Retro Speedway: Backtrack Back Issues (1-9)

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Backtrack Back Issues (1-9)

PLEASE NOTE BACKTRACK ISSUES 1-71 ARE NOW SOLD OUT

Issue 1

March-April 2004

The first 40-page issue of Backtrack has now been reprinted. For the best coverage of retro 60s, 70s and 80s speedway you will find anywhere. Better get your hands on a copy of this collectors¹ issue before it sells out!

Our Main Man is front cover star BRUCE PENHALL, talking on his recent return to England. The former double World Champ covers all the major issues in his life, including his feud with Kenny Carter, his controversial decision to quit on the podium in 1982 and what he's been up to since then.

Introducing our regular new big-name columnist, JOHN BERRY, who gives his own personal view of Penhall. Typically, JB calls it as he sees it.

John also contributes the first of our Great Teams features, where he reflects on the first BL championship winning IPSWICH team of 1975.

Was the 1981 WORLD FINAL at Wembley the greatest ever? We look back to one of the most memorable nights in speedway history.

Remember the old race format when Happiness Was 40-38? Well, we're looking back at a classic match from 1982, when BELLE VUE and SHEFFIELD met in a last race thriller at Hyde Road.

Scottish fans will hopefully appreciate our candid exclusive with BRIAN COLLINS, while supporters of HULL should enjoy Dick Bott's look back to the early days of the Vikings at THE BOULEVARD. Ian Thomas recalls how Ivan Mauger went berserk when they just missed out on the title to Coventry in 1979.

Talking of old stadia, we also have features on defunct tracks HACKNEY, ROMFORD and SUNDERLAND.

Plus Q&As with former stars HOWARD COLE, CRAIG PENDLEBURY and JOHN LANGFIELD.

The first American star to make it really big in Britain, SCOTT AUTREY, talks of his special relationship with the Czechs, including his former Exeter team mates.

We have got special tributes to LES OWEN and CYRIL MAIDMENT, including some hilarious memories of Maido.

And you can find out which rider current BSPA Chairman CHRIS VAN STRAATEN's wife, Jane, wore on her Cradley Heath anorak! And at which track did CVS have his beloved, old Heathens scarf nicked?

Issue 2

May-June 2004

Kenny Carter the most controversial rider of the early 80s, is our 'main man'. We talk exclusively to the man who knew him best, Eric Boothroyd, the former Halifax and Bradford promoter who gave the ill fated KC his first speedway rides as a 16-year-old in 1978.

Eric talks candidly, like never before, about how he came to regard Carter almost as a son and recounts in depth about his relationship with his former number one rider . . . what Kenny was like to deal with on and off the track; how, as a teenage boy, he had to cope with the tragic deaths of both his elder brother and mother; his battle to overcome a succession of serious injuries; his relentless pursuit of business success away from the track; and, ultimately, the shock and sadness he felt on hearing news of the deaths of Kenny and Pam Carter in 1986.

John Berry who managed Kenny Carter as England boss, also gives his typically forthright views of the rider who dubbed himself England's number one. Regular Backtrack columnist JB explains why he decided not to award Carter the captaincy and recalls Kenny's reaction after being escorted from the Ipswich track by security guards.

Peter Collins v Anders Michanek was their KO Cup match race decider in 1973 the greatest race ever seen at the old Belle Vue? Dick Bott, who was at Hyde Road as a radio commentator on that epic night, says he has never seen better than THAT titanic battle between the respective number ones of Belle Vue and Reading.

Happiness is 40-38 . . . .our classic meeting this time features a memorable Midlands derby between Coventry and Cradley Heath from 1983, when the Bees managed to inflict a rare defeat on the Heathens as they romped towards the BL title.

Denmark dominated the sport in the second half of the 80s and we look back at their finest achievement in that period - their 1985 World Team Cup final victory in California, where they had to overcome their American hosts on and off the track.

If the Danes were on the rampage internationally, domestic racing in England was dominated in the mid-80s by Hans Nielsen-led Oxford Cheetahs. Former co-promoter Bernard Crapper gives us the lowdown on the BL team that was unstoppable in both 1985 and 1986.

