TonyMac

From recent postings, I guess I should just clear up any possible misunderstandings among you, although I'm sure most of you have already worked it out anyway. The parent company that produces Backtrack Mag and Confessions of a Speedway Promoter book (both published under the Retro Speedway banner) is called Football World. This is the name our bank knows us by, hence the name appears on all our credit/debit card transactions. As well as the speedway publications, our (very) small publishing company also provides editorial content for and publishes other magazines and books relating to...you've guessed it...football! Ah, but I like speedway best! Much nicer people! Seriously, if anyone has a query of this nature, or in connection with delivery of Backtrack or speedway books, please contact us direct on 01708 379 079 or email subs@retro-speedway.com. Thanks. Tony Mac

Thanks for subscribing. If you email me your full name and address, I'll check it out. We don't confirm receipt of subs by email - perhaps we should in future? Cheers, Tony Mac

Many thanks for all your valued contributions and pointers. Have to say Phil was absolutrely great - a really nice bloke who, considering he is not known as a big public talker, welcomed me into his home to give some great insights into his brilliant career and the people who helped influence it. Obviously you'll have to read the full, in-depth interview in issue 5 when it's out in mid-Nov, but to summarise, he spoke openly and honestly about a great variety of issues, including: *His early days on the family farm in Mildura. *His BL days with Crewe, King's Lynn, Newport, Bristol & Swindon. *The Neil Street Jawa conversion and 4-valve revolution. *Those ultra-tough Aussie Finals. *His relationship with Billy Sanders, and the reason why he believes they fell out. *The Exeter track. *The trick to winning at Somerton Park, Newport. *His worst track in Britain. *Winning the 1976 World Team Cup at White City after KO-ing England at Ipswich. *The effect breaking his thigh at Sheffield in 1977 had on him. *World Championship regrets and what he thought he lacked to win the big one. *How he exploited the use of Nitro fuel additive to go faster for Crewe and in Oz. *Names the best rider of his era - and it ain't Mauger, Olsen, PC or Mitch! *Why it was a mistake to return to Swindon. *His early doubts about Jason. *The difference between him and Jason. *How helping Jason came at a price. *What he expects from his GP-winning son next year. .. and then there's more... Like Anders Michanek did for the previous use, Crumpie kindly signed some pics of himself, which we'll be framing up and offering as a prize for one lucky Backtrack reader. Anyone not yet subscribed.....? Tony Mac

With son, Jason, having recently collected the GP crown, it seemed a good time to make his dad - Phil - our next 'main man' and our front cover subject for issue 5 - on sale around mid-November. Before he returns to Oz to escape our winter, Phil has agreed to be exclusively interviewed at length for Backtrack, so please let's have your questions to put to him. What are your memories of Crumpie from his days in the BL with Crewe, King's Lynn (briefly), Newport, Bristol and Swindon? Any special moments, great races or possibly even something a little more obscure to recall about the tough, formidable Aussie star? We usually prefer to avoid too much technical talk but as Phil was obviously at the forefront of the mid-70s four-valve revolution, we'll obviously be talking to him about his key role in the sudden emergence of the Street convertion - and how that led more or less immediately to Weslake's period of dominance. But what would YOU really like to know about Crumpie and his time in the sport? I'd be delighted to hear from you via this site... Tony Mac

The cost of airmail postage to Oz is £6.50. Tony Mac

Just to say a big, big thanks to the hundreds of you who have already pre-ordered your copy of the book within the first few days of publicity breaking. The phone lines have been red-hot and thanks for your patience when calling. By the way, you can call outside normal office hours, too. If I'm not around to take your call personally, then please just leave a clear message - name and phone number - and we'll return your call as soon as poss. Cheers, Tony Mac

When I met up with Dag Lovaas last week for the interview to appear in issue 5 of Backtrack, he mentioned that Sverre was his boyhood hero and that he had a picture of Harrfeldt on his bedroom wall. He wasn't nearly as complimentary about Reidar Eide, though...

Andy, The first pic shows Per Jonsson; the second is Tony Olsson.

