Retro Speedway: Backtrack Back Issues (46-64)

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Backtrack Back Issues (46-64)

PLEASE NOTE BACKTRACK ISSUES 1-71 ARE NOW SOLD OUT

ISSUE 46 (Sept-Oct 2011)

SILVER HELMET
Following on from our in-depth look at the Golden Helmet in our previous issue, this time we take a close look at the history of its 'little brother'. The Silver Helmet match-race title was introduced in British League Division Two at the start of 1970 and we have every result from then until the end of the Backtrack era in 1990.

Also, readers share their own memories of special Silver Helmet races (read why one irate Eastbourne fan threatened to assault the Peterborough track photographer), while columnist John Berry questions the merit of a competition that was dominated by just a handful of riders, including the Owen brothers and Steve Lawson, for long periods.

MARVYN COX INTERVIEW
Former England star Marvyn Cox has certainly travelled far and wide for club and country and his globetrotting days are far from over. We caught up with the one-time Rye House, Oxford, Bradford and Poole favourite who once rode in the World Final on a German licence.

NEIL STREET TRIBUTE
The speedway family in all corners of the globe is mourning the sad loss of Neil Street, one of the sport's genuine nice guys who had such a positive influence on countless others. We look back at the life and times of the Australian gent and mechanical maestro who rode in Britain for Exeter, Swindon and Newport and changed the sport forever.

JAMIE LUCKHURST
Always the self-publicist, Jamie Luckhurst allows Backtrack to probe his inner thoughts to discover what made him tick as a promising young rider for Canterbury and Wimbledon, the 'voices from God' that made him quit Edinburgh, how he suffered and saw enough pain, his 'flippancy' and how much he now enjoys the carefree life of a glamour model photographer.

KEN WRENCH INTERVIEW
Ken Wrench is one of the longest serving and most respected announcers the sport has ever known. We talk to the man who became part of the Belle Vue furniture and is still the 'voice' of the Aces today.

BRUCE PENHALL COLUMN
The double World Champion, newly-inducted to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in Detroit, is back with a tribute to his former protÃ©gÃ© Greg Hancock following his recent Grand Prix World Championship win after a gap of 14 years. Greg joined Cradley Heath in 1989 on Bruce's recommendation and he has always followed his career with keen interest.

BP also reflects on a double 30-year anniversary . . . his brilliant and memorable victory in the last Wembley World Final of 1981, followed swiftly by Cradley Heath's first-ever British League championship success.

MALCOLM SIMMONS COLUMN
Profiling a rider featured on his new Simmo's Super Brits DVD, Malcolm writes about former Scottish No.1 Jimmy McMillan and in the start of a new series looking at speedway Fashions & Fads in the 70s and 80s, he talks crash helmets and just how handy he was with a welding torch.Simmo tells of his delight at completing the restoration of his 1978 machine, complete with the original Weslake engine he used that season to top the BL averages with Poole, and how he recently caught up with his old mechanic.

HEAD2HEAD - Peter Collins v John Louis in 1975
They were Britain's top two but how did Belle Vue's PC and Ipswich icon 'Tiger' John fare in their head to head battles throughout a watershed season for the sport? John was crowned British Champion, finished third in the world and led the Witches to their first BL title (with the Aces placed second), while Peter retained the BLRC and led England to glory in the World Team Cup.

AND ANOTHER THING...
John Berry climbs back on to his old hobby horse in condemning the guest rider system that still plagues the sport today. Whisper it, but his Ipswich team actually used a guest who scored a maximum for the Witches in 1972!

Plus...

Q&As with IVAN BLACKA, who tells of a rider rebellion at Edinburgh, PAUL EMBLEY and WAYNE JACKSON, plus your letters and photo coverage from Ipswich's 60^th anniversary reunion.

ISSUE 47 (Nov-Dec 2011)

CHRIS MORTON INTERVIEW
Chris Morton rode more times for Belle Vue and England than any other rider and he'll always be remembered as one of the sport's greatest entertainers. Tony McDonald spoke to the subject of our newest DVD, who clearly still has lots of ambition and major goals to achieve . . .

As pure entertainers go, there was none better than Chris Morton, who thrilled Belle Vue fans week in, week out for the best part of 20 years.

From the day he joined the Aces in 1973 until his final ride for them in 1990, the local lad made the most difficult passing manoeuvres look almost effortlessly easy as he accumulated a club record 703 appearances, winning most of his races from the back.

Every promoter in the land, both then and now, would love a 'Mort' in their team; someone to set pulses racing and get the supporters off their seats and craving for more.

MEN OF HONOUR
Testimonial and benefit meetings have been routinely added to the annual fixture list since the mid-70s. Here John Berry looks back at some of the most deserving recipients.

ERIK GUNDERSEN v HANS NIELSEN - Head2Head in 1985
By the mid-80s England and the USA were on the wane and the speedway world was in the grip of Denmark and, in particular, Erik Gundersen and Hans Nielsen.

They had finished number one and two in the world in 1984 and their intense rivalry would again be the focal point throughout the '85 season, both on an individual level and in team events as Gundersen's Cradley Heath and Nielsen's Oxford competed for the main domestic honours.

DAVID WALSH INTERVIEW
Speedway riders are very rarely known for being studious enough to earn a Masters degree or having a keen interest in writing poetry but, as we reveal, David Walsh in no ordinary former star.

MILTON KEYNES
In this special five-page, in-depth report on Milton Keynes Speedway, we look at key events and talks to some of the main men involved in the club's brief and turbulent history, including Knights' all-time legend Bob Humphreys, who is now retired in his native Australia.

GRAEME SMITH INTERVIEW
Graeme Smith nearly died in India five years ago but thankfully the former Hackney, Rayleigh and Canterbury favourite is still here, doing $1m international business deals and talking to us about an eventful UK racing career that once saw him accused of throwing races by his own promoter, kicked out of the house by another, live to regret turning down Wembley and retire while still a star with Sunderland.

ALES DRYML
Ales Dryml rode in speedway World Finals at Gothenburg and Wembley and was a 30-times world finalist in all track disciplines. With two sons having followed him into British league racing, he now looks back on what might have been.

ALAN WILKINSON
It is 12 months since the first copy of The Alan Wilkinson Story rolled off the press. Since that day this widely acclaimed book has been in big demand in all corners of the world, the publishers shipping copies to Canada and Australia and even to one exiled speedway fan based in Mumbai, India.

RAYLEIGH
It's getting on for four decades since speedway was last staged at Rayleigh, but we turn back the clock to relive memories from The Weir of those Rockets who were sadly brought down to earth by the bulldozers in 1973.

GORDON STOBBS
Ivan Mauger won it all in speedway but here we talk to Gordon Stobbs, the loyal and trusty Geordie mechanic who supported the six times World Champion behind the scenes.

AND ANOTHER THING
John Berry recalls the cost-cutting days of the miner's strike, the three-day week, the banning of Swedes and offers a solution to the guest rider problem that still plagues the sport today.

Plus...

Q&As with KEITH BLOXSOME, ALI STEVENS and MARK LYNDON, plus photo coverage from DENZIL KENT'S birthday party.

ISSUE 48 (Jan-Feb 2012)

KIWI MASTERS

For the first time ever New Zealand will host a round of the Speedway GP in Auckland on March 31, even though the land of the long white cloud no longer has anyone approaching a rider of world class. Yet had the old-style World Final been held there any time between the 50s and 80s, there is a very good chance a Kiwi would have won it. John Berry takes a look at the three NZ giants, RONNIE MOORE, BARRY BRIGGS and IVAN MAUGER, who won 12 individual World Championship titles between them and did more than anyone to put their country on the international speedway map.

GARY PETERSON REMEMBERED

Continuing with our NZ theme, we look back at a once promising career of Gary Peterson that ended in tragedy at Wolverhampton in October 1975. The little racer from New Plymouth quickly became a hit with fans at Nelson and Bradford before venturing into the top flight with Newcastle and the Wolves.

