May I wish both Tony and Susie very best wishes and thank you most sincerely for producing two great magazines which I will cherish and continue to read the back numbers in an attempt to re-fresh diming memories.

i'm trying to obtain 3 issues of Backtrack to complete my collection. The issues i'm after are numbers 71, 92 and 94 

Just wondered if anyone has them and would consider selling to me ? 

Thanks 

i'm trying to obtain 3 issues of Backtrack to complete my collection. The issues i'm after are numbers 71, 92 and 94 

Just wondered if anyone has them and would consider selling to me ? 

Thanks 

Know its a long shot but did not know if people had collected some that they are willing to sell.

Many thanks

Subscription only at Retro Speedway: Backtrack Magazine (retro-speedway.com)

Issue 108 is out now and here’s a small taste of the feast of nostalgia inside . . .

DENNIS SIGALOS – Life & Times

World Pairs Champion and individual World No.3 in 1982, the world was at the feet of stylish and colourful Californian Dennis Sigalos. ROB PEASLEY looks back at the career of the Hull, Ipswich and Wolverhampton No.1, who would have been best placed to challenge the Danish domination of the late 80s but for a serious ankle injury.

RUN-OFFS

Whether to determine the winner of an individual meeting or settle the final qualifying places, you can’t beat a nailbiting last-race decider or two to get the crowd buzzing and riders’ nerves jangling. In the first of a two-part feature, DOUG NICOLSON reviews the most controversial and unusual run-offs from British speedway in the 70s.

TRACK RIVALRIES: Edinburgh v Glasgow

With fresh insights from Brian Collins, who rode for both Monarchs and Tigers, ROB PEASLEY reviews 15 tartan tussles between Scotland’s biggest second tier teams.

BIG NIGHTS: Manpower Trophy (Reading)

Reviewing British speedway's most prestigious individual meetings, PHIL CHARD rewinds to Reading’s star-studded Manpower Championship that began in 1971. Winners of this classic were Barry Briggs, Ivan Mauger, Anders Michanek, Phil Crump, Peter Collins (twice), Finn Thomsen, John Davis and Chris Morton.

ON THE BOSSES – Cyril Crane

Of all the promoters with whom MARTIN ROGERS crossed paths, there was nobody quite like Cyril Crane, his boss and later landlord at King's Lynn. Their 20-plus years of shared history was by all accounts 'complicated'. This is a look at some of the contradictions which made up speedway's Jekyll and Hyde personality.

CZECH GOLDEN HELMET              

Since 1928 the Czech Golden Helmet has remained one of the most prestigious meetings in the world speedway calendar. VITEK FORMANEK interviewed Pavel Lejhanec, the man entrusted with making the last 30 editions of this coveted trophy and whose family are intrinsically linked to it. Past winners from the Backtrack era include record seven-times champion Ole Olsen, Jiri Stancl (five titles), Milan Spinka, Dennis Sigalos, John Davis, double winner Erik Gundersen, Hans Nielsen, Per Jonsson and Jeremy Doncaster.

Plus . . . Letters, Notebook and a feast of nostalgic pictures.

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JAN O. PEDERSEN – Life & Times

In the first of a few new features in this edition that will stir emotions among Cradley Heath supporters in particular, ROB PEASLEY recalls the highs and lows of the popular, diminutive Dane who became an international giant and individual World Champion in 1991, less than a year before his brilliant career was tragically cut short.

COLIN PRATT – Tribute

Too many grand masters of our sport have qualified for the Grand Final in the sky this year. Towering figures have left us, few with a greater backstory or enduring love for speedway than Colin Pratt, remembered here by MARTIN ROGERS. In this ‘other side of the fence’ feature, the focus is on

Readers and our social media followers also share their memories of a much respected and genuine giant of speedway, who is much missed by all who knew him.

ERIC BOOCOCK – exclusive interview

In an exclusive new interview with TONY McDONALD, Eric Boocock reveals his previously unknown role in Colin Pratt returning to Cradley as their new promoter in 1984. Booey also recalls the highs and lows of his partnership with old pal Pratty as joint-managers of England for eight years.

