Legtrailers

At the end of World War Two Johnnie Hoskins was quick to reopen his tracks at West Ham and Newcastle.  It was at the latter that I saw my first Speedway meeting.

My dad, a lifelong motorcycle fan, took me to see a match between Johnnie’s Diamonds and Birmingham. I remember it still.  The weather was awful.  Maybe the meeting should have been called off.  But Brough Park was full and no one seemed keen to disappoint those sport starved fans.  The big shot, foot forward riders didn’t shine that night.  Instead the star of the evening was an Aussie named Syd Littlewood.  Syd was a legtrailer – and I had my first hero.

Every succeeding Monday night I watched for legtrailers.  There were quite a number of riders who still practised the technique and, thanks to Johnnie Hoskins shrewd promotion, I got to see some of the pioneers of the sport. Among the favourites I cheered on were Oliver Hart, Bert Spencer, Ted Bravery, Max Grosskreutz  and George Newton – to name but a few.

It was all a long time ago. I still go to Speedway meetings.  I enjoy the sounds and the smells.  And I marvel at the brave young men who earn a living by making motorcycles go sideways.  But old men like to look back.  Was it really better when the engines roared unsilenced, the track was deep with cinders and the riders cornered their machines by trailing their left legs out behind ?

If you are interested in Speedway History why not support the National Speedway Museum ?

Details from www.retro-speedway.com or www.speedwaymuseum.co.uk

Prints for Sale

To buy a 'Sprouts' Elder print go to www.Lulu.com   Search for Lloyd 'Sprouts' Elder, then click on John Proud