"I am sure that if the world championship was ever held at Coventry then Ken would have won it . I think I am right in saying Ken won the Brandonapolis more times than anyone and in those days it was a top meeting taking place just after the world final with most of the world finalists taking part. A great rider and a true pro. I remember my first meeting at Blackbird rd and seeing Ken for the first time, it stuck with me for many years. I truly loved Speedway and watching the Hunters, many a great night "
"As an old Leicester Lions supporter I think I only saw Jack Millen twice on the track, once riding as a reserve I believe for Reading at Leicester but I did experience probably the best ( memorable ) speedway meeting of my life so far when I visited Alwalton to see Peterborough v Stoke in I think 1976. My only recollections of the meeting are of Les Collins riding at no. 1 and the black leather clad ' Crazy Jack Millen ' as the second heat leader. I can still picture the scene now when Jack approached the tapes the crowd roaring and Jack diving into the first bend. What a sight and what a character! Sure i have seen riders booed since but not as pure entertainers! Sadly sadly missed and we will never see his like again. RIP ' Crazy Jack'."
"I well remember the book launch with Trevor Davies, Split Waterman, Jim Gregory plus many others and the presentation of certificates to veteran riders. My no 17 on the Suez Lions group photograph 1947. Jim Gregory Photograph page 103, Many happy days."
The 1983 season saw the final World Cup appearance of a Great Dane. Tracy Holmes talks us through the action.
Tai Woffinden's auto-biography will be available from John Blake Publishing from June 22nd. The hardback book will retail at £16.99. Here's what the publisher have to say about it:
"Double Speedway World Champion and former captain of the Great British speedway team, Tai Woffinden is one of the sport's biggest stars.
Following in his late father's footsteps, Tai Woffinden made his name as a notable Speedway rider. Known for his speed on the tracks and his quirky tattoos, Woffinden is a popular figure within the sport.
With a vast amount of titles to his name, including World Champion, achieved at the age of 23, Woffinden has come a long way from his Scunthorpe roots. However, he has not been without his share of struggles. In 2010, Woffinden lost his father to cancer, which, combined with internal issues within his team, resulted in a difficult season. His autobiography will provide an eye-opening insight into the life of one of Speedway's most beloved stars."
"Can't remember where it was but I read somewhere years ago that Ivan once came out in different leathers for every race of the meeting "to please the fans". What a great gesture. "
"Re: NZ World Team Cup: this is an interesting feature. Out of interest, for how many further seasons was New Zealand involved in the World Team Cup at this level? "
That's not an easy question to give a straight answer to John! Keep an eye on the site for the remaining three parts of the series.
"Vic was a Glasgow Tiger for a short spell in 1964. He rode at a number of the Vintage speedway events organised by John Stallworthy at the BMF Rallies at Peterborough. Whist John mentions Vic rode at Rye House in the 1950s, this was Vic's halcyon days as he was one of the top men in the SAL and non league era with the Roosters. I should add that the details of a number of SAL and non league meetings are not in the public domain on the Speedway Researcher site and any additional information would be welcome. I met Vic a few times at Peterborough and once at High Beech and we was always cheery and friendly."
