steve roberts

Sad news. He was also the author of some interesting articles in some of the earlier "Backtrack" issues telling often humorous anecdotes. RIP

If I recall Martin rode on the 1968 World Final without having a practice (?) as his promoter (Wally Mawdsley?) expected him to turn out for Exeter instead where, incidently, he had amassed an impressive average that season. Who knows if he had beem better prepared and on better equipment he may well have ended up on at least the rostrum?

I attended one of Olle Nygren's Training Schools just to say I gave it a try and gain respect for those who go out and entertain us not that I needed confirmation of that.

How I miss my visits to White City!

Trouble is that the promoter of any particular team often doesn't own the stadium and are therefore often compromised by their landlord's whims. We experienced it often enough at Cowley and remember when Bristol Stadiums Ltd owned Oxford Stadium and put the venture at risk (!975) until the SOS Committee stepped in at the last minute. Oxford enjoyed great stability during the Northern Sports era but after their collapse the stadium's future was always under threat although Steve Purchase did offer continuity but only leased the stadium.

Never been a fan of Rossiter...always remember when he came onto the third bend terracing at Cowley once to talk to some Poole fans and in earshot of "Cheetahs" fans condemned them. Perhaps their dislike of him carried over from the incident that ultimately ended Andy Hackett's career? I didn't witness it personally but was informed about it by those that did.

Thanks for that...I can't recall the year or time. So long ago now!

Peter registered a time of 63 seconds at Cowley in 1963 and that held up until 1973 only because the track had been shortened by four yards during that season. If I recall Ole Olsen (?) ended the season as holder.

I recall that Hans broke the track record at Reading but was later withdrawn because it was achieved during a meeting that the tapes had failed and the starts were on the green light?

I'm guessing that Hans Nielsen's time of 56.2 achieved at Oxford in 1988 may well have been one of the longest?

Usual scumbags!

Alan Robertson has produced a fabulous in depth document covering those years entitled "British Speedway Leagues 1991 -2014".

Checking my 1978 Year Book Ole Olsen came out top with eight Track records to his name achieved during the 1977 season.

Interesting to see Martin Ashby listed with 18...vastly underrated rider.

I would imagine Hans Nielsen held many track records during his long and distinguished career.

Sad news...a very great lady who devoted her life into caring for Alan after his crippling accident. RIP

I think that it was during the parade and they were being pushed off and he passed the camera momentarily...approx. 2 minutes plus into the film?

Geoff used to live not far from me during his time at Reading at the home of the chap who used to drive the tractor at Cowley and he confirmed the story many years later to me...infact Rickard Hellsen stayed with him when he joined Oxford. Recall Rickard driving round in his black wagon that resembled a hearse!

Hi there! Terrific rider...was strongly rumoured to be joining Oxford before tragically killed at the Sidney Showground.

I recognised Laurie Etheridge and, I think, Geoff Curtis?

I've just read Kelly Moran's book 'Hell of a Life' and just to put the record straight after he had left the UK for good he decided to resurrect his career back in the States. He initially found the laydowns difficult to handle but managed to overcome them and got to enjoy riding them...fellow Statesman Mike Faria, however, hated them stating that they were somewhat unpredictable.

Just finished the book...a fascinaing read if somewhat sad. I saw quite a bit of Kelly during his Eastbourne days. A very talented individual but I have to admit away from the track he would have both irritated and annoyed me with his many antics but I guess I would have been in the minority?

I remember talking to Peter Collins at Oxford when he was supporting his son Chris and asking him what had changed most during his time since having left the sport. He told me that in his opinion the bikes had got too fast but the tracks had basically remained the same.

May have been the case...I recall Andy Smith having issues with them and some riders were quoted as saying that they were sometimes unpredictable with the low centre of gravity causing the bike to lift.

I'd be interested to know what percentage do if a study was to take place? White City struggled for local support in what was predominantly a West Indian neighbourhood in those days. I recall the promoters encouraging a West Indian to take up the sport so as to attract the ethnic population to attend but it came to nothing.