Norbold, you are quite right, it's a subjective thing, and all due respect to you as a prolific author yourself. OK, so how about...the most controversial, honest, hard-hitting and eagerly awaited speedway book ever published! Who can argue with that? Tony Mac

Steve (and any others with an Amazon query). To clarify, Amazon will NOT be stocking 'Confessions'. This is most definitely NOT because they have any doubts about the book's quality or appeal. It is simply that we, as publishers, do not wish to supply them because their terms are unacceptable to us. They have now withdrawn their offer at our specific request. As you will hopefully appreciate, speedway is very much a niche area of the book market, where copies are sold in their low thousands and even hundreds. The margins of viability on any title are so tight that it is just not viable, as publishers, for any of our books to be sold at 30% discount. While no doubt J K Rowling and the publishers of her Harry Potter books (for example) can absorb those kind of large cover price discounts when they are selling so many millions of copies, we, as small publishers, cannot. I hope this explains the situation and that everyone understands our situation more clearly now. Finally, congratulations to 'Shazzybird' for being the first to order 'Confessions'! I'll ask JB if he can fly over from Perth to make a special presentation! Cheers, Tony Mac

We at Backtrack and Retro Speedway are delighted to announce that John Berry's brilliant new book, CONFESSIONS OF A SPEEDWAY PROMOTER, can now be ordered direct from us! Order from us before November 1st (publication date) and you will receive your copy FIRST, POST-FREE, BEFORE it goes on sale in the shops. That's right, we'll deliver it direct to your door anywhere in the UK at the cover price of £14.99, with no extra P&P charges. Despite their premature advertising, Amazon has now confirmed by email to us that they will NOT be stocking this book and the title will be deleted from their catalogue in the next five days. Visit our website to order 'CONFESSIONS' by email, telephone or post. All details about the book and how to order can be found at our website: http://www.retro-speedway.com In our opinion, this is the BEST SPEEDWAY BOOK EVER WRITTEN. Backtrack readers, and fans of speedway in the 70s & 80s, will lap it up. Tony Mac

Yeah, you're right, because Dag was/is hoping to meet up with Mike when he flies over next week, so they must still be good friends, which is nice. Tony Mac

The snow story is an interesting one, given the way many riders of today are so reluctant to ride on tracks that are less than 100 per cent. I'll definitely put that one to Dag and see what he remembers of it. Anybody else out there with any memories of Dag...come on, don't be shy! Tony Mac

I'm taking the opportunity to meet up with Dag Lovaas when he pays a brief return visit to England next week, so I'd be very interested to read on here your own personal memories of him - maybe some questions you would like me to put to Dag? Just to jog your memory, Dag was a star heat leader in the 70s for Newcastle (1970) before registering a 10-point average in three consecutive seasons for Reading (1973, when they won the BL title), Hackney (74) and Oxford (75). An injury while riding for White City in 1976 ruled Dag out of the '77 season, when the Rebels made excellent use of rider replacement to win the championship. He was a very stylish rider, one of the best-ever from Norway, and I'm looking forward to hearing his story...and to receiving your views. Cheers, Tony Mac

No, not at all. Given that most of the pictures from the era we cover (certainly the first part anyway) were taken in black & white format, there's little to be gained by going colour. It would also likely double our production costs and make the mag unviable, which is no good to anyone. Tony Mac

I am delighted to confirm that we, at Backtrack Magazine, will in fact be publishing John Berry's book, entitled 'CONFESSIONS OF A SPEEDWAY PROMOTER - The Truth About Speedway in the 70s & 80s'. It is due out on sale from November 1st this year, so will make an ideal Xmas pressie. The cover price will be £14.99 and it will be 256 pages, packed with hundreds of great pics as well as, of course, typically candid JB opinions and stories. I am confident 'Confessions' will rapidly be regarded as the best book so far written on speedway. Hard-hitting, honest, revealing, captivating and very, very entertaining, if you went to speedway in the 70s or 80s, then you will really enjoy this. We will obviously be advertising the book extensively through Backtrack, so check in the next issue (No.5) of the mag, or on our website (soon!), for fuller details of how to order your copy of what will become the most talked about book in speedway.... Thanks, Tony Mac

Wackie, glad you enjoyed it. Yes, your new subscription can take in any or all of the three previous issues. But don't hang around, because there are very few copies of issues 1 & 2 left to be had! Cheers, Tony Mac

