There's no doubt that the 1980s were an important era in the history of speedway, with a marked decline in attendances figure throughout the decade and a resultant loss of interest from the mainstream media. Despite this, it was still a decade that saw many real characters producing top quality racing on a weekly basis.
Some of those classic races can be enjoyed once more on Great Races from the 80s, a new double-DVD production from Retro Speedway.
It runs for nearly four hours and truly covers the whole decade, featuring races from March 1980 right through to October 1989.
The focus is primarily on action from UK tracks, though there are a few races from Europe and further afield included. The producers have cast the net wide, including races from a large number of different tracks and from different levels of competition.
This means that the majority of these races are going to be new to all viewers, this isn't a compilation that relies on highlights from big meetings that have been seen many times before.
Click here to read the full review . . . SpeedwayPlus
THE OLE OLSEN TAPES DVD
It may have closed its magazine publication arm, but Retro Speedway continues to produce its excellent range of historical speedway DVDs.
Their latest release is The Ole Olsen Tapes, a double-disc set that features two detailed interviews with the great Danish rider. The first interview was recorded at Ole's home in 2008 and is in audio only, although interesting photographs and video clips are played throughout it to keep your eyes entertained. The second interview is on video and dates from 2016.
These interviews are a real deep-dive into a life spent almost entirely in speedway. Covering everything from his first sight of speedway, right through to his days as the supremo of the Grand Prix series.
He's a very interesting man and these interviews draw out many great anecdotes and some inspirational quotes that wouldn't look out of place on Instagram. Particular highlights are: "If you want to get up the mountain, then ask someone who has been up there", and a great tale about the time he drank a fuel additive in front of a disbelieving machine examiner.
There's nearly four hours to enjoy, the interviews intertwining with archive racing and interview footage. You'll definitely come away having learned something and with an even greater respect for a man who has devoted his life to speedway and clearly doesn't regret a second of it.
Click here to read the full review . . . SpeedwayPlus
TRAGEDY: KENNY CARTER (eBOOK)
Ade Riley: I have just this morning completed reading your book, Tragedy: Kenny Carter, and felt compelled to write to you. I'd firstly just like to say thanks so much for writing this book. I must share my sincere gratitude with you for writing it in the manner in which you have.
Reading it from cover to cover (if that's really possible on a Kindle), as I have over the last two days, has really given me an opportunity to gain a deeper insight into a formative period in my own early life, from 1978-on, when I was four-years-old and Halifax Dukes gave me my first memories of, and exposure to, the wonderful and varied world of motorcycles and motorcycling that have now been a passion of mine for 45 years.
Thank you for bringing back to mind some good times at The Shay, and also for helping me to better understand some of what was going on around me, at a time when I was much too young to comprehend much else other than the sheer exhilaration of being part of a crowd of baying supporters, in a gloriously loud, smoke and fume-filled stadium from where we'd all watch enthralled and entranced, the high drama unfolding before us. The sight of the grit flying over the hoardings like a barrelling ocean wave, as the bikes flew into and around the first corner, is one of my earliest and fondest memories.
I'm proud to say some of that grit was flung my way by Kenny Carter, the speedway racer I pretended to be while travelling home over the moors after watching him race. Much as your book has not been easy reading at certain junctures, due solely to the very sensitive nature of some of the subject matter, and even though I approached the conclusion of the book with a mounting sense of dread due to not being sure I really wanted to revisit the tragic story of the circumstances of Pam and Kenny Carter's deaths (an event that, looking back after reading your book, brought to a close a chapter of my own life too), I must tell you that the honest, respectful and straightforward way in which you guided me, the reader, through the facts as they are known made reading on until the end possible.
Thank you for your empathy.
I'm glad to hear Alan Carter got in touch with you too.
In conclusion, I'm just happy to have read your book after putting it off for so long after it was first published. So thanks again, it has been a pleasure reading such a well-researched and well-written book, even though some of the upsetting episodes it contains have been difficult to learn about. As the title of your book so accurately states, Kenny does seem to remain quite a polarising character but I now have a greater understanding of why that is and I'll never forget him, for better or worse. Whether the tragic path he took is ultimately forgivable, I don't know – not my place. I think that's best left to a Higher Power to judge. Or to those he left behind, who daily live the life he imposed upon them.
My heartfelt sympathies to all those affected. May they live in light and hope.
SWEDES IN BRITAIN RACING DVD
Mick Napier: Would highly recommend it to all Reading Racers fans. Lots of action involving our Swedish greats and disc 2 has some unbelievable moves from Henka Gustafsson, too – well worth a watch. There's some great footage of Anders Michanek and Benga Jansson at Smallmead in 1975. And Mr Rockard and Tony O. It’s great. Oh, and a phenomenal race between Jan and Chris Morton at Hyde Road.
Howard Murphy: I have many, from an early age, of watching ‘Jos’ (Soren Sjosten), as lots of fans named him, and Torbjorn Harrysson at Hyde Road with their unique riding style. Jos was certainly a Belle Vue favourite with his charismatic personality both on and off the track. I recall both he and Harrysson riding against Belle Vue for the Vargarna touring team in the 60s – and Aces’ fans were still cheering for him! One particular favourite memories is the first World Final I went to watch, at Wembley in 1967. As a young lad, my dad drove us down to the Empire Stadium to see the legendary Ove Fundin chalk up his fifth World Championship victory, which was a record at that time. I remember travelling down the motorway on the way to London for the big day and passing cars with black and gold Coventry scarves hanging out of the car windows, and green and white Cradley scarves too. Anders Michanek was pure class and I remember listening to the 1973 World Final result on the radio and being really shocked when he did not win in Poland that year, despite notching up max after max in the British League. I was convinced he would score a clean sheet in Katowice. I also recall, as a young fan, as soon as the Hyde Road gates opened at 6.00pm, running down to the pits at Belle Vue, standing at the wire fence watching and waiting for the riders to walk past, ready with my autograph book. And one thing I recalled was that before getting changed into their racing kit, many of the Swedish riders wore clogs!
PETER COLLINS AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Stephen Popadynec: I wanted to drop you a few thoughts about PCs autobiography. Firstly, having read other riders' biographies, including the ones you were involved in, this one was the one for me and very long-awaited. My apologies for being somewhat long winded, but my motivation to purchase PCs book has many fond memories of watching and following one of the best two riders I have seen, in my opinion, who always provided uncertainty, excitement, tension and pleasure beyond that of anything I have experienced. The other rider is Sam Ermolenko, who was very similar in riding style with natural ability, and also a nice man. I was 13 when my best friends first introduced me to Wolverhampton Speedway and it was the last meeting of 1974, on October 25, a double-header – Wolves v Belle Vue followed by Cradley – and Ivan Mauger was guesting for Wolves as a replacement for Ole Olsen. I had been buying Speedway Star for about a year and PC was the rider who stood out for me and who I felt some natural affinity for as a supporter. My parents were always protective of me, so it wasn't until that Friday evening in ’74 that my dad and I caught two buses to Monmore Green. I can remember the delight in walking through the turnstiles and purchasing the programme for 10p, which I have kept through the years. It was an unforgettable experience as my first attendance to speedway, but the main memory was seeing PC, a young English rider and my hero doing what PC did, coming from the back on every occasion and scoring 10 points that included inflicting Ivan's only defeat of the meeting, which Wolves won 43-35. As Dave Lanning later said in 1976, when PC won his World Championship, it was "poetry on wheels" and his riding style was very much about ‘keeping it on the tyres’. From there on, I started to attend Monmore Green weekly and would never miss an opportunity to see Peter ride for Belle Vue or as a guest, as well individual appearances in the Olympique and other invitational meetings which were plentiful in those days. I also went to Dudley Wood to watch Cradley when he was riding, which was a trek and involved a bus and two trains each way, then to Perry Barr in Birmingham, that involved a bus and two trains. Unfortunately, I always had to leave before Heat 13, otherwise I would have missed my last bus/train home. Even now, I still collect memorabilia of Peter for my home office and have had models made of him in his various racing colours. My one regret is that I only spoke to him briefly on one occasion at Monmore Green, when I was a lad and asked for his autograph. He was very polite and always left an impression of being a nice man with a good degree of humility. I'd like to thank Peter and Tony Mac for an in-depth and detailed tour of his life and the memories of the importance that that young man had in my life.
Howard Murphy: I really enjoyed reading it. I saw all of PC's career, starting at Rochdale and finishing at Belle Vue. There were some very interesting anecdotes and inside info on PC's riding career, where he started on grasstracks to the early days of promoting at Kirky Lane. I loved the bit on the 1976 World Final win in Poland and how Booey looked after PC. It brought back some great memories of visiting Rochdale watching the Hornets racing on a Sunday and Friday and then those glorious Saturday nights at Hyde Road stadium. Brilliant reading.
John Moffatt: Couldn’t put it down, a great read from first to last page and an autographed copy to boot. Well done all involved in the book, especially PC.
Andrew Green: I must say I have just finished Peter's book. It is an excellent buy for anyone who was watching speedway in that era. I really enjoyed it.