Fellow Kiwis Dave Gifford and Ivan Mauger provide insights into the man who always rode to the limit. 'Giffy' told Backtrack: â€œIt is my totally unqualified opinion that things were not quite right in his head. We were both at Wolverhampton for a couple of years and if I had a conversation with him, I got the feeling that the gears in his head weren't quite meshing correctly.â€

DAVE MULLETT INTERVIEW

Depression among sportsmen and women has been the focus of much media attention in recent months. In this astonishingly candid interview, former Canterbury and Reading No.1 Dave Mullett reveals his personal struggle to overcome the darkest days that followed his racing career.

Here's just a brief glimpse of what sheep farmer Dave has endured:

â€œI was diagnosed as clinically depressed. I seriously considered suicide - I went as far as measuring the width of my car exhaust. They took my shotguns away from me.â€

â€œI became very aggressive on the road. My wife wouldn't travel with me. I wanted to fight everybody on the road. I was becoming a horrible person, sticking my hand out of the window, if anyone got in my way.â€

ARTHUR PRICE INTERVIEW

Controversial and at times perhaps a little eccentric, Arthur Price was one of the second tier's biggest stars of the 70s and made it to senior England level before he, just like his once promising career, faded away. We tracked down the forthright former Boston star who still doesn't pull any punches.

Just as taster of some of the things Boston's former 'King Arthur' has to sayâ€¦

â€œBack in the pits, he pointed to a shed and told me to go in with him. In there he started shouting 'Fight Me, Fight Me!' I wasn't in the mood to fight and told him so but I was scared of him. It shows what a nutcase he must have been.â€

â€œHe told me rider control was trying to 'dump someone called Crump on us'. He asked me what I knew about him, so I said 'nothing' - and I got the team place.â€

ALAN JOHNS INTERVIEW

Former Crayford middle order man Alan Johns laid foundations, at Eastbourne and Mildenhall, in the 80s that should have inspired others to secure the future success of British speedway. So why didn't those hopes bear fruit? Here he talks of his past frustrations as a rider and junior speedway innovator who, despite the setbacks, still has a hunger and enthusiasm that could benefit the sport.

HEAD2HEAD - HANS NIELSEN v ERIK GUNDERSEN IN 1986

After recreating their 1985 battles in 1985 in issue 47, this time we follow the duel of the mighty Danes in 1986 - the year Hans Nielsen finally fulfilled his world title dreams.

TELFORD - END OF THE ICE AGE

To commemorate the last-ever indoor ice meeting at Telford on February 26, we look back at some of the past highlights of the sport's longest-running indoor extravaganza.

AND another thing...

John Berry examines the role of the Speedway Riders' Benevolent Fund and calls for greater transparency in the financial reporting of the SRBF's fund-raising activities.

ANTAL KOCSO and STANISLAV URBAN INTERVIEWS

A closer look at two East Europeans who came to Britain to try and make their mark in the 80s and early 90s - Stanislav Urban, the young Czech at Reading, and Hungarian star Antal Kocso at Bradford.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO . . . JUSTIN WALKER

AS a kid all Justin Walker wanted to do was ride for Cradley Heath. In adulthood it wasn't any different either. And after progressing from fan to mascot to junior, he got the chance to realise his dream.

He rode with some of the greatest names of the modern era - Gundersen, Hamill, Hancock, to name but three - but although he happily dropped everything to answer SOS calls from the club whenever they needed his services and never gave less than 100 per cent, he was destined to never be a major player on the Dudley Wood stage.

It ended with him telling the Heathens promotion to â€œshove itâ€ before walking out of the club and ending his career in the Academy League with Buxton, then falling out of love with speedway.

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS WITH . . . WAYNE FORREST

Australian Wayne Forrest reflects on his two years in British speedway with King's Lynn and Crewe in the early 70s.

ON TWO MINUTES WITH . . . GERALD SMITHERMAN

Q&A with the former Cradley Heath and Ellesmere Port rider who went on to build a thriving speedway business son the other side of the fence and which still endures today.

ISSUE 49 (March-April 2012)

SUPER SWEDES
In this issue we turn the spotlight on the Swedish riders who made their mark in British speedway during the 70s and 80s, listing all of the Swedes who rode here during that period. This special feature includes in-depth profiles of two of the most watchable racers to emerge from the Scandinavian country . . .

SOREN SJOSTEN,
Sweden's mighty atom, self-destructed and died from alcohol poisoning in his homeland in April 1999 at the age of 61. With quotes from his former team-mate Chris Morton and manager Eric Boocock, we recall the highs and the lows of the popular racer.

CHRISTER LOFQVIST
Went from Hammers hero to prince of the Pirates, shooting to the top in spectacular style. But the career and life of the former West Ham and Poole idol ended all too soon when he died of a brain tumour, aged 33, in 1978. Christer's son, Dennis, who rode for King's Lynn in the late 80s and early 90s, talks about his father and we've also the memories of Olle Nygren, John Davis and Neil Middleditch.

HAMPDEN HORRORS
No-one knew it at the time, but 1972 would turn out to be Glasgow Tigers' last season at Hampden Park. Doug Nicolson, a Tigers fan of the time, looks back 40 years and recalls how a truly dismal season in Scotland unfolded.

Norman Hunter recalls the night he witnessed the death of Glasgow's Norwegian Svein Kaasa.

MAURICE MORLEY
Maurice prepared tracks at Newport and Romford and was also closely associated with Exeter - three of the most feared and controversial circuits in the sport. Here he responds to the critics and tells Backtrack about his remarkable four decades in the sport via a multitude of roles.

SCUNTHORPE
League racing began in Scunthorpe 40 years ago and though the sport's Cinderella club has known very tough times, it is now going strong at its third venue in the North Lincs town. As we report, winning isn't everything.

PAUL JOHNSON
He was the best known and most flamboyant start marshall the sport has ever seen. John Berry pays tribute to a colourful character who became a close friend in Western Australia.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO . . . STEVE CLARKE
Steve Clarke burst onto the scene in the early 70s and became an instant hit with Rockets fans at first Rayleigh, then Rye House and later Boston. He only ever had three injuries during his career - but, unfortunately, one of those was a fractured skull and the other one ended his racing days at the age of just 23.

ON TWO MINUTES WITH . . . PHIL WHITE
The life and times of the former Scunthorpe, Sheffield, Newcastle and Birmingham rider who is now an airline pilot.

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS WITH . . . MARK MARTIN
Tracking down the former Canterbury rider who became a drift car racer, taxi driver and stand-up comedian in his native Adelaide, Australia.

ISSUE 50 (May-June 2012)

GARRY MIDDLETON
Talented speedway rider, self-publicist, pilot, born again Christian who was arrested for pushing his beliefs, property dealer and a most complex character who decided to end his own life . . . Garry Middleton is still a talking point whenever his name is mentioned. Tony Webb, who has researched the life and times of 'Cass the Gas', spoke to us about his fascinating revelations in a six-page profile of the nomadic former World Team Cup winner whose UK clubs between 1967-77 included King's Lynn, Belle Vue, Wimbledon, Newcastle, Hackney, Oxford, Coventry, Birmingham and Leicester.

Our top columnist JOHN BERRY also runs the rule over Middleton and explains why, despite Garry's stated wish to join Ipswich from Hackney in 1972, he is adamant the outspoken Aussie would never have fitted in at Foxhall.

50 MAGICAL MOMENTS
To commemorate our 50^thissue we take a chronological look back at British speedway's most magical moments of the Backtrack era . . . from Ivan Mauger securing his triple World Championship win in 1970 to the moment, in 1989, when Erik Gundersen knew he was not going to die of the terrible injuries he suffered at Bradford, there are many special memories that will come flooding back as we reflect over the 20-year period.

PAUL ACKROYD
England's captain once described him in a national daily newspaper as a 'plonker' and a 'wallie' and the leading British League track of the day banned him from their stadium. But Paul Ackroyd went on to establish himself as one of the sport's top referees in a career spanning 28 years and is now the driving force behind the Speedway Riders' Benevolent Fund.

GREGORI CHLYNOVSKI
Only a costly last race exclusion denied Gregori Chlynovski a run-off for the world title at Katowice in 1973. We look back with one of the top Russian stars of the pre-GP era, who made it to three individual World Finals and was a World Team Cup regular for the Soviets.

We also present a full list (with appearances and scores) of all Russian World Finalists under the traditional World Championship formula - from the great Igor Plechanov in 1961 to Viktor Kuznetsov in 1986.