ALAN GRAHAME – Tribute

Within 24 hours of Colin Pratt’s death, Heathens supporters were dealt another blow with the tragic news that long-serving rider Alan Grahame had succumbed to the serious head injuries suffered while practicing for a sidecar event at a grasstrack meeting in the Midlands on September 25. Alan was the passenger in a unit that careered out of control. We look back on this wholehearted trier’s days with Birmingham, Cradley, Swindon and England, in particular.

TRACK RIVALRIES: Exeter v Poole

With fresh insights from Neil Middleditch, ROB PEASLEY reviews 15 clashes between south-west adversaries at both first and second division level. Riders featured include Ivan Mauger, Malcolm Simmons, Scott Autrey, Antoni Woryna, the tragic Kevin Holden, Kevin Smith, Stan Bear, Leigh Adams, Steve Regeling, etc.

BIG NIGHTS: Olympique

Reviewing British speedway's most prestigious individual meetings, PHIL CHARD is in the West Midlands for the Olympique, which usually featured handicap racing. Past winners of this Wolverhampton classic were Ole Olsen, who won all of the first six stagings between 1970 and ’76, plus Peter Collins, Billy Sanders, Gordon Kennett, Phil Crump, Les Collins, Mitch Shirra, Hans Nielsen, Sam Ermolenko and Jan O. Pedersen. Shirra’s victory and the first by Nielsen came at Birmingham.

SENIOR SERVICE

Knocking on a bit himself, DOUG NICOLSON writes in praise of ‘golden oldies’ from the Backtrack era who graced our tracks for many years. Jimmy Squibb was aged 53 in his final season with Canterbury, in 1975. Other notables to feature include Jack Biggs, Ken McKinlay, Gordon McGregor, Doug and Willie Templeton, Sandor Levai, Olle Nygren, Ron Mountford, Neil Street, Ivan Mauger, Colin Gooddy, Reg Trott, Nigel Boocock, George Hunter, Ronnie Genz, etc. We also reveal the oldest combined pairings and teams.

TIGERS TITANS

Brief extracts from our new Memories of Sheffield Speedway DVD featuring interviews with club legends Doug Wyer and Reg Wilson.

Plus . . . your letters, Notebook and a feast of nostalgic pictures.

is out now, so if you need to renew your subscription or take out a new one, please do so at https://www.retro-speedway.com

Here’s a small taste of the feast of nostalgia inside . . .

IVAN MAUIGER & OLE OLSEN: Golden Greats

Between them, iconic legends Ivan and Ole won nine of the 12 individual World Championships staged between 1968 and 1979, as well as leading their respective nations and British League teams to the highest honours. It was the Great Dane who finally ended the mighty Kiwi’s historic bid for four consecutive World Final victories in Gothenburg 50 years ago. JOHN DAVIDSON, a big fan of Ivan’s, and TONY McDONALD discuss the merits of two inextricably linked track giants.

ON THE BOSSES – Ron Wilson

There was a time when a number of the country's leading promoters successfully had track interests in both the top tier of speedway and the second. Former Leicester, Teesside and Milton Keynes boss Ron Wilson provides one such example. A quiet, thoughtful man who made a significant contribution, as MARTIN ROGERS recounts.

TRACK RIVALRIES: Coventry v Oxford

With fresh insights from Cheetahs co-promoter John Payne, ROB PEASLEY reviews 16 top flight clashes between two giants who shared five consecutive British League championships in the late 80s.

BIG NIGHTS: Silver Plume

Reviewing British speedway's most prestigious individual meetings, PHIL CHARD looks back at eight stagings of Swindon’s once coveted Silver Plume classic. Previous winners: Ray Wilson, Bengt Jansson, Martin Ashby, Peter Collins (three times), Jim McMillan and Michael Lee.

COLIN RICHARDSON – exclusive interview

Welcome to Colin Richardson’s sometimes weird and whacky world of sponsorship, as told to TONY McDONALD. The former Eastbourne and Wimbledon star talks condoms, cod and crankcases.

SEND IT SIDEWAYS – Darcy Ward DVD advertorial

To coincide with the launch of the eagerly-awaited new four-hour Darcy Ward DVD, co-producers Martin Rogers and Mike Bennett explain the background story to the superbly executed Send it Sideway: The Life and Times of Darcy Ward production that pays handsome tribute to the former King’s Lynn, Poole, Swindon and Australian favourite whose career was tragically cut short.

Where did it START To go wrong?