Frank Ebdon was undoubtedly the most talked about, controversial referee in speedway in the 80s. We visited big Frank's Essex home to find out what he is really like away from the track. How did he build up his £1million business empire...

Ivan Mauger stunned speedway when he moved from Belle Vue to unfashionable Exeter in 1973. We look back at the momentous day when the six times World Champion drew 10,000 fans to the County Ground to see his debut for the Falcons v Poole.

Another Kiwi legend, Ronnie Moore, also talks exclusively about his enduring passion for the sport at the age of 71 and how he is slowly regaining his memory after the 1975 track smash that almost killed the former Wimbledon idol.

Arena Essex have now been operating for 20 years, so we talk to the former promoter and team manager Peter Thorogood about the early days at the track with no safety fence.

Hackney, Weymouth and Sunderland followers will be keen to read our personal tribute to the late Vic Harding, who died in a track crash 25 years ago. A memorial meeting will be held in his honour at Weymouth on June 11.

From East Anglia, we've got a profile on former King's Lynn favourite Terry Betts, we recall the 70s style and professionalism of Rye House and Mildenhall and ask: who was the first-ever foreigner to ride for Ipswich?

Fans from the North-East will enjoy a profile of Berwick cult hero Rob Grant and memories of speedway at Middlesbrough's defunct Cleveland Park circuit. We also look back at the night, in 1976, when Newcastle clinched the NL title.

While Scottish folk will doubtless enjoy Colin Caffrey recalling his early days as a young rider trying to break into the sport.

Former Eastbourne and Poole rider, and current Team GB boss Neil Middleditch, is under the Q&A spotlight. Read how Middlo blew up a motor in the pits on World Final night at Wembley.

Former White City team manager Lee Dunton recalls vital away wins as the Rebels chased the 1977 BL title.

Fans of Polish riders will enjoy a journey back in time as our two-page picture spread captures images of former BL-based Poles like Zenon Plech, Edward Jancarz, Andrzej Huszcza, Bolek Proch, Marek Cieslak.

With John Berry answering questions from readers in his own unique style, there is so much for everyone to enjoy in issue 2 of Backtrack Magazine.

Issue 3

July-August 2004

Peter Collins - Our 'Main Man' this time with a 6-pager (and that's just Part 1), talking to Brian Burford about his early racing days; partnering his great mate Chris Morton to 5-1s in heat 13 at Hyde Road; the agony and the ecstacy of his World Final nights; the 'Sugar in the Tank' episode at the British Final; why he believes the ref was right to exclude Kenny Carter at LA in ¹82; and the long wait for his MBE and more. Plus...what our top columnist JOHN BERRY REALLY thinks of PC (they didn't get on very well!).

Joe Owen - talking candidly to Martin Neal about life before and after speedway; how he has coped with his disability, the psychological effects of his cruel 1985 crash at Birmingham that has left him in a wheelchair; and how he has now found true love the second time around. Joey has rebuilt his house himself and is an inspiration to us all.

Tommy Jansson - 28 years after he was killed in Stockholm, we salute the super Swedish stylist who was adored at Wimbledon and beyond. We talk to Tommy's former girlfriend who still visits his grave. Read about the moment she had premonition that Tommy was in serious trouble. Darell Mason provides a brilliant insight into the late, great Swede who was tipped as a future World Champion.

Pride Of The East - We look at King's Lynn's annual major individual meeting, the history behind this once prestige event and also recall all the other 'biggies' staged by BL & NL tracks in the 70s and 80s.

What's Up At Coventry? - John Berry wonders if Coventry will ultimately go the same way as the old Belle Vue, and recalls the night he and his Ipswich riders had to take cover from 'hooligans' throwing missiles at them on the victory parade lap at Brandon.

Shawn Moran Q&A - 'Shooey' answers our quickfire questions about his time with Hull, Sheffield and Belle Vue.

Crump's Crowning Glory - Looking back to 1972 when Jason's dad, Phil Crump, romped through the second division with mighty Crewe Kings and then capped a magnificent season by winning the league riders¹ championship at Wimbledon.

Happiness Is 40-38 - Reliving a classic National League match between title rivals Poole and Middlesbrough at Wimborne Road in June 1985.

