Retro Speedway: CLASSIC SPEEDWAY BACK ISSUES 28-43

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CLASSIC SPEEDWAY BACK ISSUES 28-43

PLEASE NOTE CLASSIC ISSUES 1-31 ARE NOW SOLD OUT

ISSUE 28 - 2015 SPRING EDITION

MARTIN ASHBY INTERVIEW

Very few riders have enjoyed hero status at two top flight tracks, but MARTIN ASHBY did. Tony McDonald went to Martin's Marlborough home to interview the former Great Britain World Cup winner who, among other things, talks about:

* Conquering Exeter's fast, fearsome track and the man who helped him do it.

* Why he nearly quit speedway in the early 60s after family tragedy.

* A mistake by the births registrar means that Martin is NOT his real Christian name!

* Why a freak accident in his first-ever public ride at Bristol earned him the nickname 'Crash'.

* His painful debut for Swindon at Norwich which confined him to hospital for a week.

* Learning from Robins' team boss Norman Parker.

* Turning up at the 1968 World Final, only to discover the authorities didn't have him down to ride!

BIRTH OF THE BRITISH LEAGUE

Fifty years on from the formation of the British League, we reflect in depth on the BL's effect on riders and how this landmark season evolved. In the first of a two-part feature, Doug Nicolson and Tony McDonald turn the clock back half a century to a pivotal time in British speedway history.

It was the winter of 1964-65 and British speedway had reached a major crossroads. The National League, the top division in those days, had lost another long-time member following the expected closure of Norwich at the end of '64, which reduced the senior section to just six teams.

Our Track Directory, listing each promoter plus track record times and holders, recalls the 18 teams that formed the inaugural BL. We've all the riders' final averages from this watershed season, as well as the final league table and a look at what else was happening in the sporting world in 1965.

LEGEND: DANNY DUNTON

Danny Dunton, who has recently died at the age of 90, did most things in speedway, from distinguishing himself on the track as a rider to promoting, administration and management. And he did all of them well.

Some years ago Danny agreed to be interviewed by John Chaplin. He revealed much about himself, the sport and the great stars he rode with and against. In their conversation he talked about the man he regarded as a god, illegal payments, how he coped with riding before 93,000 people in a Wembley World Final, what he did to opponents who tried to buy him off, the day he thought he was going to die and why he would have paid to be a speedway rider.

ARTHUR WRIGHT INTERVIEW

In a new interview with Philip Dalling, Bradford star ARTHUR WRIGHT recalls his finest season 60 years ago. When the 1955 campaign came to an end Arthur's personal honours board recorded that he had topped the Tudors' National League Division One score chart, riding in all 24 league matches and notching up 284 points at an average of almost 12 a match.

He qualified for the Wembley World Final alongside Bradford team-mate and brother-in-law Arthur Forrest, appeared in all but one of the six official England versus Australasia Test matches, with a top-score of 10 (paid 11) at Wimbledon, and finished the season as the track record holder at Odsal.

EVZEN ERBAN INTERVIEW

After a track crash almost left him paralysed, EvÅ¾en Erban became one of the most influential people in Czech speedway as a rider-coach and director of the Jawa factory. As Vitek Formanek reveals, Erban has friends in very high places.

Plus . . . your letters, tributes to Danny Dunton, Ken Cameron, Pat Williams and Joan Greer, and Newport's Sandor Levai in full colour.

ISSUE 29 - 2015 SUMMER EDITION

NIGEL BOOCOCK TRIBUTE

Richard Bott pays tribute to Coventry legend NIGEL BOOCOCK, one of England's greatest and gutsiest racers, who died in his adopted homeland of Australia on April 3, 2015, aged 77.

Nigel served Coventry Bees for 18 seasons, was their finest-ever captain and only moved on when reigning World Champion Ole Olsen replaced him as No.1 in 1976 and he wasn't part of Bees' plans for 1977.

He had a hard-earned reputation as a 'never say die racer on both sides of the world and a down-to-earth 'Fair dinkum bloke', as the Aussies would say.

BRITISH LEAGUE HEADLINERS

It is 50 years since the biggest shake-up our sport has ever seen in the UK. In our last issue we examined in detail what happened in the weeks after the crumbling National League and ambitious Provincial League merged to form one 18-strong division in 1965 named the British League.

This time, in diary format, we take a closer look at the headline-making stories, the successes and failures and highs and lows that unfolded throughout the dawn of this exciting new era.

