Birmingham (Wheels)

[Graham 0]

Looks like we're going to lose another former speedway venue. Go here for the story:

 

http://members4.boardhost.com/ukovalracing/msg/7327.html

 

It wasn't a particularly successful speedway venue but I remember it being a fairly good track, quite wide and a nice shape.

 

Shame.

 

Graham.

Edited December 19, 2004 by Graham

[Dekker 239]

Looks like we're going to lose another former speedway venue.  Go here for the story:

 

http://members4.boardhost.com/ukovalracing/msg/7327.html

 

It wasn't a particularly successful speedway venue but I remember it being a fairly good track, quite wide and a nice shape.

 

Shame.

 

Graham.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wouldnt get to sad, as there seems to be some ppl questioning the plans for that stadium already. Long way to go for blues new stadium especially as the finance will have to come from a casino in the complex as blues nor council dont have the money.

[KEITH M 850]

Is this the Birmingham track where Joe Owen unfortunatly got injured if it is I remember going to the first meeting there in about 1984 and I am sure Oxford were there in some sort of challenge match as I can remember the late Simon Wigg riding that Sunday

[Guest BilaHora]

Mr KEITH M

 

That is, indeed, the place although I am not sure whether Birmingham actually rode in 1984. I think 1985 was the first year of speedway at the Wheels Project and a meeting between Birmingham and Oxford could have been something to do with Hans Neilsen's transfer from Birmingham to Oxford.

 

Regards

 

BilaHora

Edited December 20, 2004 by BilaHora

[KevH 257]

You are correct Mr BilaHora, 1985 was the first year the Brummies operated from the Wheels site and sadly they lasted only two seasons.

[KEITH M 850]

Yes I think 1985 was the first full season of racing ,but I am sure they had a one off meeting towards the end of 1984 to test the water as they say, but I am not 100% certain

[Deano 1,318]

I didn't realise the wheels covered that much of an area. The reason it hasn't been developed up until now is because it is a former land fill site

[Tsunami 10,219]

Graham

 

I had information that Birmingham was going to open in 2005. I did not know the venue but just assumed it was Perry Bar. Was the 'Wheels' the last possibility or is it still possible for Perry Bar.

 

[Tipsy_McStagger 3]

I'm Sure 3 meetings where staged at the wheels in 1984, couple of challenge matches and an under 21 meeting. The racing track was superb, just a pity that the surrounding area was a dump and the stadium facilities were rubbish (well when compared to what we where use to at Perry Barr).

 

I seem to remember that the wheels project was built as a community venture to help give locals a place to race go-karts, learn riding skills, ect. So if it is to closedown surely some pressure should be put on the council to replace this facility, could be a opportunity to get another track built somewhere else in the city. Maybe near the airport plenty of land available out there, after all they planned to build the 80,000 new national stadium there. So a few thousand speedway/stockcar fans shouldn’t cause a problem and as for the noise, well its next to a airport!.

[stansolo 12]

Parts of that eastside area of Birmingham are still a dump, and this is 20 years later, so what does that say for the council.

 

The GRA have made a superb job of the Birchfield site, but alas still only for greyhounds.

 

As a former major motorcycling city- Birmingham should have a speedway track!

 

 

 

 

.....dont forget to support our website www.brummiespeedway.co.uk

 

happy xmas + happy new year

[Guest Jim Blanchard]

Sorry to go off topic but perhaps you Brummie lads can advise. Saw a photo of Peter Craven wearing a 'B' race jacket and dark helmet colour, on Ebay recently (bid, but did not win) with Ronnie Moore in Wimbledon jacket (white). Any details? Perry Barr? Date, any info please.

Thanks.

[norbold 7,184]

Birmingham ran a series of open meetings and challenge matches in 1960 at Perry Barr with a "made-up" team consisting of Arne Pander, Nigel Boocock, Graham Warren, Ron Johnston, Derek Timms, Eric Eadon, Peter Kelly and Peter Craven. I guess that's where the photo is from, Jim. The promoter was Phil "Tiger" Hart.

Edited December 22, 2004 by norbold

[Guest Jim Blanchard]

Thanks Norman, I find that very interesting. I should have come to you direct. (No disrespect to the Brummie lads..) A bit like New Cross in 1959 then? How many meetings did they do on that basis? I always thought Birmingham went right through the 50/60's with their own team.

 

Makes you wonder how many of these 'Ghost Teams' there were. Could be the basis of a new book for you. When you have finished the Wembley one of course.!

 

Today, everyone seems to rant on about r/r and guests and all that stuff. I wonder what they would think if the had a replacement guest team?

[norbold 7,184]

Yes, Birmingham 1960 were like New Cross 1959 - even to the extent of having Peter Craven in their teams!

 

On further investigation I have discovered that they actually raced at Alexander Sports Stadium, Perry Barr not at Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium. They had run League speedway from 1946 - 1957 then closed but returned for that one-off season in 1960. Speedway did not return to that stadium. Perry Barr re-opened in 1971 (having run a couple of pre-war seasons).

 

I don't think there were many other tracks that ran team meetings at the senior level if any. Of course the likes of Rye House and Eastbourne ran those sort of meetings at a junior level for many seasons.

[greyhoundp 990]

Perry Barr greyhound stadium, and the old alex stadium ,now refered to as Perry Barr greyhound stadium both different stadiums the difference is one is/was on the left ie the old Perry Barr greyhound stadium, the other is on the right ie the old alex stadium now refered to as Perry barr greyhound stadium,the old alex originally staged speedway long before greyhound racing, oh i forgot to say that is when you drive out of town, and they are/were just about opposite each other.