Gary Joyce: A true legend of the sport, he was the most exciting rider of them all. I met him yesterday and got a signed copy of his boo. Was a privilege to shake his hand.
Richard Scott: Love the book. It’s how I remember speedway, with PC and all the other greats. Racing was great, saw him many times.
Stewart Beckett: Mr Belle Vue. He should be Sir PC.
Mark Thresher: An absolute legend. So glad to say that I attended speedway between 1973-82, the true golden era.
moxey63 (British Speedway Forum): The part of the brilliant PC book I found of most interest is when he became the promoter and his experience of working with John Perrin. I laughed at the punch-up at the Swinton club between Perrin and his co-promoter, Don Bowes. I think I actually have the pamphlet from that evening.
Steve Roberts (British Speedway Forum): Having read the chapter in Peter's book about ex-riders visiting their track free of charge, I have to agree with his views 100 per cent. He goes into it in great detail and, personally, I don't see it as a problem and the initiative would only benefit the track involved with good PR and supporter involvement. It's a shame that his friendship with Chris Morton appears to have been badly affected with events that the new Belle Vue and its regime's policy adopted (no image of Peter Craven in the lounge dedicated to the great Ace beggars belief!). The talk of a museum within the new complex was also met with apathy apparently by those in charge at the time. Ex- Cheetah Mark Lemon appears to follow the same directive and it's all very sad and helps creates animosity. No wonder speedway is in the state that it now appears to ‘enjoy’. I would be aghast if I thought that my own track Oxford expected the likes of Eddie Reeves, Rick Timmo, Gordon Kennett and Dag Lovaas were expected to pay on entry to Cowley.
Alan Turton: A book I simply couldn't put down after starting to read. Just a wonderful book which brought back so many great memories of watching Peter in action in the 70s and 80s.
Richard Scott: Love the book. How I remember speedway PC and all the greats.
Rolf Majaranta: Just finished this excellent autobiography. I'm very impressed about his honesty and all the hard work he did for Belle Vue Speedway after his retirement. Especially pleased that space was also given to his longtrack activities. Nice to read his memories of his run-off with Marcel Gerhard for silver and bronze medals at the 1986 longtrack World Final. Best wishes to PC from Switzerland.
Dave Harper: I've been reading and buying speedway books for over 50 years and more and I cannot sing enough praise for this book. It is the best I've ever read and, that said, I've really enjoyed some others. It must have taken an unbelievable amount of work to put together. It's incredible, almost as if I'm living it whilst reading it.
Kevin Ashcroft: The book is absolutely superb and so interesting. A lot of people running speedway could learn a lot from reading it. Peter certainly knows his stuff.
David Lewis: Brilliant read from first to last. Was a massive fan when he was racing and the book only enhanced my admiration of the man. A brilliant book on a brilliant man.
Mike Cawley: A tremendous, honest and fair read.
Craig Finn: Can’t put it down now I’ve started. Absolutely outstanding read.
Broadsider: A pure joy to read this insightful and unputdownable tome.
Pete Chapman: It is a very good book, a great read. Many thanks to PC and Tony Mac (and no doubt many others) for a job well done.
Rob Scrutton: Very interesting, well written and illustrated. Many thanks to Peter and all at Retro Speedway involved in the production of this. I have recommended it to someone earlier this week who I understand has already placed his order.
Scooby Rogers: I'm not a book reader as such. But PCs book is fascinating, a really great read.
Garry Robinson: Stunning book. Brings his back story to life and is simply a brilliant read. Congrats to all involved, especially PC.
Speedway Plus website: Peter has waited many years to write his story and it's been worth the wait. With over 500 pages, forewords by Bruce Penhall and Eric Boocock, plus a huge number of captioned photographs, it's a fitting tribute to a speedway legend. To read the review in full, please visit: SpeedwayPlus | Book Review: Peter Collins Autobiography - Keeping It on the Tyres
Pauline Rawlins: Thoroughly enjoyed reading PC's autobiography. Michael Elliott: Really enjoyed it.
Keith Cross: It’s superb.
Richard Bott: I have just finished reading PC's autobiography and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is comprehensive, colourful and critical and a thoroughly good read. Delighted to hear it is doing so well. Congratulations on a great job.
Darren Hartley: I really enjoyed it. A must-read for fans who saw speedway’s better days.
Dave Hill: Should be read by all true speedway lovers. PC talks a hell of a lot of sense. I couldn't put the book down until I'd read it all.
Richard Wood: A truly honest and somewhat eye-opening read. Thank you all for publishing it.
Robert Pails: Really good read. Thoroughly enjoyed followed PC from 350cc grasstrack days, so knew about the background, but the chapters on being a promoter are very interesting. Agreed with his comments on present-day speedway as well.
Peter Dix: Excellent read, couldn't put it down. Brought back many memories for my wife and I when we attended more speedway meetings than we do now.
Mike King (Speedway Star letters): I have just, in one marathon session, completed what I consider to be the best speedway rider autobiography ever. An honest and no-punches pulled recollection by one of our all-time greats and a few eye-opening revelations of his dealings with some of the sport’s more colourful characters. Keeping it on the Tyres is a true speedway masterpiece. Well done, PC!
Karl Fiala: Just finished reading Peter Collins’ Keeping it on the Tyres. Really interesting, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done to Peter and Tony Mac. Good job.
Garry Robinson: Mine arrived today. I've read 100 pages and absolutely love it. Thank you to everyone involved, it's a treasure.
Mick Metcalfe: Probably the best speedway autobiography ever. Highly recommended.
Paul Scorch Cordery: Got my copy last week but struggling to read it, as I can’t stop looking at the pics! Brilliant, love it.
Nick Betteridge: Nearly finished reading my copy. Really enjoyable read, well done to everybody involved. Do not hesitate buy a copy NOW!
Dave Edgley: I have just finished reading the book. A great insight into the career of PC. A really good read, I would recommend it. Well done to all involved.
Neil Harvey: Absolutely outstanding, what a great book. I remember meeting PC in a chip shop in Hamworthy after a meeting at Poole and it was just after he’d won the world title. What a story he has to tell. Thank you.
Mark Turner: Thought the book was great, the best speedway autobiography I’ve read and the one I’d been hoping and waiting for. I know very well that Peter is a thoroughly decent bloke and it shines through even when he is being critical. He always has something nice to say even about those who have hurt him. A true champion. I pray that he will find relief from the ‘passes’ saga which has hurt him so much - it’s not worth the pain. Well done, Peter and Tony.
Windsor Carlton: Had mine delivered two days ago and planned to sit down to read it at the weekend. Made the happy mistake of dipping into a couple of chapters . . . only to get to this morning having read the whole thing! It really is something special. Easily the best speedway book I’ve read.
Doug Booth: The best and most honest speedway biography I have read. From reading it you can tell what Peter is like as a person – real person. What you see is what you get. A cracking read throughout. Many thanks.
moxey63: The weight of 500-plus pages hitting the floor from the letterbox made me think I'd dropped my wallet. Very impressive, long-awaited book by one of speedway's finest. Well done to all.
Martin Holt: Started reading today and can’t put it down. Fabulous piece of work.
Mick Metcalfe: The best speedway autobiography ever. Fantastic book.
Eric Parish: What a great read. It answered the question I always wanted to ask Peter: did he remember the fans jumping over the safety fence when he beat Anders to win the KO Cup? It appears he did – I was one of those fans. Thanks for the memories, Peter.
John Heavyside: Brilliant book by a brilliant professional speedway rider. Peter is Belle Vue to the core. His autobiography is a thrill to read. Well done to all concerned.
Jane Bottomley: Got my copy today, it is fantastic.
Bryan Leahy: Absolutely brilliant.
Darren Hartley: Just finished it. A really good read, lots I learned about my boyhood hero.
Philip Benson: Reading a couple of chapters every day. A brilliant read. Garry Robinson: Mine arrived today. I've read 100 pages and absolutely love it. Thank you to everyone involved, it's a treasure.
Paul Frankum: I must congratulate you on the Peter Collins autobiography. I’ve got to say, I think this could be your best-ever book. The pictures and the quality, especially for the price of £20, is outstanding. I am so looking forward to reading it.
SPEEDWAY IN THE 70s A TO Z DVD David Golley: I just wanted to drop you a note to say congratulations and thank you for the A to Z DVD. It’s brilliant viewing and silly as it might sound, emotional viewing too. I found myself with tears in my eyes a number of times, partly because of the memories evoked of a golden time but also, like many, a sadness that our once great sport is a shadow of its former self.
Vicky Saxecoburg: Brilliant DVD. My better half has watched it four times. It’s well worth the money. Can't recommend it enough.
MEMORIES OF SHEFFIELD SPEEDWAY DVD Doug Wyer (ex-Sheffield No.1): I was very impressed with the DVD, it’s really good. It must have taken a lot to put together. You’ve done a fantastic job.
