Ovalman

That superb then tragic year for Darcy Ward, was brilliant for Swindon then the injury. Poole beat Belle Vue in a cracking Grand Final, top 4 of Poole, Coventry, Swindon, Belle Vue...also Lakeside and Wolves were in League of 8, with Leicester and Lynn. Only 3 left in top div.!

Sounds like some more great entertainment at Sandy Lane. The loss of number 1 Kurtz left the Aces with a Mountain to climb, and failed to Cook up enough points to win but took the aggregate bonus. Magic has lost his magic, getting worse, superb from Bomber and Tungate.

Between Wroughton and Wootton Bassett, Bassett Down Golf Complex, a crematorium and Studley Grange/Butterfly World. Could be the old Wroughton Airfield, South of the village?

There's been a backlash to his appearance at the Blunsdon site. To be honest when I spoke to two local councillors, the Green one said it's a shame about the Moto Cross, and the Red one didn't seem to care. Not enough peeps bothered about local speedway these days. Swindon becoming a dormitory town for commuters to the south-east now, recreational stuff disappearing, just more houses everywhere being built on sporting areas.

Best rider I've ever seen, winning 1963 World Final at Wembley.

Always thought the Lynn do well to stay in top div. such a small area to draw crowds compared to Oxford, Belle Vue, Sheffield, more like a Worky, Berwick population wise. What sort of crowds are they getting, do many travel across from Norwich and Peterborough?

Bomber and Magic need to bring their Polish scores to Britain.

It was always going to be a risk running 3 teams, good to see the youngsters well supported. If the Ox can attract good support from the many millions that live within a reasonable distance, such as half of London, Swindon, Reading, Coventry, Milton Keynes, Luton, Watford, Northampton, etc.,speedway can be a success and survive in this country

How are the attendances holding up at Sandy Lane? Compared to previous couple of seasons. Still have warmer weather and school holidays to come which will boost crowds.

Living in Swindon I wouldnt support Oxfam but they're the local side with over half a team of English riders, a few ex-Robins, the only southern team, and I'm a big fan of Bomber, Wrighty, Magic, and Cookie, so I would like to see them do well. Have always supported my local team, New Cross, Wimbledon, Workington, Swindon.

Not much to choose between the top 5, Cookie could be the difference, 49-41 to Oxfam. They have won 3 out of 4 home meetings by 47-43.... Edit: With no Kurtz will go 52-38.

A cracking meeting from Cookie, saved Oxford from a pasting.

Great to see Cookie beating ex and future World Champs at Sheffield. Would have been battered without him and Tunny. Janowski is a disappointment.

Well done marra! Beating the Holders and Woffy on their home track.

What sort of attendances are they getting? They said they were down to 400 last year! Hopefully a few Wolves, Cradley and Cov fans will bolster the crowds.

Well done Brum, shock result, a very entertaining tv opener. Good stuff from Swindon-born Tom Brennan, a good lad. Good luck to the Brummies, just need a decent number 1, good all-around scoring.. Lidsey and Bewley very poor.

Massive win for Oxfam, about 60-30, very poor Lynn team. Will make the trip from Swinedown when the weather improves. How are the crowds this year compared to the previous two seasons? With running the two senior teams now. Better weather will bring the punters in.

Early days, but Belle Vue, Sheffield, and Ipswich with their 2 big hitters looking good.

Good win Worky

What sort of crowds do the Comets get now? used to love the Saturday nights at DP when I lived up there 2004/5, Stoney and Steady, crowds of 1200. Whereabouts is new track, must try and get up there this year. Good luck for the season, great to see them back.

I noticed that, just the ice speedway.. Landshut in Polish third tier. League fixtures for Poland, Sweden, Denmark, also Czech, Italy, France, Norway. As it said speedway is being overtaken by flat-track in most countries. The Star is still a good magazine for what is now a minority sport, still clinging on, sales must be well below what they were 50 years ago, in speedway's heyday. We're fortunate to still see it on sale in major supermarkets.

Fair play to Brum, kept it close, Witches unlucky with Emil's two falls. Can see a top 2 battle between Sheff and Ippo for title so far.

Poole Glasgow Oxford Scunthorpe Berwick Redcar Edinburgh Worky Plymouth

Looks like the Ox were Cooked and roasted. Masters hasn't got dialled in yet. Shame the Poirates are not in Premier, not the same without them and Swindon in top league.

Excellent issue, full programme of European fixtures as well.