Billy Hamill's 'No Bull' Book - Why the American star was grateful to another former Heathen, Phil CoAnd also...

Jack Millen - Where are the great characters like 'Crazy Jack' today?

Mike Lanham - The unsung hero of the successful Ipswich team of the mid-70s.

Brian White - The new Weymouth promoter on his days as a young fan of the Wizards/Wildcats and Poole in the 70s and 80s.

Halifax Reunion - Report and pics from the recent EX-Dukes get-together.

Where Are They Now? - Former Hackney, Rye House, Canterbury and Poole youngster Andy Fines gets in touch from Canada. Plus we talk to former BSPA manager Ann Gillespie.

Berry Bites Back! - Your questions answered, as only JB can!

1970 In Pictures - Alf Weedon's unique look back at the 1970 season, with evocative black & white photos of Young England and Peterborough teams, John Louis & Ron Bagley (Ipswich), Jimmy Ogisu (The Japanese who rode in the Internationale), Graeme Smith (Canterbury), Bernt Persson (Cradley) and Nigel Boocock (Coventry), Christer Lofqvist (West Ham) & Norman Hunter (Wolves), Barry Briggs (Swindon) and footballer David Webb, Sandor Levai (Newport), Ove Fundin & Bengt Jansson, Swedish World Team Cup winners, new World Champion Ivan Mauger.

Issue 4

September-October 2004

Anders Michanek - We visit the 1974 World Champion at his Swedish home for our BIG exclusive. The former Reading No.1 talks very candidly about his life and times in speedway, including his memories of that great night in Gothenburg when he won the crown. Read why Anders says he was a "useless" World Champion and why he didn't want to retain his title at Wembley the following year. Read, too, what he really thinks of his main rivals from the 70s, Ivan Mauger and Ole Olsen, plus he relives those epic run-offs against Peter Collins. What did the referee for the ¹73 Daily Mirror tournament final at Wembley say to 'Mitch' at Reading two nights later that so angered the usually laid-back Super-Swede? What was the one incident of his career that Anders still very much regrets? All these questions, and many more, are answered in issue 4.

We've also got exclusive pics of Anders, 61, as he is now, with his wife Anki, on the Swedish island where they live today.

Win....original racejacket signed by Anders! - And, how about this . . . the chance to win an original Swedish international racejacket personally signed by Anders Michanek! 'Mitch' donated this especially for a Backtrack reader to win, so here's your chance to own a piece of superb speedway memorabilia. Full details in the mag.

Our star columnist, John Berry, also offers a fascinating personal insight of 'Mitch'. JB was the last promoter to sign the Swede, at Ipswich in 1979.

Peter Collins - we are back with Part 2 of our brilliant exclusive with PC. This time the 1976 World Champion looks back at the second half of his glittering career, at the injury that left its scars and still affects him today. Peter points the finger of blame at the people he believes were responsible. PC also talks honestly about his time in management at Belle Vue and why a difference of opinion with promoter John Perrin led him to quit the Aces for the last time.

Bert Harkins Bertola reflects on his colourful career, especially his early days in Scotland, riding for Wembley and Wimbledon. Find out which former team-mate once threatened to 'keel him'.

Les Rumsey - one of the National League's biggest stars in the 70s and 80s, Les looks back at his title-winning days with Canterbury and reveals the night he and two team-mates drove round Kingsmead in their cars!

Norman Hunter - he was a World Team Cup winner and BL star until serious injury all but ended his hopes of world stardom. Norman looks back at his star-studded days with West Ham, Wolves and Swindon.

Dingle Brown - one of the second division's great characters turns back the clock to review his days at Rayleigh and Scunthorpe. And he reveals that he might never have ridden for either track if fate hadn't been very kind to him in 1970.

Main features:

Eastbourne's 'Kamikaze Kids' - as the Sussex track celebrates its 75th year, we reflect on the period in the early 70s when the high-flying Eagles first made their impact.

Bob Kilby - despite ill health, the former Swindon, Exeter and Oxford No.1 is battling on. We pay tribute to one of the fastest starters BL racing has ever seen.

