Ivan Mauger RIP



I know. I was being ironic. In the 60s, 70s and early 80s, the UK did pretty well in the world champs. Craven was a tad before my time but both Peter Collins and Michael Lee won the title and Gordon Kennett, Malcolm Simmons, Dave Jessup and Les Collins came close. Speedway seemed to be a lot more high profil;e back then. We've had the odd successful rider since (including a couple of champions) but until Tai Wooffinden recently, we've not had a consistent top 3 contender for a long time.

We did have Gary Havelock who won it once and kinda faded. I saw him race in a meeting at Newcastle a couple of years after his World Championship, and he tore every other rider a new arse!

I used to go to Sunderland dog track in the early 70's when the Sunderland Stars rode there.
It was a great time.
I remember riders like George Barclay, Jack Millen, Dave Gatenby being there.

And the ginger ninja Russ Dent! And "White Knight" Graeme Smith who wore brilliant white leathers.

"Gentleman" George Barclay looked about 60 to my youthful eyes. Jack "The Villain" Millen! What a great showman he was. Died young sadly.
 
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We did have Gary Havelock who won it once and kinda faded. I saw him race in a meeting at Newcastle a couple of years after his World Championship, and he tore every other rider a new arse!



And the ginger ninja Russ Dent! And "White Knight" Graeme Smith who wore brilliant white leathers.

"Gentleman" George Barclay looked about 60 to my youthful eyes. Jack "The Villain" Millen! What a great showman he was. Died young sadly.

Brian Havelock (Gary's dad) also rode for the Sunderland Stars too.
 

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