Mick Neale: A must buy for any Sheffield Tigers fans. Brilliant from start to finish. A real eye-opener the things that went on behind the scenes. Fascinating interviews with ex-riders and promoters and some great racing from the past. 10 out of 10 and thank you for putting this all together.
Speedway Plus: Sheffield is one of British speedway's longest established and most stable tracks. The great history of the club is the subject of a new triple-DVD from Retro Speedway. Memories of Sheffield Speedway is a mix of racing action, interviews and interesting pieces of historical archive footage.
It's really very, very good indeed and we would recommend it to all speedway fans.
It concentrates on the history of the club up until the nineties, with particular attention paid to the sport's golden era in the 70s and 80s. Riders and officials from throughout the years were interviewed this year specifically for this DVD set. These include Guy Allott, Nicky Allott, Doug Wyer, Craig Pendlebury, Neil Machin and Reg Wilson. There are also interviews with many others like Clive Featherby, Shawn Moran and Dave Morton.
The star of the show is very definitely Dougie ‘the flyer’ Wyer. Doug is tremendous value, with his very honest and candid opinions and recollections. He admits that he wasn't much of a team rider, just concentrating on winning races, rather than trying to shepherd home a slower team mate. He also remembers the disappointment of having to take a pay cut when he was on the verge of a testimonial, admitting that racing for less money resulted in him putting in less effort. His career was highly successful and he's rightly proud of his achievements, being able to freely reel off statistics about the number of points he scored.
You can't think about Wyer without also bringing Reg Wilson to mind. Reg's career as a Sheffield Tiger pretty much over-lapped with Doug's, forming a strong spearhead throughout the seventies. Reg is also interviewed at length, perhaps not quite as comfortable in front of the camera as his old pal, but very happy to share stories and reflect on his own vast contribution to the cause.
In the late 80s the undoubted stars at Sheffield were the spectacular Moran brothers. We see some of their great races, demonstrating their remarkable skills on a racer's track that suited their styles. There are also interviews with both of the boys. Kelly is no longer with us, but we hear his final interview when Tony McDonald phoned him in him hospital shortly before his passing. It's a very moving piece of audio, with Kelly still maintaining the good humour he was famous for. The interview with Shawn is also quite emotional as he looks back on his own career, concentrating on both the highs and lows of his time with Sheffield.
There was a gap in the story of Sheffield Speedway when the club closed down prior to the 1989 season. Thankfully their absence from the sport was relatively brief as they re-emerged as a lower tier side in 1991. Their first meeting back, under the stewardship of Cliff Carr, is covered in depth, with contemporary interviews with the likes of Neil Evitts and Peter Carr, cousin of the aforementioned Cliff.
The Cliff Carr era didn't last too long, with Neil Machin and Tim Lucking forming a new promotion that brought long -term stability to the steel city side. Machin is now best in West Australia but that didn't stop the producers from tracking him down for interview. He's another that speaks well and offers an honest assessment of his time in charge.
One of the biggest stars of the Machin era was Sean Wilson, a tremendous rider and larger than life character. This DVD pays a warm tribute to both his on and off track antics.
Eric Boocock, who had a lengthy associated with the Tigers, is another plain-speaking participant, sharing some great stories from behind the scenes, including a mad dash to Oxtord in the Maurice Ducker era and how he deliberately mismarked programmes to get the best from some riders. A remarkable character and true speedway legend.
The interviews actually tend to be so good that the racing action is almost secondary, though there are many brilliant races included. Whether that's Collins v Michanek in '73, the Moran brothers in the 80s or Sean Wilson in the 90s.
The whole thing runs for over five-and-a-half hours, perfect viewing material for these long winter nights and certainly an ideal Christmas present for any speedway fan.
* This review was first published on www.speedwayplus.com on December 15, 2021 Ron Haglington: Your Memories of Sheffield Speedway DVD is brilliant and contains good interviews with riders who I know, as I’m still a member of the Owlerton track staff. I gave our curator Graham Trollope a copy.
SIMON WIGG RACING PLUS! DVD
Keith King: Over the last few years I've bought more than 25 different DVDs from Retro Speedway, not one has disappointed me. I had the Simon Wigg Racing Plus! for Christmas and the production is brilliant.
BEFORE AIR FENCES DVD Bob Lee: Before Air Fences was excellent. Thank you for recognising the talent and bravery we've witnessed from riders. A superb double-disc DVD, highly recommended.
GREAT RACES OF THE 70s & 80s DVD Sally Jones: Just wanted to let you know I bought Dad Great Races of the 70s & 80s a couple of weeks ago and he has loved it. He's played it three times already and is sitting down this afternoon to watch again!
TRAGEDY: KENNY CARTER eBOOK Mike Hunter (Edinburgh Speedway press officer and programme editor): You'll probably be insulted that I have taken so long to read it but I have just finished Tragedy. I thought I would email you to say that it is one of the best books I have ever read.
It's not easy subject matter but everything is handled so well, everything is covered, and it is all completely balanced and fair, and very informative. Of course we all lived through the rise and fall of Kenny Carter and reading the book was like being transported back to those times, though of course knowing how badly it was all going to end.
Congratulations, it is a book to be proud of. Although I have many speedway books I have only read a few of them, and I read far more non-speedway (mainly history or biography). Tragedy is as well written as any I have ever read.
Stephen Kay: I have just finished reading the ebook version of Tragedy. Can I simply congratulate you on an amazingly well written book that is truly captivating and a very well balanced view of Kenny's tragic life.
SIMON WIGG RACING PLUS! DVD Speedway Plus: It's been 20 years since we lost the great Simon Wigg. His action-packed life is celebrated on Simon Wigg Racing Plus! - a six-hour DVD collection from Retro Speedway.
This is a great selection of his best and most significant races, drawn from his three sporting disciplines - speedway, grasstrack and longtrack. The first two discs concentrate on his speedway career, while a third one covers grasstrack and longtrack. Splitting them in this way allows viewers to order their viewing according to preference.
The speedway section starts at Weymouth in 1981, opening with Simon overhauling Barry Thomas' substantial lead, an early sign of his massive potential. In a post-meeting interview he's asked about his speedway ambitions and he admits that he hasn't got any! At that stage of his career he's quite candid that he viewed speedway as something that would need to fit around his other racing.
The DVDs follow his rapid progression through the ranks, moving up into the British League with Cradley Heath and into the England team. Always immaculately turned out, he's every inch the professional and quickly reaps the rewards of the efforts he puts in.
Trips to Australia follow and we see him popping wheelies throughout one race, loving the wide open spaces and delighting the whooping Aussies with his showmanship. It's little wonder that he was invited back regularly throughout his career.
A move to Oxford sees him team up with Hans Nielsen as the Cheetahs become one of the sport's most glamourous clubs. The pair are interviewed at the 1986 season launch and shown in choreographed action on the track.
There are quite a few little bits of interesting footage like this that have been included. There are insights into his behind the scenes preparation in a workshop interview with Peter York that originally featured on the Wheels of Fortune VHS release. Wiggy had a well-appointed workshop, complete with lathes and drills, backing up his theory that most points are won in the workshop.
The highlight of his speedway career was a second place finish in the 1989 World Final. We see his races from that meeting, including the run-off that secured him the silver medal.
By the early 90s the sport was changing, with the Polish League starting to attract some of the world's biggest stars. Simon was always one to embrace a new challenge and we see him in action for his club in Poland. His appearances in the UK became more sporadic in the years that followed, though we see him in action for King's Lynn and Exeter in his spells with those clubs.
Although the racing footage is consistently excellent throughout, the many interviews with Simon are perhaps even more special. He was an intelligent and articulate man, with an ever-present smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was never afraid to ruffle a few feathers, or to gently tease an interviewer. It's great that these interviews have been included, as they're a reminder of what a remarkable man he was.
Even for those that have no great interest in grasstrack or longtrack, the third disc that covers those aspects of his career is well worth watching. There's no doubt that those were Simon's greatest loves and where he performed his best - his five World Longtrack titles being testament to that. It's interesting to see Murray Walker interviewing him at a Silverstone grasstrack meeting and to learn from another interview that Simon could speak German.
Wiggy's career was cut short when he experienced a seizure that forced him to surrender his racing and driving licences. News companies were dispatched to his home to cover the story and in front of some of the 700 trophies he'd won, Simon explains the situation and his regret at having things end in that manner. The twinkle in his eye was still there.
Finding six hours of interesting footage of a single rider seems like a challenge, but it's clear here that editor and producer Tony McDonald was spoiled for choice. The DVDs are a fitting tribute to a special individual, one who still had plenty to offer speedway (and motorsport generally) when he was cruelly taken from us. www.speedwayplus.com
GREAT RACES OF THE 70s & 80s DVD Speedway Plus: Fans starved of speedway action this year will be appreciative of this new DVD collection from Retro Speedway. Great Races of the 70s and 80s, as the name suggests, is a collection of some fantastic action, featuring many of the sport's greatest names.
The action comes from all levels of the sport, from World Finals down to the National League, with every single race being an absolute cracker and well worth seeing again.
