Lakeside Hammers

[Robert Rogers]

As there is still plenty of interest in the old West Ham speedway team on this site despite the demise of the sport nearly 40 years ago at Custom House, I though this photo from tonight match from the modern Lakeside Hammers might be of interest.

[Robert Rogers]

Might be even more intesting if I actally added the phoot, must be getting pass my bed-time!

[Bert]

It looks a bit more flashy and colourful than in the days of Tiger Stevenson, Bluey Wilkinson and Tommy Croombs (with the trailing left leg).

[ALANF]

With all the adverts covering their bodies and bikes, I think that they look better than the riders did years ago. They look more 'with it'. And lets not forget that the advertising brings in money, and so helps to keep the sport alive.
Having watched lots of races on their website, I can only repeat that I am full of admiration for their skill and daring. Long may they continue.
Up the Hammers!!

[Robert Rogers]

You are 100% correct, even a lot of the team names have their sponsors advertising as a part of it.
The attached photo shows this point, the Hammers race colours are quite clear, but it is hard to see the fact that Kings Lynn are called the Stars, under all that advertising.

Must admit, I miss the plain Black leathers and the stright forward race jackets, but then I am an old fashion soul, but cloured racing leathers is not new, Hammers Tommy Croombs had silver leathers, and for a while Howdy Byford had gold, back in the 1950's.

[leydaf]

Good pictures Robert, 

I too like the old black leathers and remember the immaculate way many riders turned out.  Regarding colours of the old leathers, I recall Alan Cowland in white leathers - The White Ghost;  Mike Broadbanks in red - The Red Devil;  Nigel Boocock in blue - Little Boy Blue.

Anyone recall any others?

Best wishes to all.

David in Suffolk.
 

[Robert Rogers]

It is nice to see Alan get a mention, sadley he took his own life, which more than one rider has done, one of the Polish stars did the same thing a few days ago.

I think I got the last post wrong, I think it was Malcome Craven in Silver.

The only other colourfull Hammer I can remember was the Aussie John Langfield who wore Orange with Black Strips in the late 1960`s.

It was the late 1960`s with the likes of Ivan Maugrer and Barry Briggs who started to wear muilty-colured Leathers, with some adverts.

Re advertising, again West Ham were a first, with the very early days of Speedway on TV and long before Sky, the Hammers race jacket was changed and the Words WEST HAM-LONDON were added. (I note with interest the words NEWHAM-LONDON has now been added to a lot of Newham signs now)

Sorry not quite Newham History, but West Ham despite very little reconition by the powers that be in Newham (this is problem that seem to exsist in many areas re Speedway so not an isolated to Newham Problem), had a major input to the History of the sport, especially with their Manager Johnny Hoskins, the great Australian Showman.

[ALANF]

I think that Malcom Craven wore golden leathers and Howdy Byford wore Silver. The Australian Keith Gurtner wore Blue. I don't know what they used for dye, but I remember reading an article about Howdy complaining about the smell coming from his leathers. I think that Ken Le Breton was also known as the White Ghost.
Reference the outfits of the modern riders, they have an afinity with modern F1 racing drivers, and I think that this adds a little bit of excitement.
Once a Hammer - always a Hammer.

[Robert Rogers]

As we are mentioning the old Hammers, on the 23rd May 39 years ago, the Hammers finally passed away.

[harry]

Hi roger I think Malcom Craven also Rode a gold bike ,which I once saw on a trailer towed behind an American car parked outside the Nottingham Arms ln Prince Regents lane.The good old days of speedway,
Regards Harry.