TonyMac 720 Posted March 26, 2010 OUT NOW! KELLY MORAN – Exclusive interview The speedway world was recently shocked to hear that popular former American star Kelly Moran had been rushed to hospital, where doctors didn’t expect him to make it through the night after he was found collapsed at home. The good news is the ‘Jelly Man’ is still hanging in there and fighting to regain his health having suffered serious damage to his liver and lungs. The former Hull, Birmingham, Eastbourne, Sheffield and Belle Vue favourite recovered well enough to give Backtrack an exclusive, in-depth interview from his bed in California. Now 49, he talks candidly about his hell-raising ‘party lifestyle’ that led him to the brink of death, his regrets and why he must now put alcohol and drugs behind him. Kelly talks about the highs and lows of his memorable British racing career – his early days with Hull Vikings and the crash that nearly wrecked his career, why Eastbourne was his happiest period in the BL and the reasons he stunned the Eagles by leaving them after two very good seasons. Having conquered the US scene in the mid-80s, he explains what brought him back to England and a move to Sheffield, where he teamed up with younger brother Shawn, before winding down his BL career at Belle Vue and Swindon. With new colour pics of Kelly at home with his family and friends plus the honest opinions of John Berry, Ian Thomas, Ivan Mauger, Bob Dugard and Eric Boocock, this dominant feature of Backtrack 37 is a must for all Moran fans and those who appreciate just how much excitement and entertainment Kelly brought to the sport wherever he rode. BENGT JANSSON – Exclusive interview One of the most stylish and likeable imports to ever grace the BL in the 70s, former World No.2 ‘Banger’ Jansson recalls his brilliant racing days at Hackney, where he was idolised by Hawks’ fans, before less happy spells with Reading and Birmingham. He recalls his family’s struggle to overcome the tragic death of Tommy Jansson in 1976 and his successful veteran days in the Swedish leagues. Bengt also reveals plans to revive his business as a promoter of his beloved country and western music. SIMMO’S COLUMN Our straight-talking columnist reports back from the World Speedway Riders’ Association dinner, where he caught up with his former England team-mate Ray Wilson, plus Erik Gundersen and Terry Russell. ‘Super Simmo’ also writes about former Hackney team-mate Andy Galvin’s imprisonment, wonders whether he dare show his face at Swindon again and considers the merits of calls for a special memorial meeting to mark the 10th anniversary of Simon Wigg’s passing. HAPPY ANNIVERSARIES – Workington & Peterborough We spotlight two clubs that first opened their doors to speedway 40 years ago as both Workington and Peterborough celebrate their anniversary. Looking back at the opening season, with memories from several of those who were part of history, including Comets boss Ian Thomas and ex-Panthers’ stars Pete Seaton (the first race winner at the East of England Showground) and Pete Saunders. TIGER’S TALES We’re in Ipswich – Tiger country – for An Evening with John Louis, as the Witches legend entertains us with tales of his successful racing career. CONCRETE CAPERS The inside story of the indoor speedway extravagabnza at Wembley Arena, where a bold experiment in 1979 snowballed into a five-year adventure. Co-promoter Ian Thomas reveals the successes and failures behind the scenes. NIGEL LEAVER – On 2 Minutes Q&A Tracing the ups and downs of a rider who started out as Alan Grahame’s mechanic at Cradley Heath and went on a long and winding journey that involved stop-offs at Arena-Essex, Rye House, Wimbledon, Exeter, Mildenhall, King’s Lynn, Swindon and Belle Vue, where a bomb hoax once worked to his advantage. AMAZING BRIGGO Erik Gundersen urges British speedway to get behind the ambitious charity mission undertaken by Barry Briggs, while John Berry reviews Briggo’s new book, Wembley and Beyond. RADFORD’S TRAVELS Our intrepid reporter recalls his previous trips to far-flung venues. This time it’s: Nearbo (Norway), Nelson, Newcastle, Newport, Norden (Germany), Ornarna (Sweden), Ostrow (Poland), Oxford, Paisley, Peterborough, Poole, Rayleigh and Reading (Tilehurst). To order this issue and for details of how to subscribe, please go to: http://www.retro-speedway.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tomcat 21 Posted March 27, 2010 OUT NOW! KELLY MORAN – Exclusive interview The speedway world was recently shocked to hear that popular former American star Kelly Moran had been rushed to hospital, where doctors didn’t expect him to make it through the night after he was found collapsed at home. The good news is the ‘Jelly Man’ is still hanging in there and fighting to regain his health having suffered serious damage to his liver and lungs. The former Hull, Birmingham, Eastbourne, Sheffield and Belle Vue favourite recovered well enough to give Backtrack an exclusive, in-depth interview from his bed in California. Now 49, he talks candidly about his hell-raising ‘party lifestyle’ that led him to the brink of death, his regrets and why he must now put alcohol and drugs behind him. Kelly talks about the highs and lows of his memorable British