steve roberts

Roger was one who frequently rode in second halves at Cowley during the promotional tie up between Oxford and Eastbourne (as well as Peterborough) and many of us naturally thought that he would eventually move up full time with the "Rebels" but it was never to be.

I'm sure that there are many examples but having just re-read "The Story of Oxford Speedway" I was reminded that John Grahame rode for "The Cheetahs". Together with brothers Andy and the late Alan that makes it three who rode for the same team. I can think of the Kennett Brothers who rode for Eastbourne (Barney appeared briefly I recall).

Hans was a real ambassador and visited several tracks. If I recall a visit to Berwick was postponed due to rain after he had made the journey only to return at a later date.

Just ordered the book ready for Xmas!

Must add this title to my collection.

I've done the same and have no problems.

There will never be another Ivan...the greatest rider of all time who raised the profile of the sport.

Another great issue...especially re-living those titanic tussles with the "Bees".

...it's a shame that speedway didn't take some sort of initiative when the sport was thriving however those running the sport chose instead to put their collective heads in the sand.

...but am I right in suggesting that other sports operate with an independent body? Do owners of Football clubs have any say in the organisation of the league and/or cups/rules etc or is that down to the FA who are an independent body?

...which is why speedway in this country continues the long slippery slope.

Did John Cook allow the following Kai Niemi to eventually join him up front or was Kai wary especially when the following year Cookie infamously ran into Jeremey Doncaster at Cowley thus denying the "Witches" any chance of winning the KOC?

Never been replaced in my opinion. Certainly livened up proceedings at Cowley during his time there in 1972.

I've rarely heard the aforementioned as I don't subscribe to satellite/cable TV but I watch very little sport on TV now as I got fed up with the over analysis and constant action replays and camara shots up your nostrils and shouting commentators. Kennnth Wolstenholme got it right when he said that less is more and let the action do the talking. I have some speedway DVD's where Colin "whatshisname" (once of "Tape-o-Sport") constantly jabbers away and it drives me insane!

Goes to show that when speedway gets it right it's second to none in sporting terms!

Having spent many happy evenings at Blunsden I think that it's an absolute disgrace the way Swindon fans have been toed along...and that's from an Oxford fan the enemy down the road!

Probably a lot of truth in that!

I know that it was mentioned some years ago now that it was proving difficult obtaining good quality shale. When Oxford had problems they mixed granite to help bond the track surface but I, too, wonder why clay is used. Surely it creates a claggy surface?

Unfortunately I never got to Custom House as they closed during my first year going to speedway but I do have "History of West Ham Speedway" DVD which makes for fascinating viewing!

Ashley used to live just down the road from me...a right tearaway apparently! Andersson was a real white line rider...rarely ventured into the dirt.

Terrific rider but could have achieved so much more if had contained his off track addictions which eventually caught up with him...but that was Kelly!

I watched the interview at the time...great bloke!

Remember Bob Coles appearing on Antiques Roadshow many years ago!

Sad news indeed. May he RIP.

He would stand at the start line at Cowley shaking his head at another Hans lightening reaction start!