ISSUE 45 - 2019 SUMMER EDITION
From the Langtons to the Boococks, PHIL CHARD considers the eight sets of siblings who rode together for the same England or Great Britain team in the pre-70s era.

In the first of a regular new series recalling major domestic meetings, PHIL CHARD reviews one of the oldest classics on the calendar, the once much coveted LONDON RIDERS' CHAMPIONSHIP first staged in 1930. Double LRC winners include Tom Farndon, Ron Johnston, Jack Milne, Jack Young, Ronnie Moore, Norman Hunter, Colin Pratt, Trevor Hedge and Barry Thomas.

Freddie Williams wasn't the only Welsh star of the Wembley Lions. Here, in an edited extract from a new biography on the double World Champion, we look back at the considerable impact made by his younger brother ERIC WILLIAMS.

ROB PEASLEY reflects on the chequered past of Plymouth, with emphasis on the 22 seasons spent at Pennycross Stadium, where many all-time greats appeared.

DOUG NICOLSON looks at the life and times of the former Glasgow and Bradford promoter whose word was his bond.

TONY McDONALD scours Retro Speedway's library archives to see what various publications were writing about. This time we delve into a 1949 Speedway Gazette, 1953 Monthly Speedway World, 1961 Speedway World and the first edition of Speedway Echo in 1968.

Plus . . . Obits on Charlie Barsby and John Chaplin, Romford team photo, Bob Andrews' football star cousin and crossword.

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ISSUE 46 - 2019 AUTUMN EDITION
BIG NIGHTS: Midland Riders' Championship
In the second of our new series reviewing major domestic meetings, PHIL CHARD examines the early history of the Midland Riders' Championship. Past winners from its inception in 1952 include Len Williams, Graham Warren, Ron Mountfield, Ken McKinlay, Jack Geran, Henryk Zyto, Nigel Boocock, Arne Pander, Barry Briggs, Norman Hunter, Ole Olsen, John Boulger.

THE GOOD OLD DAYS
Grumpy Old Men DOUG NICOLSON and TONY McDONALD get all dewy-eyed about the past while considering what modern British speedway is lacking. On their list of lamentable losses are second-halves, personalised leathers, track spare machines, tossing the coin, car stickers, rosettes, interval attractions, celebrity guest, chants and more.

PETER CRAVEN'S FATAL CRASH - Eric Boocock's view
Amid conflicting accounts and opinions of the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of the great Peter Craven, PHIL CHARD gets a new view from another racing legend who rode in that fateful 1963 Edinburgh v Belle Vue match at Old Meadowbank.

EDINBURGH: 50 Memorable Moments
From Marine Gardens to Old Meadowbank and a couple of seasons at Cliftonhill, ROB PEASLEY traces the early history of the Monarchs. Featured riders include Bill Maddern, Eddie Lack, Jack Young, Dick Campbell, Don Cuppleditch, Doug & Willie Templeton, George Hunter, Wayne Briggs, Bert Harkins, Bernt Persson, Bengt Jansson, Oyvind Berg, Reidar Eide.

IAN WILLIAMS
In our last issue, the first of two edited extracts from the new biography on Freddie Williams focused on his brother Eric. This time, author PETER LUSH turns the spotlight on Ian Williams, the youngest of the Welsh racing trio, who spent his entire career with Swindon.

YESTERDAY'S NEWS
TONY McDONALD scours Retro Speedway's library archives to find what various publications were writing about. In 1961, we had the bizarre story behind New Cross captain Split Waterman's legal dispute with a boxing promoter. Harringay's Nobby Stock relives his 'greatest thrill' at beating West Ham's Eric Chitty. Questions are asked about the fund-raising activities of Wimbledon supporters. The technical boffin at Victor Martin gives the low down on their newest frame. And there's an insightful profile of Coventry's Finnish signing Antti Pajari.

Plus . . . Obits on Stefan Kwoczala and Ian MacDonald, your letters, crossword and Newport team picture.