British speedway is in the grip of yet another crisis. In recent weeks cash-strapped Eastbourne pulled the plug in mid-season, while Newcastle have possibly staged their last-ever meeting and the Birmingham owners have announced they are pulling out at the end of the year.

But in fairness, not all present and multiple woes can be laid at the feet of the 2021 members of British Speedway Promoters Ltd. Let’s be honest, mistakes were made in the 70s and 80s, too, and many have been unaddressed.

So we asked our social media ‘friends’ and followers: ‘Where did it START to go wrong in the past that has led the sport to this point?’

STAR QUALITIES – Obits

The speedway media has suffered some major losses in recent times. The death of Philip Rising, aged 75, is the latest in a storied list. For 32 years he was managing editor of the sport's flagship weekly Speedway Star, and a member of its staff and various sister publications for almost as long before that. And whatever walk of life you're in, there needs to be a suitable celebration to acknowledge a great contribution. Phil's longtime friend and erstwhile colleague MARTIN ROGERS offers personal thoughts, plus there’s a brief nod to Riso’s predecessor in the Star hotseat, Paul Parish.

JUST LIKE THEIR HEROES – Cycle Speedway

DOUG NICOLSON and TONY McDONALD recall much simpler times, when future speedway riders, promoters and others involved in our sport first got the racing buzz. A star-studded list includes Simon Wigg, Scott Nicholls and Dave Perks, plus promoters Ian Thomas, Terry and Ronnie Russell.

THAT NAME RINGS A BELL – Ipswich

Whatever became of them, all the ex-riders who had second-half races, junior matches or interval spins in the 70s at . . . IPSWICH? In this memory-jogger, we list all those budding one-time Foxhall Heath hopefuls, including: Mick and Andy Hines, Mike Lanham,, Ted Howgego, Trevor Jones, Phil Herne, Colin Cook, Kevin Jolly, Nigel Flatman, Kevin Teager, Mel Taylor, Andy Hibbs, Tim Hunt and many more.

Plus: Gote Nordin and heaps more nostalgia . . .

 BOBBY SCHWARTZ: Life & Times

‘Boogaloo’ always put his team before personal glory. A natural leader, he was the ultimate definition of ‘Captain America’ and also twice won the US National Championship in his 80s heyday. In a nine-page special, ROB PEASLEY recalls the career highs and lows of the enduring, charismatic Californian who, in his mid-sixties, is still winning races for fun.

ON THE BOSSES – Len Silver

MARTIN ROGERS profiles one of the greatest showman in the history of speedway promoting, a canny Cockney who left an indelible mark at Hackney and Rye House, with England glory and World Final track curator skill to add to his impressive CV. Remarkably, at 89, he is still going strong in Kent.

HUGHIE SAUNDERS – exclusive interview

After a brief and patchy spell at Eastbourne, late starter Hughie Saunders quickly became No.1 at Rayleigh, a match-winner for top flight cup winners Hackney and, back with the Rockets, led Rye House to major honours as both rider and team manager. KEITH McGHIE caught up with the Channel Islander for a new four-page interview with the Channel Islander.

TRACK RIVALRIES: Mildenhall v Newcastle

With fresh insights from Joe Owen and Richard Knight, ROB PEASLEY reviews a dozen battles between second tier heavyweights.

BIG NIGHTS: Pride of the East

Reviewing British speedway's most prestigious individual meetings, PHIL CHARD goes east to King’s Lynn for one of the most eagerly awaited of end-of-season classics that regularly attracted crowds in excess of 10,000. Past winners in the Backtrack era include five-time victor Ole Olsen, Anders Michanek, Ivan Mauger, John Louis, Peter Collins, Dave Jessup, Michael Lee, Tommy Knudsen, Hans Nielsen, Jan Andersson, Sam Ermolenko, Kelvin Tatum and Martin Dugard.

SHARE ISSUES

DOUG NICOLSON, a lifelong Clydebank FC fan, looks at the love/hate relationship between speedway and football clubs.

CONTRASTING VUES

It could never be compared to Hyde Road (what track could?), but Kirky Lane still deserves an important place in the rich history of Belle Vue Aces. TONY McDONALD reflects on the latest old speedway stadium to be demolished.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Long-time Birmingham supporter CEDRIC READ recalls how and why the 1979-80 close season passed so quickly.