Mini Marvels - John Berry takes a closer look at the small riders who had big hearts and plenty of points in them.
John Davis - a personal view of how JD captivated the Czech crowds and went on to win the country's most coveted speedway title.

Nelson-to-Bradford - Richard Bott looks at a Yorkshire phenomenon, when Bradford attracted big crowds to see second division racing at Odsal after the switch from defunct Nelson.

Happiness is 40-38 - this time we re-play Long Eaton's win at Peterborough, a key victory for the Invaders on their way to the NL title.

Northern Lights - profiles of two riders who made their mark in north-east second division circles - Brian Havelock and Andy Meldrum.

Berry bites back - JB answers more of your letters.

1973 in pictures - Looking back through the lens of Alf Weedon.

Issue 5

November-December 2004

Main man - Phil Crump Really candid stuff from Crumpie, covering every aspect of his career and life. Read about the reasons why he feels he never became World Champion, the story behind THAT amazing revolutionary 4-valve in the mid-70s, the ups and downs of his relationship with son, Jason, and the only rider he fell out with in a big way.

Jason Crump - the 2004 World Champion looks back to his childhood and the riders of the 80s he most liked to watch. His regrets about never having raced at Hyde Road, The Shay and infrequent visits to Owlerton. Plus, some very honest words on his sometimes stormy relationship with his famous father!

Dag Lovaas - Amazing, soul-searching words from the former Norwegian No.1 who reveals his own personal anguish, haunting fears and why too many death-defying crashes forced him to he retire early. Why Anders Michanek was the reason behind his request to leave Reading, happy days at Hackney and Oxford and some strong words about former Norway rival Reidar Eide.

Ron Preston - we catch up with the former USA, Poole and Eastbourne favourite, who looks back on those great England v USA Tests and read what he has to say about the rumoured feud with his former Poole team-mate Malcolm Simmons.

Martin Dixon - a National League legend on his wildest days. Why he didn't get along with Kenny Carter at Halifax, the time a visiting promoter suggested he should be drug-tested and the two team managers he has most time for. Also, find out what Dicko does now till three o'clock in the morning!

Ian Thomas - the new Belle Vue team boss reflects on his colourful career as a top promoter, including entertaining, anecdotes from his time at Workington, Hull, Newcastle and Belle Vue.

John Berry - why he decided to 'confess'. Bob Radford visits JB Down Under to interview the new author whose book, Confessions of a Speedway Promoter, is selling like hot cakes.

Crayford v Workington - the 1980 65-12 whitewash. Quotes from both camps, including a new interview with Comets' Kevin Clapham.

Issue 6

January-February 2005

BOBBY SCHWARTZ - our BIG, 6-pager with the former USA captain, who gives his frankest interview to date. 'Boogaloo' talks about his relationship with Bruce Penhall (inc the vow he made to beat Brucie) and his other World Pairs-winning partner, Dennis Sigalos. He explains the real story behind the infamous 'drugs bust' at Heathrow airport, when he and Kelly Moran were arrested and ended up facing a court fine. Also, Bobby opens his heart to recall the poignant death of his great friend and Reading team-mate, Denny Pyeatt, and why he walked out of a meeting at Hackney a year on from Denny's fatal accident at the same track. What he thinks of the fans who abused him . . . and he reveals the country that asked him and Siggy to 'throw' a race in the World Pairs final at Sydney in 1982. All this and much more from the colourful Californian...

SIMON CROSS - Our second blockbuster . . . we talk to the former England star who reflects on the two big crashes of his turbulent career. First, the four-man pile up at Odsal that ended his Cradley Heath team-mate Erik Gundersen's career; and then the heavy fall in the World Pairs final at Landshut a year later that left 'Crossy' in a coma for five days and came close to leaving him paralysed. Simon also talks, from his new home in southern France, about his early National league days with Oxford and Weymouth, followed by the glory days at Dudley Wood, and what it was like to race in the same team as Erik, Jan O Pedersen, Lance King and the rest. He explains the frustrating end to his career at Coventry and read why he wished he'd quit racing sooner.

