Noel Johnson was killed in track action 85 years ago. Thanks to enthusiasts on both sides of the globe, his final resting place is now marked. Tony Webb shares the details.
Roger Beaman has uncovered some newspaper cuttings that shed some more light on the history of Cambridge Speedway.
An application for "planning permission in principle for a residential development", has been submitted to West Lothian Council for the Armadale Speedway Stadium site.
"Just fell across this web site, brought back some big memories. I raced in and around Long Eaton, tracks were Recreation St (opp Long Eaton Stadium) team name Vultures, one rider from that team went on to ride for Coventry. Trent Lock Tigers and LE Wasps. I did race at Blidworth, Stapleford and at tracks where we watched Speedway i.e. Tipton, Coventry etc. Would be nice to see who is still out there from that era 1960/70s."
"Still hurts to remember that tragedy. I was one of the very few West Ham fans who saw the last two meetings in Holland at Tilburg and Amsterdam, talking to the riders and Phil Bishop after the events has a special meaning for me. Shock and horror the next day listening to Dutch radio, yes in those days I could speak and understand Dutch. Sad, sad days, I for one won't forget."
The campaign to prevent the demolition of Sandy Lane continues, this time backed by the Wigg family.
A query from Jim Henry [ Jamesjhenry@yahoo.co.uk ]
"Speedway took place at greyhound race track in Cambridge in 1939 (and maybe before). Does anyone know where the greyhound track was in Cambridge please? A photo of race action appears in a 1939 edition of the local Cambridge newspaper."
Tracy Holmes needs a bit of help too [ raebo_nz@hotmail.com ]
"I'm researching The Daily Express Spring Classic. Can anyone tell me why Bruce Penhall and Hans Nielsen never rode in the 1981 event?"
This week marked the 46th Anniversary of the Lokeren disaster. West Ham super-fan Robert Rogers always tries to keep the memory alive and was featured in his local paper this week.
It's almost thirty years since a rule change rendered one of speedway's long-standing track staff roles redundant.
The complete collection of Les Collins' Edinburgh race jackets are currently up for grabs on ebay. The bibs cover Les' 10 years as a Monarch - 1986 to 1995. Definitely one for a Monarchs fan with deep pockets.
"I did unfortunately overlook Howdy Cornell at Neath, but in what is a tame defence on my part the preface to my specified "John Hyam looks back on SOME of the great South African riders that made their way to the UK." All the same, I hold my hand up Tracy Bird - and admit my error. I did overlook Howdy Cornell."
"I was riding with "Demon Bill Deegan's Hell's Angels" in '67 and '68, after riding the Wall of Death at Southend Kursaal. I'm also still riding and will be making my first ever trip to the Isle of Man this year on my 1150 BMW."
"I remember seeing Ronnie ride at Western Springs Auckland when he started I think c 130 yds behind in the handicap races and I saw him match race Graham Warren from Australia, and years later I saw his accident at Tomago speedway just outside Newcastle NSW."
"I have just read a comment by Angela Kitchen, Jack Kitchen's daughter. Jack Kitchen and Tony Robinson were my heroes. Jack Kitchen was a brilliant rider for Sheffield. I would love to contact his daughter. Would there be any chance of putting me in touch, please?"
We don't have an email address for Angela. Get in touch if you happen to read this Angela!