COATBRIDGE 1973
We revisit 1973 and Glasgow's final season as a top flight outfit, which had to be played out at Cliftonhill following Tigers' move from Hampden Park.

KEVIN TEAGER
He first showed a talent for speedway in the late 70s and at the age of 53 Kevin Teager is still as enthusiastic as ever about racing motorcycles. We caught up with the former Ipswich, Scunthorpe, Crayford, Hackney and Wimbledon rider just before he left Suffolk to start afresh in Germany.

VIC HARDING
The recent death of Lee Richardson reminds us all of the risks riders take and the effect such tragedies can have on their families and loved ones. The family of the late Vic Harding know just what the Richardsons are now going through. We reflect on the once promising career of the former Sunderland, Weymouth, Crayford and Hackney prospect who was killed at Waterden Road in June 1979 . . . and reveal how Vic's sister recently honoured the memory of her popular brother.

SIMMO'S COLUMN
Our star columnist Malcolm Simmons runs his critical eye over the controversial Eastville track at Bristol and weighs up the different seats used during his long and distinguished career.

Plus our regulars . . .

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO . . . PAUL BOSLEY

ON TWO MINUTES WITH . . . MIKE CAROLINE

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS WITH . . . KURT HANSEN

ISSUE 51 (July-August 2012)

ZENON PLECH
He was the greatest Polish rider of the Backtrack era and in terms of popularity Zenon Plech is still the one many of his countrymen and fans from all over the speedway world remember with most affection. Tony McDonald witnessed Plechy's heart-stopping antics at Hackney and recently visited Gdansk to get the most in-depth interview ever given by one of his old heroes.

Quote from Zenon: "I was living in a communist country and I was lucky enough to be able to go to England and many other countries. Speedway changed my life."

Poland is now a powerful force in world speedway but, as JOHN BERRY explained, this was far from the case in the 70s and 80s when their riders were largely denied entry to the West.

JENS RASMUSSEN
Danish international Jens Rasmussen made history and caused a stir when he joined National League Rye House. Rob Peasley catches up with a no-nonsense rider who also enjoyed a trophy-winning spell with British League giants Oxford but put team success before personal glory.

Quote from Jens:
"The BSPA and Speedway Control Board could have been clever. They could have said: 'Look, Jens is all right, because he lives here, he has an English wife and daughter, but anyone who doesn't meet those things, can't ride in the National League'. It would have stopped the National League being bombarded with foreign riders, which is eventually what happened."

COLIN COOK
Small but big on bravery and with the heart of a lion, Colin Cook never knew when to give up. Martin Neal spoke to the spectacular former Ipswich, Scunthorpe, Boston, Leicester and Exeter rider to find out what made him tick.

Quote from Colin:
"I was a bit disappointed not to stay in the British League but I got stuck in. Some riders went for you because you'd been in the top division. But if they can't take it, they shouldn't be riding. If someone wanted to shove me, then I'd shove them back."

TERRY RUSSELL
He famously brokered the Sky TV deal, introduced air fences, paved the way for the Cardiff GP and has secured the future of more tracks than anyone else in recent history, so no wonder former BSPA president Terry Russell is regarded by many as the most powerful man in speedway. Tony McDonald visited a fellow Cockney who has come a long way since he rescued Crayford and kept Hackney going in the early 80s.

Quote from Terry:
"The gangster bit probably came from the shooting of George Rolls when he was part of the Hackney promotion in 1991. I've heard about the so-called connection to gangsters and 'the underworld' before but I think it just goes with having me having an East End accent. I'm from East London and the fact is that's where the Krays happen to come from, too. And then there's also the fact that I have a brother called Ronnie. There can't be anything more to it than that, because I've never been to prison and I don't think I can be termed a gangster! It's a myth."

CARL STONEHEWER
He made history as the first second division rider to compete in the GP series but, as Richard Bott recalls, it was as a 17-yearold rookie at Belle Vue in the late 80s where Carl Stonehewer's remarkable story began.

Quote from Carl:
"I got on really well with Joe Screen. I had grown up with him in schoolboy grass-track and when we were in the Belle Vue team we used to travel together to away meetings. At the time he lived about half-a-mile from our house in Denton and we did loads of stuff together. We went to the gym, rode mountain bikes, travelled to meetings . . . but always ended up in a pub."

VIKTOR KUZNETSOV
Russia's recent renaissance is far removed from the struggles of the 80s. Vitek Formanek spoke to the rider who did most to keep the Soviet flag flying high during that barren period.

Quote from Viktor:
"We had two or three engines for all the riders in the national team. I am sure that had I been born 10 years later and was able to earn money in Poland or England and afford engine tuners, I could have been a better rider at the highest level."

AND ANOTHER THING . . .
Cleared in court, but Darcy Ward was clearly guilty of bringing speedway's family image into disrepute. JOHN BERRY asks why the sport's authorities have not taken action against the Australia and Poole star in the same way several top riders were charged following the Sunday People 'sting' back in 1984.

This was John's last contribution to Backtrack before his sad death on August 3, 2012.

SPEEDWAY ART
Programme boards have been such an important personal accessory for the fan on the terraces that many diehard supporters would feel naked without them. We take a peek at some of the more colourful and artistic designs that caught our eye.

SCOTTISH OPEN LICENCE TRACKS
Open licences were very much part of the speedway scene in the 60s and 70s but just like rosettes and car stickers, they have long faded from sight. Doug Nicolson re-visits two Scottish venues, Newtongrange and Motherwell, that didn't make league status.

Plus our regulars . . .

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO . . . STEVE CROCKETT

ON TWO MINUTES WITH . . . PETER TARRANT

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS WITH . . . SAM NIKOLAJSEN

ISSUE 52 (September-October 2012)

JOHN BERRY TRIBUTES
In our first edition of the magazine since the sad death of our lead columnist on August 3, this issue is dominated by tributes to the former Ipswich and England boss, widely regarded as one of the greatest promoters of his era.

Among those paying their respects here are JB's former Ipswich riders, including Ron Bagley, John Louis, Tony Davey, Ted Howgego, Stan Pepper, Olle Nygren and Preben Eriksen, plus other friends and associates from Foxhall: James Easter, Pat Doncaster, Ray Walters, Fred Cotton and Ray Chinnery.

Past world champions Ivan Mauger, Barry Briggs, Anders Michanek and Michael Lee also remember Berry, along with former promoters Reg Fearman and Martin Rogers and scribes John Chaplin and Bob Radford.

There are pictures from the recent memorial meeting at Ipswich, where we also recorded the personal thoughts of June Wright, John's middle sister, who recalls the other side to her brother.

SIMMO'S COLUMN
Our star columnist Malcolm Simmons returns with his own memories of John Berry, his Engand team manager and the man who appointed him captain when the Lions roared as speedway's No.1 power in the 70s.

Simmo also continues his British track review and this time he takes a look back at Poole, a venue very familiar to him from his halcyon days as the Pirates' superstar No.1.

IVAN: A fan's view
American-based supporter John Davidson explains his lifelong admiration for the six times World Champion and why he was the only fan in Manchester gutted by Peter Collins' world title victory.

Quote from John: "Frequently, there was more drama between his leaving the pit gate and arriving at the starting tapes than most riders provided in a month of actual racing."

1982 WORLD FINAL - Bruce's final act, but don't forget Les
Thirty years on . . . Richard Bott, who was a member of the British press corps in Los Angeles, covering the 1982 World Final for the Sunday Express, BBC Radio Manchester and Speedway Star, looks back on a drama-filled night that had the hallmark of a Hollywood script.

BARRY THOMAS
Few riders seem to spend more than one or two seasons with the same club these days, which makes the fact that Barry Thomas gave almost 20 years' loyal service to Hackney an even more incredible achievement. We caught up with the spectacular Thommo, the only rider to be awarded TWO testimonial meetings by the same track and a top bloke who liked to mingle with the fans.

Quote from Thommo:"I would like to try it all over again and have a second chance to live and breathe speedway. But whether I'd have lasted 20 years, I don't know. I was speaking to Paul Woods earlier and he thinks the same way as me. He said he wouldn't have enjoyed his time in speedway as much if he'd been more professional and I know exactly what he means."