LEGEND: RON CLARKE

Popular RON CLARKE became a post-war star at Bradford, where he rode for 10 years. In an insightful interview, John Chaplin talks to Ron's daughter about her 'crazy' wisecracking, superstitious father who made it to two world finals before injury curtailed his career.

ROY PEACOCK INTERVIEW

ROY PEACOCK was steadily making his way in speedway with Liverpool in the early 60s when, as Philip Dalling reveals, he switched careers and became a show business star admired by Bing Crosby.

COLIN TUCKER: CREWE'S KIWI KING

Never mind Moore, Briggs and Mauger, Crewe Kings discovered their own Kiwi hero when COLIN TUCKER built their track, before performing the same task at numerous other venues while pursuing a modest racing career. Martin Rogers caught up with the multi-talented new NZ Veteran Riders' president.

BRIEF LIFE IN FIFE

At 56 degrees North, Cowdenbeath is far short of the Arctic Circle but Doug Nicolson looks at the brief season when the Lions roared at Britain's most northerly track.

50 SHADES OF GREY TOUR

A windswept and rain-lashed BERT HARKINS reports on his recent road trip with OVE FUNDIN to Spain, where they visited SPLIT WATERMAN.

Plus . . . Tributes to TICH READ, TONY ROBINSON and IAN CHAMPION, your letters, Jim Airey and Ole Olsen in colour.

ISSUE 30 - 2015 AUTUMN EDITION

ARNE PANDER TRIBUTE

Arne Pander became an immediate hit when he joined Oxford, was key to their greatest period in the National League era and carried the team on many occasions. Glynn Shailes pays tribute to the Cheetahs' first Great Dane whose recent death brought home many fond memories of a very talented rider jinxed by injury.

LEGEND: TOMMY PRICE

He may have been unpopular with team-mates and rival fans, but Tommy Price thrived on his hard-man reputation. John Chaplin recalls the rise of the tough Wembley legend, England's first World Champion.

BRITISH LEAGUE - Said & Read

Continuing our review of the British League's inauguration 50 years ago, this time Tony McDonald trawls through the pages of Speedway Star and News magazine to select quotes from the people who made and wrote the news in 1965.

LEATHERS, LIFEBELTS AND A PARACHUTE

Philip Dalling tells the story behind historic photographs taken at northern training tracks at Ainsdale Sands (where Peter Craven practiced his craft), Newton Heath and Coppull.

COLLECTING

Steve Casey reports from 'Speedway Heaven' in Queensland, where he was entertained by our sport's equivalent of Crocodile Dundee.

Plus . . .

AUSSIE LEGENDS book review, obits on CYRIL ROGER and GEOFF MARDON, your letters and lots of great nostalgic images.

ISSUE 31 - 2015-16 WINTER EDITION

GREG KENTWELL INTERVIEW

Former Halifax favourite and Long Eaton loanee Greg Kentwell, the red-leathered protege of Lionel Van Praag, recalls his shale career and explains to Keith McGhie why he's still going fast in his native Australia.

BRITISH LEAGUE - lessons from a golden era

In this final part of our in-depth review of the 1965 season that heralded the start of the British League, we ask if the new alliance was really as good as it was cracked up to be and whether problems that arose then are still blighting the sport today.

Plus a complete list of all the individual meeting winners from '65 and a list of the nine men who finished the campaign with double-figure averages.

WEMBLEY: 50 MEMORABLE MOMENTS

In this fascinating seven-page feature, Rob Peasley reflects on the key milestones in the history of the world famous Wembley Lions, plus major events staged at the Empire Stadium.

BOOEY COMES HOME

Classic Speedway joined a crowd of around 800 on a heart-warming, emotional occasion at chilly Coventry Stadium, where fans, friends, rivals and family gathered to celebrate the life of England and Coventry legend Nigel Boocock.

TERRY BETTS SCARE

Former Norwich and King's Lynn favourite Terry Betts reveals his narrow escape after suffering a stroke while at the wheel of his car.

CRIBBY'S BOOK FOR CHARITY

How you can contribute to a new book written by former New Zealand international Bruce Cribb that will benefit ex-riders who are now confined to a wheelchair.

LEGEND: FRANK ARTHUR

John Chaplin looks back at the turbulent career of Australian pioneer superstar Frank Arthur, who defied death and threats of bankruptcy to become the sport's highest paid rider and a leading promoter . . .

