steve roberts

...seeing that you've raised my name (by presumably checking on those who register 'likes') it's been covered many times elsewhere on other threads on how I 'judge' riders great or otherwise depending upon the criteria over the months and years on the BSF. Indeed you only need to consult 'The Greatest/Favourites Lists' threads, for example, to see some of my comments and/or observations regarding riders if you so wish to help clarify any misunderstanding and/or confusion that you may have.

I always liked Steve and Vanessa Purchase who were promoters at Oxford during 1998 to 2002. Steve would often walk amongst the spectators engaging in conversation and Vanesa was always approachable. Steve even invited me to sit in on a pre-season meeting based on what he thought was my 'sensible' input on the old Oxford Speedway Forum. However Steve eventually became disillusioned with the sport and eventually sold out to Nigel Wagstaff.

I actually recall the last race at Plough Lane very well. Hans made the gate and Jens Rasmussen passed Gordon Kennett low down on the white line entering the third bend on the first lap thus securing the 5 -1 for 'The Cheetahs'! Superb stuff! 'The Cheetahs' started the 1984 season in scintillating form but injuries began to take their toll and eventually ran out of steam...but then, of course, 1985 & 86 followed on and the rest, as they say, is history!

I think that 'The Dons' sneaked a win in the return match with one time 'Rebel' Gordon Kennett proving a match winner!

Remember Ernst's brother Kurt but not sure if he ever rode in the British League. I recall he took part in the World League Tournaments held in Britain during 1972/73?

...of course this would require the full co-operation of all existing Premier and Championship BSPA members and that has more often than not proved problematical historically within speedway between the two leagues...whatever the name they go under.

My abiding memories of Wimbledon are firstly White City winning a very tight encounter there in 1977 (40-38) and Oxford achieving a memorable victory during their return to the British League in 1984 when they scored, if I recall, three 5-1's in the last four heats to secure the match. Oxford achieved a similar feat at King's Lynn towards the back of the season much to the annoyance of Martin Rogers! Great days and memories!

Speaking of Germans Klaus Lausch could have made it in Britain. Was more than useful riding for Oxford in 1985 (he actually beat Michael Lee at King's Lynn) but I guess that the lucrative longtrack and later engine tuning scene proved more attractive.

Remember Helge Langli riding a blinder of a race at Cowley and beating Leicester's Ray Wilson. Could have gone on to better things but if I recall picked up an off-track injury and never surfaced again in Britain.

I actually gave some presentations back in the noughties at some primary schools and it was all pretty low key stuff and I could have done with some real merchandise ie a bike to grab the attention and/or enthusiasm of the kids. Personally I felt it really didn't achieve much and could have done with some support from the management...something along the lines that you suggset.

Visited High Beech some years ago as I was passing thru' and stopped off at the King's Oak pub and viewed the plaque in the adjacent visitor centre. Glad that I did visiting the site that most historians agree that speedway in this country started.

I guess that one time 'Rebel' Bob Kilby was my all-time favourite 'Budgie'. Having read his son's (Lee) book only re-emphasises that view. A tremendous read giving a great insight into Bob...and a great character to boot!

He had a reasonable introductory season at Eastbourne in 1980(?) and looked useful.

Raymond Arthur (Billy) Bales and Ray Bales...however I realise I should have placed this entry in the other thread! Confused or what!

Eugeniusz Blaszak.

Rob Grant

When Oxford put on an 'Eagles' vs. 'Panthers' meeting Barney was guesting for one of the teams (can't recall who) and he was getting upto all sorts of antics on track with the opposition. Great days at Cowley when we had meaningful second halves due to our promotional attachement with the aforementioned teams.

...Neither did Steve Bastable very much when he rode for 'The Bees' and Coventry Team Manager Vic White felt that Olsen often undermined him. Bo Petersen was another who got the full wrath of Olsen because he didn't 'toe the line'. Trouble with Olsen he was/is a control freak.

Totally agree Rob...and as a Wolves rider he rarely put in an appearance at Cowley (1975 especially) treating the fans with contempt as was highlighted in one of the Oxford programmes's editorial at the time. Thankfully he refused to be allocated to Oxford in 1975 and we got the sublime Dag Lovaas instead after a long complicated rider shuffle.

Am I right in assuming that Howard Cole was Welsh?

The late Kelvin Mullarkey was a hard rider and I remember one such occasion where he and Barney Kennett (another shrinking violet) had a coming together!

If I remember Alan was born a Kiwi but took out Australian citizenship...or was it the other way round?

Yes Sid...used to enjoy the second halves!

Here goes with my choice as regards 'the enemy from down the road'...'The Budgies'! Martin Ashby, Bob Kilby, Mike Broadbank, Mike Keen, David Ashby, Geioff Bouchard, Bobby McNeil, Edgar Stangeland, Norman Hunter, Clive Hitch, Brian Leonard, Mick Handley, Barry Briggs, Jan Andersson.

I believe that both Chris Julian and Blewitt fall into the same category?