racing career – his early days with Hull Vikings and the crash that nearly wrecked his career, why Eastbourne was his happiest period in the BL and the reasons he stunned the Eagles by leaving them after two very good seasons. Having conquered the US scene in the mid-80s, he explains what brought him back to England and a move to Sheffield, where he teamed up with younger brother Shawn, before winding down his BL career at Belle Vue and Swindon. With new colour pics of Kelly at home with his family and friends plus the honest opinions of John Berry, Ian Thomas, Ivan Mauger, Bob Dugard and Eric Boocock, this dominant feature of Backtrack 37 is a must for all Moran fans and those who appreciate just how much excitement and entertainment Kelly brought to the sport wherever he rode. BENGT JANSSON – Exclusive interview One of the most stylish and likeable imports to ever grace the BL in the 70s, former World No.2 ‘Banger’ Jansson recalls his brilliant racing days at Hackney, where he was idolised by Hawks’ fans, before less happy spells with Reading and Birmingham. He recalls his family’s struggle to overcome the tragic death of Tommy Jansson in 1976 and his successful veteran days in the Swedish leagues. Bengt also reveals plans to revive his business as a promoter of his beloved country and western music. SIMMO’S COLUMN Our straight-talking columnist reports back from the World Speedway Riders’ Association dinner, where he caught up with his former England team-mate Ray Wilson, plus Erik Gundersen and Terry Russell. ‘Super Simmo’ also writes about former Hackney team-mate Andy Galvin’s imprisonment, wonders whether he dare show his face at Swindon again and considers the merits of calls for a special memorial meeting to mark the 10th anniversary of Simon Wigg’s passing. HAPPY ANNIVERSARIES – Workington & Peterborough We spotlight two clubs that first opened their doors to speedway 40 years ago as both Workington and Peterborough celebrate their anniversary. Looking back at the opening season, with memories from several of those who were part of history, including Comets boss Ian Thomas and ex-Panthers’ stars Pete Seaton (the first race winner at the East of England Showground) and Pete Saunders. TIGER’S TALES We’re in Ipswich – Tiger country – for An Evening with John Louis, as the Witches legend entertains us with tales of his successful racing career. CONCRETE CAPERS The inside story of the indoor speedway extravagabnza at Wembley Arena, where a bold experiment in 1979 snowballed into a five-year adventure. Co-promoter Ian Thomas reveals the successes and failures behind the scenes. NIGEL LEAVER – On 2 Minutes Q&A Tracing the ups and downs of a rider who started out as Alan Grahame’s mechanic at Cradley Heath and went on a long and winding journey that involved stop-offs at Arena-Essex, Rye House, Wimbledon, Exeter, Mildenhall, King’s Lynn, Swindon and Belle Vue, where a bomb hoax once worked to his advantage. AMAZING BRIGGO Erik Gundersen urges British speedway to get behind the ambitious charity mission undertaken by Barry Briggs, while John Berry reviews Briggo’s new book, Wembley and Beyond. RADFORD’S TRAVELS Our intrepid reporter recalls his previous trips to far-flung venues. This time it’s: Nearbo (Norway), Nelson, Newcastle, Newport, Norden (Germany), Ornarna (Sweden), Ostrow (Poland), Oxford, Paisley, Peterborough, Poole, Rayleigh and Reading (Tilehurst). To order this issue and for details of how to subscribe, please go to: http://www.retro-speedway.com Just got my copy through the post today (Friday). Read it from cover to cover already. Absolutely love the fantastic piece on JellyMan, most of which had me chuckling away, didn't he just love to live to the max.. Shame you couldn't have contacted John Louis, he had some amazing stories to tell about his 'encounters' with the Moran brothers.... then again better not, as some may not be suitable for print.. Loved the Tiger Louis piece too, but would it be possible to get a more indepth interview with the Tiger? Having worked very closely with JL over a fair number of years, he has some amazing stuff to tell and obviously his career was fantastic for one so late into speedway. You've managed to grab my attention and keep it yet again with this issue, nice one and Thankyou for allowing people like myself to relive our past memories of speedway during the 70's and 80's. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TonyMac 720 Posted March 27, 2010 Many thanks, Tomcat. We did interview JL about his racing career - in-depth - in Issue 7. You can check out the link: http://www.retro-speedway.com/page.php?14 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tomcat 21 Posted March 28, 2010 Many thanks, Tomcat. We did interview JL about his racing career - in-depth - in Issue 7. You can check out the link: http://www.retro-speedway.com/page.php?14 Cheers TMC... I'll have to get my penny's sorted and get the back issues. Apart from the Tiger one, there was another where John Berry talks about Shrimp Davey.... still a friend to this day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Garry1603 353 Posted April 26, 2010 Great article on Kelly Moran - even more poignant now Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