JOHN LOUIS - local hero

One of the finest products to emerge from British League Division Two, JOHN 'TIGER' LOUIS went on to finish third in the world and win the World Team Cup and World Pairs for England. Here he looks back on his first full season on the shale in this edited extract from his new book, A Life in Speedway.

COLLECTING - Cinder to Shale

Forget what you may have read in the name of tourism, Tony McDonald is convinced he has now visited Edinburgh's No.1 attraction and invites you to a glimpse inside a £1million speedway oasis run by former Berwick Bandit Ian Paterson.
Plus . . .

Obits on BRYAN ELLIOTT, JIMMY TANNOCK, VIOLET LITTLECHILD and DEREK TIMMS.

ISSUE 32 - 2016 SPRING EDITION

HERE COME THE SWEDES

Examining the impact made by foreign riders in the early years of the British League, particularly the Swedes who led the influx of Scandinavians. Doug Nicolson recalls familiar names such as Olle Nygren, Bengt Jansson, Bernt Persson, Bengt Larsson, Anders Michanek, Torbjorn Harrysson, plus Norwegians Reidar Eide and Oyvind Berg, and many more.
Think how many foreign imports swamp the current day Elite and Premier Leagues. In 1965, only eight non-Commonwealth riders appeared in the inaugural British League.

WEST HAM: 50 MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Rob Peasley returns to the East End of London to revisit the history of one of the greatest venues, where world class stars such as Tiger Stevenson, Bluey Wilkinson, Aub Lawson, Jack Young, Bjorn Knutson, Sverre Harrfeldt and Christer Lofqvist were among huge crowd favourites.

KEN EYRE INTERVIEW

Philip Dalling catches up with Ken Eyre, one of the early stars of Division Two who was making good progress in the top flight with Belle Vue until injuries stopped him in his tracks.

LEGEND: NICK NICOLAIDES

Nick Nicolaides led the second wave American invasion of Europe in the early 50s. John Chaplin recalls the impact Nick and his compatriots made in Dublin and elsewhere.

MODEL STADIUMS

Belle Vue's Hyde Road and West Ham's Custom House were two of the most iconic venues steeped in speedway history. Thanks to the creative and painstaking efforts of two talented enthusiasts, these famous stadiums have (almost) been brought back to life.

COLLECTING - From Cinder to Shale

Join us for another look inside the world's greatest collection of speedway bikes and memorabilia on display at Loanhead, near Edinburgh. This time we examine more closely the background of its Scottish owner, former Berwick rider Ian Paterson, who has amassed some 120-plus machines in his eclectic treasure trove valued at around £1m.

Plus . . . our new CROSSWORD, your LETTERS and obits on BORIS SAMORODOV and FRANK BETTIS.

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ISSUE 33 - 2016 SUMMER EDITION

BERT KINGSTON INTERVIEW

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Halifax's British League championship and Knockout Cup double success in 1966. Vitek Formanek caught up with Bert Kingston, one of Dukes' Australian imports from that golden period, who looks back on three wonderfully memorable and eventful seasons in West Yorkshire and explains why his career ended so painfully back in his homeland.

HARRINGAY: 50 MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Although never the most successful of teams, Harringay enjoyed a big fan following at their Green Lanes track in north London. Rob Peasley traces the highs and lows of the club where all-time greats Jack Parker, Vic Duggan and Split Waterman were firm favourites.

LEGEND: WAL PHILLIPS

John Chaplin recalls how a night at Stamford Bridge fuelled Wal Phillips' passion for speedway and led to him becoming one of the most astute mechanical brains in the sport's history.

HOMES OF BRITISH SPEEDWAY

No.1 CRADLEY HEATH: In the first of a regular new series looking back at defunct tracks, we head to the Black Country and Dudley Wood Stadium, where the Cradley Heathens raced, on and off, from 1947 until the end of 1995.

REPLACEMENT THERAPY

It's 50 years since the most radical change to team regulations was introduced and like all good ideas it has stood the test of time. Doug Nicolson looks at the circumstances leading to the implementation of the Rider Replacement facility.

ARTHUR 'WESTY' WESTWOOD

Philip Dalling recalls the promoting exploits of colourful former rider Arthur 'Westy' Westwood, one of the sport's great characters in its early days. In the late 30s showman Westwood was running Birmingham Hall Green, Sheffield, Nottingham White City and Leeds. His last involvement in British racing was at Tamworth, although he went on to organise meetings in France and Belgium in the 40s.