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ISSUE 47 - 2019 WINTER EDITION
SPLIT PERSONALITY: Life & Times of SPLIT WATERMAN
One of the sport's best-known characters from the post-war boom era, 'Squire' Split Waterman died in his adopted home of Spain on October 8, aged 96.  In an in-depth six-page special, TONY McDONALD recalls the milestones and key moments of a truly colourful personality who starred for Wembley, Harringay and New Cross, and also had briefer spells with Ipswich, Belle Vue, West Ham and Wimbledon.

NYGREN at 90
Olle Nygren, the first of the Swedish greats, recently became a nonagenarian. We carried an in-depth interview with the former Harringay, Norwich, Wimbledon and West Ham star in our first issue in 2008. This time, DOUG NICOLSON recalls Olle's visits to Scotland.

Also . . . In Olle's words: some of Olle's pearls of wisdom from that interview Tony McDonald conducted with him that appeared in the final issue of our predecessor, Vintage Speedway Magazine.

SWINDON: 50 Memorable Moments
It's a little over 70 years since speedway came to Swindon. ROB PEASLEY looks back at the highs and lows of the Robins whose star riders in the pre-70s included Bob Roger, Ian Williams, George White, Mike Broadbank, Barry Briggs, Martin Ashby and Bob Kilby.

DOUBLE TRAGEDY
As the 70th anniversary of the fatal crash approaches, STEVE MAGRO recalls one of speedway's darkest days, when Harringay's Ray Duggan and Norman Clay of Exeter were both killed in the same incident at Sydney Sportsground in January 1950.

BIG NIGHTS: Provincial League Riders' Championship
In the latest of our new series looking back at domestic speedway's premier events, PHIL CHARD recalls the five Provincial League Riders' Championship finals staged at Cradley Heath, Harringay and Belle Vue and won by Trevor Redmond, Reg Reeves, Len Silver and Ivan Mauger.

YESTERDAY'S NEWS
What they were writing about back in the day, including the death of Exeter's Stan Hodson (1949) and Wimbledon's Ernie Roccio (1952), how the Provincial League was born and 'Test overkill', when Britain staged 14 internationals in the summer of 1968.

Plus . . . Clive Featherby obit, your letters, crossword and Coventry 1969 team photo.

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2020 SPRING EDITION
DOUG TEMPLETON: Captain Fantastic
DOUG NICOLSON recalls the life and times of Scottish speedway legend Doug Templeton, a loyal servant of Coatbridge and Glasgow, who passed away, aged 91, on December 21.

BIRTH OF THE PROVINCIAL LEAGUE
Sixty years on from the formation of the Provincial League, PHIL CHARD talks to Vic White about how and why the second division crucially breathed new life into British speedway.

BIRMINGHAM: 50 Memorable Moments
ROB PEASLEY looks back at Brummies' highs and lows and the impact of legends such as Phil 'Tiger' Hart, Graham Warren and the tragic Alan Hunt.

HANDICAPPING
DOUG NICOLSON on the controversial effects of handicapped starts in the National League in the early 60s, when the 'Big Five' of Ove Fundin, Barry Briggs, Ronnie Moore, Peter Craven and Bjorn Knutson had to battle their way from the back for their hard-earned points.

BIG NIGHTS: Scottish Open Championship
Continuing to look back at British speedway's premier individual events, PHIL CHARD recalls the Scottish Open Championship in its various guises over a 20-year period between 1949-69.

SECOND CHANCE
In the first of a new series, we recall all non-regular team members and others who never made the grade but rode in second-halves, junior matches and trials at four first division tracks in the first five years of the British League, from 1965 until the end of '69 inclusive. Starting our delve at Halifax, Poole, West Ham and Wolverhampton, see how many you remember having a skid at these venues at end of the swinging 60s.