COLLECTING . . . STICKERS
In our last issue we looked at all the weird and wonderful designs of programme boards lovingly preserved by our readers - from the basic home-made wooden and Perspex versions to the colourful art paintings of individual riders that helped to illuminate the terraces and stands on the darkest of race nights.

Likewise, speedway supporters are known for hoarding collections of stickers, be they for their car or programme board, as our recent appeal to Backtrack readers confirmed!The response was a deluge of designs spanning the 60s, 70s and 80s from all over the country, which we reproduce for your pleasure over three pages.

You'll no doubt recognise some while others will stimulate happy memories of past tracks visited.

DEREK HARRISON
Becoming a speedway rider was a dream come true for this King's Lynn fan but as we reveal, not even multiple injuries could force Derek Harrison to quit before he was finally ready to. Quote from Derek:"The National League was supposed to be a training ground for the British League but it had become a league in its own right, with its own fan base. A lot of people preferred NL racing, because it was more exciting to watch and races weren't a foregone conclusion."

THE BIG YIN
Recalling what is widely regarded as the biggest speedway meeting ever staged in Scotland, including a controversial scrap involving the local hero and the Englishman who became Public Enemy No.1 north of the border.

Plus . . . Q&As with RICK TIMMO, LARRY KOSTA, TONY SWALES and your letters.

ISSUE 53 (November-December 2012)

PETER COLLINS INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE (Part one)
A chance phone call from his wife Angela may well have saved former World Champion Peter Collins' life. The Belle Vue and England legend suffered a brain haemorrhage when he was alone in his home in Cheshire on Thursday, September 9, 2010.

Angela, a hair-dresser, was out, attending to a client, but phoned home because she had forgotten something. Immediately, she realised something was terribly wrong because Peter's speech was slurred.

In the first of a new two-part exclusive, Richard Bott catches up with his old pal PC and discovers just how fortunate the former World Champion is to be alive today.

BRITISH FINALS OF THE 70s
Beyond the mantle of World Champion, the title that holds most prestige to British speedway riders is that of national champion. We look back at the 10 finals of the 70s which brought victories for Ivan Mauger, Ray Wilson, Eric Boocock, John Louis, Malcolm Simmons, Michael Lee and Peter Collins. Relieve the drama and controversy of the most eagerly awaited meeting in the domestic calendar which drew five-figure crowds to Coventry.

BEST OF BERRY
John Berry sadly died on August 3 but his contribution to Backtrack lives on through a series of extracts from his first two acclaimed books. Here, from Confessions of a Speedway Promoter, JB recalls that momentous day when he introduced top flight speedway to Ipswich more than 40 years ago.

TIGERS ON THE MOVE
Glasgow are speedway's most nomadic team, having had no fewer than eight 'permanent' homes in their history. Most of the moves were enforced, and the promotion had prior warning, but not always. We look back at the time when Tigers had to flit mid-season after being evicted from their Coatbridge home in the summer of 1977.

KLAUS LAUSCH INTERVIEW
He may not have been the greatest rider to come out of Germany but, as Klaus Lausch explains, the former Oxford youngster put his knowledge of engines to full use by becoming a leading tuner. We also recall the names of all the other Germans who rode for British teams in the Backtrack era, including Egon Muller, Georg Hack and Hans Wassermann.

THE BOSS: MARTIN ROGERS INTERVIEW
As a respected journalist, general manager, promoter and BSPA management committee member, Martin Rogers had an unrivalled insight into speedway throughout the Backtrack era. Here the articulate Australia-based former King's Lynn, Leicester and Peterborough boss recalls the highs and lows and explains why he left it all behind for the Gold Coast sunshine.

STUCK FOR CHOICE
Following our appeal in the last issue for you to send in more of your stickers, we have been inundated with a multitude of colourful designs that once adorned car windows and programme boards in the 70s and 80s. So enjoy this second visual feast that will bring lots of memories flooding back.

Plus . . . Q&As with American international Eddie Ingels, former Long Eaton No.1 Roger Mills and ex-Doncaster, Birmingham and Berwick rider Ian Wilson.

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ISSUE 54 (January-February 2013)

PETER COLLINS INTERVIEW (Part two)
In the second part of our compelling interview with Peter Collins, the former World Champion tells Richard Bott what has gone wrong with British speedway and explains why the planned new Belle Vue is so vital for the future good of the sport.

BRITISH FINALS OF THE 80s
After looking back at British Finals of the 70s in our last issue, here Rob Peasley turns his attention to the 80s and a decade of shocks, heated rows and a new Sunday best.

BOB VALENTINE INTERVIEW
From unknown rookie to Workington No.1 in his first British season, Bob Valentine moved quickly up the Sheffield scorecharts, too, and was Tigers' top man for two seasons before briefer spells with Coventry, Birmingham and Coventry. Dave Talbot visited Bob at his home near Sydney to chew the fat.

OXFORD MEMORABLE MOMENTS
Oxford Stadium closed for what seems certain to be the final time on December 29, 2012, with houses expected to be built on land where the Cheetahs once reigned supreme. We look back at 50 key moments in the track's history.

SIMMO'S COLUMN
Our top columnist takes a critical look at the modern day Poole superstars, expresses his concerns about the new Sittingbourne venture and offers best wishes to Bob Dugard following his major heart surgery. And in Fads & Fashions, this time Malcolm examines speedway frames.

BEST OF BERRY
In an extract from Confessions of a Speedway Promoter, John Berry reveals his respect for Ole Olsen and some early run-ins with the Danish master.

BOLESLAW PROCH REMEMBERED
Following the recent death of the former Reading and Leicester rider, Roman Chyla pays tribute to one of the most popular Poles to compete in the British League during the mid-70s.

TIGERS MOVE AGAIN
When Glasgow moved their Blantyre base from the greyhound stadium across the lane to Craighead Park in 1982, it was the shortest move in speedway history. Doug Nicolson recalls the years at Blantyre Celtic's ground and beyond.

Plus . . . Q&As with former American international Robert Pfetzing, Halifax youngster Ian Westwell and Shawn Venables, the former Hackney, Belle Vue, Sheffield and Middlesbrough trier who reveals how he was badly beaten up and left for dead.

ISSUE 55 (March-April 2013)

CRADLEY HEATH: 50 Memorable Moments
They produced four World Champions and signed another. Oh, and Dudley Wood was also the best place to visit for pork sandwiches. Rob Peasley looks back at the highs and lows of the once dominant but now sadly defunct Black Country club.

TONY CHILDS REMEMBERED
Although foiled in his recent attempt to complete an in-depth interview with Tony Childs, Richard Bott looks back at one of the sport's true characters and entertainers who recently passed away suddenly at the age of 71.

PETER YORK
For two years Peter York had possibly the most thankless job in British speedway. Here the former Birmingham and Oxford announcer and current Coventry presenter looks back on his troubled time as BSPA manager.

BEST OF BERRY
In another edited extract from Confessions of a Speedway Promoter, the late John Berry reveals why, in 1986, he walked away from the chance to become the BSPA's first Director of Operations - an autonomous leader the sport is still crying out for now.

ALLAN EMMETT
The whereabouts of Allan Emmett (pictured here recently at home in NSW, Australia) has been a mystery for the past 25 years and more . . . but now Tony McDonald has finally caught up with the former British Under-21 Champion whose promising young career was shattered by serious injury.

ALF BUSK
Not even the traditional Vojens downpour could put a dampener on Alf Busk creating a slice of history. Vitek Formanek catches up with the double BL title winner who starred for Coventry before spells with Swindon and Sheffield.

SPEEDWAY MAIL
It's 40 years since Speedway Mail launched as a new weekly rival to Speedway Star. Tony McDonald, the longest serving of all the Mail's editors, takes a personal look back on the publication's early years and its turbulent history.

BERWICK AWAY DAYS
Recalling the early 70s, when hair was long and time was short. Petrol, for a time in these halcyon days, cost a mere 6/8d (33p) per gallon and this encouraged Glasgow fans (like our own Doug Nicolson) to made the Saturday afternoon trip down to Berwick to watch their juniors ride in second division meetings.

IGOR MARKO
He was one of the brightest prospects to emerge from Eastern Europe in the 80s but Igor Marko's life ended tragically. We talk to the World Under-21 champion's well-known former Russian coach to find out more.
Plus...Martin Neal's Q&As with Ian Jeffcoate and Phil Cain, your letters and more.