Plus . . . a new CROSSWORD, your LETTERS and obit on JOHNNY HOLE.

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ISSUE 34 - 2016 AUTUMN EDITION

BRITISH TRACK RECORD

Achievements should not be measured by titles and trophies alone. In our last issue we asked: 'Which post-war rider has ridden at the most number of British speedway tracks'. As Tony McDonald explains, the ultimate British Track Record Holder was nowhere near the superstar class, but an honest to goodness reliable servant who did something not even the all-time greats will be credited for.

GOLDEN ERA

The Golden Helmet is one of speedway's oldest competitions and in its prime years the match-race championship provided many memorable moments. But as Doug Nicolson explains, not all that glitters is gold.

NORWICH: 50 MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Rob Peasley traces the history of the much-missed Norfolk club graced by all-time great Ove Fundin and numerous other local and international favourites before its sad demise in 1964.

LEGEND: GEORGE NEWTON

JOHN CHAPLIN recalls the spectacular George Newton, whose thrilling leg-trailing style illuminated New Cross' Old Kent Road circuit and beyond.

HOMES OF BRITISH SPEEDWAY - LONG EATON

Continuing our new series looking back at defunct venues, we visit Nottinghamshire, where Long Eaton raced under various guises until 1997.

Plus . . . Your LETTERS, full-page RAYLEIGH (1968) team photo and a new CROSSWORD puzzle to solve.

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ISSUE 35 - 2016-17 WINTER EDITION

CHARLIE MONK: Ultimate enigma
Recalling the life and times of perhaps speedway's greatest enigma. In the first of a two-part profile of the Glasgow legend and former Australian Test star, Doug Nicolson examines the mysterious man behind the iron mask . . .

HOMES OF BRITISH SPEEDWAY
No.3 in our series, this time we look at the chequered history of Oxford, the 1964 National League champions and Britannia Shield winners, where the last full speedway meeting was staged in 2007.

BRITISH TRACK RECORDS
An update from the previous issue, where we acknowledge Stan Stevens as a member of the elite group of 10 post-war riders - headed by Jimmy Squibb - who have ridden on at least 60 UK tracks. In fact, 'Stan The Man' appeared at 62 venues in a career spanning from 1959 until 1976.

NEW CROSS: 50 MEMORABLE MOMENTS
Rob Peasley traces the history of the south-east London club with its distinctively tiny 'Frying Pan' track and where legends including Tom Farndon, Ron Johnson and George Newton were made. New Cross last staged speedway on August 2, 1963 and the stadium was finally demolished in 1975, but memories of this famous venue live on.

1936 WORLD FINAL . . . 80 YEARS ON
John Chaplin reviews the historic first World Final that was tainted by conspiracy involving the leading title contenders.

VLADIMIR SMIRNOV INTERVIEW
This racing legend of Leningrad recalls his glory days as his nation's World Team Cup top scorer and successful visits to England with Vitek Formanek.

BELLE VUE MODEL
Belle Vue Aces supporter Dennis Scott has completed his detailed model of Hyde Road Stadium. New pictures of his amazing recreation of one of Manchester's most famous sporting landmarks.

NOEL JOHNSON
How Exeter Speedway historian Tony Lethbridge finally got recognition for former Falcons pioneer rider Noel Johnson 85 years after he was killed while racing at Plymouth.

TAXING TIMES
Doug Nicolson, an accountant in a former life, attempts to figure out the effect of the government's post-war Entertainment Tax on speedway.

Plus . . . a new CROSSWORD, your LETTERS, obits on RONNIE GENZ, ARTHUR WRIGHT and DAVE LANNING, and a full-page team photo of the 1967 POOLE PIRATES.

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ISSUE 36 - 2017 SPRING EDITION

CHARLIE MONK: Ultimate enigma (part two)
In the second part of our in-depth examination of arguably speedway's greatest enigma, Doug Nicolson charts the highs and lows of Charlie's career both in the UK - where from 1962 until 1978 he starred for Glasgow and also had spells with Neath, Long Eaton, Sheffield, Halifax and Barrow - and his native Australia.

SECOND BEST
British League Division Two produced a plethora of young talent that went on to achieve success, in some cases world class status, as senior sphere stars. Tony McDonald picks his top 16 discoveries from the first three seasons of BL2 racing (1968-70). See how many you agree with . . .