TONY DAVEY - An Ipswich legend from the 70s and 80s, Backtrack columnist John Berry - Tony's former promoter at Foxhall - provides a brilliant, and at times sad, insight into the characteristics of the great, little racer we all knew as 'Shrimp', and his great courage in overcoming not just his own serious track injuries but also the personal loss of a loved one.

MARTIN GOODWIN - The former Arena Essex and Rye House 'hard man' talks about his tough guy image and names the other riders he had run-ins with. The fiery Goodwin also looks back at some of his wildest moments, including the night his crash helmet smashed through the window of the referee's box and the food-throwing antics of his Hammers team-mates on a northern tour. Also, why the death of two fellow riders, and personal friends, affected the way he viewed his team-mates from then on.

MICK HINES - Explaining his anger and frustration at becoming one of the last high profile victims of the old rider control system, which forced him to move from his home-town club, Ipswich, to Wimbledon in 1976. He took legal advice over it. Mick also recalls his NL days back in East Anglia with Mildenhall and Peterborough.

ERIC BROADBELT - The much-travelled former England international tells how he he quit speedway to work on the markets of the north-west and now runs his own hardware shop. 'Broady' also looks back at a career spanning a host of clubs, including Belle Vue, Sheffield, Poole, Halifax, Edinburgh and Long Eaton.

NEIL MIDDLEDITCH - Q&A with the Team GB Manager, who looks back at his earliest racing days as a young and hungry Eastbourne Eagle in the early 70s.

Plus...

John Berry presents the first of his three-part, in-depth analysis of the controversial Rider Control rule that cause such furore in the 60s and 70s.

Bert Harkins revives memories of those great Scottish Cup battles between Edinburgh and Glasgow and looks at the roles the Templeton brothers played in those epic clashes.

We've a tribute to the late Alan Cowland, and a profile of another Leicester 'old boy', Bruce Forrester, who is remembered as a legend on Teesside.

Bob Spelta contacted us from Australia to talk about his eventful four seasons with Canterbury in the mid-70s. He reveals how he broke his back for the second time just two years ago.

Hackney fans will doubtless enjoy our 'replay' of their classic 1977 victory over title-chasing Exeter and that momentous match-winning ride by Hawks hero Barry Thomas.

There are more picture quizzes for you to answer, as well as a two-page photo review of that glorious Summer of '76...

Issue 7

March-April 2005

John Louis is Mister Ipswich and in this issue 'Tiger John' looks back over his brilliant career as England racing legend, team manager and promoter, most of them spent with his beloved Witches. Louis recalls the rise of his home town club from a Suffolk backwater outfit to the pinnacle of British speedway as BL double winners in the mid-70s. But it wasn't all glory and happiness...he also reflects candidly on his fall out with promoter John Berry, when he was discarded from the team in 1980 and the hurt that caused him. He talks of his famous fellow heat leaders at Foxhall, Tony Davey and the late Billy Sanders...and why he still can't comprehend why Sanders took his own life 20 years ago.

Also...why our top columnist John Berry believes the time to hoour John Louis is now long overdue...

Rick Miller was one of the colourful, spectacular American riders of the 80s, when he won consecutive British League titles with Coventry. The Californian talks from his home about the great days at Brandon, riding for Charles Ochiltree and learning the ropes under Ole Olsen, plus his fall-outs with race partner John Jorgensen. And Rick also explains how he's now earning a living as a stuntman, rubbing shoulders with some of Hollywood's finest in top movies and TV commercials.

George Hunter lost his battle against cancer in 1999, but we present an interview conducted by Richard Bott shortly before the Scottish speedway legend's death in which looks back over his turbulent career and how things might hgave been so different. In an astonishingly frank interview, George admits how he was later haunted by the crash that claimed the life of Peter Craven...and how he reacted when he came face to face with Craven's young children.

Peter Collins will never forget the glorious summer of 1976 and we bring back great memories of that time with a review of the World Final from Poland, as well as some memories from fans who travelled all the way to Katowice to witness PC's finest hour.

Steve Bastable hit the heights in 1981 when he was the shock winner of the British Final. Stevie B looks back on that momentous night at Coventry, as well as the ups and downs of his career with clubs like Stoke, Cradley Heath, Birmingham, Swindon and Coventry.