ISSUE 56 (May-June 2013)

READING: 50 Memorable Moments
Within five years of their formation as a new second division team, Reading were British League champions led by the World Champion elect. Rob Peasley looks back at the highs and lows of the Racers (and Bulldogs).

DAILY MIRROR INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT
Forty years on, the Daily Mirror International Tournament that highlighted the 1973 season in England remains one of the greatest spectacles ever seen in world speedway. Richard Bott recalls the key men and moments that climaxed in a Wembley showpiece occasion.

SIMMO'S COLUMN
Our star columnist recalls his Wembley nerves before the 1973 Daily Mirror International Tournament Final against Sweden and gives his forthright views of the Eastbourne track. Super Simmo also reports on his recent visit to speedway's newest track, Kent Kings, and explains why he's a fan of Nicki Pedersen.

WHY I SAID 'NO' TO BRUCE PENHALL
Former multi-track promoter and administrator Martin Rogers on why he turned down the chance to sign Bruce Penhall who, within four years, went on to win back-to-back world titles. Here Martin revisits that story and takes an overview of the fluctuating influence of American riders on the big stage.

BEST OF BERRY
In this extract from Confessions of a Speedway Promoter, former England team boss John Berry recalls his Lions' shock World Team Cup Final defeat by Denmark at Landshut in 1978 and how he was hounded by a "pack of wolves" as the inquests began.

ILA TEROMAA
Finland has always been a speedway backwater, but Ila Teromaa emerged as a star at Leicester in the mid-70s and within three years made World Final history. He's talking to Vitek Formanek about life with the Lions, his brief spell with Cradley Heath and his current influential role within the FIM.

BRIAN CLARK
Loyalty is a word rarely associated with speedway today, but it was synonymous with Peterborough legend Brian Clark, who looks back over his 10 years as a rider and two seasons as team manager.

CURSE OF THE TIGERS
Glasgow gets its name from "Gleas Chu", which means "Dear Green Place" in Gaelic. Over the years, a staggering number of riders were to find that the grass certainly wasn't greener elsewhere. Did those who left succumb to 'The Curse of the Tigers'? Doug Nicolson looks at several who probably rued asking for a transfer from Glasgow.

SPEEDWAY MAIL
In the second and final part of our review of Speedway Mail, the defunct title's longest-serving editor Tony McDonald reflects on the key people behind its history, while former readers give their opinions of the one-time weekly that launched 40 years ago.

Plus . . .

Martin Neal's Q&As with Chris Pidcock, Sean Barker and Steve Colombo and more.

ISSUE 57 (July-August 2013)

50 MEMORABLE HALIFAX & BRADFORD DUKES MOMENTS
With plans to revive speedway at Odsal next year under the team name of Halifax & Bradford, Rob Peasley looks back at the Dukes' key moments at both West Yorkshire tracks, including the achievements of the 1966 BL & KO Cup double winners and individual heroes Eric Boocock, Eric Boothroyd, Henny Kroeze, Kenny Carter, Neil Evitts, etc.

BRUCE PENHALL COLUMN
"I could never begin to imagine the pain and suffering parents who have lost a child go through until the unthinkable happened to my wife Laurie and I some 15 months ago - the night our youngest child, Connor, was knocked down and killed by a drunk driver.

"It's been a life-changer, a really tough time for all of our family, and I've not been able
to talk about what happened until now."

The former double World Champion from California talks candidly about the trauma he and his family have suffered.

The one-time Cradley Heath idol also praises the efforts of fellow former Heathens Greg Hancock and Billy Hamill, who are driving the USA's renaissance at international level.

LIONHEARTS
It's 40 years since English speedway embarked upon what was to prove an all too short-lived golden age, a sequence of summers of success which throw into stark contrast the tiny impact of home-bred riders currently featuring at the top end of the sport. As today's fans hold their breath while Tai Woffinden's meteoric rise unfolds, former promoter and writer Martin Rogers looks back to what history has identified as unrivalled good old days for the Union Jack.

BEST of BERRY
In the latest edited extract from Confessions of a Speedway Promoter, former England team manager John Berry reflects on one of his nation's darkest days and another 'surreal saga' at Vojens later in that same season.

MIGHTY MICH
This year represents the 40th anniversary of the complete domination of the 1973 British domestic scene by super-smooth Swede Anders Michanek. Mighty Mich registered a quite remarkable CMA of 11.55 from 30 league appearances for Reading, who won the British League title for the first time that season.

Few riders have dominated a year so completely. Vic Duggan (1947), Ove Fundin (1958), Ivan Mauger (1969) and Hans Nielsen (1986 and 1987) are the only other riders to achieve top-flight league averages of above 11.50 across a whole season.

Rob Peasley looks back at a remarkable domestic season that belonged to one man - Swedish superstar Anders Michanek.

GRAHAM BRODIE INTERVIEW
For the best part of three decades Graham Brodie was one of the top referees in world speedway and No.1 in Britain. He met up with Tony McDonald for a pint or four to talk about his Wimbledon roots, world final pressure, FIM politics, TV replays and much more.

VIEW FROM THE BOX
Scottish referees have had their share of stick down the years. Doug Nicolson recalls his years as announcer at both Blantyre tracks that were home to Glasgow and the referees with whom he shared 'The Box'.

PETR ONDRASIK INTERVIEW
Former world finalist Petr OndaÅ¡Ãk, now manager at the Prague GP and 2013 World Cup final venue, looks back with VÃtek FormÃ¡nek on his career as one of the best of the Czechs.

SPEEDWAY'S WRONG TURN
It is said that speedway is all about turning left, but Doug Nicolson believes that it took a wrong turn way back in the early 80s from which it is still suffering today.

YOUR MEMORIES
Later this year Retro Speedway will publish our new book titled British Speedway Memories, a collection of personal contributions from supporters, promoters and ex-riders. We want as many Backtrack readers as possible to join in and share your memories with the speedway world. Meanwhile, here we present an edited submission from Arnie Gibbons.

Plus . . .

Martin Neal's Q&As with Glenn McDonald, Rob Fortune and the current Mayor of Rugby, ex-Coventry rider Tony Gillias.

Tickets - more collectibles from the attic.

And lots of nostalgic pictures that bring those happy memories flooding back.

ISSUE 58 (September-October 2013)

DENNIS SIGALOS INTERVIEW
Triumph over Tragedy

One of the greatest Americans of his generation, DENNIS SIGALOS overcame family tragedy and heartache before becoming a big star at Hull and Ipswich. The former World Pairs champion talked candidly to Tony McDonald on his recent brief return to England.

If not for a fateful snap decision he took at the age of 14, Siggy would have been killed along with his mother Joyce in the 1974 plane crash that also claimed the lives of Bruce Penhall's parents.

"I should have been on that plane," he says.

Also, Siggy on . . .

*Why injury forced him to quit racing at 26.

*His British League career with Hull, Ipswich and Wolves.

*John Berry and John Cook.

*Riding for the USA and his Dad's role in America's World Pairs glory.

*Kenny Carter and why he'll never forget his comments on TV.

*World Final disappointments.

*The family business in California.

*Includes never-before-seen photos from the family album.

EXETER: 50 Falcons Memorable Moments

They were crowned league champions at three levels and no other track provided faster top flight racing than Exeter's unique County Ground. Rob Peasley looks back at the cream of Devon speedway, including Ivan Mauger, Scott Autrey, Vaclav Verner, Michael Coles, etc.

JOHN LANGFIELD in profile

His British League career with West Ham and Poole was brief, eventful and typified all-round motorcyclist John Langfield's gutsy approach to racing. Australia's top speedway writer Peter White looks back in crazy capers with his old mate 'Langy'.

SID SHELDRICK INTERVIEW

In his trademark white top and boots, Sid Sheldrick stood out at Bradford. Richard Bott caught up with one of the second division's most distinctive characters who, as well as discussing his racing career, revealed his brushes with Sir Alex Ferguson and Leo the lion and his friendship with actor Sean Bean.

SIMMO'S COLUMN

Our star columnist pays tribute to the bravery and achievements of Tai Woffinden and takes a look back at Sheffield, explaining why he never got the hang of Owlerton's D-shaped track.

