Long Track Video From Haldon

[Nevs]

For those that do not view the Falcons blog on the website at www.exeterfalcons.com our good friend Dave T from Somerset has unearthed some Long Track footage courtesy of www.allspeedway.tv of the Longtrack at Haldon where hopefully our new track will be sited -filmed in 1979

Quote Dave...

Thursday, 24 July 2008
Haldon in the Past

Hi Guys, with the planning application in mind I thought you might be interested in some clips of the original 1970's longtrack at Haldon.

I have found some short clips on the excellent 'All Speedway TV' site.

The first clip shows some of the racing at the track

The second clip shows more of the behind the scenes activity, but both are of interest considering the current situation.

Just one thing, the clips run on continuous loops, so don't worry...............It's not Groundhog Day !!

posted by Dave T

Many thanks Dave and www.allspeedway.tv


1st clip

allspeedway.tv/video/308/long-track-holden-1979

2nd clip

allspeedway.tv/video/302/behind-the-scenes-long-track-holden-1979


Many thanks for the memories-never seen that before or indeed any of The Longtrack at Haldon.
Was 13 at the time and more concerned with paper rounds

Just imagine the Falcons flying on a 1000 metre circuit in 2009!!--Stoney wouldnt be too keen one thinks and guess we would suffer away a tad when we visit Lakeside'Arena Essex or the saucer at Plymouth ;D

Not to mention the amount of shale needed !!

Guessing if and when it goes through it wont be quite as big as those clips

In that first clip the commentator says cant tell you the result.

No doubt Tony or some one else will be able to.........

Over to you Tony.....

[tonyl]

Not actually 1000 metres, Nevs, only 800. Which is the reason why world championship rounds could not be staged there, and it soon closed down. However this is the ground where the new track WILL be built.

The meeting shown took place on Sunday 13 May 1979 and was won by Phil Crump from Ole Olsen and Bruce Penhall. Phil also won the second meeting of 1979 on 30 September when Bruce Cribb and Vaclav Verner joined him on the podium. That meeting also saw 750cc American dirt bikes in action, ridden by among others Peter Collins and world road racing champion (these days it would be MotoGP) Kenny Roberts.

Phil Crump had finished second to Exeter's Reidar Eide in the track's opening meeting (Sunday 8Oct. 1978). That meeting attracted a 20,000 crowd, but I don't think there will be room for quite that many next Easter. The last Haldon long track meeting took place on 29 June 1980. Andy Grahame won from Steve Bastable and Kenny Carter in front of a very poor crowd.

The full story of Haldon long track can be found in 'Speedway in the South West' (£14.99 post free) available from yours truly.

[Nevs]

Just skulked in the cupboards for the book.

Page 58.

Damned good read and book,
Highly recommended.