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.
Shame. Big part of my youth spent watching Ivan riding for Belle Vue Aces. Used to get amazing crowds at the Speedway back in the late 60's early 70's.
Yes, they started off in 1964 as the Sunderland Saints - I was just 4 years old then, so too young to go. I went there from 1971 to 1974 - they were the Stars, and then changed their name to the Gladiators.