BRAVE NEW WORLD

In our last issue we examined the impact of scrapping second halves in National League. This time Ron Peasley weighs up the damage caused by the British League's decision to abandon junior leagues.

PICTURE THE SCENE

Belle Vue track photographer Eddie Garvey puts us in the picture about his memorabilia collection and his favourite images.

LIFE IN A BOX

Doug Nicolson reveals more inner-secrets from the officials' box at Glasgow, including the real strength of an extra-strong mint.

Plus . . .

Martin Neal's Q&As with Keith Evans, Tony Primmer and John Bostin.

And lots more pictures to bring those nostalgic memories flooding back.

ISSUE 59 (November-December 2013)

EASTBOURNE: 50 Memorable Moments
Looking back at the highs and lows of the Sussex track where a long conveyor belt of young talent became stars and soared like the Eagles on their racejackets. Charlie Dugard, Bob Dugard, Dave Lanning and Russell Lanning, Dave Jessup, Gordon and Dave Kennett, Colin Richardson, Martin Yeates, Neil Middleditch, Steve Weatherley, Mike Sampson, Paul Woods, Kai Niemi, Kelly Moran, Bobby Schwartz, Martin Dugard, Dean Barker, Andy Buck, David Norris, Mark Loram and Nicki Pedersen are among those who get honourable mentions.

CARL BLACKBIRD INTERVIEW
Former Mildenhall, Ipswich, Belle Vue and Long Eaton star Carl Blackbird recalls the glory days when he defeated Hans Nielsen three times on one night at Oxford and won the Golden Helmet in April 1986, while Rob Peasley also catches up with his younger twin brothers Mark and Paul.

ANTONIN KASPER Remembered
Having ridden in four individual World Finals and the same number of GP series, Tony Kasper was one of the Czech Republic's best ever. Vitek Formanek looks back over the career of the former Hackney and Eastbourne favourite and also talks to Antonin senior about the sad loss of his son.

GEORG HACK INTERVIEW
Georg Hack became one of the top German speedway riders of the late 70s and was his country's sole representative in the 1982 Los Angeles World Final. Vitek Formanek tracked down the popular former Ipswich favourite who became the Witches' first foreign signing in 1978.

IDENTITY CRISIS
Modern teams may look more unified in matching race suits but is it, as Tony McDonald suggests, professionalism at the expense of the individualism that made our leather-clad heroes of the 60s, 70s and 80s so popular and more easily identifiable?

JAMES EASTER INTERVIEW
He is the man behind speedway's leading tour operator and been team manager for three top nations, winning the World Team C up once. He also dabbled in promoting for a couple of seasons and didn't lose money. Tony McDonald joins effervescent travel boss James Easter on part one of his eventful life journey.

LIONS & TIGERS
Doug Nicolson recalls the all too short life and times of the Paisley Lions and in particular their unique Scottish derbies with Coatbridge Tigers.

OPENING TIMES
In the first of a regular new series where we review the opening or reopening of tracks old and new, we go back to Wembley, the sport's greatest ever venue, and the night the Lions roared again against London rivals Hackney in 1970.

BRUCE PENHALL COLUMN
The double World Champion reflects on his visit to Torun for the final GP round of 2013, the night Tai Woffinden was crowned, and names his five greatest riders of all time.

COLLECTING
In the latest of our memorabilia features, Coventry supporter Julia Wilson reveals how her speedway badge collection led to a surprise appearance on national television with her younger twin brothers.

Plus...

Martin Neal's Q&As with RAY GRIFFITHS, PETER BOSTON and ROB CARTER.

And lots more pictures to bring those nostalgic memories flooding back.

ISSUE 60 (January-February 2014)

WORLD TEAM CUPS OF THE 70s
Remember when Great Britain/England ruled the international speedway waves, when Peter Collins became a household name and the likes of Ray Wilson, John Louis, Malcolm Simmons, Terry Betts, Dave Jessup, Michael Lee and co. just couldn't stop winning? Rob Peasley looks back at a decade of Rule Britannia and a couple of major shocks from Australia and New Zealand on the biggest stage.

SIMMO'S COLUMN
Having won four World Team Cup FIM gold medals in his glittering career, Super Simmo happily recalls that glorious period and why perhaps he shouldn't have been there for England's last victory of the 70s.

JAMES EASTER INTERVIEW
In part two of his in-depth interview with Tony McDonald, Travel Plus Tours boss James Easter recalls the highs and lows of managing three of the world's top nations, Australia, England and USA, and his time as co-promoter at Peterborough. The outspoken Jimbo also explains why British speedway needs an independent leader.

Quotes from James:

Jimbo on managing Australia
"It didn't matter that I've never ridden a speedway bike. I used to say to them: 'I can't ride your bike for you. When you go through the pit gate, you are the person riding the bike. I'll just get you in the right frame of mind and organised before you go out there. It's up to you. If you don't want to do it, don't go in for it. But don't p*** me about'."

Jimbo on trying to open speedway at Blackpool
"The stadium was right in the middle of town and although we could have put in a track, it would have taken two years to do it. There was also a noise issue that might have been a problem, so we decided over fish and chips to go into Peterborough instead. We called our new promoting company Ramsden Sports Promotions Ltd - on account of where we were eating at the time."

Jimbo on co-promoting at Peterborough
"When you add up what I got back by selling my shares, I came out of it OK financially. I was probably one of the last people to make money out of speedway. This is what slices me off with the internet forums and all the people who go on there and tell promoters what they should be doing. Let's see if they are prepared to put their arse on the line, pay their money upfront and see if their mouth is as big as their money. Don't criticise people who are losing money hand over fist."

Jimbo on managing England
"We had a deal with the riders' pay which was agreed between the riders and the BSPA. But when their pay slips came through, the BSPA had reverted to the old rates. They ostensibly blamed me but it wasn't my fault. In my opinion I was lied to in front of other people. It just degenerated from there and I'd had enough of it."

Jimbo on past promoters
"It's not right to keep looking back but in the 'old days' you had proper promoters - the Reg Fearmans, Wally Mawdsleys, the wonderfully magical Ian Thomas, Mike Parker, who nobody liked but, by god, he was good, and Charles Ochiltree, who was the best there was, and then there was Lennie Silver, who is still around now. We're talking about real promoters. But today we've got a lot of people running tracks who are fans with a few bob and they idolise riders. Don't idolise them - make them work and do things to promote tracks."

BERWICK: 50 MEMORABLES MOMENTS
Shining the spotlight on a founder member club of BL2 who are still going strong in the second tier some 47 years later. Since their formation in 1968 the Bandits in Border Country have reached a string of KO Cup Finals, provided two winners of the NLRC and had an expensive dabble in the top flight led by international stars.

MARK LEWISOHN INTERVIEW
Years before he became a best-selling author and the world's only professional Beatles historian, Mark Lewisohn was passionate about speedway. He spoke to us about his passion for Wembley Lions, White City and Eastbourne, and his friendship with boyhood hero Bert Harkins.

OPENING TIMES
Speedway returned to Sunderland in 1971 after a gap of seven years. Here we look back at the reopening meeting against North-East rivals Teesside and events surrounding it with Stars' skipper and No.1 Russ Dent, who played a key role as track manager at the East Boldon venue.

ALF WEEDON REMEMBERED
Alf Weedon, who photographed more riders and races than anyone in his 50 years' experience in the sport since 1947, gave Tony McDonald his first job in speedway as boss of Speedway Mail. Here our editor pays tribute to one of the sport's great characters, who died in January, 2014, aged 93.

We also reflect on the late MIKE LETCH, who overcame tragedy very early in his speedway career to become an inspirational figure in his native Australia.

Plus . . . Martin Neal's Q&As with STEVE PAYNE and BARRY KING, as well as your letters, a keen collector of Halifax and Castleford memorabilia and news that two roads in Bradford are to be named after former Odsal favourites.

ISSUE 61 (March-April 2014)

GARY HAVELOCK INTERVIEW

He became only the fifth English rider to win the world title but as Gary Havelock explains in this compelling in-depth interview with Martin Neal, the former England captain was never fully appreciated by the speedway powers that be.