IVOR BROWN GRAFFITI MYSTERY
Wolverhampton supporter MARK SAWBRIDGE asks why a legend from Wolves' Black Country rivals became the subject of uncomplimentary slogans daubed on walls close to Dudley Wood Stadium.

YESTERDAY'S NEWS & VIEWS
We again scour Retro Speedway's library to find what various publications were writing about. This time we read about a Wembley riders' union rebel, why promoters were criticised over a heat formula, Aub Lawson's Ipswich plans, riders in trouble on the new shaped Swindon track and a warning for clubs that share stadiums with greyhounds.

Plus . . . Peter Williams, Mike Raymond and Ken Archer obits, your letters, crossword and Canterbury 1968 team photo.

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2020 SUMMER EDITION
PAWEL WALOSZEK: Unlucky Nearly Man
ROMAN CHYLA examines the illustrious career of former Polish star Pawel Waloszek and the 1970 World Final runner-up's elusive quest for gold. And especially for Leicester fans, GRAHAM BRODIE reviews Waloszek's one and only British league season with the Hunters in 1961, with the Pole's full meeting scores.

MIND THE GAP
With Coronavirus decimating the 2020 season, DOUG NICOLSON looks at other times when racing was curtailed. From petrol rationing and bus strikes to smallpox scares, Covid-19 is by no means the first to stop the bikes in their tracks.

CHANGING WORLD - launch of the World Team Cup
Almost 60 years on from the launch of the World Team Cup, PHIL CHARD reflects on Sweden's home track victory at Gothenburg and the men who shaped history. Top names featured include Ove Fundin, Olle Nygren, Rune Sormander and Gote Nordin plus, from runners-up Great Britain, Peter Craven, Ron How, Ken McKinlaty, George White and Nigel Boocock.

NEWCASTLE: 50 Memorable Moments
ROB PEASLEY looks back at Diamonds' highs and lows at the Tyneside club where legends Ivan Mauger and Ole Olsen first shone. Others to feature include George Pepper, Jeff Lloyd, Norman Evans, Wilf Jay, Derek Close, Mike Parker (promoter), Brian Craven, Brian Brett, Peter Kelly and Anders Michanek.

BIG NIGHTS: Pride of the East
British speedway's premier individual events, this time PHIL CHARD recalls pre-70s stagings of the Pride of the East. Launched in Norwich (1957-63) and continued at King's Lynn (1966-69), past winners of this annual Norfolk classic include World Champions Ove Fundin, Peter Craven and Bjorn Knutson, plus Colin Pratt, Bengt Larsson, Terry Betts and Howard Cole.

SECOND CHANCE
Name-checking all non-regular team members and others who never made the grade but rode in second-halves, junior matches and trials at four top flight tracks in the first five years of the British League, from 1965 until the end of '69 inclusive. This time Tony Mac revisits Belle Vue, Cradley Heath, Glasgow and Hackney. See how many of them you remember having a skid at the end of the swinging 60s.

YOUNG COLONIAL BOYS
DOUG NICOLSON remembers a couple of Anzacs, Bruce Ovenden and Joe Hicks, who travelled to Scotland in the winter of 1963-64 in search of fame and fortune with Glasgow Tigers.

YESTERDAY'S NEWS & VIEWS
Delving into Retro Speedway's library to find what various publications were writing about. This time we reveal the time editor Basil Storey was at loggerheads with London promoters, how burglars cracked open the Old Meadowbank safe, Bradford's battle to stay afloat, the return of racing to New Cross in 1959, why National League chiefs were branded "selfish" for excluding Ipswich from the Test match schedule, and the emergence of Bengt Jansson as the biggest threat to the Fundin-Briggs dominance of the World Championship.

Plus . . . Len Read and Eric Linden obits, your letters, crossword and a 1963 Wimbledon team photo.