It was great for Susie and I to meet so many nice people, and to be so warmly welcomed, at Reading last night and to see how well Backtrack has been received. Special thanks to Pat Bliss, Bob Radford and Andy P for helping us to promote Backtrack and raise awareness of it. I just hope the error in our production department (where a type font defaulted and automatically erased all the apostrophes in the Anders interview - arrgh, bloody technology!) hasn't spoiled it for anyone. Cheers, Tony Mac

Issue 4 is out now and is crammed with the following... Exclusive new interviews: ANDERS MICHANEK - we visit the 1974 World Champion at his Swedish home for our BIG exclusive. The former Reading No.1 talks very candidly about his life and times in speedway, including his memories of that great night in Gothenburg when he won the crown. Read why Anders says he was a "useless" World Champion and why he didn't want to retain his title at Wembley the following year. Read, too, what he really thinks of his main rivals from the 70s, Ivan Mauger and Ole Olsen, plus he relives those epic run-offs against Peter Collins. What did the referee for the ’73 Daily Mirror tournament final at Wembley say to 'Mitch' at Reading two nights later that so angered the usually laid-back Super-Swede? What was the one incident of his career that Anders still very much regrets? All these questions, and many more, are answered in issue 4. We've also got exclusive pics of Anders, 61, as he is now, with his wife Anki, on the Swedish island where they live today. WIN!....ORIGINAL RACEJACKET SIGNED BY ANDERS! And, how about this . . . the chance to win an original Swedish international racejacket personally signed by Anders Michanek! 'Mitch' donated this especially for a Backtrack reader to win, so here's your chance to own a piece of superb speedway memorabilia. Full details in the mag. Our star columnist, JOHN BERRY, also offers a fascinating personal insight of 'Mitch'. JB was the last promoter to sign the Swede, at Ipswich in 1979. PETER COLLINS - we are back with Part 2 of our brilliant exclusive with PC. This time the 1976 World Champion looks back at the second half of his glittering career, at the injury that left its scars and still affects him today. Peter points the finger of blame at the people he believes were responsible. PC also talks honestly about his time in management at Belle Vue and why a difference of opinion with promoter John Perrin led him to quit the Aces for the last time. BERT HARKINS – Bertola reflects on his colourful career, especially his early days in Scotland, riding for Wembley and Wimbledon. Find out which former team-mate once threatened to 'keel him'. LES RUMSEY - one of the National League's biggest stars in the 70s and 80s, Les looks back at his title-winning days with Canterbury and reveals the night he and two team-mates drove round Kingsmead in their cars! NORMAN HUNTER - he was a World Team Cup winner and BL star until serious injury all but ended his hopes of world stardom. Norman looks back at his star-studded days with West Ham, Wolves and Swindon. DINGLE BROWN - one of the second division's great characters turns back the clock to review his days at Rayleigh and Scunthorpe. And he reveals that he might never have ridden for either track if fate hadn't been very kind to him in 1970. Main features: EASTBOURNE'S 'KAMIKAZE KIDS' - as the Sussex track celebrates its 75th year, we reflect on the period in the early 70s when the high-flying Eagles first made their impact. BOB KILBY - despite ill health, the former Swindon, Exeter and Oxford No.1 is battling on. We pay tribute to one of the fastest starters BL racing has ever seen. MINI MARVELS - John Berry takes a closer look at the small riders who had big hearts and plenty of points in them. JOHN DAVIS - a personal view of how JD captivated the Czech crowds and went on to win the country's most coveted speedway title. NELSON-T0-BRADFORD - Richard Bott looks at a Yorkshire phenomenon, when Bradford attracted big crowds to see second division racing at Odsal after the switch from defunct Nelson. HAPPINESS IS 40-38 - this time we re-play Long Eaton's win at Peterborough, a key victory for the Invaders on their way to the NL title. NORTHERN LIGHTS - profiles of two riders who made their mark in north-east second division circles - BRIAN HAVELOCK and ANDY MELDRUM. BERRY BITES BACK – JB answers more of your questions. 1973 IN PICTURES - Looking back through the lens of Alf Weedon.

