2002 Wimbledon Revival And Other Happenings

[Guest]

gustix - I always thought that Speedway was a huge part of Wimbledon's History. It doesn't get a mention in the latest Posters, or on the brief write up.

 

Plenty about the so called Stox but nothing regarding Speedway.

 

A question - were Stox (or whatever they are called) more popular at Wimbledon than Wimbledon 'Dons'?

 

With the likes of Briggo, Ronnie Moore, Tommy Jansson, Cyril Maidment, Wilbur Lamoreoux, Norman Parker et al. I can't believe that 'Stox' was better supported than Speedway.

The publicity material is stock car orientated because it is being provided by Spedeworth Motorsport who have been promoting car racing there since 1962. There has not been an active speedway promotion at the stadium since the end of 2005.

It is only through the co-operation of Spedeworth Motorsport that former Dons' rider Jon Stevens has been able to stage a speedway memorial event on Sunday, March 12. As it is, this is only be staged as part of a mainstream stock car meeting.

Whether or not stock cars were more popular at Wimbledon than speedway - overall I would vote in favour of speedway.

Edited March 1, 2017 by Guest

[Guest]

The latest Poster that mentions speedway on Sunday, March 12, 2017:

[Guest]

This Wikipedia item in regard to Wimbledon Stadium IMO needs updating in parts, but for all that is an interesting look at what has taken place at the soon to be lost to motorsport venue.

https://en.wikipedia...mbledon_Stadium

[BangerBoy 47]

 

The publicity material is stock car orientated because it is being provided by Spedeworth Motorsport who have been promoting car racing there since 1962. There has not been an active speedway promotion at the stadium since the end of 2005.

It is only through the co-operation of Spedeworth Motorsport that former Dons' rider Jon Stevens has been able to stage a speedway memorial event on Sunday, March 12. As it is, this is only be staged as part of a mainstream stock car meeting.

Whether or not stock cars were more popular at Wimbledon than speedway - overall I would vote in favour of speedway.

 

Think you will find that Stock Cars were more popular hence they kept going from 1962

[Guest]

 

The publicity material is stock car orientated because it is being provided by Spedeworth Motorsport who have been promoting car racing there since 1962. There has not been an active speedway promotion at the stadium since the end of 2005.

It is only through the co-operation of Spedeworth Motorsport that former Dons' rider Jon Stevens has been able to stage a speedway memorial event on Sunday, March 12. As it is, this is only be staged as part of a mainstream stock car meeting.

Whether or not stock cars were more popular at Wimbledon than speedway - overall I would vote in favour of speedway.

 

 

 

Think you will find that Stock Cars were more popular hence they kept going from 1962

 

You make a strong point in favour of stock cars BangerBoy. I tend to agree that 55 consecutive seasons since 1962 does indicate much interest in 'stock car' racing at Wimbledon Stadium.

But also consider that speedway ran 11 seasons from 1928 to 1939 then had an enforced break because of WW2 until 1946. They then ran until 1992 which was a 46 season spell, so there are extremely favourable comparisons for speedway?

[Guest]

The adverts have been excellent but still VERY urgently needed is a Press Release FULLY detailing an agenda for Sunday March 12. Just what organisation is to be in place to ensure the event is a success?

[Guest]

WIMBLEDON STADIUM MARCH 12 2017

Countdown to the Final Farewell..........from Jon Stevens, event organiser:

Latest News:

TheDonsDen Tent will be at Wimbledon Stadium from 3:30pm onwards. We will be situated past the old pit bend by the entrance to the stadium

Please be reminded admission into the stadium is now via the old back straight (Mick the Miller stand).

We will have Speedway bikes on display dating from 1929 up until modern era. You will get an opportunity to hear these bikes starting from 4:30pm onwards prior to the start of the stockcar meeting at 5:30pm.

You can purchase /pick up (for pre-orders) any items from the DonsDen stall inside on the ground floor Grandstand.

