steve roberts

...hmm! Difficult to know where to start really!

Get well soon! Remember you from the Oxford days!

However he got it massively wrong when allowing Sam Ermolenko to take part in a re-run of a race during the 1993 World Final when Sam's chained snapped causing Billy Hamill to crash. Sam was worthy of being a World Champion based on his consistency over many seasons both domestically and internationally but he shouldn't have been crowned champion on that occasion.

As a matter of interest I took the opportunity and rode a 250cc powered bike at one of Olle Nygren's training schools!

...but the usual requirement is that the years need to be consecutive (however has he actually ridden ten years for Wolves?) but that ideology went out years ago judging by some of the meetings staged in the past (Peter Ravn is one that immediately comes to mind).

Anything that keeps the name of Oxford Speedway alive and in the public domain is alright with me.

Best post I've read regarding engines and the ridiculous lengths that some riders are prepared to pay.

There is a calender of Oxford Speedway highlighting the uncertainty of Cowley Stadium and generating support in saving the complex from redevelopment. A worthy cause!

I was there...but can not remember the exact details. May have been part of a double header?

Especially to 'Little Thumper' who I'm sure will appreciate the sentiment!!

...which could be the beginning of a whole new thread! The best Team Rider?

I, too, only saw Ronnie ride during his last season in Britain. However I knew someone who watched him ride regularly at Plough Lane and he told me that there was no better exponent in team riding home his partner. He had a great ability in controlling the pace of a race and could slow down opponents (by fair means) so as to enable his partner an opportunity to pass and so achieving the best result for the team. Ivan, also, had a great ability to team ride (I saw him ride often) as did Hans Nielsen who could dictate a race from the inside. One reason I didn't particularly rate Tony Rickardsson who was not the best of team riders...a quality that I admire in riders who were able to demonstrate what is now becoming a fast fading art.

Watching speedway live (and it shouldn't be broadcasted live on TV - too much pontificating from the experts - edited highlights instead, a far better package) The aroma (certainly in the good old days), atmosphere, meeting up with fellow enthusiasts, enjoying sausage & chips, being able to take in the whole race and not what the editor chooses (often the front runners therefore missing the action at the back) etc.

When Oxford re-introduced an Ice Hockey team (1984) it was surprising how many speedway fans attended. It was a way of keeping in touch during the winter months...and good entertainment it was too!

Used to buy mine off 'Kojak' at Cowley...who used to wind the opposition crowd up a treat!

I made the same point regarding the younger generation possibly finding chanting somewhat embarrassing...but it doesn't stop them from doing it at football matches and/or pop concerts because it's deemed as 'cool'...whatever that means! As regards programmes I wish, now, that I hadn't got rid of them as the old memory plays tricks and they were a good reference source.

My Great Grandfather was operating a threshing machine and was balanced on a board when he slipped and lost his forearm when it got caught in the machine (no Health & Safety requirements during the 19th Century) and from that day on lived with a hook on the end of his arm instead of a hand. He came from Hook Norton (where the beer is brewed) and was known locally as 'Hookie' Eden!

As I've said elsewhere I used to be a safety rep during two previous employments and see the problem from both sides. Common sense should be the rule applied but we are talking about the public at large...and that's a commodity often lacking. Slightly off beat but the old myth about clearing snow from your front door making you liable if someone then slips up. Total urban myth. People hide behind that assumption because they are often too bone idle to get out their and clear it away. Talking once to an American neighbour he told me that in the district that he lived it is a requirement that you clear snow from outside your property.

If I recall Cowley Stadium held a round of the Flat Track Championship back in 2012...the last time motorbikes took to the track there!

I guess it's been going on since speedway first appeared on the scene and still today. Simmo talked about it in his book at length which is why I never took the Sunday People 'allergations' as seriously as some people did at the time.

Thanks for that. Gordon actually married a woman that went to school with my mum!

Without trawling thru' the thread has Gordon McGregor's name been mentioned? Rode in the old National, Provincial, British Leagues One & two?

..I walk around dress as a Viking or to be more correct a Saxon because I'm from the south and proud of it!

...or getting sprayed with shale (my brother used to collect it and store it in those 'tic-tac' mint boxes - he built up quite a collection too!). The sport was dirty but it used to thrill me as youngster trying to avoid the shale at tracks like Eastbourne and Newport!

...or the story I read recently that a headmaster was considering banning children from running around in the playground in case they fell over and hurt themselves!