SOUTHAMPTON: 50 Memorable Moments
Rob Peasley traces the history of the south coast club that finally won the senior league title a year before its closure, in 1963, and where international stars such as Brian Crutcher, Barry Briggs and Bjorn Knutson wore the Saints' red-and-white stripes with distinction.

HOMES OF BRITISH SPEEDWAY: WIMBLEDON
Work on demolishing Wimbledon Stadium is due to begin in April (2017), with plans in place to complete the demolition and site preparation by the end of the year so that building work can begin at the start of 2018. In this, the fourth in our series, we reflect on the home of the famous Dons and one of the sport's greatest arenas.

BE MY GUEST
No problem has plagued speedway more or for longer since its introduction in the 60s than the much-maligned guest rider system. Doug Nicolson traces the origins of a facility that eventually spiralled out of control.

LEGEND: JIM KEMPSTER
John Chaplin reveals more about smiling sensation Jim Kempster, who gave the Australian pioneers more than a run for their money. Kempster was killed in a plane crash on June 29, 1945, 15 years almost to the day when he had captained that first historic England speedway Test team.

Plus . . . a new crossword puzzle to solve, readers' letters, Bridget Middleditch obit and a full page team photo of the 1969 Hackney Hawks.

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ISSUE 37 - 2017 SUMMER EDITION

TO THE HEART OF KILB

Fast-starting BOB KILBY achieved No.1 status with his beloved Swindon, Exeter and Oxford and also starred for England. He died in January 2009, aged 64, but Bob's 40 year-old son LEE KILBY - Swindon Robins' newly-appointed commercial manager - has written a revealing, heartfelt new book about his father. Here we reproduce edited extracts focusing on the early stages of Bob's successful career, which began in 1964.

JOBS FOR THE BOYS

Back in the day, most riders couldn't afford to race speedway full-time and needed a second job to make it pay. DOUG NICOLSON looks at all the various ways they earned a living away from the track.

TAFFY OWEN INTERVIEW

Taffy Owen explains to RICHARD BOTT why he 'stayed' 29 for six years and tells of his history-making days as a Belle Vue Colt, falling out with Dent Oliver and his Mauger connections.

BRISTOL: 50 Memorable Moments

ROB PEASLEY retraces the history of a club that was in at the birth of British speedway, showed great Bulldog spirit, enjoyed title success in the lower divisions, but has since suffered closure at two venues . . .

EDINBURGH IN THE SWINGING SIXTIES

Scottish fans from the Classic era would be fairly unanimous in naming Edinburgh's still lamented Old Meadowbank as the best ever track in Scotland - and further afield too. DOUG NICOLSON looks at how Monarchs developed during the 60s, emerging as serious title contenders in their final year there in 1967.

HOMES OF BRITISH SPEEDWAY: COVENTRY

After 60 seasons of continuous racing at Brandon, the famous Coventry Bees were declared homeless and withdrawn from the top flight Premiership division for 2017. Their future is now shrouded in major doubt thanks to a legal dispute between the stadium owners and the man who sold it to them - but more of that tawdry saga later. First, let's look at the history of Coventry Speedway, where racing began in 1928.

LEGEND: FRANK HODGSON

JOHN CHAPLIN recalls the rise and popularity of a top Division Two star who shunned first division offers to become a high-earning double league winner with Middlesbrough.

BRITISH TRACK TOUR

Places, faces and our personal memories of visits to UK venues.
Plus . . . obits on Bryan Seery and Bob Radford, another crossword to solve and full-page Norwich team photo.

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ISSUE 38 - 2017 AUTUMN EDITION

JACK PARKER: Working Class Hero

The great Jack Parker's son, John, talks to JOHN CHAPLIN about life with, and without, his famous father, his life and times on and off the track, and why possibly England's best was convinced there was a Wembley conspiracy to stop him becoming World Champion.

WIMBLEDON: 50 Memorable Moments

Greyhound racing at Wimbledon Stadium ceased in March this year. Developers are set to build 600 homes plus a new stadium for AFC Wimbledon on the site. ROB PEASLEY looks back on happier days at Plough Lane, when Dons were the dominant force in British speedway and Ronnie Moore and Barry Briggs ruled the world.

BRITISH TRACK TOUR

Places, faces and what you remember from your visits to UK tracks . . . readers recall visits to Edinburgh's Marine Gardens and Old Meadowbank, Plymouth's Pennycross Stadium, Newcastle, Wimbledon, West Ham, Hackney, Norwich, Coventry, Halifax, Berwick, Exeter, Stoke (Hanley), Peterborough and Cradley Heath.

