Goldhawk

I've been to many Polish league meetings and tracks also and completely agree with above. Sadly they are a different league to here on all levels. Lets hope things get back on the up next year here.

Absolutely re Vic and Zenon's arrival. I recalled that race back to him with Olsen and breaking track record 20 plus later. He reminded me Olsen was World Champion at the time ! Zenon just turbo charged past him back the back straight and the place went mad !!

ZUPER ZENON !! We called him and he was our hero . My all time favourite rider and just incredible. The whole stadium at Hackney buzzed when Zenon took to the track !! We travelled to Chorzow Poland for the World Final way back in 1979 to cheer HIM on . This draw some confusion from the Poles but he was idolised by us Hackney fans and we were routing for him to win. He should have won the meeting and been 1979 World Champion . He was so humble and total gentleman off track . I got the chance to chat with him on the plane to Voyens GP in 1999. He vividly remembered his time at the Wick 20 years later and clearly had an affinity and affection for his adopted club and the fans who loved him. Our car had a ZUPER ZENON sticker in the back window when he rode for us. One day my wife was driving car up the M11 , who should draw up beside her ? Zenon himself and gave her a wave. Len Silver will be mortified to hear of Zenon's passing - RIP Zenon - A TRACK GREAT & LEGEND IN THE EAST END - WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU ! - UP THE HAWKS !!!

So do I . Terrific read , always look forward to reading every Thursday, well done all at the Star.

I support Belle Vue and can't pretend that I liked the guy for his off the track troubles and the bad publicity it brought he sport, but I was never in doubt when I saw him ride that I was watching a unique talent. Absolutely . I supported Hackney but this guy was a very special Speedway rider and English. Its all what ifs but without doubt he had the potential to have been up there with Mauger and Rickardson.

Lets leave out the negative and remember the talent. In the 50 years I have followed sport for me Micheal could have been our greatest ever English rider.

Agreed. Michael could have been a Speedway Great and in the very top bracket with Mauger and Rickardson with one World Championship already at 20 . Therein could have been the problem being so young with to much to soon. He was both dazzling and brilliant.

Well done Terry. Thanks for the clarity on GH result, yeah it was 2 - 0 . Was shocked to see the manner in which Bo was beaten. I remember Michael had a column in the Star and writing about the KL 27 - 51 victory at Waterdon Road. It must have been late 70s maybe. To those who haven't read the book on him ( and DVD ? ) i recommend.

Absolutely. Bo Peterson at Hackney at that time was pretty much the same . He couldn't beat Michael either for the Golden Helmet who won 2 - 1 from memory.

That's right. I was there that night to support the Hackney Hawks v KL who were gunning for the BL title. Mike the Bike was just awesome. Bo Peterson was top of the BL averages for most of that year. ML steamed under him on bend three and then took off and left him. He then rode in between team riding guests in another heat up the home straight like they weren't there. They were from Cradley . Gunderson and an other ? I think he scored a maximum that night.Forget the off track stuff . Kings Lynn came to the Wick c 1976 or 1977. Had read about this wonder boy that was clocking up massive scores for KL and Boston. He came to Hackney all of 16 or 17 and cleaned up. Having watched the sport since 1969 HE was our best ever rider and could have been up there with the greats and been our best ever rider. Woffy is terrific, all respect to him and three World titles BUT Mike Lee for me was even better and as other poster said could have been up there with Mauger and Rickardson. Have to say Dave Jessup also terrific. He could teach our youngsters how to gate !!??

I saw Loramski at Lakeside in I think 2007 ? with the Witches early season before his sickening career ending crash. He was back to his very best, what a pity his career was ended like that. Saw him progress from interval ride around 14 years old at Hackney to a World Champion. Top rider , Top bloke !!

I remember going to Foxhall with the London Lions ( Never should have changed name ! ) they were on for win going into last heat two points up if memory serves me correctly. The Lions gated in last heat into first bend and Chris Louis came down. On re-run the Witches gated and ,yep , they won the meeting !! I must have gone to Foxhall 20 times or more with the Hawks over the years as said apart from that meeting in 1972 they lost every one and mostly badly. They had won there a few times over the years but never when I was there !! ; ) FFS I was a frequent visitor last season, full credit to the promotion , what an improvement these days all round at Foxhall. Looking forward to seeing revised track when season finually starts.

Being a young Hackney fan I was there on back straight. I went to Foxhall many times with the Hawks and this the only time I saw them win there.

Have subscribed to SS for around last 20 years, great idea to wrap as was vunerable to damage in post, especially in wet weather. Proud to say have S/Stars going back 50 years !! Keep up the good work guys !

Hi , Which hotel is it ?

I have been to Romford dogs several times over last few years and would make great speedway track with great history of big crowds at Brooklands the other side of town so could be a winner if permission could ever be got which is doubtful given housing around it but you never know. Not sure if being renovated but scaffolding on main grandstand at present

Guys , do any of you know of any details when first BT TV meeting etc is please ? Very poor now at seasons start to be in the dark on them !

He would have been and switched from scrambling if I remember right , the kid bit was me !

First saw Tiger in his first Speedway season I believe in 1969 at Romford as a kid in his tiger leathers, he was bloody good even then ! A outstanding career followed . A great rider and ambassdor . He IS Ipswich Speedway ! And a Legend in the sport .

Keep up the good work CC .

So was I Steve from the same season ( 1970 ) until 1996 and I also live in Essex ( How we miss our nights of "Traxcitement" at the Wick ah ? ) and ditto on the Witches memories who more years than I care to remember did the bloody double on us and were hated as you say by the Hackney management and fans ! ! John Berry was also a complete pain in the arse to boot . Tiger Louis was invincible at home AND at Waterden Road , Shrimp Davey almost the same . Such is the state of the sport in UK they are now are my nearest club . I must however admit I went there last season and was very impressed . Almost every clubs facilities and track declined since the 1970s but not here . Vastly improved stadium , facilities , and track and racing with friendly atmosphere and the anti away fan vibe long gone . Well done to them , hope to make a few trips there next season and wish them every success in Premiership , even if they are the old 'nemy !!

Shocking route and place !

Kim Nilsson would be suspect away , the bottom three look good and much more suited away . Could they get Zagar in though as over 8 points ? Great signing if so retaining Scotty and KK .

That is the winning formula with at least two top riders .

Ditto Chris and you have given the British fans much to cheer over the years & WHO CAN FORGOT CARDIFF IN 2007 - ONE WORD - BRILLIANT !!!