A Personal Tribute to Bob Andrews
By Tracy Holmes

Bob Andews with Greg Hancock in 2012

I liked Bob Andrews and he liked me. I got to know him very well over the decades and loved his honest and no-nonsense approach to explanations regarding Speedway history. He enjoyed my 'amateur' approach because it was based on a genuine interest and never for any self-importance or monetary gain.

This sadly lead to us both becoming victims of 'hate speech' from one of the greatest riders the sport has ever known along with 'fire & brimstone' from the Vicarage. With no right of reply, we both knew better than to protest as it would serve no purpose.

Bob taught me a lot about Speedway. The bright and happy, front page news stories that I never tired of along with 'the dark side' that included much, I would rather not have heard. But he felt I needed to know this stuff because I could then comment on the full picture without the rose-tinted glasses.

For example, big-motors. Who had them, who tuned them and how they got away with it. Buck Buchanan had explained the workings to me, but I never understood. Later, Bernie La Grosse and others would confirm everything Bob had said. I asked them all, was it cheating? I got varied replies like, "yeah but needs must", "depends on your approach" and "it was more like science".

Others put a different spin on the matter. It never bothered me as these guys all had to ride these bikes and I focussed on the bigger picture. But it sure lifted the lid. Nitro. Who kept using it and how they did so. Cheque-book Speedway, or "insurance". Again, needs-must was sometimes an option. And, sometimes it wasn't just the ref who got to put the 'red light' on.

My favourite Bob story is my own. One photo that eluded me was from the 1969 World Pairs Final. I needed a snap of him with Ivan Mauger after winning the event in Stockholm. I had asked Ivan but was told, " no, never seen one". Bob however said, "yes I do." I then asked if he would make a copy for me. He was only too happy and we swapped addresses and details. I would have been happy with a crumpled, dog-eared black and white postcard.

A few weeks later, I was overjoyed with an A-4, full colour shot of all three teams on the podium. And all he asked was to be reimbursed for the cost and postage. I was more than happy to part with a few weeks pocket money for this prize. This was the mid seventies, long before instant gratification over the internet. It meant time, effort and a trip to the camera shop. Bob's willingness to help a young fan was something I never forgot or took for granted.

A few decades later, he helped with another project. I had every post-war World Final programme apart from the very rare, 1961. As Bob was in that Final, would he, by any chance, have a spare one for sale? Yes. Would it cost much? Yes it would. But it was a price I was willing to pay and Bob was happy for me to have it, knowing it was for preserving Speedway history.

While I am sad that we can't have any more fun over the phone or email, I am not sad that my friend is now free from any further health issues or worries and can indeed, rest in peace. Cheers Bob, thanks for everything.

This article was first published on 22nd May 2026