TonyMac

Many thanks, Dave. Just need the Stoke (Loomer Rd) details now....

We now just need the dates and meeting titles for meetings at Peterborough and Stoke in the 70s that both featured Ivan in match-races. The one at Peterborough was against Peter Collins and we've been told on Facebook that it was "in the late 70s". Someone else posted to say it was "1976". Anyone got Peterborough progs from that season to verify, plse?

We now just need the dates and meeting titles for meetings at Peterborough and Stoke in the 70s that both featured Ivan in match-races. The one at Peterborough was against Peter Collins and we've been told on Facebook that it was "in the late 70s".

Bordernapolis 1975 or 1980?

We're not including Motherwell - classified as a longtrack meeting.

He also rode for NZ at Odsal in the WTC qualifier - the first meeting on the revamped Bradford track - on May 12, 1985. Was that his last COMPETITIVE appearance on a UK track (excluding match-races, testimonials and farewells)? What was his FINAL appearance on a UK track - would it have been his own farewell meeting at Belle Vue at the end of '85?

We have now had it confirmed that Ivan faced Peter Collins in match-races at Ellesmere Port in 1975, and against PC again at Peterborough in the late 70s (anyone know the dates of these?). He rode match-races at Berwick v Jimmy Mac in 1980. At Canterbury in match-races v Barney Kennett and Dave Gooderham in June, 1974.

Many thanks, BL65 and Sotonian. I recall reading somewhere that Ivan met Scott Autrey in a match-race series at Paisley. Perhaps someone could please confirm this and also add one or two other BL2/NL tracks to the list...

Remember the 'British Track Records' feature that made for an interesting thread on here last year, and which formed the basis of features in Backtrack and Classic Speedway, with Jimmy Squibb out in front as the man who rode at the most number of UK speedway venues? Well, it would be interesting to present a list of every BRITISH track that Ivan Mauger has appeared on (excluding training schools) in pukka league, cup, challenge meetings, or at least a match-race or solo track demo watched by paying spectators. Anyone want to start putting together a definitive list....! It will be interesting, because there are his Southern Area League outings for Eastbourne to consider too. My fear with this is, however, is that he made so many one-off appearances, especially match races on BL2/NL tracks in the 70s and 80s, that it would be easy to overlook one. Anyway, food for thought. Thank you.

HERE COME THE . . . AMERICANS In the next issue (86) of Backtrack, Martin Rogers will be looking back at the American riders who competed in the British League between 1970 and 1990.in the 70s & 80s... Alongside the main piece will be a section of supporters' comments about the Americans who raced in the UK during that era, so please either post your personal recollections, anecdotes, memories or opinions here or email us at: editorial@retro-speedway.com The feats of the recognised superstars and Test match regulars – Scott Autrey, Steve Gresham, Bruce Penhall, Bobby Schwartz, Dennis Sigalos, the Moran brothers, Ron Preston, Sam Ermolenko, Lance King, John Cook, Rick Miller, Ronnie Correy, etc – have been well documented. But what do you recall of lesser lights, such as the early 70s imports Steve Bast, Rick Woods, Sumner McKnight, Tommy Morley, followed by those who came here in the 80s: Steve Colombo, Gene Woods, Brad Oxley, Larry Kosta, the late Denny Pyeatt, Rob Pfetzing, Randy Green, Bobby Ott, etc. We look forward to hearing from you ASAP – respond and you might well get your name in Backtrack! Thanks, Tony Mac

HELP, PLEASE! Can anyone recall the name of the Stoke youngster, who rode under John Dews or was due to before his injuries, who was tragically paralysed in a crash? It would have been during the 80s. If anyone can confirm the name of the rider and track at which the accident happened, it would be much appreciated. Thanks, Tony Mac

Why not, Dave? If Backtrack and Classic Speedway weren't around to track down Jim Airey and all the many other past riders we've featured since 2004, who will? We need the support of the speedway community. Without it, what is the point?

Sorry, Salt. Please accept our unreserved apology for any upset caused! The proof-reader has been shot.

Wonder what happened to Dave and where is he now? He is one we would like to interview for Backtrack...

HERE COMES THE . . . AUSTRALIANS In the next issue (85) of Backtrack, Martin Rogers will be looking back at the Australian riders who competed in the two British leagues (BL1 and BL2/NL) between 1970 and 1990.in the 70s & 80s... Alongside the main piece will be a section of supporters' comments about the Aussies who raced in the UK during that era, so please either post your personal recollections, anecdotes, memories or opinions here or email us at: editorial@retro-speedway.com We look forward to hearing from you ASAP – respond and you might well get your name in Backtrack! Thanks. Tony Mac

We have interviewed Jim Airey for the next issue of both Backtrack and Classic Speedway magazine.

Many thanks to those who took the trouble to contribute.

Promoters wasted the vast majority of it on riders, who in turn spent it on super-fast equipment and engine tuners.