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2020 AUTUMN EDITION
ROY TRIGG - exclusive new interview
Roy Trigg's dreams came true when he joined Wimbledon and the riders he'd idolised as a wide-eyed kid on the Plough Lane terraces. But as MARTIN NEAL reports, the South Londoner also went on to do well for Poole, Hackney, Oxford and Cradley Heath. 'Triggy' also talks about that bizarre night, in 1969, when volatile Aussie Garry Middleton pulled a gun on him in the Dudley Wood pits.

WORLD FINAL STARTS LOTTERY
Some 70 years after Wembley legends Tommy Price and Freddie Williams were crowned World Champion, DOUG NICOLSON discovers that starting positions for the first two post-war finals were arguably down to luck of the draw.

ANDRZEJ POGORZELSKI - Profile
ROMAN CHYLA reflects on the successful career of former Polish star Andrzej Pogorzelski. If his parents had their way, 'Pogo' would have been a priest instead of an international speedway star who went on to become a World Team Cup winner three times, appeared in four individual World Finals and throughout the mid-60s was a regular visitor to the UK with the official Polish touring party, often scoring very well.
 
EXETER: 50 Memorable Moments
ROB PEASLEY looks back at Falcons' highs and lows, including league and cup success at the ultra-fast County Ground. Ex-riders featured include 'Broncho' Slade, Cyril, Bert and Bob Roger, Don Hardy, Norman Clay, Arthur Pilgrim, Hugh Geddes, Jack Geran, Neil Street, Goog Hoskin, Eric Hockaday, Pete Lansdale, Len Silver, Jack Unstead, Jimmy Squibb, Colin Gooddy, Tommy Sweetman, Martin Ashby and Jan Holub.

BIG NIGHTS: Brandonapolis
British speedway's premier individual events, this time PHIL CHARD recalls the pre-70s era of Coventry's Brandonapolis classic. Jack Parker, the former Bees co-promoter/rider, won the first staging at Brandon in 1949. Other past winners were: Les Hewitt, Eddie Rigg, Ronnie Moore, Jack Young, Geoff Mardon, Ken McKinlay, Nigel Boocock, Anders Michanek and Ray Wilson.

SHORT and SWEET
As well as costing hundreds of thousands of lives and infecting millions of others, the global coronavirus pandemic killed any hopes of league racing in Britain in 2020. DOUG NICOLSON recalls the last time 'factors beyond our control' curtailed UK track action, in the shortened 1945 season.

SECOND CHANCE
Name-checking all non-regular team members and others who never made the grade but rode in second-halves, junior matches and trials at four top flight tracks in the first five years of the British League, from 1965 until the end of '69 inclusive. This time Tony Mac revisits Edinburgh/Coatbridge, Oxford, Swindon and Wimbledon. See how many of them you remember having a skid at the end of the swinging 60s.

Plus . . . Maurice Morley and Tom Blackwood obits, your letters, photo quiz, crossword and a 1963 Southampton team photo.

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2020-21 WINTER EDITION
LEST WE FORGET
TONY McDONALD calls for an annual British memorial meeting (Covid-19-permitting) to honour all ex-riders with UK track connections who made the ultimate sacrifice 'in the line of duty' and away from the track, including our cover men Alan Hunt, Tommy Farndon, Teo Teodorowicz, Jack Unstead, Ivor Hughes, Joe Abbott, Ernie Roccio, Bluey Wilkinson, Phil Bishop and the other Lokeren victims.

SAVING GRACE - How the Provincial League rescued British speedway from the brink
Now 60 years since the Provincial League's first season ended, DOUG NICOLSON takes a season by season look at the second tier's pivotal contribution to British speedway's survival.
Plus . . . PL by numbers and top threes from 1960-64.

FIRST CZECHS
VITEK FORMANEK recalls the first visit by a Czechoslovakian team to Britain in 1967 which earned the late Antonin Kasper a taste of team racing and another slice of history with Coventry and West Ham.