THAT NAME RINGS A BELL – Sheffield

Whatever became of them, all the ex-riders who had second-half races, junior matches or interval spins in the 70s at . . . SHEFFIELD? In this memory-jogger, we list all those budding one-time Owlerton hopefuls, including: Reg Wilson, Doug Wyer, Bob Valentine, Carl Glover, Nicky Allott, Craig Pendlebury, Billy Burton, Steve Finch, Pete Smith, Phil White,. Brian Havelock, Ian Jeffcoate, Sid Sheldrick, Keith Evans, Tony and Danny Boyle, Bent Rasmussen, Gary Guglielmi, Roger Lambert, Louis Carr, Rob Woffinden, Neil Collins, Steve McDermott and many more.

Plus Maurice Ducker obit, your letters and heaps more nostalgia . . .

Available on subscription only from Retro Speedway (retro-speedway.com)

Issue 103 of Backtrack is out now and here's a small taste of the feast of nostalgia inside . . .

RAY WILSON – Life & Times
Almost 50 years since ‘World Cup Willy’ made history in Wroclaw, ROB PEASLEY recalls the highs and lows of the England and Leicester legend who began his illustrious career with Long Eaton and ended it with Birmingham. In between, the 1973 British Champion captained his country to their greatest triumphs at Wembley and beyond.

ON THE BOSSES – John Berry

Talented, controversial, complex, intense and driven but enormously respected, the notoriously private John Berry bared his soul in a couple of post-retirement books. Our columnist MARTIN ROGERS, another man of many words, was – at times – as closely associated with JB as any of their promoting contemporaries. 

BRIAN LARNER – exclusive interview
After years of unprecedented success with Newcastle and signing the world’s greatest-ever rider for ambitious Hull, BRIAN LARNER’s promoting career and his high profile partnership with Ian Thomas ended in acrimony. KEITH McGHIE has the inside story on a Yorkshire character.

TRACK RIVALRIES: Rayleigh v Romford
With fresh insights from Terry Stone, Bob Coles and Geoff Maloney, ROB PEASLEY reflects on all 17 matches raced at The Weir and Brooklands, spanning three seasons, between these county neighbours and intense rivals. A six-page special on the original Essex Boys.

BIG NIGHTS: Dews Trophy
Reviewing British speedway's most prestigious individual meetings, PHIL CHARD heads to Halifax for a close look at the long-running Shay classic over six pages. Previous Dews Trophy winners include: Eric Boocock, Ole Olsen, Phil Crump (who once beat five Dukes in one bizarre race!), Graham Plant, Dave Jessup, Alan Wilkinson, Ian Cartwright, Kenny Carter and John Louis.

Plus a two-page interview with Booey, the Halifax legend and twice Dews Trophy winner .

THE NUMBERS GAME – race formula study (part 2)
After examining the varied formulae used in domestic UK league racing in our last issue, this time DOUG NICOLSON looks at international and other British competitions, including three and four-team tournaments, plus best pairs.

OLLE NYGREN – Tribute

OLLE NYGREN had been fighting throat cancer for more than six months when he died in Ipswich Hospital on February 13, 2021, aged 91. MARTIN ROGERS, the last promoter to sign the Swedish legend, reflects on the life and times of an extraordinary character whose enduring career wound down in the Backtrack era with spells at West Ham, Ipswich, King’s Lynn and Coventry. This four-page tribute also acknowledges Olle’s talent-spotting skills, including his introduction of Hammers favourite Christer Lofqvist.

THAT NAME RINGS A BELL: Hackney

Whatever became of them, all the ex-riders who had second-half races, junior matches or interval spins in the 70s and early 80s at . . . HACKNEY? In this memory-jogger, we list all those budding one-time Waterden Road hopefuls, including Tony Davey (yes, the one who slipped away to Ipswich), Allan Emmett, Geoff Maloney, Dave ‘Tiger’ Beech, Les ‘Red’ Ott, Dave Kennett, Ted Hubbard, Barney Kennett, Steve Lomas, Dave Morton, Bob Garrad, Karl Fiala, Ashley Pullen, Kevin Smith and four members of the Barclay family.

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SCOTT AUTREY – Life & Times
A trailblazer who led his country to its first World Team Cup triumph, Scott Autrey is still revered by Exeter fans and respected by many more as the articulate all-American hero. ROB PEASLEY chronicles the life and times of the popular, stylish former World No.3 who also had UK spells with Swindon and Poole.