OK, a million different views have been expressed about the cause of British speedway's steady decline towards the abyss and what has caused it over the past 30 years or so, but let's cut to the chase and get to the point. Forget stupid nonsense such as the black & white helmet and the tac sub rule (where and when it should be applied) - they are not compelling reasons in themselves why most clubs are running at a loss, even some who would have you believe they are doing everything very well (see you, Glasgow). There are very clearly a number of factors which, when combined, have broken the camel's back. But, for all speedway's ridiculous self-inflicted damage by self-serving promoters, some problems are unique in a speedway sense and are beyond the BSPA's control. No-one seems to want to even mention it, but speedway fans are feeling the pinch more than anyone. We know that through our business. Talking generally, whether supporters' income has been reduced due to unemployment, their benefit allowance cut, or they would rather spend what relatively little disposable income they have on other things, the harsh reality is speedway is losing out. The promoters can't continue to charge more for less, it's totally illogical and will only end in tears. So let's state no more than SIX good reasons why British speedway is in such a perilous mess (and, by definition, what needs putting right). We can start another thread with six things that would IMPROVE British speedway another day soon, but let' s start by recognising the problems before looking at possible solutions... All I would ask is, please be realistic . . . WHERE DID IT ALL GO WRONG? 1 2 3 4 5 6 BSPA, you might want to take note . . .

The most depressing thing about comparing UK speedway with all these other 'minor' sports is that we have no chance of ever attracting a rich benefactor in the mould of Kerry Packer or Barry Hearn, etc. Speedway's 'Sugar Daddy' for the past 20 years was Tony Mole, and to a lesser extent Terry Russell, and they have both effectively thrown in the towel. Matt Ford is still hanging in there but for how long....?

Well said, Rob. The BBC, nor any other broadcaster, owes speedway nothing.

2017-18 WINTER EDITION Welcome to issue 39 of our quarterly magazine BELLE VUE: 50 Memorable Moments Belle Vue celebrated a remarkable 90th successive season of racing in 2017. Rob Peasley looks back at the brilliant all-star Aces’ pre-war team and the exploits of arguably England’s finest-ever rider, the 'Wizard Of Balance' Peter Craven. Jack Parker, Bill Kitchen, Ron Johnston, Ken Sharples, Henry Long, Dick Fisher, Soren Sjosten, Ivan Mauger, Dent Oliver, Eric Broadbelt and Ken Eyre also feature in this look back at the pre-70s Hyde Road era. PAYNE and GLORY – the Arthur Payne story In a new interview, John Chaplin catches up with former Australian and Birmingham star Arthur Payne, who progressed rapidly from Division Three unknown at Tamworth to the top flight in just three seasons. PHIL the POWER – Phil Woodcock interview Phil Woodcock became an instant star with second division Romford. Paul Hiscock spoke to the former Bombers No.1 who launched his career in his native West Country. BORN SHOWMAN Doug Nicolson recalls the life and times of former promoter Ian Hoskins, one of the sport's biggest publicity-seeking showmen who did more than anyone to put Scottish speedway on the map. HOMES OF BRITISH SPEEDWAY: WEST HAM Custom House opened its doors to speedway in July 1928 and remained one of the sport's great bastions until the bulldozers razed it to the ground in 1972. We look back at the history of this large venue in the docklands heartland of east London, where star riders included: Tiger Stephenson, Bluey Wilkinson, Tommy Croombs, Arthur Atkinson, Eric Chitty, Malcolm Craven, Wally Green, Aub Lawson, Cliff Watson, Jack Young, Bjorn Knutson, Ken McKinlay, Sverre Harrfeldt, Norman Hunter, Malcolm Simmons, Tony Clarke, Olle Nygren, Christer Lofqvist and Kevin Holden. GENTLEMAN JACK David Beresford catches up with Jack Lee, one of speedway's unsung heroes who was in at the birth of British League Division Two and went on to become a respected team manager nurturing future stars. MISSING MEN – why nothing's new The 2017 Championship season ended in a state of flux, with rained-off meetings leading to hurried rearrangements, star riders opting out of prestigious individual meetings, some staying in Europe rather than returning for league meetings, others flying out to Australia before completing their fixtures and some dubious claims of riders being unable to ride due to illness or injury. But, as Doug Nicolson ponders, was it any different in the 'good old days'? . . . Plus . . . Antonin Kasper and Les Steward obits, WSRA dinner pics, Crossword and full-page Bradford (1954) team photo. To order this single issue or subscribe for the year (4 issues) for as little as £16 (UK), please visit: www.retro-speedway.com

HERE COME THE . . . NORWEGIANS In the next issue (84) of Backtrack, Martin Rogers will be looking back at the Norwegian riders who competed in the British League between 1970 and 1990.in the 70s & 80s... Alongside the main piece will be a section of supporters' comments about the Norsemen who raced in the UK during that era, so please either post your personal recollections, anecdotes, memories or opinions here or email us at: editorial@retro-speedway.com Remember the big names: Sverre Harrfeldt, Reidar Eide and Dag Lovaas, plus Einar Kyllingstand who kept the flag flying during the 80s. And others who enjoyed spells of stardom in the BL: Oyvind Berg, Odd Fossengen, Edgar Stangeland, the unlucky Rolf Gramstad and Tormod Langli. But we are also keen to read your thoughts on their fellow countrymen who spent less time in the spotlight . . . the tragic Svein Kaasa, his replacement at Glasgow Kjell Gimre, Ulf Lovaas, Ove Olsen, Jan Gravningen, Tom Godal, Sigvart Pedersen, We look forward to hearing from you ASAP – respond and you might well get your name in Backtrack! Thanks, Tony Mac

Shawn was a much more consistent gater, although - obviously - he was also brilliant from the back. His first race against Per Jonsson in the 1990 World Final was a classic.

If you can spare five minutes, have a peek at this trailer for our KELLY MORAN RACING DVD... https://youtu.be/oZQHlhnXf_U