The first speedway meeting in Great Britain took place in 1928, organised by Ilford Motor Cycle and Light Car Club, it was held in High Beech on a disused athletics and cycle track behind the Kings Arms Hotel. Entry to the event cost 6d (2 1/2p) or 3 shillings (15p) if you wanted lunch at the Kings Arms.
We were regulars at Glasgow Tigers speedway for a while, and my daughter was their mascot one year… when she was about 10 years old!
A much undervalued motorcycle sport.
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Barrow in Furness had the Bombers until mid 80’s… 
but I never went to watch. I was always more of a scrambler fan… but I haven’t watched that in years either
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Watched a lot of scrambler races around Central Scotland, but then Carole discovered speedway… and all the young riders!! 
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Only watched them when they were at the Arena Essex. Every Friday night after work, zoomed up there on me bike and had a cup of Bovril.
A pint after the races in the bar to meet the riders. Before the Elite league had to have air fences the bruises the guys used the get from hitting the fence and each other. An ambulance on the track was a regular worry.
Best sport without a ball. I used to get to the Millenium Stadium for the GP but it’s a right faff around Cardiff these days.
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They were the Happy Faces at first. Wasn’t Ivan Mauger involved in starting them?
Went every home meeting and some away ones. Always loved the smells and speed🙂
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