ON THE BOSSES – Reg Fearman

Love them or hate them, the speedway promoters of the Backtrack era included some of the sport's all-time heavyweights as well as a new brigade of youthful innovators.  As a member of the BSPA in the 70s and 80s, a longtime management committee member and vice-chairman, MARTIN ROGERS rubbed shoulders – and crossed swords – with all of them.

Forever associated with the first two decades of the British League and, before that, the game-changing Provincial League, Reg Fearman was a powerhouse in promoting circles. Our columnist sat alongside him on the BSPA management committee for several of those years and gives his assessment of a Backtrack era colossus.

ZENON PLECH – golden days as a Hackney Hawk
Paying tribute to a boyhood hero, TONY McDONALD recalls the early career and impact of Poland’s first superstar whose fearless riding for Hackney earned him cult status.

TRACK RIVALRIES: Cradley Heath v Wolverhampton
With fresh insights from Alan Grahame and Ronnie Correy, ROB PEASLEY reflects on 14 meetings between Black Country neighbours, clashes invariably laced with controversy and sometimes police intervention. Let’s take you back to brutality on bikes!

BIG NIGHTS: Golden Sovereign
Reviewing British speedway's most prestigious individual meetings, PHIL CHARD heads to Ipswich for a close look at the nine stagings of the Golden Sovereign between 1973 and ‘83. Past winners include Witches legends John Louis and Billy Sanders, inaugural champ Ole Olsen, Peter Collins, Mel Taylor and Hans Nielsen.

THE NUMBERS GAME – race formula study
DOUG NICOLSON looks at the development of race formulae used for team meetings in domestic UK racing. From the popular 13-heat ‘Happiness is 40-38’ era through the various KO Cup formats, to the current 15-heat nominated riders’ finale, our in-house accountant has it all figured out.

KEN MARSHALL – Mr Felton

MARTIN NEAL recognises the selfless key role Felton training track co-founder Ken Marshall played in the development of young riders at the North-East outpost.

KELVIN TATUM – book extracts

Following the successful December launch of KELVIN TATUM’s Tales From The Top Drawer, we present extracts from the autobiography of the former England star and World No.3 who rapidly rose from raw rookie to stardom with Wimbledon before winning back-to-back league titles with Coventry, plus spells with Berwick, Bradford, Arena-Essex (twice), London Lions and Peterborough.

THAT NAME RINGS A BELL: Belle Vue

Whatever became of them, all the ex-riders who had second-half races, junior matches or interval spins in the 70s at . . . BELLE VUE? In this memory-jogger, we list all those budding one-time Hyde Road hopefuls, including Eric Broadbelt, Alan Wilkinson, Peter Collins (whatever happened to him!), Dave Morton, Chris Morton (and him!), Ian Hindle, Les Collins, Tom Owen, Dave Trownson, Chris Turner, Keith Bloxsome, Bernie Collier, among the many who ‘had a go’ at this world famous venue.

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DAVE JESSUP – Life & Times
A World Champion with Team and Pairs gold medals for England, DJ is unquestionably one of the greatest never to win that elusive main individual prize. But, as ROB PEASLEY chronicles, this diminutive racer with the big heart enjoyed a brilliant career that spanned almost 20 years with West Ham, Eastbourne, Wembley, Leicester, Reading, King’s Lynn, Wimbledon and Mildenhall before a spell as GB team manager.

ON THE BOSSES – Maurice Littlechild
Love them or hate them, the speedway promoters of the Backtrack era included some of the sport's all-time heavyweights as well as a new brigade of youthful innovators.  As a member of the BSPA in the 70s and 80s, a longtime management committee member and vice-chairman, MARTIN ROGERS rubbed shoulders – and crossed swords – with all of them.

It’s the centenary of Maurice Littlechild's birth and, but for his premature death in 1972, the speedway involvement of MR may well have been very different. In the latest in our new series on the big names with whom he rubbed shoulders, our resident scribe turns the spotlight on one of speedway's all-time great enthusiasts who promoted at King’s Lynn and Crewe.

BRITISH MEMORIAL MEETING NEEDED
Isn’t it time for an annual British memorial meeting to honour all ex-riders with UK track connections who made the ultimate sacrifice? TONY MAC thinks so. See if you agree.

