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DVD Review: Defunct British Speedway Tracks
 We've reviewed quite a number of the fine DVDs that Retro-Speedway have produced in recent years, but this might just be the most enjoyable yet. It's almost certainly the simplest of those they have issued, an alphabetical trip through many of the sport's 'lost' circuits, generally showing a race or two, plus other odd bits of footage from the tracks. There's no narration, the clips are either shown with race commentary or accompanied by evocative music. Sometimes the music is the theme tune associated with the track in question, for instance 'Those magnificent men in their flying machines' booms out as we watch action from Rayleigh. As you might expect, not every track is given equal treatment, the quality and quantity of available footage obviously makes it easier to feature Wembley more heavily than (say) Castleford. Best use is always made of whatever has been found and it's great to see action from unfashionable and almost forgotten places like Castleford, Blantyre (1 and 2) and Scunthorpe's Quibbell Park. Although the objective is to cover as many tracks as possible - and it covers 65 different tracks in the SIX hours it runs for - there are so many great pieces of footage throughout. Everybody will have their own favourites, but some of the highlights are:
Not all of the clips will make you smile, for instance:
The fact that so many tracks can be featured on this DVD at all is also sobering. Lots of great venues gone forever, from big city stadiums to a track in a clay quarry. All gone, all missed. There are quite a few surprises throughout, did you know that speedway was staged at Greenford in 1928? If so, did you know that it was filmed? You can see the proof on this DVD. There are a few tracks missing that you might have expected to feature. Carmarthen, Ashby Ville, Skegness and the first Buxton circuit for instance. That's really nit-picking as this is an excellent production that must have taken considerable research. The six hour running time seems like it requires major commitment from the viewer, but you'll find that the time passes quickly and the quality of the racing keeps you hooked. We can almost guarantee that every long serving speedway fan will enjoy this one.
How To Order By Phone : 01708 734 502
By Post : Send a cheque for £20 (payable to Retro Speedway) (add £3.50 if outside UK) to: 9 Nursery Close Glossop SK13 8PQ Online : At Retro-Speedway.com
This article was first published on 27th July 2014
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