steve roberts

Great stuff again!

I'm sure that it was 1986.

Same here...it would be easier listing the tracks that are still open!

One track I would have loved to have visited!

I really would have liked to have been around to have witnessed the birth of the British League...it must have been so exciting and fresh.

Mine arrived this morning with an interview with Marek Cieslak with some surprising comments about Bob Dugard!

I'm generally of the same opinion. Nothing beats watching it live!

Kenny could never resist talking off the cuff...I always thought that Gary Newbon used to seek him out for an interview as he knew that he would get a reaction from Carter for TV purposes.

I've never seen thise version. Must give it a look but quickly located Kenny's interview and he looked gob-smacked by it all!

1972...my first year attending speedway. I was 12 years old and I was hooked from the very first meeting (Oxford vs. Coventry) watching four riders hit the bend at speed with no brakes and fearless. The smell and the noise was something else. As a long time football fan I was immediately struck by the excitement that speedway offered and from that day on football took a back seat. I have many memorable moments during my years following speedway (far too many to mention here) and wouldn't have changed any of it for the world. Great days and many fabulous memories to look back on.

Which is why I placed Nigel further down my particular list (although acknowledging his endeavours) he was on the decline when I started attending speedway.

Agree entirely.

I do wonder how historians will view the present situation in years to come...although far too early to predict such analysis and judgement...and how future generations will look back on it with curiosity and bewilderment? It's unprecedented and no doubt questions will be asked with the benefit of hindsight in years to come and a proper analysis carried out at the appropriate juncture.

ITV's "World of Sport" would have quite an extensive archive of speedway (if it hasn't been wiped?) from the seventies (whereby Peter Collins became a household name) and early eighties as would some of ITV's regional channels (Central and Anglia for example). It would be nice to think that there would be an outlet somewhere on TV under the present circumstances...but I wouldn't hold my breath!

Unfortunately Nigel was nearing the end of his illustrious career when I first went to speedway although he did continue somewhat further after his best efforts (Bristol & Canterbury) so I never really saw him at his spectacular best. Eric retired whilst still at the top and very nearly joined "The Rebels" in 1975 but had decided to go into management. He made a brief comeback (1983) and admitted later he shouldn't have. Why he hasn't been recognised with an MBE for services to the sport I'll never know having devoted his working life to speedway.

I always had great respect for him even though he did ride for the 'enemy' down the road!

First British Final I attended was in 1978 when Gordon Kennett sneaked thru' after a run-off if I remember? Of course it was infamous for Peter Collins' 'sugar in the fuel' episode.

I have on DVD the 1974 British Final...that was a tough final judging by those taking part. Mauger, Briggs, Boulger, Sanders, Ray & Reg Wilson, Collins, Betts, Simmons, N & E Boocock, Valentine, Louis, Ashby, McMillan, Jessup...a real "who's who" of speedway back then. Of course by the following year (despite the non-participation of the Anzacs) it became even more diffiult when only five (?) qualified and continued along that vein for a number of years.

I guess that she is still under investigation about 'alleged allegations' made as regards bullying in the workplace?

Brilliant race! The lost art of team -riding. You don't always need passing to exact a good race.

I remember Tony riding for Mildenhall (?) at Oxford. RIP

Too true!

Hope you have some toilet paper?

Enjoy!

The toilets I used to clean at the local community centre I would often find crap wiped on the wall...I could fill a book about my experiences cleaning up after members of the public.