Having now met Anders at his Swedish home yesterday for the big Backtrack interview, I can only confirm what a great guy he is. A supreme gentleman who seemed genuinely flattered that British supporters should even still remember him, let alone rate him so highly. He was remarkably candid and much of what he said will amaze readers. His modesty is admirable and I'm sure you will all find his story very entertaining. To sum up just what a good natured bloke he is, Anders donated a personally signed original Swedish international racejacket that we are going to put up as a prize for our readers to try and win... Anders has kept a racejacket (at least one) from each of his BL clubs, as well as many others he wore in international and open meetings. The issue goes to print on Tuesday and will be distributed to the tracks at the end of the week. Subscribers will hopefully receive their copy next weekend, or next Monday at the latest (Royal Mail permitting!). Jack of Diamonds - Anders' final CMA for Newcastle in 1970 was 10.89 from 28 BL matches. Dantodan - pics hopefully with you tomorrow . . . and many thanks for the great-looking ad on your excellent site! Cheers, Tony Mac

Oops! . . . and not forgetting Long Eaton and Leicester, where Anders did, of course, begin his BL career in 1967-68! Tony Mac

I'm delighted to announce that Anders Michanek has agreed to be our main Front Cover Man for issue 4 of Backtrack Magazine. In another major coup for Backtrack, the former Swedish superstar and 1974 World Champion has confirmed today that we are welcome to visit his home to get his exclusive views on his racing career. And as well as looking back on his time at Newcastle and Reading (not forgetting brief spells with Ipswich and Cradley Heath), we'll also be taking exclusive pictures of Anders to go with the feature. As it won't be possible to meet up with Anders on his tiny Swedish island until this coming Saturday, it means issue 4 will be delayed by a few days. But we hope you will consider the slight delay to be worthwhile, especially as we're talking here about one of the sport's undisputed greats. Many of you will have fond memories of Anders and his time in the UK, so why not email us your views or memories of him direct to our email address - editorial@retro-speedway.com - or post your comments here. We could perhaps use some of the best comments alongside the interview itself... Many thanks Tony Mac

With the season fast drawing to a close at many UK tracks, readers who usually buy their copy of Backtrack Magazine at their local track will need to think about taking out a subscription to ensure they don't miss any of the next few issues. After issue 4 later this month, issue 5 will appear in November and issue 6 will follow early in the New Year. It costs UK-based readers £16 to subscribe for six issues a year, which represents a £2 saving on the usual £3 cover price, too. We'll mail every copy direct to your door to ensure you don't miss a copy because of a rained-off meeting or if your local track has closed for the winter. It's easy to subscribe. You can either order online at our website - http://www.retro-speedway.com (or click on the banner header at the top of this site to take you there), or phone us on 01708 379 079 to pay using your credit card - VISA, Mastercard or Switch will be fine. If you phone outside normal office hours, don't worry...just clearly leave your name and phone number on our 24 hour answerphone and we'll call you back to take your details as soon as possible. Alternatively, you could post us a cheque/postal order for £16 (payable to Backtrack) to: Backtrack (Subs), Unit 4, Ashton Gate, Ashton Road, Harold Hill, Romford, Essex, RM3 8UF, England. We are also happy to send overseas by airmail, and the rates are: Europe = £22.00 Rest of the World = £30.00 Many thanks. Tony Mac

Issue 4 of Backtrack will be out in the second week of September, and here is a little taster of what's in store... Interviews: PETER COLLINS - 2nd part of his big exclusive. BOB KILBY (Swindon/Exeter/Oxford) LES RUMSEY (Canterbury/Crayford/Exeter/Oxford) DINGLE BROWN (Rayleigh/Scunthorpe/Rye) BERT HARKINS (Edinburgh/Wembley/Sheffield/Wimbledon) NORMAN HUNTER (West Ham/Wolves/Swindon) Features: PETERBOROUGH v LONG EATON (1984, Invaders on their way to the NL title) BERRY BITES BACK (including what he thought of John Cook's 'accidental' last race collision with Jeremy Doncaster in the 1985 KOC final at Oxford) EASTBOURNE (the second div champs of 1971) NELSON/BRADFORD (how the switch in 1971 drew 10,000-plus league crowds to Odsal) ANDY MELDRUM (Berwick) BRIAN HAVELOCK (Workington) And they'll be more...

Jef, You can subscribe online via our website - http://www.retro-speedway.com - or give us a call on 01708 379 079 to pay using your credit card. Alternatively, post a cheque to our address. Thanks to all for your very kind comments... issue 4 is nearing completion and should be out second week of Sept. Tony Mac