He said: I stood down for personal reasons. What this means is that the very best riders are stealing the places of other, lesser riders, and this cascades right down the system. Olsen was the main man but don't have any memories of the racing itself - just the smell of the fuel and standing near the fence by the track corners in the hope of being covered in shale as the riders went by. Save Coventry Speedway - Facebook Nigel Boocock - the greatest trier of them all. That takes skill. Grace (USA)Jul 6, 1912..Wandamere Motordrome, Slt Lake City, Utah, USA (B-R), A spectator, Cunningham died from injuries sustained in the crash in which Harry DAVIS lost his life (Jul 4), DALLEY, Russell (USA)Sep 8, 1912Vailsburg Motordrome, Newark, NJ, USA (B-R). Add 4 . Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I have been watching The Bees, home & away, continuously since 1971. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. SPEEDWAY RIDERS BENEVOLENT FUNDWhile this siteis a grim reminder of the tragedies that have occurred throughout the history of the sport, there have been countless other riders who have been injured, often very seriously. We introduced many friends to the sport and we enjoyed the chat and the banter with other supporters. It was extraordinary just to watch and listen after sunset, when the match result hung on the result of the final heat and the crowd went bonkers. You're quite right, Philip, and the sport has never really "caught on" with the new generations who have all the alternatives for leisure and pleasure Coventry Brandon Stadium saved from becoming housing Read about our approach to external linking. In 1976 Charles Ochiltree tried to lure Ole Olsen from Wolverhampton to ride at Coventry. However he has done speedway in this country no favours since taking over the GP series & for that reason he is omitted. This was ominously blank. These were the days of black cinders. LOGIN - JOIN HERE FOR PRICE Max: 1. I now live near Poole stadium and watch the Bees when they are the opposition. Historic Coventry Forum: Coventry Speedway Very family friendly sport Speedway. Phone: Call Retro Speedway on 01708 734 502. It was an arrangement that suited both sports. In 1983, he spent a season as team manager at King's Lynn Stars before becoming promoter at Cradley Heath in 1984. These riders invariably participated in both disciplines, as well as road-racing. A 'Save Our Speedway' campaign has been started by supporters of the Coventry Bees speedway team, in the face of news that outline planning permission is. Ole! I think at least part of the problem for British Speedway is the complete lack of coordination with other European Leagues. My favourite rider of all time is Nigel Boocock. Eisses was one of two thirteen-year old boys (Gerrit BAKKER was the other) killed when a riderless bike hit a crowd of spectators at a grass-track meeting. The hare was thought to be steam powered, a Mamod traction engine disguised to look like a rabbit) is only used for training now, apparently. The home ground is Brandon Stadium in Warwickshire. . BOTTOMS, Alf (England).May 3, 1951Luxembourg (Car Racing - Luxembourg GP), Retired from speedway, former Wembley star Alf died while practicing for the Luxembourg GP). 6 talking about this. My hero was Graham Warren (later to ride for the Bees). Coventry Cycle Speedway | Coventry - Facebook A speedway rider doesnt need to train a great deal but they need to be physically fit. In 1998, the opportunity arose to join the Coventry Bees as promoter and Pratt has been there ever since in promoter/co-promoter and team manager roles. Whilst great riders like Barry Briggs, Peter Craven, Ronnie Moore, Bruce Penhall, Erik Gundersen, Tony Rickardsson and others, could always, we believed be beaten, but over certain periods there were riders who were very special. He and a pal bought a Dodge lorry each and started as hauliers. This is a perennial problem in Speedway. Speedway started in Coventry in 1947 when founding Bees boss Charlie Ochiltree put an advert in the paper inviting people to have a go for 7s 6d. They have a rich history of success with 5 British League titles and 3 Elite League titles not to mention cup wins and other glories. Tributes paid to former Coventry City FC director John Reason He said: I was tickled pink when I was asked to be deputy chairman because it was the height of my association with the club.. 122 of 311 Wed 2nd Jul 2014 9:58pm. Online: Use the secure PayPal facility by clicking the Cart button below. Speedway riders, history and results. My first memories of the Coventry Bees, was going with my dad during the fifties, with the crawl of traffic through Binley Woods. There is also additional informationregarding some of the riders listed. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. But we managed to rustle it up and used an old air raid shelter as a workshop to mess about with the engines and we eventually had about 30 bikes in there.. No mention of Ole Olsen is given. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Greg Downs & Steve Ogrizovic of Coventry celebrate after winning FA cup final against Tottenham Hotspur, John Reason when he became a Coventry City FC director in December 1985, Coventry Lions distributed Christmas cheer and 10 parcels of food throughout Coventry in December 1986. Ole Olsen and Coventry Bees : The Glory DaysBy Ian Davey. Speaking in 2017, Ole Olsen said British speedway was going downhill and that he feared for its future, criticizing the lack of investment in the sport. Read about our approach to external linking. Campaigners have won a long-running battle to save a speedway stadium from being turned into housing. Thisa small list of names who, although not listed above,I feel merit inclusion on this site. Now based on Siskin Parkway it is still run by members of the family with Mr Reasons grandchildren now in charge of it. Ole, the "Great Dane", was a world-class rider who had already won the World Championship twice. BUKAT, Herbert (Germany)..Aug 1, 1933.Grunewald Stadion, Berlin, Germany. The then Promoter at Coventry was Charles Ochiltree, a legend in Speedway himself. In his first full-time run at the World Championship, he finished in 9th place with 91 points scored. Dalley was one of six spectators who were killed in the crash that claimed the lives ofriders Eddie HASHA and John ALBRIGHT. HOPE, Dick (England).1980Halfpenny Green, Wolverhampton, W. Midlands, England (G-T). Greg Hancock - the nicest guy ever to win championships. The Falcons roll of honour included cup and league triumphs in in every decade from the 1940s to 2004. He also had an eight-year spell as the Great Britain team manager (with Eric Boocock). The site is currently derelict and councillors will consider later a planning application. When speedway was king in Exeter and the Falcons soared He had a hugely successful transport company, his connection as a rider at Coventry speedway then got involved in Coventry City FC where he very much had the role of the caring director from Coventry.. but the one rider of all time I wish I had seen - 75 years this year since he died after a track crash Cap'n Jim is alive and well and living in Wolston, Don't look around to find the sound that's right beneath your feet. Anybody remember 'Crusty Pye', it was alleged he came off every lap!!! In one race coming out of the starting gate Olle was determined to hit the first bend in front so he stuck out his left boot in exaggerated fashion to prevent his opponent on his inside from getting into his normal cornering position. Memories of Coventry Speedway Dvd boss Colin Pratt and Brandon owner Avtar Sandhu told their own story as Poole's Leigh Adams and Tony Rickardsson went past the . Cordon remains in place after multiple stabbings that left one dead, No fairytale ending for Exeter Chiefs' departing stalwarts as La Rochelle triumph in Champions Cup semi-final, Exeter Chiefs were beaten 47-28 by La Rochelle in the semi-final of the 2022/23 Heineken Champions Cup. "The County Ground was famously quick, with a white solid steel wall all the way round the outside. The track still operates at PR1MO International Raceway, prior to that it was Northampton International Raceway, and originally just Brafield Stadium. The home ground is Brandon Stadium in Warwickshire. Retired from motorcycle racing, Ralph died in qualifying practice for the 1948 Indianapolis 500. Brandon Stadium had big crowds and the "Bees" won two championships in 78 and 79, the second being decided by a 42-36 home win for Coventry against Hull in front of a huge crowd. He was old-fashioned. He said: We had a family farm, a smallholding near Brinklow, and for a time the FA Cup was there - on a mantelpiece. Up to six riders would power flat out and anti-clockwise around the track, reaching speeds of up to 70 miles an hour on the straight. Is the old Brafield track still there? After deciding the risk was too great he retired. I went to see banger racing there in the early 70's and it was tarmac that long ago! First of all you