Ahead of his farewell meeting at Poole on March 21, 2014, Havvy reflects on:

â€¢    The effects of his one-year ban for failing a drugs test.
â€¢    How calming a team-mate in a drunken rage cost him thousands in legal fees.
â€¢    How he rode illegally in 1984 and made his competitive debut at the age of just 15.
â€¢    Coming to blows with father and former rider, Brian.
â€¢    His 10 toughest opponents.
â€¢    On the lack of characters in the sport today and the effect of lay-downs.
â€¢    Winning the world title at probably the worst time in speedway history.
â€¢    The best track he has ever ridden.
â€¢    The career-ending crash that still leaves him in pain.

Quotes from Havvy:

â€œI felt they missed a big chance. They could have maybe hired a PR company to get behind me and push me. But all the PR we were doing in the weeks and months afterwards we arranged ourselves.â€

â€œI got woken up by a Kalashnikov or something similar being poked in my face. Two armed police were there screaming at us and took us down to reception.â€

â€œAll I ever wanted to do was to be World Champion. I never dreamed of winning six or seven or two or four. I only ever dreamed of winning one and that's maybe where I went wrong.â€

â€œI'm still in a lot of pain. The bones seem to have healed OK but it's the nerves and it drives me up the wall sometimes. I have good days and bad days and still take a lot of medication.â€

â€œYoung kids today haven't really learned any throttle control because there's only one way to ride a laydown bike and that's fully pinned. Some of these guys don't need a throttle - an on-off switch would do. I wouldn't say laydowns have killed the sport but they've changed the riding style.â€

â€œWhen I was a kid every team had a scrapper in it. Ours was Geoff Pusey. Every other meeting he'd have a nose-to-nose or a shouting match or fisticuffs with somebody. Every track had a telephone on the centre green and if a rider got excluded he'd be taking his helmet off, shouting into it in front of the fans and waving his arms about. That's all gone. Riders don't want to get stung with a £300 fine.

WORLD TEAM CUPS OF THE 80s

Rob Peasley reflects on a decade in which one country virtually took ownership of the sport's major team trophy. England started the decade with a triumph at Wroclaw in 1980 and ended it with a somewhat hollow victory at Bradford in 1989, in a meeting completely overshadowed by the life-threatening injuries sustained by Danish superstar Erik Gundersen. In between, but for a single American victory at White City in 1982, it was Denmark all the way. In Gundersen and Hans Nielsen, the Danes had the best two riders of the decade. Add in Ole Olsen, Tommy Knudsen, Jan O Pedersen, Bo Petersen and Preben Eriksen, and Denmark had an embarrassment of riches that no other nation could match.

PETERBOROUGH: 50 MEMORABLE MOMENTS

After another winter of uncertainty, Peterborough are now set to come to the tapes for their 45th consecutive season. Rob Peasley looks back at the history of the Panthers and as well as team matters, he recalls former favourites such as Andy Ross, Richard Greer, John Davis, Brian Clark, Andy Hines, Nigel Couzens, Ian Barney, Kevin Hawkins, Mick Poole, Craig Hodgson, Kevin Jolly, Jason Crump, etc.

ALUN ROSSITER INTERVIEW

He won three league championships as a rider and, so far, two as team manager. No wonder Alun Rossiter reckons he hasn't had a bad career in speedway. We caught up with the former railway worker cum new Great Britain team manager to find out more about the life and times of the real Rosco.

Quotes from Rosco:

â€œEach week, Bob KIlby would take me out on his bike on the parade . . . Bob was my biggest hero, even with people like Briggo and Martin Ashby in the team.â€

â€œThere were lots of bonuses and incentives for the riders and I always remember the late, great Bernard Crapper saying that one of my biggest mistakes was leaving Coventry at the end of '86.â€

â€œMechanics nowadays, they're charging £300, £400, £500 a week, yet in our day, it would have been your mate doing it. It was, 'look, come and give us a hand and I'll shout your dinner in the chippy on the way home and I'll shout you a couple of pints after the meeting'.â€

â€œYou can't lose the passion but it was too much, I was too wound up, too hyped up about it all, and you have to calm down.â€

â€œI don't think I was that bad as a rider. I was always a team player. But I must admit, if the track got really dodgy, I was probably the first one packing up and going home!â€

GRAHAM BROWN INTERVIEW: Team Manager's Tales

In the first of a new series featuring interviews with former team managers, Graham Brown recalls his eventful time at Boston and the fall-out with promoter Cyril Crane that saw him leave the Lincs club.

FINN RUNE JENSEN INTERVIEW

Finn Jensen admits he was too busy with engines to focus on becoming a better rider. In this interview with Vitek Formanek, one of the top engine tuners in modern speedway recalls his career with Birmingham, Leicester and Cradley Heath.

SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE

In the year that could bring Scottish independence, Doug Nicolson reflects on the period when Scotland stood alone as a true speedway nation and were regular contenders in the World Team Cup and World Pairs.

OPENING TIMES

Scunthorpe have had three different homes and this time we look back at the opening of their second venue, at Ashby Ville in 1979, with then Stags promoter Brian Osborn.

Plus . . .

Martin Neal's Q&As with ROB TILBURY and IAN FARNHAM, Czech fan Vitek Formanek's racejacket and autograph collection, your letters, report and pictures from the 2014 WSRA dinner and much more pure nostalgia.

ISSUE 62 (May-June 2014)


MARTIN DUGARD INTERVIEW

He is the only Brit to have ridden in both a World Final and British GP. But as Eastbourne legend and master of Arlington Martin Dugard admits to Andrew Skeels in this in-depth nine-page interview, perhaps he really should have made more of his talent.

COVENTRY: 50 MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Amid doubts surrounding the future of Brandon, Ron Peasley reflects on Bees' rich history over 67 unbroken seasons of league racing at the sport's premier Midlands venue. Among the many Coventry legends and stars remembered are Nigel Boocock, Ole Olsen, Mitch Shirra, Tommy Knudsen, Kelvin Tatum, Rick Miller, Hans Nielsen.

TROY BUTLER INTERVIEW

After just 10 meetings in his native Australia, Troy Butler came to England at 17 and was plunged straight in at the deep end. We caught up with the former Oxford and Milton Keynes favourite.

MALCOLM SIMMONS COLUMN

Our star columnist reflects on his hat-trick of World Pairs titles (with three different partners) in the 70s and bemoans the absence of England in the modern reincarnation of the World Pairs championship. Super Simmo also backs his local training track Iwade's survival bid.

BEST OF THE SASSENACHS

With the independence referendum looming, Doug Nicolson reflects on English riders who certainly proved it was "better together" by travelling over the border each week to grace their Scottish team. Find out who made our Top 10.

RON BYFORD INTERVIEW: Team Manager's Tales

He has managed at all three levels of British speedway but as former Exeter and Swindon team boss Ron Byford tells Backtrack, the showmanship days are very much a thing of the past.

OPENING TIMES

Graced by the presence of one Britain's most famous soap stars and a team that took its nickname from a leading football club, that's how Ellesmere Port got started in 1972. We recall the first night at Thornton Road with Gunners' top scorer Graham Drury.

DOING IT IN STYLE

Tall, tiny, thin, large and chunky . . . speedway riders come in all shapes and sizes. But which ones did we most enjoy watching in the 70s and 80s? Who, from the moment they pulled on their helmet and left the pit gate, had us transfixed in awesome admiration for the next four laps? Tony McDonald looks at contrasting riding styles.

STEPHEN DAVIES INTERVIEW

Catching up with the former Australia, King's Lynn and Peterborough star who reveals how speedway is in the family blood.

CZECH GOLDEN HELMET

Vitek Formanek retraces the history of the Czech Golden Helmet, the world's longest running speedway meeting that Ivan Mauger and Barry Briggs could never manage to win and which has claimed the lives of six riders and enjoyed its heyday during the Backtrack years.

Plus . . .

Martin Neal's Q&As with ROY TRIGG, ASHLEY NORTON and DAVE KING, honouring Long Eaton's 1984 National League champions, and why not try and identify our seven Mystery Men while you feast on another large helping of nostalgia.

ISSUE 63 (July-August 2014)

SUPER SIMMO - Goodbye to a true great

As the world of speedway mourns the loss of one of its all-time greats, Tony McDonald pays tribute to a supreme all-round motorcyclist whom he was proud to call a friend.

