Issue 72 - Belle Vue, Gresham, Ryman, 1980

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Issue 72 is out now and includes:

 

BELLE VUE: 60 MEMORABLE MOMENTS
In this extended look at Belle Vue, Rob Peasley recalls the key points in the history of the world famous club and many of the riders who wore the iconic Aces racejacket . . . from Jack Parker and Peter Craven, to Ivan Mauger, Peter Collins, Chris Morton, the Morans, Joe Screen and Jason Crump and many more.

 

STEVE GRESHAM INTERVIEW
American Steve Gresham was a tough, uncompromising rider who took no prisoners. In this candid interview he defends his 'wild man' reputation, looks back on his 10-year British career with fondness and, firstly, recalls how two very costly exclusions denied him a World Final place.

 

THAT WAS THE YEAR: 1980

In the first of a regular new series looking at years gone by, we recall the year in which England dominated the three World Championships but lost a thrilling Test series to USA, Reading and Rye House were crowned league champions, Peter Collins (Belle Vue) and Dave Perks (Oxford) topped the respective BL & NL averages, Malcolm Simmons was controversially sacked by Poole, National League KO Cup winners Berwick were given notice to quit Shielfield Park, Pete Adams switched from Coventry to Midland rivals Cradley, Dan McCormick left the Heathens to take over at Birmingham, Sheffield signed 18-year-old Shawn Moran from Hull, Tom Owen put pen to a 10-year contract at Newcastle, Exeter dropped a division, Blondie had three No.1 hits, while John Lennon and J.R. Ewing were both shot.

 

JIM RYMAN INTERVIEW
Despite suffering some nasty injuries, former Boston star Jim Ryman is still competing on two wheels back in his native Australia. ANDREW SKEELS caught up with the Cudas' 1973 double winner . . .

 

PLACES & FACES with MARTIN ROGERS
Our roving scribe undertakes his latest trip down memory lane to revisit the scene of many enjoyable outings back in the day when the sport was going through one of its most optimistic periods. In this issue we feature Rayleigh, Rye House, Canterbury, Crayford, Romford and Iwade.

 

OPENING TIMES
It's almost 46 years since speedway began at the East of England Showground. Andrew Skeels recalls the Panthers' delayed curtain-raiser against Rayleigh with a couple of Panthers who rode on that historic night in June 1970.

 

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO . . . ANDY NIGHTINGALE?

From skipper of the successful Ipswich junior team and reserve for the Witches' BL title-winning side, Andy Nightingale explains to Martin Neal how he went from promising Foxhall hopeful to air conditioning project manager in Queensland, Australia.

 

ON TWO MINUTES WITH . . . ALAN DIPROSE
A product of the Iwade training track, Alan reflects on his efforts to establish himself with Canterbury and Rye House, his role in the BBC TV series King Cinder and how he's battled back from a stroke and brain tumour.

 

ALAN GRAHAME'S UNLUCKY BREAK
Many years after calling time on his iong and illustrious career, former England and Cradley Heath star Alan Grahame reveals how and why a recent speedway crash left him nursing a broken thigh.

 

TIGERS' NEARLY MEN
Each year there are rumours about whom your team is going to sign. Some come off, while others have little basis in fact. It’s all part of the annual pre-season ritual. Doug Nicolson takes an alphabetical look at some of the 'might have beens' at Glasgow and Coatbridge.

 

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