steve roberts

I seem to recall that Arena Essex (as they were once called) tried a similar thing some years back?

...which is what my earlier post was trying to highlight (despite going "over the head" of one particular poster). The Knock Out Cup and Regional Competitions (we had some memorable Midland Cup derbies over the years) added variety to the calander but promoters and ultimately fans began to "pick and choose" their meetings thus creating gaps in the calander and continuity was lost and some stadiums began to question the viability of running a speedway (although there were/are other issues involved). A lack of meetings also meant riders were looking abroad to bolster their earnings (some even turning their back on UK speedway) and the development and/or opportunities of riders diminished. I recall reading that Phil Crump and Keith Bloxsome (two riders of very differing abilities) decried the cessation of traditional second halves (cost saving exercise by Promoters at the time) thus depriving them of extra income and Phil did question whether continuing in speedway was no longer viable? The National League Fours was a great success intitially but over time fans grew tired of "filler" meetings which also included all star Individual meetings (who can forget the BLRC) that each track used to stage before ultimatly they were treated by a certain amount of comtempt by riders and fans alike. Who can forget some of the memorable Test Matches that attracted good crowds before it became increasingly difficult to stage them thru' either rider apathy/reluctance (no money to be made representing one's country was one argument put forward?) and a downturn in some nation's fortunes (in particular the USA). Yes we witness that there is a general lack of riders/stadiums/fans but the situation certainly hasn't been helped by decisions made by the aforementioned creating a vacuum within speedway today. There are other issues, of course, that have often been highlighted/debated upon many times over the years and in particular on the BSF.

Nice to see the Halifax "Dukes" remembered.

Oh the irony!

...all that gleaming chrome although Joe Gooddy's didn't require close attention!

Agree 100%

I remember the days when riders had a full calender of meetings in the UK...League, Cup, 4TT, Best Pairs, Individual, Test Matches, Second Halves etc but apathy amongst the promoters, riders and fans who turned their back on such meetings has gone a long way in providing the state that the sport now finds itself in. I recall Macolm Simmons in his book saying that he used to have a full quota of engagements by riding in the UK alone.

I never quite liked his green and purple however...ironic, really, that Wiggy was a great advocate of "Team Suits" however he liked to wear very individualistic leathers?

I've nearly finished my book...a good and informative read!

Good stuff and to think we are about to be subjected to two weeks of wall to wall tennis on BBC TV!

If a winner has to be the outcome I think that's a better option...never did like the 4 3 2 0 scoring system.

Yes I was forgetting Ice Hockey having been an avid fan of Oxford City "Stars" back in the 80's. It's an American "thing" that someone has to be seen as the winners. Our friends from across the pond can't conceive the idea that a draw is a fair outcome but, then again, they have problems connecting with cricket and its rules!

I agree...another daft rule that only speedway could come up with.

Just recieved my copy of the book...looks to be a fascinating read with not only speedway but the football team and memories of Roker Park and life generally in Sunderand.

Oxford Speedway has to be the big success story in speedway at the moment! Wish I could be part of it like the good old days.

Yes I did! Gordon was a good second heat leader at Cowley in 1975 but tended to struggle on bigger tracks but his Aussie experience benefitted him enormously when he moved with the rest of the "Rebels" to the vast White City in 1976 and he became a complete all rounder and as they say the rest is history. Gordon has been quoted at saying that Martin Dugard (another small track specialist) would have benefited with a trip down under.

I remember the Test Matches down under whereby many riders came back to these shores a better more complete rider. It certainly didn't harm Gordon Kennett who toured Australia in 1975/76 and he proved inspirational when riding for White City after a career spent on smalll tracks up to that point.

...gate 4 has always been a poor gate going back years (many made the observation that the starting gate was too close to the first bend?) but can't comment on the new track.

...got unstuck at Cowley tonight however!

...not very successfully tonight at Cowley however!

Do Poole still like riding on "slick" tracks?

Remember "Nobbie" when he rode for the "Rebels" in 1972!

...my "working wage" at my last employment was just above the minimum/living wage entitlement.

I wish I could...standing on my old spot on the third bend!

Sad news indeed! My Dad saw him ride for Yarmouth. RIP