have to be a good waiter then have the nuts to ride faster round the outside, sometimes on difficult tracks. [3] In 1962 he scored 177 points from 34 matches for the Potters, and improved further in 1963, scoring 141 points in his first 12 matches and winning all five races to win the Gerry Hussey Memorial Trophy at Rye House, breaking the track record during the meeting. In the early 70's Nigel Boocock ("Little Boy Blue") was still Number One rider at Brandon. One night in 1975 Olle Nygren was riding in his last year for King's Lynn. At its peak, thousands of fans filled the ground to watch the world's top riders race for and against the Coventry Bees before it closed falling into disrepair and becoming the target of acts of vandalism. Coventry Speedway Programmes For Sale Memorabilia Programme Locations are in the UK unless otherwise stated. He was killed on his debutracing on the Isle of Man. POLUKARD, Mieczyslaw (Bydgoszcz & Poland).October 25, 1985.Bydgoszcz, Poland Long retired from competitive racing, former World Finalist Mieczyslaw was killed in a training accident at his home track. One of at least seven spectators burned to death after Odin JOHNSON's fatal accident. Finally, thanks to everyone who has helped me with this project, with a special mention for Jim Henry, Ross Garrigan and Christian Riviere-Ramond. Ole! I became the youth team director and the club went on to win the FA Youth Cup in 1987 as well as the FA Cup. Guy Henderson wrote about his memories of the Falcons for DevonLive after Mauger died at the age of 78 in 2018. ORDER YOUR DVD NOW . He said: "He had an easy smile and gave good interviews. Skip Navigation. 4 Ron Mountford - they say that they had to repaint the kick-boards after each meeting where The Man had left tyre marks in his all-action style Step by step directions for your drive or walk. 2023 BBC. Sorry Cliff, I called you Alan there didn't I? It must have been infuriating for the away team, although they must have been aware of what was likely to happen. Post: Send cheque/postal order (payable to Retro Speedway) for 20 (plus 2 P&P in UK) to: Retro Speedway (Memories of Coventry Speedway DVD), 9 Nursery Close, Glossop, SK13 8PQ. DevonLive looks back at the speedway riders and the glory days of the Exeter Falcons. It seems that my concerns were correct. How Coventry Bees managed to surrender a 14-point aggregate lead in the final of the 2003 KO Cup will be debated and dissected for decades to come. [citation needed]. The top riders, including those in the GP, should be shunted off to a sort of European Super League, with one or two teams from each of the speedway countries. It is not yet known if developers Brandon Estates, who own the land, will appeal the decision. FOEHNER, Thomas (USA)Sep 8, 1912..Vailsburg Motordrome, Newark, NJ, USA (B-R). Apologies for any omissions or inaccuracies, but if you have any amendments or additions (including additional information for current listings), please do not hesitate to contact me, Steve Brown,at. "@Coventry_City director 1985-2003 & @CoventryBees legend, nicknamed The Cream Bun Kid.. Bakker was one of two thirteen-year old boys (Gerrit Eisses was the other) killed when a riderless bike hit a crowd of spectators at a grass-track meeting. Read about our approach to external linking. 1 photo. Mr Reason died on June 7 and his funeral took place at Rainsbrook Crematorium on July 7. Barnett was one of six spectators who were killed in the crash that claimed the lives ofriders Eddie HASHA and John ALBRIGHT. In 2017 Brandon Stadium failed to open, having fallen into the hands of prospective property developers. It was also, as befits a nimble bird of prey, the fastest speedway track in the UK. A spectator, I have no details of the accident in which Rudolf lost his life. Jacob DEROSIER crashed at the Los Angeles Stadium Motodrome onMarch 12, 1912, but died at home inSpringfield, Massachusetts onFebruary 25, 1913, from complications resulting from continued surgery. Also the first German rider (I believe) at Coventry, Fritz Dirtl, a leg trailer, throttle wide open, bouncing off the fence!!!! SPEEDWAY - 1990 W Whittier Blvd, La Habra, California - Yelp He is still going strong at 90 years old, commuting regularly between the UK and his native Sweden. We used to get 20,000 at Coventry and they used to run coaches and double-decker buses to the track.. HEIKKURI (Finland).1956.Oulu, Finland (I-R). Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. On the front was Mighty Mitch and the back window had Super Shirra. But it coincided with a couple of bad injuries as well.. We spent many hours after matches having a drink and chatting through the football club. Not only was Ole a great individual rider, he was also brilliant tactically. [3] He was signed by the Southampton Saints, where he made his National League debut against Oxford. Bleak outlook for British speedway, sad to report Apart from the uncertainty regarding the future of Coventry Stadium and the Buildbase Bees, Birmingham speedway is on the verge of closure, due to mounting debts, and the triumvirate promoting at Eastbourne . There have been campaigns to reinstate Speedway but so far they have come to nothing. B-R : Board Racing (a forerunner of speedway in the US). Ole was a great ambassador for this team is his time here. 5 Tommy Knudsen - the young Dane who made racing look so stylish and so easy (which it never is! Then 73, Mr Reason told how during his 18-year tenure as a Coventry City director he only missed about a dozen games, home and away. My aunt was the nurse and receptionist for the track doctor (Dr Peter Kenyon Snr) whose practice was in Chace Avenue and we were given complimentary stand tickets, thus starting the addiction which has never gone away. A look around the sparse crowds attending UK speedway meetings will reveal that the average age is relatively high, and new supporters and fans are just not appearing in any sort of numbers. That is now just a shopping centre. They called him the Galloping Mauger. It is, of course, primarily a greyhound venue, and a thriving one as far as I know. I knew it was time to call it a day and I did so with a heavy heart.. Apologies for any omissions or inaccuracies, but if you have any amendments or additions (including additional information for current listings), please do not hesitate to contact me, Steve Brown,at bullpointer@yahoo.comFinally, thanks to everyone who has helped me with this project, with a special mention for Jim Henry, Ross Garrigan and Christian Riviere-Ramond. BAKKER, Gerrit (Netherlands)Oct 11, 1925..Sappemeer, Netherlands (G-T). It appears that this occurred a split-second before the crash, not only causing the crash, but also claiming his life in the process. At the beginning of every meeting Starting Marshalls, officials, St John's Ambulance people, riders, all marched in step out onto the track to military style music, followed by presentations and then "The Flight of the Bumble Bee" by Rimsky-Korsakov. Pratt died on 2 October 2021, at the age of 82 from cancer.[6]. Odin JOHNSON crashed into a light-pole while Board Racing. So Coventry Bees, a team that had been in existence since 1928, dropped out of the league. Between 1973 and 1984 I lived in Coventry, not far from Brandon stadium, the home of Coventry "Bees". I first went to Coventry Speedway in 1977. Alan. I used to get my overalls on and muck in.. I started a Saturday job with a greengrocer at age fourteen, which meant that I often missed the start and sometimes the whole meetings. Video, On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, Met Gala 2023: Stars celebrate Karl Lagerfeld, Shooting suspect was deported four times - US media, Yellen warns US could run out of cash in a month, Photo of Princess Charlotte shared as she turns 8, King Charles to wear golden robes for Coronation, More than 100 police hurt in French May Day protests, The 17 most eye-catching looks at the Met Gala. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Mauger himself rode the final laps as the lights went out for the last time. 2 Who owns Coventry Speedway stadium? Richard BARTLETT was an all-round motorcyclist, and was a regular competitor in vintage grass-track events. Looking back now it all seems very kitsch. Further to what MR said yesterday, I drove past the Perry Barr track yesterday evening and there is a huge sign next to the road where they display the date and opponents of the next meeting. COVENTRY A TO Z - Save Coventry Speedway The Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund exists as a charity in order to assist these individuals in their times of need. He said: I first started going up to the football club with my uncle in 1936.. Unsurprisingly the riders wear yellow and black colours. Is climate change killing Australian wine? My relationship with John was long and enjoyable. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but it's the first time I've seen it like that. MALEK, Vlastimil (Czech Republic).June 22, 1958.Podebrady, Czech Republic Just 14 years of age, spectator Vlastimil was killed when Josef Ruzicka's machine went into the crowd. William was one of six spectators who were killed in the crash that claimed the lives of riders Eddie HASHA and John ALBRIGHT. A spectator Hickman was killed when running on to the track to aid a fallen rider. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? The application, which went before Rugby Borough Council, had been recommended for approval and featured a football pitch and clubhouse as well as homes. A statement on the club website said: Coventry City are saddened to learn of the death of former vice chairman and director John Reason. He was local to Coventry and everything he did was in Coventry. Speedway does seem to be struggling. They were British League winners in 1974 and Premier League winners in 2000. The machines themselves were low-saddled and always seemed on the point of racing away on their own. My Dad was a HUGE Mitch Shirra fan and our Ford Cortina Estate car was covered in Mitch Shirra stickers. The Bees continued to have success in the 80's so these were great days not only for Coventry but for British speedway in general. Something went wrong, please try again later. Supporters of the stadium gathered outside Rugby Town Hall ahead of the meeting earlier. . One of the first meetings of that time was the Brandonapolis, won by the greet Jack Parker, one of the first 'foot forward' riders. . You can only begin to imagine what it was like to ride at speed, in the dark. Moderator, : Joined Apr 2010 Total posts:4157. Five-year-old Davis was one of at least seven spectators burned to death after Odin JOHNSON's fatal accident. DAVIS, William (USA)..Jul 30, 1913..Lagoon Motordrome, Ludlow, KY, USA (B-R). Jack Young - the man who made winning races look effortless. ", "Ole was a great speedway rider for our Bees but he also bought the World title to Coventry in 1978 which I had the honour to witness at Wembley (with the twin towers) plus many other honours. Jim Lightfoot lived in Binley Woods. ", Ole Olsen and Coventry Bees : The Glory Days. He added Brandon's demise had been "another nail in the coffin" of speedway, which has seen other tracks close in recent years. He'd invariably get out of the second bend in front slowing down just enough to allow his less able team-mate to come up on the outside whilst at the same time blocking the opposing heat-leader from getting past. CARTER, James (USA)..Jul 30, 1913..Lagoon Motordrome, Ludlow, KY, USA (B-R), CUNNINGHAM. I later worked as a track scratcher, as being said for about 10/-. A spectator, I have no details of the accident in which Herbert lost his life. Mr Reasons son Robert told CoventryLive of a comical moment in the wake of that famous FA Cup win. Coventry England 1933 This Rudge speedway motorcycle was built in England in 1933 under licence by Victor Martin for Rudge-Whitworth Ltd of Coventry. [5] It was as a Hackney rider that he won the London Riders' Championship in 1967 and again in 1968. Five riders and officials died. Alan. The sparks ignited Johnson's fuel tank, which caused a large fire. The Rick Miller testimonial was another favourite, a great day out. Latest News - Coventry Cycle Speedway - Google Sites There's probably no better symbol of Speedway's decline. COVENTRY A TO Z - Save Coventry Speedway This list may not reflect recent changes . The 1970's speedway track is probably still there but is buried under a few tons of tarmac because like Brandon the infield grass has been covered in tarmac. Mr Reason was one of the key players in the 2002 boardroom coup that ousted chairman Bryan Richardson. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? It has been said that in those heady days speedway was a shared experience of the working man, the epitome of blue-collar British sport. From the left, Richard Wolff, (Y), Kevin Doolan (Exeter guest rider) (B) and Andrew Appleton (G) Thanks largely to Ole there was a great atmosphere at the Stadium. There are some other that have stood out over the years, Les Owen, Gary Guglielmi, Tommy Knudsen, Greg Hancock, Scott Nicholls to name a few. Court reporter for DevonLive and SomersetLive, Exeter Falcons V Reading Racers. You pronounced his name Major, by the way, not Maw-gerr as one or two commentators did. Then there was the rallying Falcon War Cry, 1-3-5-7, hear this roar from Glorious Devon SPEEDWAY SMOG - 34 Photos & 196 Reviews - Yelp He was a great guy and well-known around the city for his hard work and his business as well.
coventry speedway past riders