SECOND COMING

Looking back at the slow and somewhat protracted evolution of training tracks through to the formation of British League Division Two at the start of 1968.

HOMES OF BRITISH SPEEDWAY: IPSWICH

Speedway began at Foxhall Stadium in May 1951 but, as we explain here, the Witches struggled to make a sustained impact until the 1969 revival, when they quickly emerged as a force in the new British League second division before dominating the top sphere in the mid-70s.

DUAL NATIONALS

In his youth DOUG NICOLSON was always a bit embarrassed at the way non-Scots were included in Scottish international sides but, looking back at the prevailing rules on nationality, he sees that other countries did likewise.

LEGEND: FAY TAYLOUR

Women are playing and increasing high profile role in modern sport. JOHN CHAPLIN recalls speedway's biggest ever female star rider, the first Brit to race in Australia.

Plus . . . how you can own a slice of Ivan Mauger history, your letters, Johnny Chamberlain obit, another crossword to solve and full-page Exeter (1968) team photo.

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ISSUE 39 - 2017-18 WINTER EDITION

BELLE VUE: 50 Memorable Moments

Belle Vue celebrated a remarkable 90th successive season of racing in 2017. Rob Peasley looks back at the brilliant all-star Aces' pre-war team and the exploits of arguably England's finest-ever rider, the 'Wizard Of Balance' Peter Craven. Jack Parker, Bill Kitchen, Ron Johnston, Ken Sharples, Henry Long, Dick Fisher, Soren Sjosten, Ivan Mauger, Dent Oliver, Eric Broadbelt and Ken Eyre also feature in this look back at the pre-70s Hyde Road era.

PAYNE and GLORY - the Arthur Payne story

In a new interview, John Chaplin catches up with former Australian and Birmingham star Arthur Payne, who progressed rapidly from Division Three unknown at Tamworth to the top flight in just three seasons.

PHIL the POWER - Phil Woodcock interview

Phil Woodcock became an instant star with second division Romford. Paul Hiscock spoke to the former Bombers No.1 who launched his career in his native West Country.

BORN SHOWMAN

Doug Nicolson recalls the life and times of former promoter Ian Hoskins, one of the sport's biggest publicity-seeking showmen who did more than anyone to put Scottish speedway on the map.

HOMES OF BRITISH SPEEDWAY: WEST HAM

Custom House opened its doors to speedway in July 1928 and remained one of the sport's great bastions until the bulldozers razed it to the ground in 1972. We look back at the history of this large venue in the docklands heartland of east London, where star riders included: Tiger Stephenson, Bluey Wilkinson, Tommy Croombs, Arthur Atkinson, Eric Chitty, Malcolm Craven, Wally Green, Aub Lawson, Cliff Watson, Jack Young, Bjorn Knutson, Ken McKinlay, Sverre Harrfeldt, Norman Hunter, Malcolm Simmons, Tony Clarke, Olle Nygren, Christer Lofqvist and Kevin Holden.

GENTLEMAN JACK

David Beresford catches up with Jack Lee, one of speedway's unsung heroes who was in at the birth of British League Division Two and went on to become a respected team manager nurturing future stars.

MISSING MEN - why nothing's new

The 2017 Championship season ended in a state of flux, with rained-off meetings leading to hurried rearrangements, star riders opting out of prestigious individual meetings, some staying in Europe rather than returning for league meetings, others flying out to Australia before completing their fixtures and some dubious claims of riders being unable to ride due to illness or injury. But, as Doug Nicolson ponders, was it any different in the 'good old days'? . . .
Plus . . . Antonin Kasper and Les Steward obits, WSRA dinner pics, Crossword and full-page Bradford (1954) team photo.

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ISSUE 40 - 2018 SPRING EDITION

AUSSIE GREAT JIM AIREY - Exclusive interview

Steve Magro caught up with four times Australian Champion Jim Airey, who recalls his early days in New South Wales and British racing spells with Sunderland, Wolverhampton and Sheffield that were the springboard to world glory.

Jim told Classic Speedway: "I was always homesick and wanted to be back in Australia. One winter in England was enough but having said that, one of the biggest mistakes of my career was not going to live in England full-time, the way Ivan did. He took his whole family over to live in Cheshire, while Barry Briggs and his family had a place in Southampton. That was probably the way to do it - go over there, get settled and buy a house."

