Arnie is the author of the excellent 'Tears and Glory: The Winged Wheel Story' book that covers
the history of speedway in Reading. Here he shares his memories and thoughts on the sport.
David Beecroft has uncovered these interesting pictures of the original speedway track in Edinburgh.
The Speedway Revolution is a new blog that intends to capture ideas for the
sport's future. Looks like improved facilities for spectators is going to be one of the key themes.
Norman attended Hyde Road with a school friend 45 years ago and has been hooked ever since. Sadly this was
a little too late to catch Peter Craven in action, the rider he nominates as 'most like to have seen'.
Graeme Coleman took these pictures while mechanicing at a meeting in Denmark.
The above picture shows the old New Cross track sitting alongside the old Millwall football ground (The Den).
Thanks to David Beecroft for passing the picture to us.
"10/10 for the start of this new
feature. Phillip covered all the points and spoke of riders like Ray Cresp and Len Silver that matched my early speedway years. Funny looking back how most
of the kevlars these days seem borinng to me and yet in those days of mainly black clothing Nigel Boocock and his blue leathers and Varg Olle's white
boots seemed to spice things up. Will look forward to this new series."
"Just to let you know that within 90 minutes of my pleas for
missing Paisley programmes appearing in the "Can You Help" section, I got an email from Tracy Holmes in NZ offering me one of the "Gang of 8" - just in
case anyone wonders about the power of "Can You Help?", I can vouch for it, big time!"
Tony Webb wondered if Maurice Bradshaw was any relation to Peter Bradshaw. Mike Letch is able to answer that one:
"Maurice Bradshaw was a mate of my dad's who was also one on the pioneer riders here in Melbourne and I'm pretty
sure he wasn't related to Peter Bradshaw, whom I knew well."
We've had an excellent response to the launch of our new "It's All About You" feature. Philip Dalling
was the first to respond and so it's only fair that his gets published first. He first saw Speedway at Long Eaton in
1952 and went on to become a journalist covering events at the track.
We were delighted to sponsor the Ultimate League in the popular Sim Speedway game during its ninth season. The final race
has now been run and the medals handed out. Here, thanks to Al the hard-working organiser, here's a summary of the virtual
season just ended.
Trish Gorman has been back in touch to tell us of her experiences since she appealed for information on
her grandfather's career. She's subsequently made contact with long-lost family and is preparing for a special tribute
to Eddie.
Thanks to Dave Laycock for the above picture of Owlerton. This was taken in June on the day that the Sheffield v
Birmingham fixture was postponed. On balance, probably the correct decision.
Bill Elliot is trying to help a friend complete a collection of Paisley Lions programmes (home and away). He's looking for
eight that continue to evade him - Can You Help?
Robert Rogers wonders whether there's any update on Pat or Colin Clark who were both reported to be ill some time ago
- Can You Help?
Keep Turning Left is an interesting new blog that's worth
checking out. Particular kudos for their "fashion police" feature that highlights slightly odd race-wear.
"Ian Hawkins states that it must have been terrifying for
the track
staff having to encounter Bill Landels' riderless bike - probably only slightly more frightening that when Bill was on board. Bill was an exciting,
fearless rider - bike control did not appear to be uppermost in his mind. I seem to recall that he won the Scottish Open Championship from Charlie Monk
and a lot of other top class riders. The track was so wet that only a 'crazy horse' would commit fully to racing. Unfortunately, when the tracks were normal
Bill struggled at reserve - still giving 110% and terrifying all around him. I believe that Bill retired emigrated to Australia circa 1970."
"I would also like to add having recently visited Poole Speedway I
was disgusted at the admission prices now. Not only is it 15 pounds entry for an adult, its 2 pound a programme and an extra quid just to park the car. As
a single dad paying maintenance, mortgage etc etc how the hell can one afford to carry on paying all these over inflated prices? I don't even get a
payrise each year and yet the cost of everything goes up. It means searching for alternative hobbies that are less costly for my son and I.
Best wishes Poole for 2009. From a former Milton Keynes Knights fan. Rip the MK Knights."
" I really think the person responsible for the above
comment should stay at home next year, and watch Strictly Come Dancing instead, what a misery guts, glad I wasn't sat next to them at Cardiff."
"I only ever went to Hyde Road once. I have to say that the
atmosphere was quite unlike Meetings I have attended elsewhere. As soon as you walked into the place it seemed to grab you. There was a 'buzz'
about the Track even before the engines had started warming up. I believe it was a World 'Pairs' Event that I attended and I remember marvelling
at the different lines that were available, and, if I remember correctly Soren Sjosten tried most of them. The noise from the Supporters was amazing,
I've never heard anything like it either at Wembley or at Football Matches. I remember coming away and thinking to myself - I MUST come back here.
Sadly it was not to be. Perhaps some of the saddest photographs I have ever seen are those that show the Stadium as it was being demolished.
I know that all good things must come to an end - sad that it was in my time. Such is the legendry status of HYDE ROAD that the very mention of
it brings a tingle up my spine. I wonder what the Ghosts of all those magnificent Riders like the Max Grosskreutz, Langton Brothers, Peter Craven
etc. would make of it now? I wish I had been lucky enough to go regularly - those people who were should treasure the Memories.
"The Past is another Country" they say - they are definitely right."