LEICESTER: 50 Memorable Moments
ROB PEASLEY looks back at the highs and lows of the Hunters and Lions in the pre-70s era at Blackbird Road. Ex-riders featured include Syd Jackson, Cyril Page, Vic Pitcher, Len Williams, Ken McKinlay, Jack Geran, Gerry Hussey, Polish trio Marian Kaiser, Stefan Kwoczala and Pawel Waloszek, plus Rick France, Norman Hunter, Ray Wilson, Anders Michanek, John Boulger and Graham Plant, etc.

BIG NIGHTS: The Laurels
Reviewing British speedway's major individual meetings, PHIL CHARD revisits the first 30 years of Wimbledon's long-running Laurels classic. Between 1939 and '69 past winners include: Wilbur Lamoreaux, Tommy Price, Vic Duggan, Jack Parker, Aub Lawson, Ronnie Moore, Jack Young, Ron How, Per Olaf Soderman, Ken McKinlay, Barry Briggs, Ove Fundin, Nigel Boocock, Ray Wilson and Dons' home favourite Trevor Hedge.

CRY HOUSE
How a determined group of Rye House supporters, led by former promoter Steven Ribbons, are fighting a dubious plan to rip up this historic old race track and replace it with five-a-side football pitches for community use.

SECOND CHANCE
Name-checking all non-regular team members and others who never made the grade but rode in second-halves, junior matches and trials at two top flight tracks in the first five years of the British League, from 1965 until the end of '69 inclusive. This time we revisit Coventry and Sheffield. See how many of them you remember having a skid at the end of the swinging 60s.

Plus . . . brief obits on Bernt Persson, Pete Seaton, Rim Malskaitis, Johnny Davies and Andrzej Pogorzelski, your letters, photo quiz, crossword and a 1967 Swindon champions team photo.

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2021 SPRING EDITION
OLLE NYGREN Tribute
Martin Rogers recalls the indelible impact made in Britain and on the world stage by Olle Nygren, the first of the Swedish greats, who died recently, while Tony McDonald adds his personal memories of this Boy’s Own hero known affectionately as ‘Varg Olle’.

BRIAN CLEMENTS Interview
Phil Chard recalls a curious, short-lived British career that was strangled by speedway red tape before ex-Southampton rider Brian Clements turned on the horse power and made his mark in another racing sport.

NATIONAL TROPHY – up for the Cup!
Doug Nicolson looks at the all too few shocks and giant-killings in the National Trophy, a knockout competition that ran from 1931 to 1964. Second Division upsets were caused by Birmingham, Norwich and Poole.

SHEFFIELD: 50 Memorable Moments
Rob Peasley traces Tigers’ turbulent history in the pre-70s era at Owlerton. Ex-riders featured include Tommy and Guy Allott, Stan and Len Williams, Ron Bagley, Tommy Roper, Jack Kitchen, Clive Featherby, Bengt Larsson, Charlie Monk, Arnie Haley, etc.

BIG NIGHTS: British League Riders’ Championship
Reviewing British speedway's major individual meetings, Phil Chard reflects on the first six years of the BLRC dominated by Swindon superstar Barry Briggs in front of packed crowds at Belle Vue.

SECOND CHANCE
Name-checking all non-regular team members and others who never made the grade but rode in second-halves, junior matches and trials at two top flight tracks in the first five years of the British League, from 1965 until the end of '69 inclusive. This time we revisit King’s Lynn and Newport. See how many of them you remember having a skid at the end of the swinging 60s.

Plus . . . brief obits on Rune Sormander, Ken Middleditch, Dennis Gray and Pat Flanagan, your letters, photo quiz, crossword and a 1966 Poole team photo.

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2021 SUMMER EDITION
BIG NIGHTS: Internationale

Continuing his review of major individual meetings, PHIL CHARD re-examines the first nine stagings of the classic introduced to compensate Britain for the loss of the lucrative World Final to Sweden in 1961. Inevitably, Ove Fundin – winner of the first three meetings – was in the spotlight for contrasting reasons. Other winners include Barry Briggs, Charlie Monk, Gote Nordin, (cover man) Nigel Boocock and Wimbledon’s home track favourite Trevor Hedge.