JERZY SZCZAKIEL
Jerzy Szczakiel’s World Final victory in 1973 sent shock waves through the sport. How could a rider, who wasn’t even originally meant to be in the Katowice meeting, possibly beat the defending World Champion Ivan Mauger in the most dramatic circumstances? As a tribute to the Pole who died on September 1, ROMAN CHYLA provides insight and context to his incredible story.

DOUG ADAMS – remembering a top mic-man
Once the voice of speedway in Yorkshire and host to the stars, Doug Adams remains fondly remembered 17 years after moving on to that great speedway track in the sky. KEITH McGHIE talks to Dougie’s wife Joyce, son Martyn and others who remember a popular, jovial character.

TRACK RIVALRIES: Berwick v Edinburgh
With new observations from Brian Collins, who skippered both of the featured teams, ROB PEASLEY reflects on 11 meetings between second tier neighbours on opposite sides of the border.

 BIG NIGHTS: Southern Riders’ Championship
Reviewing British speedway's most prestigious individual meetings, PHIL CHARD returns south for an event that marked tragic Tommy Jansson’s first major UK victory. Other SRC winners include Colin Pratt, Terry Betts, John Louis, Jamie Luckhurst, Martin Dugard, Andy Buck, Andy Galvin, Steve Schofield and Brian Karger.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO . . . John Goodall
If things had turned out differently, John Goodall could have been sitting at home in New Zealand polishing a World Team Cup winner’s medal. He was on verge of a call up by the Kiwis in 1979 but by the time they roared to glory at White City in September of that year, he’d already returned home. MARTIN NEAL catches up with the former Sunderland, Newport, Bristol and Wolverhampton rider.

THAT NAME RINGS A BELL: Newport

Whatever became of them, all the ex-riders who had second-half races, junior matches or interval spins in the 70s at . . . NEWPORT? In this memory-jogger, we list all those budding one-time Somerton Park hopefuls, including Kevin Holden, Mike Sampson, Brian Woodward, Danny Kennedy and the tragic Mike Powell, among the many who ‘had a go’.

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SIMON WIGG – Life & Times
As the 20^th anniversary of Wiggy’s sad passing approaches, ROB PEASLEY recalls the illustrious career of the colourful former England captain and World No.2 who had personality plus.

ON THE BOSSES – Charles Ochiltree

Love them or hate them, the speedway promoters of the Backtrack era included some of the sport's all-time heavyweights as well as a new brigade of youthful innovators.  As a member of the BSPA in the 70s and 80s, a longtime management committee member and vice-chairman, MARTIN ROGERS rubbed shoulders – and crossed swords – with all of them.

In this, the first of a regular new series, he recalls the impact and influence of the former Coventry supremo.

ROY TRIGG – exclusive interview

In a new four-page interview, MARTIN NEAL catches up with New Zealand-based former England international and Cradley Heath star Roy Trigg, who ended his UK racing career with Newport in 1974.

IVAN'S YEAR - 1979 (part 2)

In the second and final part of his review of Ivan Mauger’s incredible 1979 season, JOHN DAVIDSON on why a shock double triumph marked the end of an era.

ALAN WILKINSON – tribute

Once awestruck by Wilkie’s powerful presence in the Belle Vue engine room, IAN CORCORAN remembers an Aces giant in every sense and explains what drove him to publish courageous Alan’s moving autobiography.

RON HENDERSON – exclusive interview

In a revealing new four-page interview with a key member of Newcastle’s all-conquering class of ’76, Ron Henderson tells KEITH McGHIE why he only sparkled briefly for Diamonds, talks about the fatal incident that led him to quit racing and the extraordinary diverse career path that followed.

TRACK RIVALRIES: Canterbury v Eastbourne
With new observations from Gordon and Barney Kennett, ROB PEASLEY recalls classic second-tier derbies between fierce south-east rivals. Featuring 11 Kingsmead or Arlington matches between 1970 and 1987.

BIG NIGHTS: Northern Riders’ Championship
Continuing to review British speedway's most prestigious individual meetings, this time PHIL CHARD heads back north for some Mauger controversy and allegations of machine tampering in an event previously won by Ivan, Eric Boocock, Jim Airey, Bob Valentine, Peter Collins, Alan Wilkinson, Doug Wyer, Reg Wilson, Kenny Carter, Shawn Moran, Chris Morton and Peter Carr.

