steve roberts

Fair comment. I preferred alternate gates as it allowed for greater flexibility and tactical awareness and I know that Nielsen often chose the inside gate but we saw some tremendous team-riding whereby he waited for his partner (Marvyn Cox and Jens Rasmussen come immediately to mind) to join him. Far more difficult to team-ride from the outside. For example I remember occasions that a strong pairing (under the fixed gate scenario) had gates 1 & 3 and the opposite team's 'star' man would be off 4 with a reserve on gate 2. It gave the strong team a distinct advantage (especially at Oxford where there was a short run to the first bend) as they could dominate the first bend (unless the outside rider achieved an immaculate gate enabling him to close them down) I would have preferred having my 'star' rider in between (gate 2) the riders so that he was in a better position to 'put himself about a bit' if you get my meaning!

I've just checked a programme from 2004 and a team had inside gates during heats 1, 3, 4 & 6 and the same team outside gates during heats 7, 8, 9 & 10. Much preferred alternate gates!

Would be interested in fellow contributors views regarding Fixed Gates. Personally I was always against the idea (I know the argument was that the best riders generally took the best gate) I haven't been for many years (as I keep quoting) and I'm guessing that the heat formula is the same, but one team always got an early advantage because they had successive inside gates when the dirt (I'm assuming tracks still have dirt!) was still on the inside. When the dirt moved out that same team had a further advantage as they then had a succession of outside gates. Also, I felt, it restricted team-riding (remember that?) possibilities as the inside rider could often dictate the first bend as Hans Nielsen often was able to do, allowing his partner to sweep around the outside. I used to find the Fixed Gate option too sterile and limited tactical awareness. I've read recently that John Berry had the same views when quoting the Best Pairs formula (when he was England Manager)

I think that was a reference to the run-off in which Ivan fell and although the race continued Jerzy was technically awarded the race?

Looking at it simplistically the Play-Offs are the 'icing' but with no 'cake' there can't be icing!

My Grandfather and father both went to speedway and we three sons followed suit. It was definitely in my family 'blood.' Dad went to Oxford's very first meeting in 1949 (not counting the few pre-war meetings that were held at Cowley) right up until 2003. I haven't been since 2003 but what I read and see it is obviously of very serious concern that youngsters are somewhat scarce on the terraces today.

Hmm?!

Interesting but I do recall John Berry quoting that 'Billy Sanders could claim to have been the best SPEEDWAY RIDER on view that afternoon and finished second - but nobody was going to stop Muller..." I was there and Muller was by far the quickest rider on view that afternoon although Hans Nielsen had the beating of him until he threw a chain (?)

Very good news! I used to like the old track at Hyde Road (never visited Kirky Lane) Let's hope that interest can be re-juvinated and speedway, as a whole, can benefit from this new resource.

Of course it would be useful if crowd figures were published as is the case in Sweden (or certainly used to be) so as to get an idea year on year how attendances (see other thread) have fallen and to judge, accurately, trends within the speedway going public. I remember many years ago a questionnaire in circulation asking fans to submit their views but I can't remember when or what even the questions were!!

Glad to see that the Yellow and Black helmet colour has been re-introduced. The green (do I recall that it was instigated for betting purposes?) helmet colour I had concerns with because under poor light it used to look blue! The original colours were brought in because Red and Blue are primarily dark colours (signifying the home team) whereas White and Yellow & Black were light (okay I know that black is dark but the helmet was chequered) to help relatively easy identification from a distance.

I was watching a DVD only the other day featuring a match between Leicester and Coventry (1978) at Blackbird Road and Tom Godall was riding for 'The Lions' wearing Dag's leathers!

Promotion and regulation was tried back during the days of the 'Mervyn Stewkesbury Administration' and it lasted, if I recall, for two seasons. The first season Swindon, having finished bottom, refused to be relegated but did the following season. It was never very practical, in real terms, as obviously 'Star Riders' wouldn't accept dropping a league and team strengths had to be adjusted requiring some form of rider control and/or movement between the two leagues. I admired, at the time, the thought processes involved but it was never going to work to suit all parties.

I haven't seen the footage (I don't subscribe to SKY etc - see other thread!) but was always brought up respecting a country's national anthem. I don't know the words to the British anthem (and it's not important in my view) or, indeed, the Danish, Swedish or American but during Test matches (another sad loss to the sport) I always stood to attention...perhaps it's an age thing?

Very interesting post! I, too, was an ardent fan following my chosen sport for 32 years travelling around the country and Europe. I even decided to have a go myself (King's Lynn) so that I had some experience to what it was like riding a bike without brakes and gears! I even helped during the difficult winter of 1975 when it was thought that Oxford Stadium was due to be redeveloped helping around the stadium. I also gave school talks and presentations during the Nigel Wagstaff years also helping doing odd jobs on the track prior to my last season (2003) Steve Purchase (Oxford promoter 1998 - 2002) even invited me to a pre-season forum to lay plans for a new season (2002). My life revolved around speedway but my interest started to wain and re-locating was the final nail. However I will never forget those years spent following my chosen sport. Great times and memories but, alas, a thing of the past I'm afraid.

How about Brian Clark? Very under-rated rider who rode for the one club, Peterborough, between 1970 and 1979. A very steady rider who I felt was ready to step up until a serious knee (?) injury picked up whilst riding for parent club, White City, at Swindon in 1976.

Don't subscribe to BT or Sky. I am building up a great collection of DVDS of matches held during the seventies and eighties and jut wallow in nostalgia. Friday night is speedway night in my household!

I've only just read the story regarding Jerran Hart's part in 'beating up a squaddie'. The story disgusted me and I hope that he is fully ashamed of himself! I would use stronger language but this is a public domain.

I often have a chat with Ian Cartwright when I'm passing thru' Kilburn in North Yorkshire where he is one of the directors of 'Mouseman' Robert Thompson Ltd where the fine furniture they produced has a mouse motive carved into it! He's a very nice, unassuming man and I enjoy reminiscing about the old days with him!

Yes it was alway great putting one over 'The Budgies!'...trouble is the following season they got their own back by beating 'The Cheetahs' at Cowley! Those local derbies between the Oxford 'Cheetahs', Swindon 'Budgies' and the Reading 'Berks' always produced memorable moments!

Does anyone know if 'Webbo' (King's Lynn and Oxford fame) still follows the sport and whether he can be contacted?

One of the best meetings in living memory at Oxford was the 1985 Knock Out Cup Final between Oxford and Ipswich. The meeting had everything and the tie was in the balance right until the very last race. The Oxford pair of Simon Wigg and Troy Butler only needed to split 'The Witches' (John Cook and Jem Doncaster) to secure the match. The Ipswich pair gated as one leaving Simon Wigg trailing. However on exiting the fourth bend John Cook rather bizarrely took Doncaster out allowing the Oxford pair thru'. Was it on purpose? Forever remains a mystery. I did once put it to John Berry and he was equally mystified by Cook's antics.

Are you sitting down? Now watch my lips...the original thread was whether the Play-Offs should be scrapped? Many contributors, including myself, have posted comments for and against the concept. You apparently have a problem accepting other people's opinions regarding this topic. I have no intention going over and over what's been discussed (despite your childish comment about 'getting one's knickers in a twist) and there comes a time, surely, that the debate has become exhausted. Can't you accept that notion? That's my final comment on this particular thread as I am finding your constant comments tiresome as I'm sure others do and would prefer to move on!

For goodness sake what's the matter with you! I can't be bothered debating this subject any longer! All angles have been covered and I have better things to do with my time...just get a life will you!

Noted!