Barry Crowson made history by competing in the first-ever Division Two race for Canterbury at Belle Vue in 1968. Barry also looks back at his spells with Crusaders' arch rivals Eastbourne, plus King's Lynn and why moving to Wimbledon in the mid-70s was a mistake.

King's Lynn celebrate their 40th anniversary this year and to mark the landmark we publish an extract from former Lynn promoter Martin Rogers' new book, Forty Years On; King's Lynn Speedway. We look back at the big impact made by Stars' former England stars, Terry Betts, Malcolm Simmons, Michael Lee and Dave Jessup. Plus check how some of the old Saddlebow Road favourites look today with our picture coverage from the recent Lynn reunion, including up to date shots of Lee, Betts, Simmons, Ian Turner, Ray Bales, Mel Taylor and Graham Edmunds.

Plus...

Anders Michanek was brought to England in 1968 by promoter Reg Fearman, who recalls the success of the Super-Swede and some of the more lighter moments of their relationship.

Scunthorpe are back in business after an absence of 20 years and we talk to former Scunny No.1 Nicky Allott about his memories from days gone by at the club's two previous tracks.

John Berry returns with part two of his lament to the passing of Rider Control and the old controversial method of trying to balance team strengths in another major talking point feature.

Latest reviews...we've got the low down on the new Bruce Penhall Story on DVD/Video, plus the new, remastered World Speedway Champions of the 80s production.

And especially for fans of Danish riders, we've a special two-page picture spread reviving memories of Hans Nielsen, Erik Gundersen, Jan O Pedersen and a host of others who came from Denmark to make their mark on British speedway in the 70s and 80s.

Issue 8

May-June 2005

Ivan Mauger
Part one of our exclusive 7-page interview with the world's greatest-ever rider. Ivan talks candidly about his rivals, how he became one of the fastest starters and why he would have still been among the fastest gaters under any rules.

Ivan reflects on his time with Newcastle, Belle Vue, Exeter and Hull. He reveals why he turned down the chance to buy Belle Vue before Stuart Bamforth took over at Hyde Road; why the daunting County Ground track at Exeter was unfairly criticised; and his bitter disappointment that he didn't quite win another league title with the Vikings.

With characteristic confidence in his own ability, Ivan believes that he would have won the world title at least 10 times had the GP formula applied in his day.

Our top columnist John Berry provides his own insightful profile on the mighty Mauger.

Jeremy Doncaster
Interview with the former England, Ipswich and Reading favourite ahead of his farewell meeting. Was he too laid-back for his own good?

John Simmons
The heart-rending story of the former Ipswich junior who was so badly injured at Peterborough in 1972 that he will spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. John describes his battle to cope with his disability, physically and financially, and why he owes so much to his caring mum. First of a series on those we must not forget.

Wally Mawdsley
Reveals his personal struggle to overcome the severe financial blow of losing his battle to keep Canterbury alive. The former BSPA chairman also looks back at his days promoting at Romford, Exeter and Bristol and, also, what he describes as the worst decision ever taken in speedway.

Reg Trott
Title-winning rider who turned referee, the former Eastbourne veteran recalls his part in helping the fledgling Eagles soar to the top of Division Two.

Martin Ashby
The former England star names his all-time seven from the team-mates he rode with at Swindon, Exeter and Reading, and what he thinks of each of them.

Mark Fiora
What became of the former Middlesbrough, Edinburgh and Long Eaton star, who returned home to Australia?

Reg Wilson
The former Sheffield Tiger on his loyalty to his beloved Yorkshire club and why he perhaps regrets not making a move to Wolves that would have furthered his career.

Tommy Jansson
Could he really have stopped Peter Collins winning the world title in 1976, had fate not intervened? A reader puts the case of the hugely popular Swede.

Rider Control
John Berry offers a possible solution to the age-old team equalisation debate.

When is it time to go?
Knowing when to quit is a tough choice facing both riders and promoters. Martin Rogers offers some advice.

Swedes in Pictures
A two-page picture spread to delight fans of former Swedish stars in the British League, including Michanek, Lofqvist, Sjosten, Jansson, Holmqvist, Johansson, Hellsen, Persson, Nygren and co.

