TonyMac 720 Posted August 25, 2008 (edited) Here's a summary of what's up in Issue 2... COLIN PRATT Our front cover subject is normally a man of few words, but former World Finalist Colin Pratt recalls the highs and lows of his racing career in issue 2 of Classic Speedway. After learning his trade with Stoke in the Provincial League, 'Pratty' established himself as a British League No.1 and England star with Hackney. The double London Riders’ champion reflects on his six seasons as skipper at The Wick between 1964 and 1969, his long-term relationship with Hawks boss Len Silver - "one of the best" - and the disappointment of being denied a third consecutive LRC title. He sought a move to Cradley Heath in 1970 and, after threatening to quit Britain and ride in Sweden or the USA, he was enjoying life at one of his favourite tracks when tragedy struck on the road near the Belgium town of Lokeren. The minibus carrying the West Ham team and manager Phil Bishop back from Holland crashed, killing four riders as well as Bishop. Pratt made what he describes as a "miracle escape" but after six months recovering from a broken neck and other serious injuries, he was advised by medical experts never to race again. "They warned me that if I broke the vertebra again, I'd end up paralysed from the neck down," he says. TERRY BETTS One of the most popular riders of his generation and a legend at King's Lynn, it wasn't always plain sailing for the blond bombshell. In our second major exclusive in issue 2, 'Bettsy' reveals the reasons why the Control Board banned him for nine months and he threatened to turn his back on the sport after a dispute with the Norwich management. He tells how Ove Fundin's selfish hard-riding tactics at the Firs upset him and his team-mates but how it made him a much better rider too. "He'd take your leg away, ride right over your foot," says Terry. Betts explains why he was at one time persona non grata at his former club, Wolverhampton and what riding for Lynn boss Maurice Littlechild meant to him. Littlechild was one mentor in Terry's life and the other key figure was Colin Pratt, who, he says, transformed his career in the early 70s. ERIC BOOTHROYD International rider and captain, world finalist, team manager, promoter, BSPA chairman and track curator . . . Eric Boothroyd has done the lot in speedway and he's still going strong in retirement in his native West Yorkshire. In our third big exclusive of this issue, the Halifax title-winning captain of 1966 takes us through his long speedway journey, from his debut ride while serving in the army, though his spells with Birmingham, Oxford and Middlesbrough, his tours of South Africa and on to his influential role in the launch of the shale sport in his home town of Halifax. Eric reveals why, every time they met for years, Ronnie Moore called him a "rotten devil" and also why, at 41, he decided the time was right to finally hang up his leathers. BRIAN CRUTCHER One of the best Brits never to win the World Final, the former Poole and Wembley favourite was still a top rider with Southampton when he stunned his supporters by announcing his retirement. The World No.2 of 1954 explains the reasons behind his decision and why he now regrets ending his racing days as early as he did. FRANK VAREY The latest in our 'Legend' series, we look back at one of the sport’s great pioneering characters - the former Belle Vue and England wild man they called the 'Red Devil'. GOING TO THE DOGS? Can speedway and greyhound racing live without each other? Following the recent closure of Walthamstow Stadium, we ask if the two sports are the classic marriage of convenience? NAME THAT TRACK Can you name the three tracks pictured in our latest photo quiz? Plus… Your letters, plus our regular columnists John Hyam and Ian Hoskins, and tributes to Willie Templeton, Joe Thurley, Bert Edwards, Darren Boocock and Snowy Beattie. Previously unseen photographs and another whole helping of pure nostalgia. Why not subscribe now for 12 months - it costs just £12 in the UK. http://www.retro-speedway.com Edited September 17, 2008 by tmc Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moxey63 1,785 Posted September 8, 2008 Has issue 2 been posted out yet, Tony? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TonyMac 720 Posted September 8, 2008 Has issue 2 been posted out yet, Tony? Apologies to all subscribers who have waited patiently, but our printer experienced mechanical problems last week, which created a backlog on their presses. I've just got back from there tonight to approve the proofs and we're assured that issue 2 will be printed in the next 48 hours and delivered to us by this Friday. It will obviously be despatched to postal subscribers immediately, so you should expect to receive it early next week. Once again, many thanks for your patience and support. Tony Mac Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trackman 3 Posted September 11, 2008 Nigel Booey!..... he was going strong in them day's. Someone should write a book on Booey's speedway world of "Team Leader/Builder" Regards. PS. When he was shipping young English riders to Aussieland, some became WC's & England built a team from the lads... His "World All Stars team" too... them were the good old days of Aussie speedway too... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