Things get off to a great start with a famous clash between Peter Collins and Anders Michanek in action for their nations at Sheffield in 1973. Collins shows tremendous tenacity and skill in this race and it'll come as no surprise that he features regularly throughout the four-hour DVD box set.
His brothers Les, Phil and Neil, all pop up frequently too, a reminder of what an amazing set of entertainers they were. Les' race with Bruce Penhall at the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1982 is an obvious and welcome inclusion.
The Collins aren't the only brothers to feature prominently, with Shawn and Kelly Moran being well to the fore also. We see them racing against each other at Eastbourne, in almost exhibition style around the tight circuit. We're fortunate that by the time they teamed up at Sheffield, the home video revolution was well underway and we can see many of those races again. Their performances are frankly remarkable, reeling in the very best the world had to offer and eventually picking them off to clinch the three points. Fans of the Tigers in those days were truly spoiled by seeing these Moran boys in action every week. There's also a chance to see Kelly take on 'Boogaloo' Bobby Schwartz in a series of match-races at Costa Mesa.
The nostalgic feelings these DVDs generate are almost tangible. The 70s action, in particular, is evocative of better times. The riders are in bright racing colours, the bikes seem to require greater skill than today's guided missiles and the terraces are packed. The atmosphere at the 1975 British Final comes across loud and clear. Martin Ashby and Ray Wilson are in a race-off for a place at Wembley and the fans are making an absolute racket, the likes of which we've not heard in the UK for many a year.
Greats like Barry Briggs and Ivan Mauger also feature in some of the races, with a remarkable World Pairs race where the two legends attempt to team-ride and we find out that their styles just weren't compatible. That contrasts sharply with the Danish pair of Ole Olsen and Finn Thomsen, their synchronised riding was a thing of beauty.
It's not just the world class stars that are included for our entertainment, there are fabulous races from the National League boys as well. Legends of that level, such as Tom Owen, David Gagen, Mick Poole, Rob Grant, Mark Courtney and Billy Burton, serve up some thrills. Owen features in one of the best races on the DVDs when his partner Nigel Crabtree pulls off an amazing ride to clinch the National League Pairs at Hackney.
The NL races also allow us to see some early action from Gary Havelock, so exciting to watch in his teens. We also get reminders of a couple of other precocious talents that never quite fulfilled their potential - Keith Millard and Martin Scarisbrick.
Despite all of the great names that have already been mentioned, the undoubted star of this collection is Chris Morton, the Belle Vue and England legend. He was a top liner throughout all of these years and he pops up time and again. There's one race in particular that sums up his special talent, it's from Olching and he's looking fairly hopeless as Egon Muller and Erik Gundersen battle it out in front of him. Muller looks sensational, fast and stylish, clearly at the top of his game, then, seemingly from nowhere, Morton finds the right line and somehow overtakes both Egon and Erik, overturning a lead that had looked unassailable. An incredible ride from a great speedway racer.
Hopefully we've given you a flavour of what you can expect from this DVD. Anyone who has ever been a speedway fan will love this collection of brilliant races, definitely a production which can be enjoyed over and over again. www.speedwayplus.com
BEFORE AIR FENCES & GREAT RACES OF THE 70s & 80s DVDs Finally got around to watching your two new DVDs, Before Air Fences and Great Races of the 70s & 80s, and have got to say they are bloody brilliant. Certain influences on favouritisms (Mort & Morans mainly) but what the hell - if you want to see good racing, then they are three riders you could NEVER leave out of the equation.
Some of those crashes are proper gut-wrenching and ought to have a warning on the label: 'not to be taken with food!' What I was really impressed with was the amount of laydowns (no, not the engines!) that were performed by a lot of the riders which certainly prevented a lot more of them being hurt, so well done all of you.
The other point was, the totally Monty Pythonesque starting procedures employed, like Ivan almost into the first turn and STILL not breaking the tapes. These are not whinges - just a summary of the 70s/80s era, when all this was happening and so well encapsulated within these double-disc sets.
So pats on the back all round - thoroughly enjoyable, thank you, and all the best to you both.
HEATHENS HEROES DVD Andy Hawthorne: Watching your Heathens Heroes DVD featuring so many of my heroes, I've got to say there are SOOOO many memories (good and bad). Watching it has brought tears to my eyes knowing we will never see a Heathens team grace the British speedway leagues ever again. I honestly believe British speedway has never recovered from the closure of our beloved Dudley Wood.
BEFORE AIR FENCES DVD
Speedway Plus: Retro Speedway's new double-DVD is described as "a tribute to the risk takers" and this is a worthy tribute indeed. Running to four hours, it's packed with horrific crashes and lots of interesting interviews and reflections.
Part of the attraction of speedway has always been the risk of a crash, with that inherent danger probably hooking the attention of many first time fans, long before they learn to appreciate the talents of the riders. There are hundreds of crashes included in this DVD but it's definitely not a product that tries to cash in on those. They are always presented in context and the human cost is always acknowledged.
The contributions from Len Silver and Barry Thomas on the deaths of Denny Pyeatt and Vic Harding at Hackney are particularly hard-hitting.
The sand-based track at Bristol's Eastville circuit was always notoriously difficult to ride and we see Bob Coles take a spectacular tumble. Interviewed many years later he is able to recount it in vivid detail.
Exeter was another track with a fearsome reputation, not least due to the steel fence that surrounded the circuit, made from air-raid shelters we're told. Tony Lethbridge, for many years a key figure in the Falcons' administration, takes us on a tour of the track.
If the fence at Exeter was infamous, then the early years at Arena-Essex were notable for the complete lack of any fence. A run off area into the adjoining stock car circuit being deemed sufficient protection. The crashes included here suggest that the lack of a physical fence was too discombobulating for some riders.
Quite often a crash can lead to some direct confrontation between those involved. In a section called 'Fracas and Fisticuffs' we see Sean Wilson and Roman Matousek in a coming together at Sheffield. Sean is keen to "discuss" the crash with Roman, reflecting afterwards that "Roman wanted a fight, so I gave him a fight!".
The 'Reffin Hell' section features an incredibly high-pitched Alun Rossiter getting quite animated after a crash with David Walsh. Walshie's reaction is hilariously contrasting, with him seeming quite bemused by what the fuss is all about!
David is one of those featured during the 'In Bandit Country' section, which highlights that Berwick has been the site of many frightening crashes over the years. We see Walsh get tangled up with Paul Thorp and both of them ending up on the centre green, having floored the poor third bend flag marshal. The crash involving Jon Gould at Berrington Lough is even more terrifying as the Poole rider's bike flies over the fence, narrowly missing a photographer happily snapping away.
World Final accidents are given extensive coverage, including the Carter v Penhall incident in 1982, perhaps the most famous speedway crash of all time. Neither rider gives an inch but it's clear from the different camera angles that the decision taken was the correct one. Other crashes on the biggest night include the likes of Briggs, Nielsen and Mauger.
Things get very sombre towards the end of the second disc, with a section on crashes that proved career-ending, involving Dougie Wyer, Mikael Blixt, Erik Gundersen and Mark Loram.
We follow Gundersen's story from the horrific first bend crash at Bradford, through his stay in hospital and during the first steps in his rehabilitation.
There's also a lengthy interview with Loram, who talks us through his ill-fated last race and reflects on the effect it had on his life.
Erik and Mark were both very unlucky to see their careers end so suddenly, but both would agree that they're very fortunate compared to those who gave their lives for the sport.
Needless to say, no fatal crashes are included on the DVD, but tribute is paid to those lost their lives on the speedway tracks of the world.
This DVD really has a bit of everything. Spectacular crashes, fabulous nostalgia and some thoughtful comment on track safety and the risks that riders take.
GREAT RACES OF THE 70s & 80s DVD Dennis Hunt: “Your Great Races of the 70s & 80s is that and much, much More! Now I remember why, from 1962 to 1997, I criss-crossed the country doing hundreds of thousands of miles and going to thousands of matches, seeking out great speedway racing.
“I still go to my nearest track, King's Lynn, but close racing is, sadly, not what it was - and I am not wearing rose-tinted glasses! Re-living those perfect examples of classic, close, wheel-to-wheel racing is what you have delivered here! Got my blood pumping and even some out-of-the-armchair 'Whoops' and 'Yeses!'.
“I still love the Grand Prix, which can and does deliver similar thrills, but to see my very first shale heroes doing the business is terrific.
“Thank you, lockdown just improved!â€
BEFORE AIR FENCES DVD Graham McCleary: “Enjoyed the DVD. It's certainly not your typical 'crash and burn' DVD. I thought it handled the risks riders face in a very informative and tasteful manner.â€
MEMORIES OF COVENTRY SPEEDWAY DVD
Clive Read: "A big thank you from me for your Memories of Coventry Speedway. I have finished watching all three DVDs and have been meaning to drop you a line to say what a fantastic set of memories you've managed to compile.
"I learned a few things about the early history of the stadium and it never ceases to amaze me how much rare footage there is out there, especially pre-TV/camcorder days.
