salty

Sad news, RIP Dougie.

The BAGS deal has always been the lifeline for many tracks, but as betting shop turnover on dogs has fallen then the bookies desire to pay relatively big money to the tracks is on the wane. Oxford dogs wouldn't be viable long term without some sort of streaming contract.

28th September 1968. Cradley v Newport. Graham Coombes(R), Chris Julian(B), Jon Erskine(W), Cyril Francis(Y). Finished in that order. 72.8

Have to agree that it is a fascinating interview. GG was one of my favourite opposing riders of the early 80's, big and forceful on a bike, who was on the verge of international success when he made his mistake. Like others I feel the punishment by the Speedway authorities was draconian, but glad to see he's happy in life. Well done to Backtrack and all involved in getting the interview in print. With 90 plus issues under their belt there are less fresh interviewees to cover, but this one and the fairly recent Tony Lomas article have been top quality.

Sad news, RIP Ted.

Ta, hopefully get mine in the next couple of days then....

I'd love to read the GG interview, but sadly my copy has yet to make it's way to deepest Ulster. Anyone know when the subscription copies were sent out?

I'd guess we won't see Troy again tonight.

Strange thinking by Batch.

That was brilliant. So pleased for Wright. Some cracking racing in front of a decent crowd. What's not to like?

If I remember correctly Barry moved to Custom House from Cradley in a swap with Mick Handley, but it was quite late in the season. Glad to hear he's ok.

Dreadful advert for the sport so far. Sparse crowd, terrible track, dull racing.

Joe was one of those riders who always rode well at Cradley when in opposition, but when we signed him he (as luck would have it) had a tough year. Even then he always stood in the car park patiently signing autographs every Saturday night, which made him one of our favourites. Was good to see him have a bit of an Indian Summer at Wimborne Road when he left Cradley. Really enjoyed the feature on him in a recent Backtrack issue. RIP

Sad news. Loved his writing, both in the Star and his books. RIP.

Personally, I think there's enough of the 70's and 80's yet to cover that there is no need to stretch the timeline. Whilst most of the big name riders have been covered, often its the (relatively) lesser lights who have the more interesting stories to tell. For example, the recent Tony Lomas interview was fascinating, particularly his memories of Charles Ochiltree.

Much prefer the Winter editions. Over the past couple of years I've really enjoyed the "Where are they now?" feature, hope that's going to continue.

Slightly surprised to see this...."The British Premiership, Championship and National Development Leagues have entertained a growing and more diverse audience by consistently delivering speedway of the highest quality". That statement doesn't exactly chime with many of the supporters on here, not to mention the number of promoters who've been pleading poverty (both financially and in terms of crowd numbers) over the past few months. Seems that contrary to popular belief everything is just hunky dory.....

I would imagine it was a massive, noisy crowd basking in a fantastic nights racing, helped by a strong ref who got every decision right.

16 points - which was the same difference as at the end of Heat 4. From that point of view Lynn did well to let it get no worse, but considering they got it down to 8 at one point they'll be able to say with some justification that the call to exclude MPT cost them big time. Not only was it -imo- the wrong decision, but he also was out of his 7th ride.

Sad to see Nicki miss out, won't be the same without him. Glad that Zagar and Vaculik got in, but Matej's had 2 not so good years and really needs to step up next year.

Looked a perfect start to me.

Anyone know how Golden heats will work with only 5 riders?

Somerset running on empty, can't see them giving Doyle the support he needs. Means we have another week of listening to how Lynn are massive favourites - yawn, yawn.

Always happy when a rider walks away at a time of their own choosing. Top rider, top bloke. All the best in your retirement.

I moved to London in 1981 and watching Simmo round Plough Lane was one of the highlights watching the Dons for the next few years. Thought his book was a good read and also enjoyed his column in Backtrack.