steve roberts

Super images!

I agree. The sport needs an independent body and it was on course to happening when John Berry was given the job (1987?) but soon withdrew his name because he could see that he wouldn't get the necessary approval from certain members of the BSPA. A lost opportunity in my opinion and of course, as you say, it will never happen due to vestige interests.

Trouble is, in my opinion, is that the sport has become even more obsessed with averages and statistics which are manipulated to suit a particular case and/or circumstance. This scenario has existed for many years what with the introduction of the points limit back in the late seventies early eighties but from my understanding has become increasingly more difficult to legislate. I've always thought that the 'assessed' average is the one that is most difficult to legislate. I recall Tomasz Gollob being assessed at 7.5 and later the Dryml brothers being burdened with the same (?) although they had no real proven record unlike Gollob. Mitch Shirra has gone on record to say that Coventry purposely dropped race points so as to be able to declare certain riders under the points limit. I'm sure that they weren't the only team to do so either!

Remember the late Bernard Crapper commenting that there became a time that he could no longer understand the rule book. It became too complicated and unwieldy. I once owned a copy of the regulations and you needed to be somewhat of a magician to understand many of the minor rules and regulations.

I followed Gordon during his Oxford, White City and part of his Eastbourne British League career. I'm pretty sure that he wouldn't have ridden at Weymouth during his 'Rebels' years...can't recall either team, in any format, ever riding at Radipole Lane. Couldn't be sure about his Eastbourne appearances however.

Gordon Kennett must also be a strong contender? His British League Division Two career followed by twelve years in the British League and then a further six (?) in the National League?

Super thread!

Am I right to think that Derek Hole, who rode in the seventies, was the son of Johnny?

Not sure where Ken McKinlay would stand having ridden in the old National League, British Leagues One & Two?

As I have often mentioned on this particular thread Clark Osborne was involved with the selling of Cowley Stadium back in 1976 but the stadium was saved by the very active supporters committee of which Bernard Crapper was part of.

Not as I remember it (I was there) The riders were stationary and as the tapes rose Evitts momentarily moved into the path of Gundersen and Erik shut off which allowed the two outside riders (Evitts was on the inside) to take the initiative with Neil winning the race. 'Cass' also perfected the art of sending opponents thru' the tapes when he rode for Oxford in 1972 by nudging the tapes. Simmo once did the same to Kenny Carter at Arlington I seem to recall...much to Carter's annoyance!

Perhaps we should start a new thread...Who was the best Team Manager? Remember when Bob Radford became General Manager at Oxford in 1974 and left during the season! If I remember it all stemmed from the time that he advised Gordon Kennett not to make the trip to Cowley for a British League Bank Holiday Meeting against rivals Swindon because the forecast was bleak. However the meeting went ahead without Gordon (I think Alan Johns deputised?) and 'The Rebels' lost to arch rivals 'The Budgies'! Whenever Bob Radford comments about Oxford there is always a certain amount of bitterness...but he never really fitted in at Cowley in my opinion and it wasn't a surprise that he moved on (a view echoed by the Promoters at the time).

Yes but it's fun though isn't it!

Steve 'Eccles' Holden - Ex Stoke and Oxford rider. Used to live in a caravan at the back of the pits at Oxford. Quite a character. He occasionally went round to my grandmother's for the occasional meal. If I recall he used to hang out with the likes of Peter Collins and the Morton brothers when they were all quite young. He just disappeared off the scene not long after joining Oxford after showing plenty of promise the previous year (1975) at Stoke. Sadly no longer with us.

Continuity was lost and tracks had to juggle their fixtures to fit around the GPs.

Remember when he had a heated argument with Garry Middleton at Cowley in 1972 and 'Cassius' invited him over to continue the 'discussion!' It all revolved around the Second Half Final (bring back second halves) in which Garry was the last man standing after Ted Hubbard had taken out Ray Wilson much to the annoyance of said 'Soldier Boy!' This all happened next to me much to my amusement!

Bring back 'Soldier Boy!' He certainly used to stir things up!

Agree with most of those points. I would add, also, when the two leagues went their separate ways.

Yes Sid! Crumbs! Richie Caulwell...there's a blast from the past! If I recall he was primarily a grasstracker who tried speedway. Quite spectacular to watch but drifted away from the sport.

Remember him riding for Oxford in 1977. RIP

The loss of a speedway in London.

Can't believe that it was four years ago! RIP

First saw Michael Lee ride in exhibition rides as a 15 year old against Colin Richardson at Cowley in 1974. His debut season riding for Boston and doubling up with King's Lynn in 1975 soon established him as one to watch. Saw quite a bit of him at White City in 1976 and Michael was soon challenging Terry Betts as the number one at King's Lynn. Saw his international debut, again at White City, in 1977 riding for England against the Rest of the World (there were no other worthy teams who could challenge England in those days...how times have changed!) and he rode exceptionally well winning many of his points from behind.

Phil Herne - Top rider at Birmingham in 1974 (topped the averages in the New National League) and was expected to move up with Ipswich but signed for Newport instead. Starred at Somerton Park and did well at Bristol in 1977 but went back to Birmingham for the 1978 season. Sort of went downhill from then finishing his career at Swindon in 1983 (?) He had two sons, Lee can't remember the other's name, who both rode briefly. Bo Petersen - Achieved a high average at Hackney and for a tall rider had a super style. Won many races from the back but should have achieved more. A move to Swindon proved productive but he retired from Britain before resurfacing at Arena Essex in the lower league and proved an inspired choice. I recall Malcolm Simmons as co-promoter of King's Lynn signed Bo but was disappointed with his performances for 'The Stars'.

It was a privilege watching George during his two seasons at Cowley (1978 & 79) His team riding skills were second to none. Another rider, alas, no longer with us. As a White City fan Barry will always be regarded of one of 'our' heroes! I believe that Bob Dugard made every tentative enquiries wanting to know if Barry was available for transfer? Or it may have been just a publicity stunt! Garry Middleton - My first hero. Could have gone much further in the sport but one got the impression that his mind was often on other business ventures and he didn't give speedway his fullest attention. Tony Webb's book gave a great insight to his character and personality.