CYCLE SPEEDWAY: How ‘skid kids’ caught the racing bug

DOUG NICOLSON and TONY McDONALD look back on the significant contribution of cycle speedway to its ‘big brother’. Includes a long list of some 90+ names who progressed from pedal power to the ‘real thing’, while BERT HARKINS reveals how he captained two teams who wore the famous colours of Wembley Lions.

CRADLEY HEATH: 50 Memorable Moments

“Ommer ’um, Cradley!” ROB PEASLEY traces the progress of a Midlands club from its humble third tier beginnings to top flight status and a world class rider in Bernie Persson. Others to feature in our six-page feature include Les Beaumont, Geoff Bennett, Graham Warren, Alan Hunt, Harry Bastable, Ivor Brown, Ivor Hughes (tragically, the only rider killed at Dudley Wood), Chris Julian, Roy Trigg and Bob Andrews.

HOME & AWAY

What is there to do when your team is racing away on your regular race night? DOUG NICOLSON looks at what enterprising promoters did in the 40s and 50s.

PROFILE: Cyril Maidment

In the first of a new series, we take a season-by-season statistical look at the former Belle Vue star who also rode for and managed Wimbledon.

SECOND CHANCE

In the last in our series recalling all non-regular team members who rode in second-halves, junior matches and trials at first division tracks in the first five years of the British League, from 1965 until the end of '69, we dig deep at EXETER, LONG EATON and NEWCASTLE.

MORE SHEFFIELD MEMORIES

Following 50 Memorable Sheffield Moments published in our last issue, Tigers supporter TONY BAKER sent in his own personal recollections of Thursdays spent cheering on Tigers from the Owlerton terraces throughout the 60s.

Plus . . . brief obits on Ernie Baker, Stan Bradbury and John Stallworthy, readers’ letters, photo quiz, crossword and a full-page 1953 Birmingham team photo.

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2021 AUTUMN EDITION
GENTLEMAN GOTE

60 years on from Gote Nordin’s finest international achievement, PHIL CHARD presents a thorough examination of the stylish Swede’s illustrious career that spanned eight British teams and 22 seasons.

BIG NIGHTS: Southern Area League Riders’ Championship

Continuing his review of individual meetings, this time PHIL CHARD dips into the third tier where the Southern Area League Riders’ Championship proved the launchpad for future internationals and a few world finalists, including Mike Broadbank, Leo McAuliffe and Brian Brett. Past winners also include Alby Golden, Dave Hankins and Ross Gilbertson.

GLASGOW: 50 Memorable Moments

ROB PEASLEY traces the turbulent history of speedway in Glasgow, focusing mainly on Tigers and their heroes such as Tommy Miller and Charlie Monk, but also the four seasons of city rivals Ashfield, led by Ken Le Breton.

STRIKE ACTION

DOUG NICOLSON looks at walk-outs and strikes at a time when industrial action and wildcat strikes were a feature of working life.

PROFILE: Brian Brett

Taking a season-by-season statistical look at the former England international and World Finalist who rode for his local team Rye House, Southampton, Swindon, Newcastle and Cradley Heath.

CAN YOU COME BACK TOMORROW?

DOUG NICOLSON looks back at postponed meetings that were hastily rearranged for the next day or very shortly thereafter.

Plus . . . brief obits on Harry Bastable, Ian Hoskins, Jack Geran, Johnnie Reason and Taffy Owen, readers’ letters, photo quiz, crossword and a full-page 1952 New Cross team photo.

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2021-22 WINTER EDITION
COLIN PRATT – TRIBUTE

It speaks volumes for the indelible mark Colin Pratt left on his beloved sport as a former star rider and hard-working promoter of integrity that his recent death evoked such a huge flood of tributes from the speedway community. MARTIN ROGERS, who knew Pratty well as a friend, journalist and promoter (he employed him as King’s Lynn team manager in 1983), recalls the pre-70s racing career of an honourable speedway giant.