McDonald writes: â€œBecause Simmo always told it like it was, he made the job of every speedway journalist he willingly gave up his time for very easy. He was a hack's dream. Whilst working with him on his 2006 book Simmo: The Whole Truth and his columns for Backtrack, Simmo never needed any prompting or encouragement to 'spice' things up with hard-hitting comment or a controversy angle. On the contrary, it was often the case that I'd rein him in.

â€œWhen he spoke out or confessed in print to some wrongdoing or other, he did so knowing the truth didn't always portray HIM in the best possible light. When he criticised the powers that be, it was because he cared about grass-track and speedway and it drove him mad to see both his sports lose popularity.â€

In our 'Memories of a Legend' feature, supporters from all over the world also pay tribute to Malcolm, while we have a report and pictures from Simmo's funeral in Kent - his 'super send-off'.

MICHAEL LEE INTERVIEW - The price of freedom

In a new four-page Backtrack exclusive, former World Champion Michael Lee reveals the full horror of his recent costly battle to clear his name in court, where he was proved innocent of all charges at the end of a gruelling 13-day trial. Lee's biographer Tony McDonald has the full story, or at least as much as the legal system would allow us to print.

â€œNightmare is the only way of putting it,â€ says Michael, who is now rebuilding his engine tuning business. â€œIt's been a very unpleasant, nasty time. Obviously the accusations against me were totally unfounded, I was proved innocent in court, but over that period leading up to it, it took its toll mentally and physically. It made me feel sick inside.â€

WORLD PAIRS FINALS OF THE 70s

Ron Peasley traces the origins and heyday of what was considered the 'third' of the FIM's speedway World Championships, including victories for New Zealand, Sweden, Poland, England and Denmark.

NEWCASTLE: 50 MEMORABLE MOMENTS

The Diamonds helped to produce four world champions and dominated the second tier for long periods in the 70s and 80s. We recall the highs and lows at Brough Park, where Ivan Mauger, Ole Olsen, Anders Michanek, Tom and Joe Owen, Rod Hunter, David Bargh and Kenny Carter graced the black and white racejacket.

MICK BELL INTERVIEW: Team Manager's Tales

Catching up with a man who won league championships as both a rider and team manager with two different top flight clubs, Reading and Coventry. Mick talks about working for Bees supremo Charles Ochiltree and explains why he couldn't support Dave Lanning in his court case against the Reading promoters.

BIG STRUGGLE FOR MINNOWS - The Inter-league Knockout Cup

Boston made history when they beat Hackney and became the first National League team to topple a top flight team in the ILKOC but that shock result proved to be the exception rather than the rule. Doug Nicolson looks back at the few shocks and many disasters of the all too brief time when British speedway ran an all-inclusive knockout cup competition.

GONE . . . BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Coinciding the release of Retro Speedway's new Defunct British Speedway Tracks DVD, we lament the loss of many old venues in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

REG FEARMAN ON READING'S DEMISE AND POOLE 'DISASTERS'

As chairman of the BSPA during British speedway's last golden era and senior promoter at tracks as far afield as Middlesbrough, Stoke, Long Eaton, Halifax, Leicester, Reading and Poole, Reg Fearman knows the sport inside out. Although not actively involved since his company at Poole went into liquidation in 1984, Fearman has now committed his extraordinary experiences and memories to print with the publication of his autobiography, Both Sides of the Fence. In our latest issue we bring you a couple of excerpts relevant to the Backtrack era, concerning the demise of Reading and what he describes as the 'Poole disasters'.

OPENING TIMES

White City opened in 1976 and were league champions in only their second season before closing down just a year later. Through the eyes of Trevor Geer and former promoter Bob Dugard, we recall the costly rise and fall of the Rebels following their curtain-raiser against London rivals Wimbledon.

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS WITH . . . JOSEF ANGERMULLER

Josef Angermuller, or simply 'Sepp', wrote his name in the history books when he signed for Reading in 1971 and became the first German to race in the British League. He also rode briefly for Hull in 1974 and was killed in a track crash three years later. Vitek Formanek talks to Sepp's former friend and mechanic.

COLLECTING

Belle Vue fan Tom Newey, a technician on the Apache attack helicopter in the British Army, talks about his collection of racejackets, bikes, helmets and saddles.

Plus . . .
Martin Neal's Q&As with GARRY MAY and IAN ATKINSON, your letters and some more Mystery Men to try and identify.

ISSUE 64 (September - October 2014)

WORLD PAIRS FINALS OF THE 80s
Rob Peasley continues his review of the FIM's third-ranked World Championship event.

World Pairs Finals of the 80s can be split neatly into two halves - with England and the USA ruling in the first half of the decade, while no-one could stop the Danish steamroller from 1985 onwards.

The event had grown throughout the 70s and now challenged the World Team Cup in terms of prestige.

THE LANNINGS - speedway family dynasty

In a unique series of new and exclusive interviews, we talk to three members of the same family who had a major impact and involvement in the sport, in many different ways.

DAVE LANNING: Promoter, respected TV commentator, national newspaper journalist and magazine executive, presenter and announcer . . . Dave has seen speedway from just about every angle and many still rate him the sport's best ever mic man. Tony McDonald visited a great showman at his Dorset home in this first of a revealing two-part interview with the 'Voice of Speedway'.

RUSSELL LANNING: Dave's eldest son managed Eastbourne through the most successful period in their history and had ambitious plans for Wimbledon too. Now Russ is writing headlines again in his daily work for The Sun. Andrew Skeels spoke to one of speedway's most savvy former promoters.

PHILIP LANNING: As the youngest member of the famous speedway family dynasty, it was always inevitable that Phil would be involved in the sport. Martin Neal caught up with the national newspaper motoring editor whose journalistic career also included spells with Speedway Star, Speedway Mail and Speedway Now!

CANTERBURY: 50 MEMORABLE MOMENTS

We trace the history of one of BL2's founder member clubs, who under the management of the great Johnnie Hoskins won two league titles during their 20 continuous seasons in the cathedral city, where star riders and crowd favourites included Martyn Piddock, Graham Miles, Barry Thomas, Graham Banks, Ted Hubbard, Les Rumsey, Steve Koppe, Barney Kennett, Mike Ferreira, Denzil Kent and Dave Mullett.

BRIAN LEONARD - Life in the fast lane

As a former Oxford track record holder who was banned from driving on the road 13 times, no wonder Brian Leonard liked to 'go quick'. A breathless Rob Peasley caught up with the former West Ham, Wembley, Swindon and Leicester rider who also had a year promoting at Reading.

PETER OAKES INTERVIEW: Team Manager's Tales

We talk to the canny tactician behind Exeter's shock British League championship triumph in 1974, when their expensive gamble on signing Ivan Mauger paid handsome dividends.

BOB KILBY - My hero

Swindon Speedway historian Glynn Shailes attended the first ever meeting at The Abbey Stadium in 1949 and has seen just about every rider who has worn the Robins' racejacket. As he explains, one stands out above all others.

OPENING TIMES - Stoke v Birmingham, 1973

Recalling Stoke's first meeting with Alan Bridgett and Brian Woodward, two riders who starred for the Potters on their opening night at Chesterton.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO . . . CARL SQUIRRELL?

Carl was just 19 when he gave up a promising career in speedway with a National League title already under his belt - but he doesn't regret turning his back on the sport at all. For the one-time Ipswich and Rye House prospect went on to help make grass-track history and enjoyed success on both two wheels and three in several other motorcycle sport disciplines.

BALLYMENA - Sounds Irish

Rediscovering a part of Irish speedway history, we review the one and only meeting staged at the Ballymena Showgrounds in 1982, featuring Ivan Mauger, Bruce Penhall, Erik Gundersen, Shawn Moran and Kenny Carter.

COLLECTING

Introducing Neil Ockwell, a 38-year-old British Gas technical support engineer. Born and bred in Swindon and a lifelong Robins fan, he saw his first speedway meeting at The Abbey aged just two weeks!

Plus . . .

Martin Neal's Q&A with GRAHAM TATTERSALL, more MYSTERY MEN for you to try and identify and lots more great pictures from a golden era.

TRACK MEMORIES DVDs

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Final Issue 111 out now!
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Final Issue 57 out now!
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in the 50s and 60s eras

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