steve roberts

I've just re-read "The Cheetahs 1976 - The Resurrection" by Keith Lawson the circumstances in which Cowley Stadium was sold by "Bristol Stadiums Ltd" (aka Clarke Osbourne) in 1976 and the role that the SOS Committee played (of which my Uncle was a leading player) in securing a lease agreement with the City Council who had acquired the site and thru' negotiation together with massive support from the Greyhound fraternity speedway continued to be run there. It also helped greatly that the out going Stoke Promotion were wanting a new site. It took a great deal of work and persuasion but one must never give up hope but of course speedway was in a far healthier state back then which I guess made it somewhat easier in achieving the objective? Of course the later rescue bid received massive support from the local council which I would imagine helped/encouraged an incoming business initiative but I guess that there aren't many out there able, or willing, to take a chance in todays economic climate?

Oxford were very fortunate in that it had a council that was very pro-active...shame that can't be said about Reading apparently.

Personally I feel he should have achieved more as he was a great talent. Going back to Eastbourne after Oxford was a mistake in my opinion but I guess that he felt comfortable around his father/family? Gordon Kennett once said that Martin should have taken himself off to Australia for a winter tour (as many riders used to do) to improve his technique and self reliance but I guess working at the Dugard Machine Tools at Hove (?) during the winter took precedence?

Yes he was part of the Dugard Dynasty.... Grandfather Charlie Father Bob Uncles John and Eric Brother Martin They all rode speedway at one time or another. I believe Martin has a son who tried speedway?

The first time I saw Joe Screen ride was as a fifteen year old during "demonstration races" with, if I'm right, Paul Dugard (now there was a wasted talent) at the 1988 Golden Greats Meeting at Coventry.

Oxford's 1986 "All conquering" team was something special...Nielsen, Wigg, Cox, Grahame, Sorensen, De'Ath and Surman. Each rider brought something to the side and complimented each other. My favourite Oxford team for obvious reasons.

I shall resist commenting on that one!!

In no particular order... 1. Hans Nielsen for his leadership qualities. 2. Garry Middleton for his brashness and ability to wind up the oppostion. 3. Dag Lovaas who was just poetry on a bike. 4. Gordon Kennett for his battling qualities and ability to pass where others feared to venture. 5. Jens Rasmussen for his total commitment and braveness. 6. Marek Cieslak who was a sight to behold round Wood Lane during his debut season there. 7. Kai Niemi who was a solid dependable rider who should have achieved more. Amongst those I would have liked to have included would be Hasse Holmqvist, Ulf Lovaas, George Hunter, Simon Wigg etc etc Trouble is tomorrow my list would probably read differently!

Which was a travesty because, if I am correct, a 99 year lease was granted initially?

There's that man again!

Didn't something similar happen to Chris Louis some years back when he hit the "tape stabiliser" on entering the second lap and he picked up an injury?

That's good news and hopefully something positive may come out of it?

A tragic loss. Saw him ride for the "Rebels" in my very first meeting against Coventry at Cowley. Forever remembered.

Great stuff!

Another of our heroes gone to that great track in the sky. RIP

Always a name that fascinated me for obvious reasons...don't think I ever saw him ride however? RIP

Portsmouth?

I would have said Crayford but I know that it isn't!

Look forward in reading the latest edition!

Is this a trick one?

The closest I ever got to cars being parked within the confines of a stadium was the back straight at Dudley Wood. Recall talking to Hans Nielsen's wife, Suzanne, who was watching the racing from his van.

Apparently Billy Connolly used to joke (before he was struck down with his illlness) that he only needed one book on his shelf because after reading it he would forget what he had just read and would read it again!

?

I saw him at Norden when he won the World Championship in 1983!

Has to be Egon Muller with those handlebars?