steve roberts

He had been allocated to Oxford for the 1975 season but had decided to retire and moved into management at Belle Vue...we eventually got Dag Lovaas instead after the fiasco of the Ole Olsen affair who was also allocated to Cowley prior to the commencement of that season. In fact I think we used a facility for him at Coventry when also John Davis guested for himself...could only happen in speedway. Actually it used to annoy me that Oxford used to ride at Coventry at the start of a season in an official fixture before some teams had been finalised...at least we did return in the KO Cup later in the year and manage to turn 'The Bees' over good and proper!

Thanks for confirming Sid! I do recall that when White City ran a few Tuesday nights the news in 'The Star' was almost a week old when I used to buy it at Wood Lane!

Long time ago now but I think that I used to get 'The Star' on a Wednesday and 'The Mail' on a Thursday?

I think that Eric caught his right arm along the top of the fence and caught a post?

Went to Newport on a couple of occasions...once when Oxford were hammered and again when Belle Vue visited in 1975 when Alan Wilkinson was the most productive exponent on that particular occasion. PC made it clear it was never his favourite track and in fact faked illness, if I recall, when he missed the Aces trip there in 1976 after he heard the news of Tommy Jansson's death the night before.

Funny but I never thought that Oxford had much banking until I stood on the centre green...however there used to be a line up towards the fence (pits bend if I recall) that suffered with an adverse camber and sometimes caught riders out. However Dag Lovaas perfected the art of sweeping around opponents on that same bend many a time just edging his back wheel at the point of no return...not what this particular thread initiated but what the heck!

Ivor Brown was the rider that Ivan Mauger later admitted he had a hatred for during their clashes in the old Provincial League. One such challenge involving the two aforementioned riders took place at Cowley in 1963 (deciding leg?) in which Peter recorded a race time of 63 seconds which remained the track record until, I believe, 1973 when the track was shortened (354 yards to 350 yards)

Remember Ron Henderson...he became a social worker I recall.

I'm impressed Sid with your knowledge! Got a feeling that Rod Hunter won the lottery in Aussie when he finished and became a property developer?

I attended the opening meeting at White City in 1976 and saw Tommy ride in two tremendous races with Gordon Kennett. Livened up what was a rather mediocre meeting but in hindsight rather poignant.

Super thread...what this forum should be about!

I would have been there also...although I seemed to be at Cradley every other week during the middle eighties when Oxford seemed to be there on a regular basis...and winning more often than not! What was especially pleasing was winning the League Cup fixture at Dudley Wood in 1985 which was televised by ATV. One to saviour and I have it on DVD too!

I have this on DVD.

Either Bobby or Alan Emerson? Newcastle also operated R/R in a crucial match at Mildenhall (I was there) when, if I recall, both Owen and Hunter again took seven rides a piece.

Didn't like the Newport jacket with a large 'N' motive!

Didn't Mike sign for 'The Eagles' in 1974?

I think that Tommy's last meeting at Plough Lane was a Southern Riders Qualifying round?

Have enjoyed reading the comment on this particular thread...memories of London speedway sadly no longer!

Called in once (but not on a match day) and, yes, it was miles from anywhere down this winding country lane.

Last time I saw Tommy ride.

Basically he was using R/R for Robbie Gardner who had retired! Tony Coupland (Team Manager of Middlesbrough) refused him the facility on one memorable occasion plus the fact that Robbie was fourth in the averages so Thomas was pulling a fast one!

Fabulous collection! Recall Gordon wearing a strange variation of the 'Rebels' jacket in 1974 (he posed in it for publicity purposes) which was silver and a cross that was red and blue with stars if I recall. Not sure if he ever wore it competition however.

Nice to hear Gordon again..one of my heroes! Watched him progress from Eastbourne to Oxford and then to White City where he rose to stardom! Followed him back at Eastbourne before he eventually left for King's Lynn and ultimately 'The Dons'. A great servant!

We did the same...Cowley 'Crusaders!'

Oxford had a good team on paper but were struck with injuries during the 1983 season. Yes I recall that match...Newcastle utilising the R/R regulation for the umpteen time and sometimes not even in a legitimate way (Robbie Gardner for example!) but that was Ian Thomas for you...always trying to find a loophole in the rulebook!