THAT NAME RINGS A BELL: Swindon

Whatever became of them, all the ex-riders who had second-half races, junior matches or interval spins in the 70s at . . . SWINDON? In this memory-jogger, ROB PEASLEY lists all those budding one-time Blunsdon hopefuls, including David Ashby, Geoff Bouchard, Malcolm Holloway and Martin Hewlett, whom we can at least look back and say "they had a go!"

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 LOKEREN 50 years on
On the 50th anniversary of speedway's darkest day, we remember members of the West Ham group that lost their lives in the minibus crash near Lokeren, Belgium on July 14, 1970 –  Manager PHIL BISHOP, Hammers' PETER BRADSHAW and MARTYN PIDDOCK, Wimbledon's GARY EVERETT and Aussie youngster MALCOLM CARMICHAEL all perished in tragic circumstances, along with the Dutch driver.

Also interviews with three of the survivors –  COLIN PRATT,  who suffered severe career-ending injuries, plus STAN STEVENS and GARRY HAY. Read how Garry escaped Lokeren with minor cuts and grazes . . . only to be paralysed for life in a track crash in Australia less than six months later.

Cradley Heath star ROY TRIGG recalls sharing his bedroom with his protege Carmichael, while TONY BISHOP relives the day he lost his pioneering father.

IVAN'S YEAR - 1979 (part 1)

JOHN DAVIDSON looks back at the year Ivan Mauger defied age and his critics to achieve two of his greatest feats on the world stage. Part one covers the Hull No.1's path to the finals of the individual and team World Championships.

ERIC MONAGHAN – exclusive interview

In a new four-page interview, ANDREW SKEELS up with a former National League favourite who was set on a grasstrack career before a chance call changed his life. 'Bootsy' is perhaps best known for his spells in the colours of Ellesmere Port, Mildenhall and Stoke. He also turned out for Sheffield, Leicester, King's Lynn, Halifax, Peterborough and Long Eaton.

WORLD FINALS by NUMBERS

DOUG NICOLSON takes another studious look at the figures. This time he examines the comparative values of the four gate positions at all the different World Final venues.

Also, birthdays and star signs . . . which days, months and horoscopes have produced the most and least world champions, including the GP era?

TRACK RIVALRIES: Belle Vue v Sheffield
With new observations from Aces' Chris Morton and Tigers' Doug Wyer, ROB PEASLEY recalls classic 'War of the Roses' derbies between two long-time northern rivals. Featuring 14 Hyde Road or Owlerton matches from 1970 to 1985.

BIG NIGHTS: Brandonapolis
PHIL CHARD continues to review British speedway's most prestigious individual meetings. This time he returns to the midlands for the Coventry classic and the stagings from 1970 until 1985. Winners included: Ole Olsen, Nigel Boocock, Anders Michanek, Ivan Mauger, Phil Crump, Dave Jessup, Mitch Shirra, Bruce Penhall, Tommy Knudsen, Kenny Carter and Hans Nielsen.

THAT NAME RINGS A BELL: Oxford

Whatever became of them, all the ex-riders who had second-half races, junior matches or interval spins in the 70s and 80s at . . . OXFORD? In this memory-jogger, ROB PEASLEY lists all those budding one-time Sandy Lane hopefuls, including young Simon and Julian Wigg, who can at least look back and proclaim: "I had a go!"

SPONSORSHIP

From motorhomes, vans and brand new bikes, to potatoes, carrots, fresh fish and lawnmowers, sponsorship came in a great many guises back in the day. We asked ex-riders to recall their best deals, as well as the quirkiest sponsorship they ever received. Charismatic, media-savvy former England star John Davis certainly became a shining example to fellow Brits when it came to attracting and projecting commercial backers, large and small . . .

As well as JD, other respondents include: Colin Richardson, Rudy Muts, Gary Guglielmi, Andrew Silver, Jan Staechmann, Karl Fiala, Bert Harkins, Martin McKinna, Roger Lambert, Mick Sheldrick, Ray Griffiths, Lee Coleman, Max Schofield, Paul Evitts and Vic Cross.

Plus . . . full-page West Ham stadium pic, plus obits on Maurice Morley, Wayne Jackson and Steve Millard.