Issue 9

July-August 2005

Ivan Mauger
Part two of our exclusive interview with the greatest speedway rider ever. Mighty Mauger talks candidly about his relationship with Kenny Carter and Hans Nielsen...and spells out why he believes the outspoken former England star threw away the chance to win the 1982 World Final to Bruce Penhall. Also, why Nielsen paid the price for ignoring his advice - and what he needed to break his World Final jinx.
And for the first time, the legendary Kiwi speaks out about the Speedway Grand Prix, explaining why it should not be compared to the traditional World Championship of his day...what he thinks of Tony Rickardsson and Jason Crump...why British speedway is struggling to attract big crowds and where the BSPA went wrong...how Exeter pulled off an audacious masterstroke to give him one last season in the British League...looking back at his key World Finals and revealing why losing the 1973 run-off to Jerzy Szczakiel was not the worst thing to happen to him on speedway's biggest occasion...who were the most gifted riders who wasted their talent?...the controversial and hard-hitting Mauger tells all - only in Backtrack Magazine.

Neil Evitts
"Some people might think I'm arrogant or ignorant, but I didn't set out to be popular." Neil Evitts has never been afraid to tell it like it is and in this candid exclusive the 1986 British Champion talks openly about all his conflicts with officialdom, including when he defied the rules to race as an under-aged 14-year-old before going on to ride legally for Stoke, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Halifax, Bradford, Sheffield and Wolves again. The no-nonsense Black Country man got to know Kenny Carter better than any other rider when they were team-mates at Halifax and Bradford, and here Neil reflects on the impact KC had on him and what he recalls of their final days together...

Carl Glover
The 1974 Second Division Riders' Champion reveals how he is lucky to be alive after suffering a near fatal heart attack earlier this year. Carl also reflects on his racing days as Boston No.1, plus why riding for home-town club, Sheffield, was a mistake which led to him returning east to King's Lynn.
After his riding career ended early at 26, Carl went on to fulfil his dream job when he was appointed England manager in 1984...but at times it became a nightmare. We get Carl's fascinating insight into what it was like to deal with Kenny Carter and why he had to strip him of the captaincy...the problems with Michael Lee and why his England team were beaten before they faced the Danes in the World Team Cup final.

Ray Glover
The father of Carl takes over in the second half of our Glover family dynasty double interview. He explains what drove him to have a stab at promoting at Sheffield - the club he supported from boyhood - in 1980 and why he decided to sell up just four years later after a series of setbacks and problems with riders who let him down.
Ray - and Carl - also reveal their thoughts on former Sheffield superstar Shawn Moran - what he was like to deal with and why they say he lost his way in the sport. Also, they examine the effect Kelly Moran had on his younger brother...

Steve Weatherley
The second in our regular, new series where we catch up with a rider left disabled by speedway racing. This time we visit former Eastbourne and White City star Steve Weatherley, who talks for the first time about the fatal crash that claimed the life of Hackney's Vic Harding and left him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. In this uplifting story, brave Steve enthuses about his enjoyment of family life and how he is even winning races again!

Mick Bell
We talk to the man who holds the record for winning three senior league championships as both rider AND team manager, with Reading and Coventry. Modest Mick tells about what it was like on both sides of the fence and the differences between world superstars Ole Olsen and Anders Michanek.

Where are today's Enforcers?
Our lead columnist John Berry asks the question after seeing current Grand Prix star Nicki Pedersen dishing it out again. JB says: "In my time riders like Pedersen would have been given a serious word in the ear early on in their careers."

Mort in print
We publish an extract from Chris Morton's new hardback, Until The Can Ran Out, in which he admits how 'track rage' got the better of him and he deliberately set out to 'attack' a rival during his early days with Belle Vue.

Americans in Pictures
A treat for fans of those colourful Californiansâ€¦nostalgic pictures from the 70s and 80s, featuring Bruce Penhall, Bobby Schwartz, Kelly and Shawn Moran, Dennis Sigalos, Scott Autrey, Rick Miller, Sam Ermolenko, Ronnie Correy, Lance King, Steve and Jim Gresham, Mike Curoso, Sumner McKnight and Rick Woods.

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