You will see the DonsDen area along the top tables in the Grandstand. Please go along and grab an autograph, photo with the Dons Riders there. Not all riders will be on parade.

Sit back enjoy the stockcar action..... brace yourself for that iconic Blaze Away tune when the sound and smell of Speedway Machines with riders mounted on them will be heard roaring from the pit bend tunnel and onto the track for the last four laps.

Admission prices can be found below or if you require further information please follow the link below;

Spedeworth Motorsports
NB: While we take all possible care in compiling this list we cannot be held responsible for the non-appearance of an individual driver!
WWW.SPEDEWORTH.CO.UK

Spedeworth Motorsports

SPEDEWORTH.CO.UK

Edited March 6, 2017 by Guest

[Guest]

Forwarded message:

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7 hrs ·

SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL THIS SUNDAY AT WIMBLEDON.

In addition to the usual exciting four formula Stock car racing, this Sunday we are extremely pleased to announce a very special event in association with our friend Jon Stevens at The Dons Den.

As well as the superb Classic Hot Rods, Back To Basics Unlimited Bangers, Stock Rods and Junior Rods, classic Speedway bikes return to Plough Lane for the first time since 2005.

A one-off Farewell Reunion will be taking place, featuring some of the biggest names from the illustrious history of the Wimbledon Dons Speedway team.

Come along and meet some former stars of the sport such as former World No.2 Gordon Kennett and Swedish International Bo Jansson amongst many others.

Bikes will be gathered just past the old pit bend by the entrance to the stadium from 3:30 and fired up from 4:30pm. The plan is then for the bikes to appear on track mid way through the stock car meeting.

More details of who will be appearing can be found on 'The Dons Den' Facebook page.

[iris123 20,939]

Forwarded message:Urgent update. The start time for the stockcars has been brought forward to 5:10pm. Please ensure you arrive early enough to avoid disappointment. The speedway bike warm up will now take place at the slightly earlier time of 4pm.

[Sidney the robin 4,735]

Is there any chance of getting the Dons racejacket with Jansson on it? looks superb.

[jsw 6]

Agree Sidney the race jacket (and all of the merchandise) was very high quality and the day overall was really enjoyable. It would have been really sad if Wimbledon Stadium had closed without a proper acknowledgement of speedway's part in its history and that is what yesterday delivered - well done and thank you to all concerned. Given the constraints of a tarmac track and operating within a stock car meeting, the presentation of the demonstration laps was excellent and some of the riders even managed a bit of a skid on the surface. Gordon Kennett was very quick still, Eddie's wheelies were entertaining and Jon Stevens looked like he was representing the pre-war Dons with authentically vintage leathers and bike! Great to see so many former heroes there as well as mechanics, officials, fans etc and the exhibition of old machines just outside the entrance was very interesting too. All in all a good day despite the sadness at the stadium's demise.

[iris123 20,939]

 

The Wimbledon Reunion farewell gathering, March 12, 2017. A list of names would be appreciated please. Photo by GEOFF YOUNG.

 

 

Seeing as you are using Geoff Youngs photo,why not ask him who the riders are?See he has put up over 1,000 photos from yesterday.And also seen a bit of video of the riders going round the track.

Edited March 13, 2017 by iris123

[iris123 20,939]

Forwarded reply - many thanks indeed: Sent by Keith Rand = Unidentifiable lady! jem Luckhurst, P Johns, BoJansson, Gary Sweet, Terry Mussett hidden, Stu Turner, Elliott., buzz burrows, Gordon Kennett, mad dog pullen, mr Payne, John Stevens, John Stevens Sons, Mr Wimbledon, Roger Johns, on bike Andy Graham

Martin Elliott kneeling in front of the lady

[iris123 20,939]

 

​Looking very closely at the group photo, one name seems to be missing of a person to be seen. In the very back, towards the centre, is that not dead old Cecil Forbes?

Looks quite well to me unless someone is propping him up?

[iris123 20,939]

Video of the speedway

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0uW-5PQ3s0&t=216s&app=desktop