"Fred and I grew up in Napier together as kids with motorbikes. He went the way of speedway and I raced sidecars. We both left NZ at the same time to chase our dreams. Him to the UK...and me to Australia. The thing that sticks out in my mind was our times together at Fred's place in the mid 60's. Fred's mum and dad (Alf and Dot) would make us more than welcome when we all turned up at the garage to talk bikes...Dick Gale, Clive Watson, myself and a few others, great times. He was king of Meeanee speedway in those days and a very unassuming local champion he was...Standard Fred...no crap, just straight up and down. "
"The stadium upgrades, which are of course beneficial to the stadium controllers/landlords Spedeworth who target the allocation of more major small oval car championships - epecially the Brisca F1 world championship final. They already host a major annual two day championship each year which includes the National Hot World Championship. Maybe, Spedeworth's good work could also benefit speedway with the allocation of some of the sport's major title events to Foxhall Heath? It certainly looks an impressive stadium based on Ian Presslie's excellent photographic work to highlight improvements and upgrading made there over the past 18 months or so."
Some updated pictures of Foxhall Heath, including the new open-air stand on the back straight. These pictures are courtesy of good friend of the site Ian Presslie.
"Fantastic as always Tracy. I was about 6 years old back then living in Auckland with Mum/Dad and I still have some great memories of those meetings and the absolutely huge parties afterwards. Thanks for the article."
"I met Roy on a motorway near Berwick in the UK, he stopped and gave us a lift. I knew who he was, he was a great guy to help us out. Sad to see he has passed away, he was too young to die."
"Oh what happy memories I have. I started watching Belle Vue in the 1950s. I was always first in the queue on Hyde Road. On the Sunday morning I would go down to the pits and help certain riders to clean their bikes. I got very friendly with George Smith and when we had finished he would drop me home in Besses. I saw some great riders such as Jack Parker, Louis Lawson, Pee Wee Callum, Dent Oliver and many more. Thanks Belle Vue for those great times."
Probably one of the most interesting tracks we've ever featured, this Italian track is now used by the general public for recreation. Pictures and explanation are courtesy of Ian Presslie.
Friends of Speedway (a non-profit making organisation who are proud to sponsor the British Youth Championship - formerly the Under 15's) are pleased to announce the 53rd edition of their magazine the Voice which is packed full of interest and enjoyment. This issue is a big 24 pages, which will keep your interest for hours!
In this issue David Telfer gives his inevitable views on speedway in general; Annette Maybach gives her thoughts on the coming season; 'Slider' gives his views on speedway with a Change or Die headline; Charles Mckay looks at GP possible earnings; Sue Towner reports on the impact of Air Fence rules and using youngsters at reserve in the Elite league; Roy Delaney giving the facts about Vic Huxley; John Hyam on the career of Bill Longley; Bert Harkins 'spills the beans' on Bert Harkins; John Chaplin on the new Jack Parker DVD and Editor Stuart Towner reports on the California-in-England track clearance and much more too.
Available from Friends of Speedway ; 117 Church Lane , Chessington, Surrey KT9 2DP. Please send your cheque for £10 made out to the above for four issues of the Voice to Stuart Towner at the above address or ring 0208-397 6599 for more information.
"I still to this day remember where I was when I heard about the terrible tragedy that ended the life of Jack. Indeed I had an article published in the Edinburgh Evening News about it. I was really saddened as I loved every minute of watching Jack riding for the Monarchs. I spoke to him once or twice when he and other riders came round with their helmets for the collection for the riders benevolent fund. A one off never to be forgotten."
"I lived in Mortalke Road in Custom House & went to the track for many years 1947 ---1955. Riders I recall Howdy Byford. The Parker brothers, Lloyd Goff, Bluey Wilkinson. What a great time we had, the bikes needed some riding in those days. JAP was the make."
"Great site, never went myself but my son did on several occasions and told me it was great. I went to most meeings at Exeter in 60s and 70s and sporadically until they closed. I now go to Plymouth when I can."
