1970's Part Three

Ex-Rye House rider Karl Fiala has been in touch with some of his memories and items from his late 70's and 1980's career. I can remember Karl being one of the most entertaining visiting riders and it was no surprise to learn that Brough Park was in fact Karl's favourite track. I have no hesitation in devoting a little of the sites web space to Karl.

Tom wasn't headed by many visitors but Karl usually gave Tom a run for his money

Courtesy of Karl Fiala 1978
Karl Fiala says "How many teams got a victory ride on the tractor during that spell at Newcastle". Can anyone supply the names of the RH guys Contact Me

Back: Kevin McDonald, Peter Moy, Rob Maxfield, Robbie Blackadder, Neil (Fish) Coddington, Tom Owen.
Front: Paul Cook (mascot), Robbie Gardner, Kenny Carter, Chris Prime, David Bargh, Nigel Crabtree.
I am told Nigel Crabtree Who was visiting as manager of Stoke on 5th July 2004 and he was shown this picture That he got a real shock seeing himself on the screen.! You were very popular in your days as a Diamond, Crabbers.

Possibly the best English rider we have ever had with all due respect to Joe Owen Kenny went on to greater things. His world final battles with Bruce Penhall come to mind

More 1978 - Robbie Gardner, David Bargh, Kenny Carter, Tom Owen, Robbie Blackadder, Graeme Stapleton, Rod Hunter.

This team was my personal favourite Newcastle team line up, none of these guys knew when they were beaten. They overtook more than any side we have ever had. What I like about the photograph is the contrast between the older lads faces and Davy and Kenny. The two kids faces are fresh and innocent looking but with their team mates to learn from both became ferocious racers, Kenny almost a world champion and David one of the best team men of his era.

This is Tom Owen and (I think) Barghy. How much young David benefited from having Tom around can only be guessed at

1978 Rod Hunter and Robbie Blackadder sandwich someone called Shields, his first name escapes me

"Graeme Stapleton has been in the wars. Discovering his house was on fire, he suffered a heart-attack trying to save it. The house was lost but thankfully, Graeme wasn't. He was rushed to Christchurch hospital where he spent the week recovering. Then he was transferred to Darfield hospital, closer to home for another week. He is now staying at friends until insurance sees that his home is rebuilt. The former pig farmer is now into Boxer dogs. He is doing well and anyone that knows 'Stape', will be aware that this won't keep him down for long. Anyone wishing to send him their regards can do so through me raebo_nz@hotmail.com or send them to Graeme Stapleton, c/o V. Ratahi, Davies Road, 1 RD, Glenroy, Canterbury, 7673, New Zealand. I'm sure he would love to hear from you. Cheers everyone, Tracy."

Back to 1975 The purpose of these pictures is to show the old office and shower building the green thing with 3 windows.

Manager Dave Younghusband, David Bargh, Tom Owen (on bike), Robbie Blackadder, Graeme Stapleton, Rod Hunter, Neil "fish" Coddington, Nigel Crabtree.

I remember Crabbers as a second halfer who went into the bends faster than most of our team. He fell often and had a wild man reputation then it all clicked into place for him. Joe Wake says: Nigel rode for us from 1977 to 1980. Then did not ride for a spell if I remember before riding for Scunthorpe. Thanks for the photos Joe and I am sure you are right

Neil never made the grade as a speedway rider. He returned to Australia and speedboat racing. I know he had a serious smash a couple of years ago in his boat which almost cost him his life. If you know more get in touch and let us all know that Fish is ok now.
Update: Fish survived that crash only to crash again in 2010. This time he did not survive his injuries. Neil, 57, was a champion powerboat racer and was killed while out on a training run where he was believed to be warming up the Championship winning hydroplane, Blue Max, that had seen him and his brother Graham take countless major trophies.

Great reserve pairing. Neil (Fish) Coddington and Nigel Crabtree 1979 (not sure of the year)

Neil getting out of shape and causing problems for Dole whomever he was. Neil's foot is turned right over digging the dirt. Did the ref notice Fish taking Mr Doles line away from him?

Phil only rode for Newcastle in 1977, he finished 4th in the averages with 7.22.went to Hull in 78 had a torrid time and had retired before the end of May. Returned in 1979 to ride for Berwick. He returned to Scunthorpe in 1981 and again retired mid-season this time permanently.

Chris was a regular second halfer in 1977 he was on the verge of making a reserve spot his own in 1978 but became the 3rd rider to be fatally inured at Brough Park when he crashed heavily and subsequently lost his life. Chris died on Monday, April 3, 1978 following a crash in Heat 2 of the National League match between Newcastle and Mildenhall at Brough Park. Many fans did not see Chris hitting the fence coming out of the last bend as all eyes were on a terrific scrap up front as Kenny Carter tried to split Melvyn Taylor and Neil Leeks on the run-in to the flag. The match was abandoned after the final heat (Heat 13) as news of Chris's death reached Ian Thomas who announced it to the crowd. Chris was 18 and hailed from Hull.

Here he is in action in 1977. Chris's family have provided a trophy "The Chris Prime Memorial Trophy" which is raced for every year by our junior riders.

After an accident at Poole Speedway in 1973 which ended my racing career, I was approached by Ian Thomas to take on the role of Team Manager at Newcastle Speedway on its reopening in the National League in 1975 after several years of closure. This was a very exciting time with a team made up of several riders from Australia who were taking their first steps in British Speedway and the backbone of the team being two English brothers, Tom and Joe Owen, who had previously ridden at Barrow.

Despite the fact that this was a young team, some of the riders being very inexperienced, it was run on a very professional basis. Every effort was made to build up team spirit (which is the basis for any successful team) and all riders were expected to present themselves on race nights with immaculate and well maintained equipment and riding gear.

This discipline and effort paid dividends as the team enjoyed a considerable amount of success and it would be fair to say became the most exciting team in the National League. They were League Champions in 1976, 1982 and 1983, Runners-up in 1975, 1978 and 1980 and third in 1981. In fact the team’s lowest finish position was sixth in 1977 and 1979. A similar success was achieved in the KO Cup when the team finished Champions in 1976 and 1982 and reached the semi-finals in 1975. They were also 4 Team Champions in 1976, 1982 and 1983, Pairs Champions in 1975 and Super National Play-off Champions in 1982 and 1983. A fantastic achievement by all standards.

These achievements were recognised when the team was voted winners of the North-East Sportsman of the Year Trophy – an award which was normally given to individual sportsmen rather than a team – and presented to them at a dinner attended by all the leading sportsmen in the North East. Also, along with all of the club’s officials, wives and girlfriends the team was invited to a reception at the Mansion House in Newcastle to meet the Lord Mayor who expressed his thanks and appreciation to the team on behalf of the City for being such good ambassadors for the region.