steve roberts

Certainly during my era Bob Kilby took some beating when on form. Obviously when tape touching became an offence (1984?) it tended to catch many riders out (took Erik Gundersen a good season to properly adjust) but my guess is that the likes of Ivan Mauger would make most of his starts whatever the rules in place...he just had this natural ability to make fast starts.

Yep! We used to race Reading home and away on Bank Holiday Mondays.

...1 in 4 between the ages of 18 and 38 didn't bother to vote. Should have got off their arses!

I was never sure if the reference was to father Phil as I never knew him referred to by that nickname?

With John his reasons were for the way that, in his opinion, Mervyn "manipulated" the direction speedway was heading to suit his personal agenda. If I recall it was the time that promotion and relegation was introduced during Stewkesbury's tenure which was never going to succeed and the rift began to surface between the two leagues?

Certainly was the case with the late John Berry when reading his book.

You're right but I never connected the two!

Marvyn Cox had a lolling tongue emblem I recall!

Many Happy Returns Ove...a speedway legend!

Preben Rosenkilde replaced the ill-fated Svein Kaasa at Cowley on the recommendation of Garry Middleton if I recall. He didn't last that long and re-appeared briefly for Newport in 1976 if I remember?

Is it really 47 years since Tommy lost his life (20th May 1976)? May he be forever remembered. RIP

...problem is it's a viscous circle. Back during the middle eighties when crowds were still generally decent promoters ditched the traditional second halves and introduced Junior Matches in an attempt to "reinvigorate" fresh British talent but as we all know the real reason was an attempt to cut costs. However promoters didn't/couldn't/wish to help stem the rise of running costs by paying riders money they didn't have to help pay for escalating bike/maintenance costs and speedway began to slide eventually producing a product that to many was unacceptable and fans began to turn their back on the sport. There were many reasons (and boy it's been debated enough on the forum over the years!) why speedway has taken the route it has in this country but promoter and/or BSPA mis-management in my opinion has been the main reason why this has been the case. One time Oxford promoter Chris Shears took the initiative in once running an "old fashioned" second half (at no extra cost) and it proved popular in that many fans stayed on but his wrist was "slapped" by the BSPA because they thought it set a dangerous precedent never mind what the fans thought?

Great stuff!

...yes whatever but an extended meeting involving more races whether it be included in the main event or a seperate contest.

...a meaningful second half would help. Fifteen races doesn't present good value for money in my opinion. Those that don't wish to stay after the main event is their prerogative but re-introducing a junior meeting would help redress the balance in my view but I wouldn't expect many to agree with that particular scenario?

Niss Nielsen (not sure if I've spelt his name correctly?) who had trials with Oxford in 1974. If I recall he went on tour with the "Rebels" to the Netherlands?

If I remember one time "Robin" Edgar Stangeland explained to him the best way to ride the track?

...I was at Swindon the afternoon he registered a full 15 point maximum for King's Lynn!

...I was being facetious! Einar Kyllingstad proceeded him and was equally unsuccessful but at least looked classy on a bike!

...not a bad average for a second string! Couldn't cope with the Cowley bends and considering he used to ride at Monmore Green defies any logic!

Was it a "coming together" with Les Owen as Owen was one who was never that well received at Cowley from what I remember in the latter years.

Lars Munkedal...signed by Oxford with a hope of bolstering the tail end. Simply awful!

The great Arne Pander...unfortunatley neve saw him ride but mum recalls him visiting the local Health Centre where she worked after one of his many injuries.

Sad news indeed...stirred up the hierarchy within speedway at the time but certainly left his mark. RIP

As a matter of interest what is the smallest track currently in the UK?