"As you know, our first associations go back to August 16, 1975 (a date I have no trouble remembering) and a 40-38 win over Wimbledon. I really liked that you filled in the eras without video with photographs of the riders of the day - big stars and the local riders who were often even more popular because of their connection to the club. Some of those black and white images from 1975/76 brought the memories flooding back.
"You did a really lovely touch with my Dad's cine film, thank you. Sadly, Ole didn't beat Hans Nielsen that evening but it reminded you how quick the races were (even before laydown engines) and the closeness of the racing.
"I remember Ole's very first appearance in a Bees' race jacket, when several thousand of us turned up for the practice session in freezing weather a week before the tapes went up in 1976. I have a framed photo at home of Ole signing my brother Jon's autograph book (yes, he's still got that) and the rest of us cheering on. A week later, in Heat 1, he shot out of the gate, looked right and shepherded Alan Molyneux around for four laps, with Ray Wilson diving inside and out but unable to get past. The first of many times he'd lead us to victory.
"Other great races were captured and for those for which you didn't have images, it's brought back memories of many other races and meetings: Jon always recalls the dead-heat in May '76, when Nigel Boocock stalked Tommy Jansson for four laps, a couple of weeks before he was so tragically killed; the British Final of 76, where Simmo was "Super"; those perennial clashes with Cradley which ITV did so well to cover; and the 1979 title decider against Hull.
"You have compiled yet another fantastic and evocative collection of happy days, of great racing, drama and good times, so thank you.
"This is a must-buy for any Bees fan.
"My over-riding impression is actually that Coventry was far less of a gater's track than it was often criticised for and that it provided me and thousands of other fans with so many happy times.
"The sad decline of the sport generally and the devastation of the stadium is awful for those of us who had such happy times over so many years. It was fitting that the last true memory went to Booey and the resting of his ashes. While the stadium may disappear, the happy times, the drama, the noise and smells will live forever."
Speedway Plus (www.speedwayplus.com): "Memories of Coventry Speedway is a six-hour epic that is an absolutely essential purchase for anyone who has spent happy evenings in CV8.
"Ole Olsen gives a lengthy interview, conducted recently, interspersed with archive clips of him in action for the Bees during his hey-day. It's clear that his influence over the club extended far beyond that you would normally expect a rider to have. Clearly inspired by the way that Ivan Mauger would transform a club, Olsen worked closely with promoter Charles Ochiltree to decide which riders would be signed and how the team would operate.
"There are hundreds of little moments on these DVDs that will transport you back to happier times. This production has clearly been a labour of love, it's beautifully put together and a "must have" for anyone who has ever supported the Bees. Even if you're a fan of another club, there's plenty here for you to enjoy too, a simply marvellous product that we highly recommend."
Garry Cambridge: "It's absolutely fabulous. Every Bees fan should have one. In fact, every speedway fan should! How lucky we were. They were the best of times. I watched the third disc last night and, of course, it has to include some images of the unthinkable, because it is the reality. I sensed in Tony Mac's narration his frustration at the senseless situation in which we find ourselves , because he's a speedway man and this is an incalculable loss to speedway. This is, for all that, a fabulous, absorbing production for any speedway fan and not just Coventry fans. Well done, Retro Speedway, it's superb, great stuff."
Jill Thomas: "Brilliant, really enjoyed it."
101 BIG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MOMENTS (1970-1994) DVD Speedway Plus (www.speedwayplus.com): "A great mix of nostalgia, controversy and great racing."
SPEEDWAY IN THE 70s DVD Duncan Pemberton: "If you haven't bought this DVD and you hanker for memories of the golden era, you HAVE to buy this. Glass of wine, stick it on and sit back and wallow in the time speedway was BRILLIANT. Your DVDs are great."
BACKTRACKING BOOK (Vol 1) Speedway Star review by editor Richard Clark (Dec 8, 2016):"If you don't want these in your Christmas stocking, you're not a speedway fan. Only in speedway can you get such a colourful cavalcade of characters all so willing to talk openly and honestly about their time in the sport." Speedway Plus (www.speedwayplus.com): "If you're a fan of 70s, 80s and 90s speedway who doesn't subscribe to Backtrack, then this will definitely appeal to you. Lots of the stars of those decades are able to speak with a candour that wouldn't have been possible during their careers." appeal to you. Lots of the stars of those decades are able to speak with a candour that wouldn't have been possible during their careers.
PETER COLLINS RACING DVD Speedway Plus (www.speedwayplus.com): "The box-set is a must for every fan of speedway in the 70s and 80s. Peter Collins is one of the most entertaining speedway riders of all-time and this is packed with many great examples of his talents. There's the usual regret that he didn't race in the HD television era, but the quality of the racing makes up for the quality of some of the available footage." Phil Collins (brother of PC): "Just seen the trailer. Get your copy. This would make a great Christmas gift, especially for dads and mums who would remember Peter when he was The Man."
AMERICANS IN BRITAIN RACING DVD Speedway Plus (www.speedwayplus.com): "These DVDS are a useful reminder of some of the less celebrated Americans to make their way over the Atlantic. Names like Randy Green, Eddie Ingels, Ron Preston and Robert Pfetzing have slipped from memory over the years, so it's great to see them featured here. Running to four hours, there's enough great speedway action to keep any fan entertained, especially those that were seduced by the glitz and glamour of these All-American Boys."
BRUCE PENHALL RACING DVD Gerald Clark: "Brilliant rider, great DVD."
DAVE MORTON: TAPES BREAKS AND HEARTACHES BOOK Speedway Plus (www.speedwayplus.com): "It's a remarkably honest and detailed account of his career, also touching on his upbringing and his life since he retired. He's equally honest about his personal life in the UK, candidly discussing the tragic loss of his young son (Jamie) and the breakdown of several long-term relationships. Although Dave Morton initially seemed a slightly unlikely candidate for the autobiography treatment, he's got an interesting story to tell. He certainly lifts the lid on some speedway happenings that haven't become public previously. A very enjoyable and insightful read." From Facebook . . . Harry Harrison: "Much better read than the majority of autobiographies around by sports 'personalities'. Dave really did everything his way, and when it really was tough. "They say never meet your heroes. Well, I was fortunate to meet Dave, a sharp to fantastic guy. Incredibly humble and genuinely pleased to meet and greet his fans. Dave Morton, you really are a legend." Lee Kilby: "Absolutely terrific read. Highs and lows a plenty. Such a shame Dave picked up so many injuries, who knows what he could have achieved. Thanks, Dave, for telling your story and Tony Mac for getting it out to us." Doug Nicolson: "Really enjoyed the book, a good read. Enjoyed his take on the goings-on the night Ellesmere Port came to Blantyre 2, when track staff - rather than the referee - stopped a race! Great moments in sport." Paul Clements: "I read the book, enjoyed it, couldn't put it down." Phil Collins: "Hey Mort, after four sittings I read it from cover to cover. I just felt compelled to send you a note and let you know how much I enjoyed it. Well done, 'Big Mort'." Glen Belcher: "Dave Morton's book was a great read from start to finish. I had seen Mort ride a couple of times and remember well the 'events' of the night of April 6, 1976 at Blackbird Road. I remember it, because you rode wearing my favourite number 6. I remember your 'off'. I remember Ray Wilson being carted off and I remember having a good old night of it with mates, because the 6th of April is my birthday and I was 22 that night. The early days described riding home-made bikes on fields were just like re-living my own young life. "Brilliant book, full of speedway anecdotes (obviously), but also the human and ordinary side of the sport with friends and family involved. I found myself saying things like, 'Ah, we did that once' and, 'Yeah, we drove one of those'. "And, of course, the heartache noted in the title with relationship problems and decisions over clubs and money matters, etc, all eclipsed by a real tragedy - again, written with real feeling - that makes Chapter 14 impossible to read with dry eyes. I can recommend it." Geoffrey Tomlinson: "It's a great book, Glen, and Dave is a top man. I was at Foxhall when he had a nasty crash. Everybody was worried for him, but he came through and continued racing for a few years after that. A mark of the man. "It's the type of book you read through, then continue to read again and again, there is so much in it. I suggest you buy it for £16 - a bargain." Brian Ford: "Found it a great read, an insight into your career, life and you as a person. Meeting you today was a pleasure." Mike Cowley: "If you haven't bought Dave's book, it's probably the best £16 you will spend. A fine read, thoughtful and well written, and a great insight."
