| Home | Recent Updates | Sections | Contact Us |
| 27th September 2015 |
|
This Speedway Life: Through the Mill Part II - Carpe Diem and Cliché A trip to the 1975 British League Riders Championship features prominently in this new article from David Walsh. |
California-in-England 2015 ReunionAll the information you'll need about this year's California Poppies Reunion day. Stuart Towner tells us what's planned and how you can get involved. |
"I have added a number of rider A - Z files for the era 1946 to 1964 to the track folder on The Speedway Researcher web site. Teams compiled so far are Belle Vue, Bradford, Harringay, New Cross, Wembley, Wimbledon, West Ham. Currently working on Birmingham. Any feedback / information to fill gaps very welcome." |
"I was sorry to hear, via Classic Speedway, of the death of Arne Pander. When I started supporting speedway in 1962 Arne was a very well respected heat leader for Oxford. I can recall his neat style, immaculate leathers and his amiable personality. He was also a very stylish, as well as quick, rider. He seemed unusually unlucky with injuries, which hampered his career and ultimately brought it to an end. Much later, when I lived at Long Stratton, 10 miles south of Norwich, Arne was 'mine host' at a public house in the centre of the (large) village. I understand that he made being a publican his post speedway occupation and, eventually, died in West Norfolk. Sadly it seems that few knew of his passing at the time. Had injury not played such a large part in his career, I do believe that he was good enough to achieve top honours in the sport." " Nice words abouth Arne Pander. When i was a young boy age 10 Arne was riding at the Riis speedway always a great rider . Danish champ twice.His real name was Arne Kristensen . He beat Ove Fundin and Barry Briggs at his home track Herning in 1958. " "Fred along with Brian Crutcher was my boyhood hero, my memory was that he won every race both during the meeting and also the second half which were much more prestigious in those days.My memory was that he declined very quickly and the year after winning the world title only qualified as reserve the following year. He always seemed to take a wide line on bends and was latterly often pased because of this by newcomers Moore and Briggs. Also knew him latterly as he had a car showroom in Wembley next door to where I worked. " "Cheers John, it's good to hear a little confirmation - there's very little mention of him in grasstrack on the web. Mainly Speedway. We've got the bike running - it doesn't look like it's changed much over the years. " "Just reminiscing about Elfied Park training school. I rode there in 82 and 83 when Bob Humphreys ran. It would be nice to catch up with old friends. " "Sunday 20th September, 2015. Sunday 20th September, 1970. 45 YEARS apart, but the same day and same date. 1970 was the meeting held at Custom House for the Lokeren Memorial Trophy, won by Ivan Mauger with an immaculate 15 point maximum. Would be nice to just take a minute out to remember those who perished in speedway's biggest tragedy." |
| 20th September 2015 |
This Speedway Life: Through the MillPart I - Tribute In the first of a new series of articles, David Walsh reflects on the impression that an exotically named rider can leave. |
Basse Hveem LeathersPictures of an old two-piece racing suit manufactured, or endorsed, by Norwegian legend Leif 'Basse' Hveem. These pictures are courtesy of Teddy Treu Gronbech who owns the suit. |
|
 |
|
"I was originally from Aldershot and in the 1950's Geoff Mardon arrived to race for us. Soon a top scorer, he was snapped up by Wimbledon, where he rapidly became a heat leader. Also a top rider for his native New Zealand. So sorry to hear of his passing." "Tuesday night was speedway night at Southampton and it was a very special one when the 'Aces' were in town. I particularly remember peering over the pit fence at Peter Craven, I was just nine years old in 1955 and full of awe at the World champion. Peter's bike seemed to be tied together with bits of wire and his twist grip was wrapped in sticky insulating tape, it must be remembered that riders equipment and bikes have changed quite a bit since those days! Charlie Knott was the promoter and owner of Bannister Court Stadium and he was always there on the centre green, smartly dressed in his suit or black overcoat, complimented by his trilby hat, he was the perfect showman and Peter inevitably started the off track frolics by turning the water hose on Charlie & running off with his hat! We never knew if Charlie Knott was really mad at Peter or whether it was all in good humour. Peter was well loved at Southampton as he was wherever he went. Saints supporters were saddened to hear of his accident at Meadowbank in 1963 and as a previous writer has mentioned, he can remember where he was on learning of Peter's death, I too can recall that moment. Peter Craven will always be in my memory even after all this time." "With reference to the comments on Harringay Speedway, the two brothers racing there post war were the Duggan brothers ( Vic and Ray ) not the Goodman brothers." "I was always told that Jimmy Gooch was a one time boyfriend of my late aunt Carmel aka Carol and Cissie." "Has to be the best web page I've looked at, so much forgotten history. I'm looking to purchase any paintings or drawings of Ivan Mauger and Joe Owen during their Newcastle days so if you know of any or who I can contact please get in touch" |
