengt Jansson - I was convinced that he was told not to try to beat Fundin. A jolly good read this.

Another excellent Edition. I though the Kelvin Tatum piece was terrific. I would have liked to have known though, which Public School Kevin attended. Unless I missed it - It didn't say. Looking forward to the next copy of BackTrack dropping through my letterbox.

I've just returned home from a weekend away in Hertfordshire. Whilst there I took the opportunity to visit the British Speedway Museum. It is situated in the Paradise Wildlife Park. If you are interested in Speedway and it's History - then a visit to the Museum is a MUST. They have everything you could think of in there from old Rudge Dirt Track Bikes, JAPs, through the upright engines - Jawa, Weslake etc. up to the present day lay downs. That is not all - there are at least two Bikes that were ridden by Ivan Mauger, I saw one from Peter Collins and one from Chris Morton and one too from Bert Harkins. Present day Riders are not neglected either Jason Crump and Leigh Adams have Bikes in there too. It is not only Bikes - there are loads of body colours displayed, lots of Trophies won by Simon Wigg. Photographs, old Posters abound. There is a reconstructed Pits from the Thirties/Forties. There is a Tableau showing Peter Craven (statue) in action. I could go on and on. This REALLY is the place for the Speedway afficianado. I will be returning for another (third) visit - there is just so much to see. It has changed since the last time I was there - but that is the way it is run. It is a living Museum that regularly changes stock and moves things around. I can highly recommend this as an EXTREMELY interesting day out as you can see all the animals in the Wildlife Park too. If you went on a Saturday during the Season - you could take in the Speedway at Rye House and REALLY complete your Speedway Day Out. Please go - if you can - I'm sure you will enjoy it.

What a GREAT tradition Gorka. I saw Viktor in the World Final in 1972 at Wembley. A VERY good Rider as I remember. It would be good if you could keep us up to date with the young man's progress.

Sure that should not be New Cross - lucifer sam.

Thank you Mikal and Berwick for a memorable evening. I was very impressed with the running of the Meeting. I thought there was a worthy winner in Chris Harris. The Crowd looked to be a good one - which is no more than Mikal deserved. Nice to see his Mum and Dad there for him as well. Great atmosphere and, as scarletrider said, the PIES were to die for. One of the highlights (of which there were many) must go to Jade Mudgway - I thought that considering his experience he was absolutely brilliant. He was never off the pace and his Second Place was superb. I think Berwick have found one for the future here - he will go far in the Sport.

I am sorry - BUT - I should also have Posted: A brilliant Commentator who will be sadly missed. R.I.P. + Harry.

Thanks for the 'tip' falkirkbandit - I will do the same when he comes to Redcar.

Typical 'Colemanballs' - Private Eye would have liked that one.

Super Site. Enjoyed browsing it very much - keep up the good work.

Cheers for that Norbold. I've maintained my consistancy levels for this sort of thing - I've not been contacted.

Anyone know the results of the Speedway Museum Raffle please.

Dead right Tsunami - AND - the bairns usually have a Greggs Pasty stuck in their gobs to keep them quiet. Not very successfully I might add. Just watch out for their little greasy hands that's all.

I was very saddened to hear of the death of Bernie Aldridge who rode for Sunderland 'Stars' back in the Seventies. He also rode for Ipswich 'Witches'. His death was announced at the WSRA Dinner on Saturday. Bernie Aldridge R.I.P. +

Crikey!!! - that takes me back. I did too.

Having read the piece in my 'Classic Speedway' and now this, it just goes to show what Characters some of these Speedway Riders (ex or present) are. What with Jimmy here and 'Briggo's' Ride - these 'Old Timers' are putting some of us younger folks to shame. More strength to their collective elbows - they are a great example of showing that you can do lot's of things despite being an elder statesman.

How about John Goodall - the former Sunderland Rider who disappeared back to New Zealand half way through Sunderland's first Season. I would like to know the story behind that - it would make very interesting reading I think.

When you look at it like that - it is a disgrace what has happened to Andy. I suppose what they will trot out about Docherty is that it is for his own use - no-one else's. It does seem as if when you are a Celebrity or a Footballer you can - by and large - get away with it.

I suppose you could say he got toasted for it. On a serious front - I hope that he will be OK when he comes out - this is very sad really.