Southampton Speedway

The Southampton Speedway team was one of the founder members of the first speedway league in 1929. Indeed, it was the Southampton promoter at the time, George ''Jimmy'' Baxter, who had the idea that dirt-track racing - as it was then called - needed competitive league racing, consisting of teams with which fans could identify, to remain popular. This collection of team groups, action photographs, portraits and other memorabilia compiled by Paul Eustace, charts the history of speedway at Banister Court Stadium from the pioneer days of 1928 to its sad demise in 1963. Special mention is made of Charlie Knott, the ''Guv''nor'' as he was fondly known, who was the man behind Southampton Speedway. With his fellow directors and loyal workforce, he brought the best of speedway entertainment to the Hampshire Public. Many of speedway''s biggest names wore the Saints'' race jacket and are included in the book. Rider such as ''Sprouts'' Elder, Jack and Norman Parker, Phil Bishop, Alec Stratham, Cordy Milne, Gus Kuhn, Dicky Smythe, Les Wotton, Dick Bradley, Brian Crutcher, ''Split'' Waterman, Geoff Mardon, Bjorn Knutsson, Olle Nygren, Cyril Roger and Barry Briggs brought the thrills to thousands at Banister Court, as did many local favourites who are also featured. This book, with over two hundred illustrations and accompanying text, is sure to revive memories for Saints fans and will also be of great interest to all speedway enthusiasts.