COVENTRY: 50 Memorable Moments

Campaigners are fighting for a return of Coventry Bees to Brandon Stadium, after racing finished at the famous venue in October, 2016. Rob Peasley looks back at how the legendary Charles Ochiltree, the CO, built the club into a massive success, with a squad of fiercely loyal riders such as Nigel Boocock, Ron Mountford, Rick France and Les Owen.

SECOND HELPING

As we approach the 50th anniversary of the formation of British League Division Two, Doug Nicolson looks back at one of the sport's most positives moves since the post-war boom.

ANTONIN KASPER - his final interview

Speedway lost one of its stars of the golden era recently when Antonin Kasper Snr died at the age of 85. Vitek Formanek recorded the last interview with the Czech racing legend who appeared in Britain for Coventry and West Ham.

CROWD PLEASER BERT SPENCER

John Chaplin recalls the impact made by Bert Spencer, an English thrill merchant among the more celebrated Aussie pioneers who went on to become a big star at Norwich . . .

HOMES OF BRITISH SPEEDWAY: HACKNEY

Spotlight on the former east London club, formed in 1935, where star riders included Cordy Milne, Norman Hunter, Colin Pratt, Bengt Jansson, Garry Middleton, Barry Thomas, Dave Morton and Malcolm Simmons. Hawks supporter Tony McDonald asks: 'Were they really the poor relations of London speedway?'. One thing is for sure, the Wick raceway provided much great racing.

Plus . . . obits on Ron Bagley, George White, Leo McAuliffe and Derrol Melbin and full-page Halifax (1969) team photo.

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ISSUE 41 - 2018 SUMMER EDITION

Who else but the great Ivan Mauger - who sadly died in a care home on Australia's Gold Coast on April 16, 2018 - dominates this special tribute edition. As the world mourns the loss of one of its greatest-ever riders, the most decorated in the sport's history, we look back on his early racing days . . .

ROCKY PATH TO THE TOP

Phil Chard recalls how ultra determined Ivan, who returned home to New Zealand after failing to make the grade at Wimbledon, grabbed his second chance and forged a route to greatness.

Dons supporter Jim Hone recalls how, as a 12-year-old in south London, he first met the Kiwi rookie who became his near-neighbour and then a lifelong friend.

TIMELINE

Ivan's career and personal landmarks, from birth on October 4, 1939 to his funeral on April 27, 2018, all his highs and lows are chronicled here.

IVAN IN SCOTLAND

Even though the mighty Kiwi once turned down a move to Coatbridge, Ivan was still a popular visitor north of the border. Doug Nicolson traces Mauger's successful Scottish connections.

SUMMER OF '69

Of all the many highly successful seasons Ivan enjoyed, the last campaign of the Swinging Sixties was his greatest. Rob Peasley has all the detailed facts and figures to explain why.

BRITISH TRACK TOUR

Between his debut at Wimbledon on April 19, 1957 and his final UK appearance in the Golden Greats meeting at Coventry on August 14, 1988, Ivan rode competitively at 54 British speedway venues. This list - compiled by Keith Corns - does not include either longtrack or indoor meetings.

Also in this issue . . .

COLIN GOODDY - exclusive interview

Phil Chard meets one of the sport's true characters whose 24 seasons in the saddle included international recognition, No.1 status at Exeter, three spells with Oxford, plus stints with Eastbourne, Ipswich, Cradley Heath, Poole and Crayford.

JAN HOLUB - his final interview

Former Exeter favourite Jan Holub sadly died at the age of 75 in February, 2018 but, after eight years of trying, Vitek Formanek finally tracked him down shortly before his death for his very last interview.

PROFILE: HENRYK ZYTO

Roman Chyla looks back at the life and times of former Coventry favourite Henryk Zyto, one of the first Poles to claim a British team berth, who died recently.

Plus . . . Obits on Vaclav Verner, Bobby Croombs, Cyril Francis and Alan Knapkin; full-page Sheffield 1966 team photo; and your letters.

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ISSUE 42 - 2018 AUTUMN EDITION

MIRAC: Man of the People

Following the death of New Zealand and Wimbledon legend Ronnie Moore, TONY McDONALD looks back on the life and times of a man many rate as the greatest speedway rider of all-time. Plus, Ronnie's Timeline - from birth in Hobart, Tasmania in 1933, via two individual world titles, a host of other domestic success, Dons glory and the life-threatening crash that ended his career, up to his sad passing in August, 2018, aged 85.

