Dream Team: Mick Ogden

Supported Rayleigh Rockets from 1969 thru to their sad demise in 73, also attended occasional Hackney meetings during the same period, as well as the World final at Wembley 1972.

Ole Olsen
Was fantastic watching him catch, and then surpass Ivan in 71-72....I was broken hearted when he fell chasing Christer Loqvist in the 72 world final!!....Could easily have added another 2 world titles to his CV.

Ivan Mauger
The ultimate professional of his era, immaculate equipment and dedication....Rode his luck a little for his fourth, and sixth world crowns, but still should be seen as the greatest of all time.

John Louis
Saw him at Rayleigh in 71, far too good to have been riding division 2 that year...He was guesting for first division clubs and scoring 15 point maximums!!

Barry Briggs
First saw him at the Hackney Superama 71'...Fantastic race with Ivan, unfortunately can't remember who won it!..Saw his bad crash at Wembley 72, when after beating Ivan, he looked to be in with a real shout of the title.

Martyn Piddock
Came to Rayleigh with Canterbury in 69, and looked to be a world beater in the making....Sadly lost his life in the Lokeren disaster.

Terry Stone
Only a second stringer in my time at Rayleigh, but his enthusiasm for the sport, and self-deprecating personality made him a joy to be around.

Tiger Beech
Big crowd favourite at Rayleigh, particuarly with the ladies, a wholehearted trier who never gave up on a lost cause.

This article was first published on 2nd June 2012