KELLY MORAN RACING Speedway Plus: "Kelly died in 2010 after suffering from emphysema, tragically he was still some months short of his 50th birthday. A sad end for a man who brought so much pleasure to thousands around the world. "As with their previous productions, the Retro Speedway team have combed the archives to find the very best footage available of their subject and pulled together an entertaining documentary. The rather fragmented nature of Kelly's career in Europe is mirrored in this production. Like us, you may have to rewind to check that you haven't inadvertently skipped past 1985 and 1986! "He was an interesting character and a great racer and these DVDs do him justice." JOHN LOUIS: A LIFETIME IN SPEEDWAY BOOK Speedway Plus: "The book certainly seems to have been painstakingly researched, with good use made of facts and figures to add meat to the bones of the story. There are also hundreds of pictures included, a mix of action shots, promotional pictures, team line-ups and personal snaps. There's also a special section of colour photographs, including recent pictures of John back in his old 'Tiger' leathers and cutting a rug on the dance floor. "Recent converts to the sport may only know John as the Ipswich promoter or as 'Chris' Dad', so this book is a timely reminder of what an incredible life he has had. Despite being a late starter, he is one of Britain's best ever riders and one of the longest serving promoters in history. "This autobiography is long overdue, fully justified and extremely well executed. This is poles apart from the cash-in autobiographies that celebrities rush out at this time of year, it's evident just how much work has gone into this book and this a story that is well worth telling. "An essential purchase for everyone in the Ipswich area and a highly-recommended one for everywhere else in the speedway world." Read the full review at http://www.speedwayplus.co.uk/
Dick Partridge: "Read the John Louis book already, couldn't put it down! A great gift for any speedway follower." Paul Woolnough: "I've just sat and read it in one go - three hours!" Carl Squirrell: "Interesting reading JL's thoughts about John Berry. I thought I was the only one that didn't see eye to eye with him!"
Ipswich Town FC (programme): "Along with Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson, John's exploits helped put Ipswich on the map and at the same time provided endless hours of entertainment at Foxhall Stadium."
OLE OLSEN RACING DVD Speedway Plus: "Ole threatening to pull out of the Spring Classic at Wimbledon as the other riders object to his interpretation of the tyre rules. "Footage of Ole leading his beloved Coventry Bees in action at the likes of Birmingham, Leicester and Reading. "Ole admitting he was retiring because he'd lost the desperate 'will to win' that had driven him earlier in his career. "Film from his farewell meeting at Brandon, including stepping to the top of the rostrum for one last time (despite not actually winning the meeting). "Ole cutting a dash on the Danish version of Strictly Come Dancing, a sign of how strong a legacy he left in his homeland."
MICHAEL LEE RACING DVD Speedway Plus: "Some terrific clashes with Kenny Carter for the Golden Helmet at The Shay. Sadly, the DVD also has to reflect the sudden and dramatic fall from grace in the years following his World Final win. The film from the infamous England v USA Test match, one of the first to enforce the new tape-touching regulation, is extraordinary to watch. It's entirely obvious that Michael's head was "not in the game" at all." TRAGEDY: KENNY CARTER eBOOK Graham Brodie: I first read this book eight years ago when it was first published and when author Tony McDonald told me that it had been revised, updated and issued as an e-book, I thought that it would be a good move to read the story again.
I never knew Kenny well; as a referee you have limited opportunities to socialise away from the track, but I had been present at many of the occasions referred to in the book. The cancelled Internationale, Wembley 1981, Los Angeles 1982, the broken leg in Vetlanda and the 1986 World Pairs meeting in Lonigo all feature in my own memories of the man.
He was brash, outspoken and proud of his Yorkshire and British heritage but until I read his story I had no idea of the extent of his personal troubles which ultimately led to his tragic end.
Tony took upon himself a very difficult task but has skilfully managed to put together a very readable account of Kenny's life on and off the track. It is a harrowing story, particularly when its horrific climax has already been chronicled elsewhere, but despite its second reading I still found it hard to put down (or switch off in this case) and it has prompted me to dig out brother Alan Carter's later book from my bookshelf to read again.
Frankly, at £4.99 this e-book is a bargain download from Amazon to read on your iPad or Kindle. I thoroughly recommend it.
TRAGEDY: KENNY CARTER eBOOK (reviews posted on Amazon Customer: I am a prolific reader. A bookworm. Since late teens through to present day my preferred genre has always been thrillers and murder mystery with a bit of true crime thrown in for good measure. I have recently discovered goodreads and as a consequence have widened my choices of genre quite considerably. I also happen to be an enormous fan of speedway and when I came across this book on a Facebook group I decided to read it. It is the first sports related book I have ever read and so despite my interest in speedway I was a little apprehensive about starting it. I am immensely chuffed to say that I am so glad I started it.
I could not put it down. Despite the horrendously tragic subject matter I enjoyed it thoroughly. A desperately sad story which draws sympathy for a man who is ultimately a murderer.
The story is told chronologically starting when Kenny was just a young boy and it helps to build a picture of his life and to possibly guide the reader to understand what led him to commit the ultimate crime.
For any speedway fan this book goes behind the scenes with some of history's most celebrated riders at some of the biggest events of world speedway and it is a fascinating insight into the life of a rider, one which I am sure after reading it has many similarities with some of the riders of today. Reading it led me to research the 'golden days' of the 70s and 80s and watch various clips on YouTube of World Finals and sold out Wembley arenas and it has certainly given me a deeper appreciation of the sport and how far we have come today.
As for the book itself, I am not an easy reader to please but this one ticked all the boxes. It is well written, has a great structure and pace and was very enjoyable to read. I highly recommend it to anyone; speedway fan or not, and guarantee you will find it an enjoyable read. Tragic, moving, exciting and sometimes hilarious it is one not to miss.
Barry P: I bought the Kindle edition at the weekend and have already read the book from cover to cover.
It really brings back a sense of the sport and the characters within the sport some 30 years ago. Reading about the personal challenges Carter faced from such an early age provides more understanding of his driven, somewhat selfish, character.
The nature of his rags-to-riches rise up the speedway ladder is well written, along with the rivalry with the likes of Penhall and virtually everyone else.
People talk of his unfulfilled talent, but this excellent book reaffirms just what an exceptional talent he was on a speedway bike and with more than a little luck he could have become World Champion.
The last few chapters are a tough read and my heart goes out to the Carter and Lund families for having to live with the fallout of what happened in May 1986. Immense credit too towards Alan Carter for his frankness and honest appraisal of what went on.
Andy Johnson: I've wanted to read this for some time after stumbling across some online reviews of it but, with no copies apparently available other than ridiculously priced 2nd hand ones on here, it was beginning to look unlikely I ever would until the Kindle version was thankfully released. After starting, I couldn't put it down and would heartily recommend it to any speedway fan. Hoping very much to see more of these books released on Kindle.
Rob Peasley: Although I'm old-fashioned and prefer books to e-books, I'd glad this is now available again, after the print version sold out, and recommend it to anyone who didn't get the hard copy. Tony Mac gets the tone perfect, without either sympathising or condemning Kenny Carter. It unfolds as a horror story, but it's a book that is impossible to put down once you've starting reading.
TRAGEDY: KENNY CARTER eBOOK (reviews via Twitter) @stavrosslatley: "best £4.99 you'll spend .... Guaranteed."
@stavrosslatley: "couldn't put it down, read it in a day, goosebumps reading the last few pages, tragic story, brilliant read."
@deanobarker: "Going to order it now the man was a hero never got to meet him just heard the story's."
â€@TynieDevil: "not a fan of e-books but changed my opinion for this one. Looking forward to the whole book. Thx all involved."
â€@stavrosslatley: "its a must read for any speedway fan, most of us won't have known half the stuff in the book."
â€@JezLynch: "I might be biased as a Dukes fan but it's a great read."
@chrisbackhouse2: "great book and great rider. My hero when I was a young 'un."
â€@MrMikePearce: "Well worth a read."
â€@stavrosslatley: "altho my era only met him once have to say unashamedly that my opinion of him has changed after reading the book, great job."
