Confessions of a Speedway Promoter!: John Berry Reveals the Truth About Speedway in the 70s And 80s

Confessions provides a fascinating insight into British speedway, revealing the behind-the-scenes rows and rifts that have blighted the sport and, amid growing disillusionment, caused leading promoter John Berry to quit speedway altogether as crowds dwindled, sponsors disappeared and the sport slumped in the late 80s. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, John Berry gained a hard earned reputation as one of the most successful and forthright promoters British speedway has ever known. In 1969, he revived Ipswich Speedway, just as speedway was about to enjoy another boom period. JB rapidly established the 'Witches' as a leading force in the top flight and also had three different spells as team manager to England and led the British Lions on tour to Australia. He reveals what it took to make a big success of Ipswich, offering his insightful view of local legends and international superstars alike. JB also shines rare light on his own personal experiences. He reflects with brutal honesty on his schoolboy battles with authority, when his characteristic stubbornness and pursuit of justice were first in evidence, and his struggle to balance his devotion to business with steady relationships away from the track. And in the most controversial speedway book ever written, Berry also admits - for the first time - how, and why, he once 'fixed' the result of an international race.