IAN HOSKINS – TRIBUTE

Following the death of Ian Hoskins on September 6, 2021, aged 97, DOUG NICOLSON pays tribute to the charismatic promoter, a born showman, who put Scottish speedway on the map.

BIG NIGHTS: Pride of the South

Continuing his review of key individual meetings, PHIL CHARD heads to the south coast for a look back at Southampton’s annual classic won by three different home track heroes, Barry Briggs, Brian Crutcher and Dick Bradley. Other winners were Bert Edwards, Johnny Hole and Arne Pander.

TRACK RIVALRIES: Wembley v Wimbledon

ROB PEASLEY recalls the shared post-war dominance of two London clubs and 10 key clashes from the 50s between Lions and Dons, featuring legendary stars such as Tommy Price, Ronnie Moore, Freddie Williams,

EXTRAS

DOUG NICOLSON looks back at times when promoters came up with added and occasionally quirky attractions to spice up meetings.

PROFILE: Tommy Sweetman

Taking a season-by-season statistical look at Wolverhampton’s Provincial League-winning skipper who also rode for England, Aldershot, California, Wimbledon, Southern Rovers, Rayleigh Rovers, Norwich, Swindon, Rye House, New Cross, Exeter and Hackney before retiring from the BL and emigrating to New Zealand at the end of 1969.

Plus . . . Briggo making light of his heart attack; brief obits on ‘Derek’ Close, Peter Lloyd, Bill Moulin, Gordon Mitchell, Chris Harrison, Brian Meredith and Linda Ochiltree; readers’ letters; photo quiz; crossword; and a full-page 1955 Belle Vue team photo.

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20222 SPRING EDITION
Plus . . . how fans of Belle Vue and Newport remember Sandor, the hard-riding, no-nonsense racer who later had spells with Ipswich and Cradley.

Plus . . . Martin selects his top 10 Swedes who featured in world finals up to 1969 and his all-time top 10 Swedes. See if you agree with his choices.

PETER COLLINS and TONY McDONALD trace the remarkable long journey of a most unusual machine built and ridden by one of the sport’s all-time greats and is now on display in the National Speedway Museum. Eric’s proud granddaughter JOANNA LANGTON adds a family touch to a fine legacy.

Continuing to review the most important individual meetings, PHIL CHARD heads to the North-East for a look back at Newcastle’s unusual but short-lived handicap event, won by Barry Briggs and Anders Michanek.

ROB PEASLEY recalls 11 key post-war clashes between London rivals Harringay and West Ham. Riders featured include, for Racers: Vic and Ray Duggan, Joe Abbott, Frank Dolan, Split Waterman, Jack Biggs, Colin Watson, Jeff Lloyd, Danny Dunton, Ron How. And for Hammers: Malcolm Craven, Eric Chitty, Aub Lawson, Wally Green, Howdy Byford, Basse Hveem, Bert Roger, Jack Young.

DOUG NICOLSON looks at riders who returned for the cause after time away from the British race scene. Among those who ventured along the comeback trail include: Ivan Mauger, Ken Middleditch, Trevor Redmond, Len Williams, Bluey Scott, Tony Childs, Jack Winstanley, Ross Gilbertson, Vic Lonsdale, Peter Moore, Brian Craven, Ronnie Moore and many more.

Taking a season-by-season statistical look at a popular, spectacular Provincial League KO Cup-winner with Bristol and also rode for Plymouth before enjoying stardom with Exeter in the early 60s.

DOUG NICOLSON looks at the ill-fated and barely remembered Metropolitan League of 1964 that featured Eastbourne, Exeter ‘B’, Ipswich, Newpool, Rayleigh and Weymouth.
Plus . . . Peter Gay obit; readers’ letters; crossword; a full-page 1962 Wolverhampton team photo and lots of evocative pictures that will take you back in time.

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