BOB ANDREWS - exclusive interview

Former Cradley Heath, Hackney and Wimbledon star Bob Andrews on his quest to finally be reunited with the World Pairs trophy - nearly 50 years after he and Ivan Mauger won it for New Zealand in Sweden on the most glorious night of Bob's career.

DICK BRADLEY - exclusive interview

Former Bristol star and world finalist Dick Bradley was a reluctant hero when England came calling. But, as PHIL CHARD recalls, the 1952 Test against Australia at Harringay turned out to be the greatest night of his career.

MIKE ERSKINE: Man of many parts

JOHN CHAPLIN reflects on the multi-talented achievements of old Etonian Mike Erskine, a mechanical boffin whose engineering skills helped transform other riders into stars.

MICK HANDLEY - exclusive interview

Mick Handley had his local Black Country clubs Wolverhampton and Cradley Heath vying for his services but, as ROB PEASLEY explains, it was the chance to shine for Crayford's new second division Highwaymen that proved a shot in the arm . . .

WHITE SPIRIT

Coming up for 50 years since Glasgow White City staged its last speedway meeting, DOUG NICOLSON looks at the life and times of his spiritual home, where Tommy Miller, Junior Bainbridge, Ken McKinlay, Charlie Monk and Jim McMillan were among legends in stripes.

BRADFORD: 50 Memorable Moments

Bradford's huge Odsal Stadium later became the venue of the 1985 and 1990 World Finals, after a million-pound investment from Bradford Council. ROB PEASLEY looks back at the origins of the sport in the city, when the likes of Arthur Forrest, Ron Clarke, Eddie Rigg and Jack Biggs were heroes.

Plus . . . obits on Bob Dugard, Joe Weichlbauer and Kevin Hayden, crossword, your letters and full-page 1968 King's Lynn team photo.

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ISSUE 43 - 2018 WINTER EDITION

TONY LOMAS - rookie to World Final in three years

Tony Lomas was one of the first stars to emerge from the fledging second division in the late 60s. In this exclusive interview with TONY McDONALD from his home in the Yorkshire Dales, fast-starting Lomas recalls happy times before going on to top flight stardom with Coventry.

POOLE: 50 Memorable Moments

Poole are the current big hitters in British speedway, winning multiple top-flight titles over the last 15 years. ROB PEASLEY looks back at the early years at Wimborne Road, when the likes of Ken Middleditch, Brian Crutcher, Tony Lewis, Geoff Mudge and Pete Smith rode for the south coast club, and recalls how Pirates shocked the speedway world by winning the British League in 1969.

CHUM TAYLOR - King of Claremont to Prince of Wales

PHIL CHARD catches up with former Australian Champion Chum Taylor, whose impact on speedway in Cardiff remains to this day.

SPOTY and the 'vote-rigging' scandal

DOUG NICOLSON rewinds to the mid-60s, when a speedway superstar twice gatecrashed the elite sports party.

MAUGER BREAKTHROUGH

MARTIN ROGERS, who was at Gothenburg to report on the 1968 World Final, reflects on Ivan Mauger's first individual World Championship victory at a special family reunion half a century on from the Kiwi's maiden triumph.

TRAGIC TOMICEK

It's just over 50 years since LuboÅ¡ TomÃÄek lost his life in a crash at Pardubice. In this special anniversary remembrance, VITEK FORMANEK spoke to friends of the former Czech great and the son who witnessed the accident and went on to follow in his father's tyre tracks.

IN BILLY LAMONT'S OWN WORDS

When JOHN CHAPLIN wanted to discover the truth of the fantastic Billy Lamont legend and find out more about one of the sport's pioneer superstars, there was only one thing to do: ask the man himself.

PRATTY'S REWARD

There was an uplifting end to 2018 when the World Speedway Riders' Association honoured Colin Pratt with their Lifetime Achievement award, just days after Pratty's 80th birthday. TONY McDONALD pays tribute to a dedicated man who has given the sport such great service over the past five decades.

SLIDING DOORS AND BIKES

DOUG NICOLSON looks back to his boyhood and a series of extraordinary near misses.

Plus . . . obits on Bernie Leigh, Pete Munday, Allan Kidd and Pawel Waloszwek, crossword, your letters and full-page 1953 West Ham team photo.

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