spin king 1,923 Posted December 6, 2003 Can anybody tell me whatever happened to the following; Shawn Moran Doug Wyer Bernie Persson Eric Broadbelt Roman Matousek All ex Sheffield riders who I was just wondered what had happened to them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
howling gorgon 1 Posted December 6, 2003 Roman's whereabouts has been on here before. It said he joined the police on his retirement, got into problems with drink, ended up in the nick, however, I believe he is now working on a farm in the Czech Republic. Not the best of tales, but hope it helps Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Merlin 0 Posted December 6, 2003 Doug Wyer's career finished following a dreadful accident at Middlesborough (I think) in a qualifying round of the fours. He was in a crash with Rob Grant of Berwick Bandits (the father not the son!) and after a lengthy spell in hospital he retired as a result of his injuries. He rode with Les Collins in the Edinburgh Monarchs team at the time and along with Les was a tremendous inspiration. In fact he and Les won the Pairs Championship at Hackney (I think). Eric Broadbelt suffered a horrendous crash at Edinburgh's Powderhall stadium which effectively ended his career. I saw the accident and I honestly thought he was dead when he landed on the track (along with most of the rest of the crowd). He came out of the second bend rather wide and down the back straight his footrest got caught up in the wire link fence. The bike made a dead stop and Eric was thrown from his machine with enormous force into the air. He hit the lamp standard full on with his back and slid to the ground unconscious. I've never seen a stadium go as quiet as it did that night. Eventually, after a long spell in hospital, he made a recovery and rode for a bit at a lower level but he was never the same. This can be such a cruel sport. Sorry if this is a bit depressing but there it is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest wes lake Posted December 7, 2003 Eric Broadbelt runs a shop in Burnley selling household goods. Still loves his speedway. He was a rider who showed no fear and took some horrendous crashes remember at Long Eaton tried to go round Middlo and took a big one, the boy could crash!!!!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sandman 0 Posted December 7, 2003 i think Eric should be under the thread "He was a tough un". That man ate dynamite for breakfast.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spin king 1,923 Posted December 7, 2003 Yes, I remember Doug, well both him and Reg Wilson carried Sheffield for sometime in the Mid Seventies. There was Doug in his white leathers with the flowing tassles on the arms of his leathers, he was a joy to watch. Eric like everybody says was as strong as an ox, I once saw lift his whole of bike of a trailer as if it was nothing,and believe when he did crash the doctors did say that it was only his fitness that saved him. Memories Memories Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
youngy105 16 Posted December 8, 2003 Not one of the riders mentioned but Chris Morton currently sells ISA's/Insurance in and around the Chester area. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spin king 1,923 Posted December 8, 2003 Chris Morton selling insurance, god whats the world coming to, I remember at my home club Sheffield blasting around the boards,absolutely hopless out of the gate but an extremely great passer. You did him complain about the track, been unfair to home riders, mind you not many opposing riders did. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Malcolm 0 Posted December 9, 2003 Phil Collins lives near me in California. I have a brief video of him at a local practice track on my RTS Viper. Check it out. http://xtremesport.org Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grachan 7,362 Posted December 9, 2003 I remember Eric Broadbelt having an accident where he collided either with a track raker or a grading tractor(?) I still recall the picture of him on the track with a badly cut face. I guess that must have been around 1974/75 time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spin king 1,923 Posted December 10, 2003 Phil Collins, what rider, of all the collins clan for me Phil was the most spectaular, he was an absolute joy to watch, he obviously settle in the States. I like a lot of people thought he would be the best of the clan, but some how he never for one reason or another fullfilled his true potential. WHAT A RACER Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greyhoundp 990 Posted December 10, 2003 I think Phil was the most naturally gifted of the brothers Collins,i think he was to nice a guy,had he been mentally tougher then he would have been world Champ. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spin king 1,923 Posted December 11, 2003 Could not agree more, Phil Collins was fine racer and on his day could beat anyone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Malcolm 0 Posted December 11, 2003 Phil flat out at Herxheim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatface 2,554 Posted December 11, 2003 I think Phil was the most naturally gifted of the brothers Collins,i think he was to nice a guy,had he been mentally tougher then he would have been world Champ. Sorry guys I just can't let you get away with it. Phil Collins was smashing rider, but he was still some way short of being as gifted as Peter. Indeed many could quite legitimately argue PC was the most talented rider in the world ever, never mind just within a family. Surely I am not alone in thinking this? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
