steve roberts

I certainly don't recall such a rule personally?

...or indeed the benefit of hindsight. He saw problems during the last "Golden Era" whereas others just chose to ignore it.

...he forsee the difficulties and problems that speedway in the UK was facing and many of his observations unfortunately became the reality.

Just re-reading John Berry's book and although written some years ago many of his observations and/or thoughts are still relevant.

Happy days!

He's been in touch with me via email just recently.

I've checked the comprehensive list that appeared in "Backtrack" some years ago and it appears that was the only occasion that Ronnie held the helmet during the period 1970-72.

Ronnie defeated Pete Smith in 1971 before losing it to Ray Wilson?

Reminds me many years ago I had visions of becoming a Driving Instructor and passed the inital test but I backed out at the last moment...don't think my patience would have sufficed!

Thanks for that!

I know that Bryn was closely associated with Hackney and Crayford so travelling within London was somewhat easier but to think he used to announce (?) at the Isle of Wight and covered meetings at both King's Lynn and Oxford was quite a feat considering he was based, I believe, in Kent (?)

If I remember speedway journalist and all round enthusiast Bryn Willliams used to travel around the country via public transport or lifts from colleagues because he never could drive. That's dedication for you but there's no way I would have relied upon public transport to get to matches personally...how he managed it is beyond me?

Absolutely agree! Passing a driving test is just the beginning...the real test is the expertise one accumulates thru' driving in varying circumstances/situations and is a forever ongoing exercise. Some people seem to think that by passing a test they suddenly become fully competent at driving. Personally I think that people who pass their test should be made to place a provisional "P" plate on their car (voluntary as things stand I believe) during the first year (?) and if they fail to comply with the basic skills required (exceeding the speed limit for example) should be made to sit another test. There's too many idiots out there of all ages...male and female.

Yes back when I used to travel all over the country folllowing speedway it would often require travelling back in the dark. Thought nothing of it in those days but no way would I consider it now!

Regular eye tests should be the criteria regardless of age.

Having read the excellent book by Tony MacDonald I can only arrive at the same comclusion...a nasty piece of work. Ivan Mauger was annoyed, to say the least, with his bullying involvement during the 1982 World Final.

I visited his grave some years ago when pasing by and I have to say when standing over it I felt nothing but contempt for him.

...and then achieved an average of 9 plus in his debut year in Division One and qualified for that year's World Final.

I seem to recall that Dean Barker was one such example when Eastbourne first tried to introduce him to their line-up...ended up at Cradley that year I remember.

I recall when the "Rebels" re-located to White City John Dews was unable to drop down into the National League with Oxford because his average was deemed too high at 6.50!

I saw a lot of Eastbourne during the seventies (when they were Oxford's 'sister' team) and early eighties and the English talent that came thru' Arlington was second to none in my opinion. It must have irked Bob Dugard when foreigners began to prolificate the scene and hence the situation that now exists.

Speaking personally when I re-located I had no close association with a track unless I was willing to travel 30-40 miles which I was disinclined to do. When living in Oxford I was within walking distance of Cowley Stadium which suited me. Never having subscribed to SKY or any equivilant service I lost touch of current affairs but the sport still holds dear and the thirty plus years I spent following my team gives me great memories...wouldn't have changed it for the world.

If I recall the three Aussies were all allocated very low assessed averages when they started their British careers?

If I recall he had a few mediocre seasons prior to 1979. He was a Kiwi who eventually moved to Sheffield in the British League but was tragically killed in an industrial accident. Steve Boxall (Rye House) another potential candidate?

Wayne Brown averaged 3.94 in 1978 increasing his average to 9.00 in 1979 although Steve McDermott pipped him at Number One with an average of 9.12 however injury cut McDermott's season short and he rode in only a handful of matches.