BILLY SANDERS RACING DVD Speedway Plus: "The career of Billy Sanders is the subject of this new DVD from Retro Speedway. The Australian is inevitably remembered for the tragic way that his life ended, meaning that the joy he brought to thousands is often overlooked. Hopefully this new DVD, produced some 30 years since his death, can help to refresh a few memories. One of our concerns about the DVD was whether sufficient footage of Sanders would exist to justify the production. Clearly we'd underestimated both the resourcefulness of Tony McDonald at Retro Speedway and how successful Sanders actually was. His regular appearances in the very biggest meetings means there's plenty of film of him in top-level racing, added to which a good selection of film from Australian meetings has been found. Some of the Aussie film from the early years is a bit grainy, but definitely worthy of inclusion." Read the full review at http://www.speedwayplus.co.uk/
BRUCE PENHALL RACING DVD Speedway Plus: "It's unimaginable that any fan of Bruce or Cradley Heath wouldn't want this DVD. It's a time capsule of his career and is snappily edited to ensure it retains your attention throughout." Read the full review at http://www.speedwayplus.co.uk/
Brian Burford for Speedway Star (June 6, 2015): Watching this two-disc DVD set of double World Champion Bruce Penhall leaves me in no doubt that not only was the American a superstar, he was the last superstar that we've had. It's amazing to think that Penhall's international career lasted no more than five seasons and yet the mark that he left on speedway has been indelible. It has always been my opinion that his retirement was a blow from which the sport in the UK, and the USA, has never recovered. With his glamorous looks, glitzy race suits - today's kevlars are dull in comparison - showmanship and charisma, Bruce took the sport into parts of the mainstream where it has yet to venture since. Bruce Penhall Racing is the latest edition to Retro Speedway's 'Racing' DVD stable that has so far included Penhall's great rival, Kenny Carter, Michael Lee and Kelly Moran. Like the rest in the series, this is a lengthy collection of the American's most memorable races totalling over 100 four-lap extravaganzas. It covers his career from his early days in California to the world titles, via Test matches, controversies and some contemporary interviews. Anyone who hasn't seen the footage from the On Any Sunday II movie will not have to purchase that DVD, because Penhall's appearance is included in this set featuring some rare material from the 1979 Master of Speedway competition from Vojens - although the 'Sunday' film-makers certainly took some Hollywood-style artistic licence with the racing scenes. Having viewed this not long after the Kelly Moran DVD, I was struck by the fact that on the Moran film you can see the crowds are dropping off as the years tick by, but not so on this Penhall anthology. Was this because the sport was still healthy, or the Penhall phenomenon was such that it helped maintain the sport's position in the public psyche alongside cricket, football and F1, etc? Clearly their machines were more of a handful than some would have us believe and, despite the fact that these meetings took place over 30 years ago, the sport looks just as professional, if not more so, than it does today. It's pleasing to see that my memory of Penhall's on-track prowess is largely intact, because the American didn't rely on his starting. As this set confirms, he rarely settled for second and he'd regularly scrape the fence in order to get ahead of his rivals. For those of us who were there, the 1981 World Final - scene of his first world title triumph - will always be found among the top-three best meetings of all-time. If you know someone who doesn't have a lot of time for the shale game, show him or her Bruce's two brilliant races against Danish stars Ole Olsen and Tommy Knudsen and they're sure to go away with a greater appreciation of our sport. They're just as exciting now as they were all those years ago and certainly as good as the best that the Grands Prix has served up. And, of course, this compilation features the now infamous Heat 14 clash between Penhall and Britain's Kenny Carter in Los Angeles in 1982 - this must surely be the most watched speedway race of all time? The 'did he fall or was he pushed?' debate has been going on ever since. However, Retro has pulled off a bit of a coup. Like many other tapes, DVDs and other forms of media that show this race, you'll get to view all the angles that were available at the time and have been on-hand ever since. Retro, though, has managed to obtain rare film from a different angle that was made available shortly after that World Final because the Penhall camp was tired of the continued criticism. The television series, CHiPs - which Penhall joined after he retired - was filming the action for inclusion in their own show and, subsequently, their cameras shot the clash from a different angle and it's this material that's included. Is it conclusive one way or the other? I'll leave you to decide that. What I will say is that I can guarantee that you'll still be talking about it long after you've ejected the disc. Mike Donaldson: It's very well put together by year, by event - from his career at Cradley Heath, to WTC matches and World Championship qualifiers, on to the World Finals. As I watched, I noticed my body tense up as if I were there in person watching it, especially with some of the last lap finishes. As I viewed each race, I wished that each member of the current American SWC team could watch it before they go to battle overseas. This is a just-see for any American speedway fan.
KELLY MORAN RACING DVD Shawn Moran: "That is way bitchin, gave me a very cool feeling watchin Kel, I thank you for that. It's a diouble thumbs up, plus a few fingers!
Mike Donaldson (USA): Just finished watching Kelly Moran Racing from Retro Speedway. Simply brilliant. Review of his career by year, match and heat race with plenty of interviews with one of the most loved speedway riders of all time. The entire time that I've managed Kelly's Facebook group, I've yet to come across a 'hater', which is very rare in the history of racing. If this video shows anything, it's his courage and commitment towards racing. You see many times when he's out-gated, but doesn't let up in the first turn and ends up ahead. The other reason I love this DVD is it shows Kelly with 'Shooey', teaming up to take many 5-1s against the competition. This is a must-see, especially for his family, his many fans at Sheffield and Belle Vue and us Americans who can now see what he was doing when he left the States. The list of people that are on it is endless. Towards the end it really grabs your heart when he pairs up with Greg Hancock in some WTC races. This shows ya how good he really was.
Brian Burford for Speedway Star (May 30, 2015): Kelly Moran Racing DVD is the latest edition to the 'racing' series from Retro Speedway and it contains 108 classics from The Wizard of Balance spread over two discs. And what you get is pretty much what is says on the sleeve, racing. Moran shot to stardom as an 18-year-old when he finished fourth in the 1979 World Final at Katowice - he was, in fact, in a four-man run-off for third. All of his races from that meeting, including the heroic clash with Zenon Plech, are featured on this DVD and you can see why his exciting performance propelled him into the spotlight across the speedway globe. Some might be wondering why the inclusion of this footage is such a big deal, I mean it's a given right? Well, actually no, because ITV's then World of Sport programme didn't broadcast it when they should have because of a strike, which means finding such material is notoriously difficult. In fact, the quality is the best I have seen from this event. Gathering this footage isn't as easy as you'd think and Retro should be applauded for finding action from the Czech Golden Helmet, a rare Denmark v USA Test match and action from California, plus many more besides. Disc one begins with the UK Qualifying Round of the 1979 World Team Cup from Reading in conditions that were better suited for boats than bikes. Without question such an event wouldn't have gone ahead in this day and age; and yet the riders didn't just potter around the puddles because, with national pride at stake, the inclement weather wasn't allowed to hinder the business of racing. You get all three of his World Final appearances (1979, '82 and '84) and it's during the Los Angeles final when you get to hear commentator Barry Briggs describe Moran's pass of Hans Nielsen as a 'masterful piece of overtaking,' which illustrates just how highly people like Briggo and Ivan Mauger regarded the little American's skills - he made it look so easy. However, this is not a critical analysis of the man, but more of a celebration of his talent, popularity and personality. Talent? That's in abundance, in particular some wonderful action from Sheffield v Coventry in 1988 when he takes care of a tenacious Tommy Knudsen, and a true classic from King's Lynn in '82 with his magnificent race against Dave Jessup. Popularity? He was adored during his two spectacular years at Eastbourne which can clearly be seen when a fan reaches over and slaps a hand of 'good luck' on his arm as he makes his way to the start-line. Personality? His charm and sometimes direct responses when being interviewed illustrate a sense of fun as well as an honesty that would sometimes cut his critics to the bone. The races come thick and fast from around the world, where he was more than a match for the big names of the period like Collins, Ermolenko, Gundersen, Lee, Olsen, Penhall, etc, and in most cases these encounters speak for themselves. While covering the years from 1979 and 1992, the viewer is able to track not only Kelly's progress, but also the decline of the sport itself. During the early 80s even the league matches look well-attended but by the time you get to 1987, big gaps appear on the terraces. Moran's own style, exciting, determined and sometimes unpredictable during the first half, becomes assured, smoother and more calculated by disc two. When watching the action from the Yorkshire TV Trophy from Hull, you receive a glimpse of a supporter strolling around The Boulevard wearing a Viking helmet complete with horns. The sight of this man transported me back to 1979 at the Abbey Stadium, when I was presented with a peculiar scene as my friend argued with this distinctively-dressed individual through the fence that divided the cheap and dear sides. Therefore, as the premise of this collection is to bring back fond memories of Moran and the sport at that time, there is little doubt that it does just that, and is also a permanent record of why Kelly Moran is still regarded as one of speedway's most gifted ever racers. MEMORIES OF HALIFAX SPEEDWAY DVD Mike Turner: "Good work on the Memories of Halifax DVD. Enjoyed the interviews with Boocock, Eric and Bonnie Boothroyd and the Lohmanns. Great memories recalled by my wife and I when we dashed home from The Shay, kids left with grandma and then elbowing our way through the throng at the Prospect Inn. Really wonderful days. The DVD brought home to us just how many meetings we went to which were packed with talent. Eric Boocock made us smile with his Yorkshire humour - he always called a spade a spade. Nice stories about his encounters with KC."
Mick Cockcroft: "Well, just sat for four hours and watched the Halifax Speedway DVD that I got from Santa, and I have to say you can't beat a bit of nostalgia and reminiscing. I know it's over 30 years ago since The Shay on a Saturday night, but it honestly felt like yesterday listening to fantastic interviews from Messiahs Boothroyd and Boocock, Mikael Lohmann-Jørgensen and Klaus Lohmann and watching footage of racing from The Shay. Absolutely brilliant, I would well recommend to all Halifax Dukes supporters who remember the 70s and 80,s to go ahead and buy this DVD of pure Dukes nostalgia. A special thanks to Mike and Klaus for their great memories and kind words of appreciation to Dukes supporters. Probably our last chance to keep a little bit of Halifax Speedway to ourselves, as we remember it."
NATIONAL LEAGUE HEROES DVD Speedway Star (Dec 20, 2014): "It's another fine collection of historic footage which is ensured to have the viewer reminiscing and wallowing in nostalgia about, in some cases, forgotten names of riders racing at some sadly gone forever tracks."