| 13th September 2015 |
DVD Review: Memories of Berwick SpeedwayBerwick staged the final home meeting of their 2015 season last night and we're all currently hoping they'll be back for more in 2016. While we wait for some positive news, why not distract yourself by picking up a copy of this new DVD box set? It covers the history of the Bandits from 1968 until 1999 and is guaranteed to bring happy memories flooding back. |
Dream Team: James JessopJames is an aspiring rider who has recently purchased his own machine. He includes mentor Wayne Carter in his 'Dream Team'. |
|
"I'm trying to find more information on the first speedway meeting I went to. It was an individual meeting at Eastbourne in 1976. It was held just after Peter Collins had won the World title and he was there along with all the other top names of the time if I remember correctly. Just want to know what the meeting was, if there are any pictures available anywhere or copies of programme etc." "Queensland rider Brian 'Chinga' Hodder has lost his brave fight against cancer. The son of former Pioneer Park promoter Brian Hodder, Chinga had a long career in Australia and was a legend at Ayr Mt Isa and other North Queensland tracks and would be remembered by many visiting riders from England. Our thoughts are with Bonnie and the family." "It is with regret and sadness that I pass on news of my dear friend and ex business partner's death on the 9th September 2015. I refer to ex Cradley Heath, Stoke and Wimbledon rider John Edwards. Sadly, John suffered a stroke some years ago and passed away peacefully in a nursing home, not far from Aldershot. Funeral details have not been established as yet." |
|
"Nice to hear from Gunhild Kassa, brother of Svein. I don't think any rider was held with such great affection as Svein, given the short time that he rode for the Tigers. I hear that some of Svein's relatives may be making a visit to Glasgow." "Doug - it is possible the bike you mention was owned by George Bason and used by him for grass track racing in which he also competed at one-time." "I work with Roger, and had no idea until today of his status here in this world. Speedway is one of two forms of moto racing that I have never competed in, and I think I might take it up in Christchurch to see how it goes, on this inspiration. We've chatted bikes a bit and he has understated his riding immensely, truly simply as humble as they come... As an aside, Roger is one of the most skilled metal crafstman I have ever worked around, and I've only known him for a few short months..and I've been working in and around machine, sheetmetal and fabrication shops for 25+ years. I look forward to a long friendship." "I only remember driving past Harringay Stadium on the way to visit relatives and being fascinated by the figures of racing dogs and the Firestone(?) ad on a nearby bridge. My Mum's in hospital at the moment and we were chatting about stuff and she said she used to go to Speedway there, I never knew about that. She said she loved watching the Goodman brothers but I can only find details of Roy Goodman (born same year as my Mum). Did he have a brother, or maybe someone he was always associated with, or maybe there were brothers who raced but a different name? " "Very interesting story about Droylsden where I was born. My parents lived in Lower Openshaw and as an East Manchester family we were always at Belle Vue, Zoo, dancing, speedway etc; My parents told me that Fred Fernley owned a garage in Lower Openshaw, I would have thought before 1939 as after the blitz they moved to Higher Openshaw. On a private Facebook page called Old Droylsden, there have been several mentions of that first meeting of 1928. As a kid in the late 60's and 70's I knew that area like the back of my hand and from what people have written there were 2 tracks, Droylsden (Dodds) and Audenshaw, near to the Snipe Inn." "Stan Best, I think your right about Jackie's death, my father always told me that Jackie fell off and was run over by a novice rider he was teaching. my memory also tells me that my dad said Jackie told him that when you are in a handicap race, with novices let them go out first and you come last. " |
| 2nd September 2015 |
Gillman Benefit for DarcyDetails of an Adelaide benefit meeting to help Darcy Ward as he fights back from horrific injury. |