Trackin Down 4

After successful sales of his first three books of interviews with ex-Long Eaton Speedway riders, long-time Station Road fan Ian Gill is back with another issue which will launch at the 5th Annual Long Eaton Speedway Reunion on June 15th.

Issue 4 - it's the biggest yet - features a couple of iconic Long Eaton riders and one who had all the potential and ability to join them but who made the decision to walk away from the sport when he was certainly heading to the top!

At No. 1 is Gerald Short. In many fans' eyes (including the author), the most exciting rider ever to pull on an Invaders' race jacket. Shortie rode for Long Eaton between 1985 and 1988 and - on form, with his breathtaking swoops inches from the fence - was worth the price of admission on his own.

At No. 2 is Jan Staechmann. A brilliant and dominating rider for Long Eaton, he brought new standards of professionalism to the team that he skippered which rubbed off on his team-mates and helped the formerly unfashionable track to new and sustained heights. On an individual front, he captured the Riders' Championship and also rode in the last-ever World Final in 1994.

At No. 3 is David Tyler. A whirlwind couple of years saw David progress from absolute beginner to the No. 1 Invaders' race jacket and there is no doubt in the author's mind that he could have gone on to reach the very top. However, he made the choice in June 1985 to turn his back on the sport and his candid views on the reasons behind that decision make for particularly interesting reading.

The 112 page A4 book features in-depth stories from the riders' careers (in their own words) with the majority of those stories receiving an airing for the first time and is illustrated with a number of photographs (including a large selection from Shortie's personal collection).

Ian says, "All three riders gave me brilliant interviews and I am, as ever, sincerely grateful to them for giving up their time and participating so enthusiastically."

Money raised from the sales of Issue 4 will go to The Notts and Lincs Air Ambulance and will be supplemented by money raised at the Reunion.

Sales of the last issue of Trackin' Down (plus proceeds from the 2011 Reunion) saw cheques totalling £540 handed over in January 2012 to the local Sandiacre Branch of the St John Ambulance Brigade and the Derby Royal Infirmary.

If you would like a copy please send a cheque or postal order for £8.00 to Ian Gill, 35 Humberston Road, Wollaton, Nottingham NG8 2SU. All orders will be sent out by 2nd class post (to keep the costs as low as possible due to yet another rise in postage) as quickly as possible.

For further details - and the background to the Trackin' Down series - please see Ian's dedicated website at trackindown.webs.com

This article was first published on 11th June 2012

Comment on this Article | Contact Us | Go Back to Main Menu