MEMORIES OF IPSWICH SPEEDWAY: THE JOHN BERRY YEARS DVD Speedway Star (Nov 22, 2014): "Wallow in the two-disc set, coloured, as ever, with plenty of appropriate racing clips. And marvel at how it also seems like a peek into a bygone era, when two grammar school lads could take on the speedway establishment . . . and win. Fascinating."
KENNY CARTER RACING DVD Philip Kirk: "A tremendous watch."
Sidney (posted on the British Speedway Forum at "I have just finished watching the Kenny Carter Racing DVD, a must for any speedway fan. Superb comes to mind. I really enjoyed watching it and it brought back some great memories. Say what you want, the bloke was some rider. But it was worth £16 alone just to see the two Golden Helmet match-races at Halifax between Carter and Lee. Lee on that day was unbelievable - he made Carter look like a novice. A great watch, all fans should get this."
ProperSport (posted on the British Speedway Forum at "A superb DVD, as indeed is Defunct British Speedway Tracks IMO. Some grainy footage and quite a bit of The Zoo at Hyde Rd, but some really great stuff - Rochdale looked cold watching it on telly!"
Mike Turner: "The Kenny Carter DVD is an absolute cracker! Lots of stuff I had never seen, evokes lots of positive memories. Well done."
MEMORIES OF SWINDON SPEEDWAY DVD Anton Hammer: "What wonderful memories of a golden era. I first went to Swindon in the mid-50s, my father having been to the first meeting there in 1949. Wonderful to see Broady, Briggo, Martin (Ashby) and Dukey (Barry Duke) talking about their riding time with the Robins. You do a wonderful job keeping us older supporters happy."
Lee Kilby: "What a terrific watch! After watching this DVD you feel very honoured to have spent the last few hours listening to some amazing Robins legends recalling their racing days. The old photographs and cine footage are just amazing. I was only four-years-old when my dad Bob Kilby retired (I have some memories of 1983 & 1988), so, sadly, I have no memory of him racing in his prime. To see some footage of him racing and just being himself in leathers was very special. Glynn Shailes' memory is something very special. If he doesn't know it about Swindon speedway, frankly, it never happened! Some great stories and wonderful memories from some of the Robins' best ever riders. This is a must for any Robins fan whether young or old. Either remember the 'good old days' fondly or look back to a time when the sport was very, very special, with some truly brilliant characters involved." KING'S LYNN SUPER STARS (1965-90) DVD Keith Keeble: "Fascinating to watch, well recommended."
BACKTRACK ISSUE 65 Adrian Stockwell: "As always, Backtrack brings back some wonderful memories from my time as a Wimbledon fan from 1972-1980. This is a magazine that certainly re-boots my youth! I must say I loved the '50 Memorable Moments of Wimbledon'. Ronnie Moore and Tommy Jansson are/were huge heroes of mine; the recent articles on the life and times of Dave Lanning were terrific; the Page 3 photo of 'Shrimp' Davey was superb and the back page shot of Simon Wigg and Ronnie Correy was simply outstanding."
KING'S LYNN SUPER STARS (1965-90) DVD Speedway Star: "The package serves as a direct follow up to Retro Speedway's hugely nostalgic 'Memories of Norwich Speedway', only this time they are obviously blessed with more modern and therefore better quality footage plus much fresher memories from the extensive list of people interviewed."
DEFUNCT BRITISH SPEEDWAY TRACKS DVD Speedway Star (Oct 2014): "If you once frequented one or more of these defunct venues, you are almost guaranteed to wallow in unbridled nostalgia while fighting back the tears of lost days gone by. This is definitely no 'feel-good' film for Christmas but would make a wonderful gift of permanent recollections at the forthcoming festive season."
MEMORIES OF IPSWICH SPEEDWAY THE JOHN BERRY YEARS DVD Barry Scowen: "Absolutely first class, great production - I emailed James Easter about his part in it. Sitting here at 68, I thought I was 30 again. Lots of smiles (and a few tears). Will be watched many, many times."
BRITISH SPEEDWAY MEMORIES BOOK Ken Wrench: "Just a quick note to congratulate you on doing such an excellent job with British Speedway Memories. I hate to think how much time, effort and soul-searching went into selecting and collating such a compilation. Obviously, doubtless like everyone else, I am flattered that I am part of it, all the more so when I look at the variety of contributors that you have assembled. After browsing around it a good deal, I am now reading through and find the content fascinating."
NATIONAL LEAGUE HEROES DVD Vicky Saxecoburg: "Brilliant DVD, well worth every penny."
KING'S LYNN SUPER STARS (1965-90) DVD Martin Rogers: "Retro Speedway publisher and editor Tony McDonald 'gets' what it is all about, which is why his acclaimed club histories and other publications so successfully resonate with the fans. His talent is to gently coax people to talk freely about what it all meant to them, the wins, the losses, supporters, promoters, the distillation of the best years of their lives as contributors to the King's Lynn history. It's heart on the sleeve stuff."
Marion Palmer: "I would just like to say how much I enjoyed them. I laughed, cried and swooned, especially at Terry Betts. The effort and time that went into them you should be congratulated on turning out such entertainment. Many thanks, look forward to the next ones."
Kevin Turner: "Thanks Retro Speedway for interviewing my bro, Ian Turner. Watching the footage is quite an emotional trip. Memories I will never forget. The footage I have watched on the KL Stars DVD was fantastic and without doubt takes me back around 40 years ago. Keep up the good work."
MEMORIES OF IPSWICH SPEEDWAY: THE JOHN BERRY YEARS Geoffrey Tomlinson: "Excellent watch, will be adding more of your DVDs to my collection soon."
DEFUNCT BRITISH SPEEDWAY TRACKS DVD Duncan Pemberton@duncanpemberton • Oct 14 @retrospeedway just watched Defunct Tracks DVD. Excellent stuff to see places I've been or riders and tracks I didn't see in flesh #mustsee
Vicky Saxecoburg: "Always great getting DVDs from Retro Speedway. Always well put together and informative. This latest one does not disappoint, well worth the money."
BRITISH SPEEDWAY MEMORIES BOOK Howard Murphy: "Just to let you know I've read the British Speedway Memories book while on a week's break. Brilliant read, loved every minute of it. A lot of today's promoters could do with reading it and taking a lot of the points raised on board."
Mike Turner: "Congratulations on your latest book. I must say it invokes plenty of memories. I liked the mix of comments from fans, riders and others, it truly reflects what we all see as the USP of speedway. A must for everybody who has ever been to a speedway meeting. Well done - my 'Book of the Year'.
MEMORIES OF HACKNEY SPEEDWAY DVD Barry Thomas: "Many thanks for DVDs and Backtracks. I thought you did a brilliant job on both and will have to order a bigger helmet now! All the best and wish you good luck for the future - Thommo." MEMORIES OF WEST HAM SPEEDWAY Barry Colbert: "Many, many congratulations on the fantastic job you have done in putting this work together. I can now understand why we had to wait just that little bit longer before we got our hands on it - it was well worth the wait. It was wonderful to watch and listen to those amazing stories from the past from all those people that you were able to interview or to obtain from old interviews. The archive footage and photo stills are just priceless. Anybody watching this can tell that this project was lovingly put together with such care and attention to details. Not only that, the reverse of the case says that you get approx 180 mins. Well, I timed it at over four hours in total, so what excellent value for money."
MEMORIES OF WIMBLEDON SPEEDWAY DVD John Burgin: "Just wanted to congratulate you on the Wimbledon DVD. I have just finished watching my copy and it certainly brought back a lot of happy memories. Keep up the good work."
SHOOEY: LIFE AND TIMES OF SHAWN MORAN Clive Read: "What a great testament this DVD is to Shooey as a man, someone who reached great heights but for whom racing and entertaining were the thing. His sense of balance and brilliance and never say die attitude wowed the crowds and the DVD captures some of his best moments on a bike. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves speedway."
GENERAL Simon Ruthven: "I must say how much I have enjoyed all the DVDs I have purchased from you, including speedway in the 70s & 80s, World Finals of the 70s & 80s. plus the great DVDs on Mark Loram and Mike Lee. I have also renewed my subscription to Backtrack, as it is always a great read. My dad enjoys your Classic speedway publication too!"
TRACK MEMORIES DVDs
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DVDS... DRAMA OF THE BIG OCCASIONS
RACING DVDS... HOURS OF THRILLING NON-STOP ACTION FROM THE GREATS
INDIVIDUAL RIDER INTERVIEWS... INCLUDING ACTION FOOTAGE
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MAGAZINES
BACKTRACK Final Issue 111 out now! For fans who loved speedway in the 1970s & 80s
CLASSIC SPEEDWAY Final Issue 57 out now! Launched in May 2008, the glossy quarterly specialising in the 50s and 60s eras
BLOGS
THE best, most thought-provoking, pieces written by our knowledgeable team of writers that have appeared in Backtrack and Classic Speedway magazine since Retro Speedway was formed in 2004.