29th August 2021

Speedway's Black Hole David Pickles reacts to yet another track closure and wonders what can be done to stablise the sport.

MILDENHALL - West Row Updated track photographs from West Row, home of the Mildenhall Fen Tigers. These pictures were taken at last weekend's abandoned British Under 19 Final. The young riders were unable to deal with the difficult track conditions.

Friends of Speedway wish to announce that the 15th California-in-England Speedway Reunion will take place on 19th September 2021 between 11am and 4pm. It will be held in California Country Park [RG40 4HT].

Stephen Mark Harland on Canterbury Noise Trials in 1968: "What a rider Martyn Piddock was and could have been. Tragically killed in the Lokeren disaster. I remember him appearing at Middlesbrough's Cleveland Park with Canterbury and also for Young England and he always scored well. Absolutely tragic what happened to him and some of his fellow team mates at West Ham his parent club. " Isobel Ingram on GLASGOW - White City: "I used to follow Glasgow Tigers at White City when I was about 10 years old. I remember the manager was Dick Stewart and one of the riders was Eddie Lack whom my father knew well. I am 82 now, time flies eh," Click here to leave your own feedback

 

22nd August 2021

Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium - Demolition Pictures Here are a selection of pictures of the current state of the former Belle Vue stadium which is presently being demolished.

Cinder Kings Speedway Exhibition More pictures, this time from an exhibition that's currently ruuning at Summerlee Museum in Coatbridge.

Friends of Speedway (a non-profit making organisation who are proud to part-sponsor the British Youth Speedway Championship) are pleased to announce the 82nd edition of their magazine the Voice which is packed full of interest and enjoyment. This issue is another huge 24 pages, which will keep your interest for hours! In this issue Charles Mckay speaks of Speedway Covid Compliant Style. Philip Dalling tells the tale of Ted Connor deserving recognition as an Architect of speedway's revival. Sue Towner is on her Soapbox again plus a book review. Slider talks of Speedway and the Seaside. Tony Webb spills the beans on Steve Langton striking gold at last. Plus more to keep you interested for hours. Available from Friends of Speedway; 117 Church Lane, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2DP. Please send your cheque for £12 made out to the above for four issues of the Voice to Stu Towner at the above address or ring 0208-397 6599/07860 135939 for more information.

Alastair Fyfe on Bill's Pictures: "How your article brought back so many memories - Joe Crowther, Will Lowther, Eddie Lack, Junior Bainbridge, Gruff Garland, Wal Morton, and so many others. I was at White City Stadium when the speedway re-opened after the war with guests Ron Johnson and Bill Kitchen, Any chance of an old programme of that era?" Click here to leave your own feedback

 

9th August 2021

Australians at Ipswich - Part One Tony Webb looks back at some of the Aussies who have made their mark at Ipswich. First up is Vic Sage, the first Australian to ride for the Witches.

Jim Henry of the Speedway Researcher has contributed an excellent article on Shawfield Speedway to the Rutherglen Heritage website. Shawfield was, of course, the home of the Glasgow Tigers in the 80s and 90s. Jim's article will bring back many happy memories.

Doug MacFarlane on When Irish Eyes Were Smiling - The Historic Speedway Class of 1951 : "His name was William 'Ginger' O'Beirne. He died on 15.11.2014 and sadly I guess nobody ever took the time to interview him about his speedway career. It seems he ran a motorcycle shop near Dalymount Park, called Bohemian Motors after the local football team Bohemians. Known locally as 'da Bo's '. Quite by chance many years ago I had a few beers in the Bohemian Bar over the road from the stadium and around the corner from Ginger's shop, which probably at the time he was still running." Cary Cotterman on Book Review: Blood and Cinders: "The rider on the book's cover appears to be on some sort of odd balloon-tyred mini-bike." John Hyam on Riders to Remember: Wal Morton: ":A correction regarding the 1950s promotion at Belfast. Wal Morton was not involved. The rider linked to Belfast was Belle Vue's Val Morton." Click here to leave your own feedback