Hi Randy,

Just a quick hello prompted by your revisit to Ventura.

In 1982, I visited USA on a month-long tour with my good friend, Peter White, from Sydney, who has produced “Speedway World” newspaper for more than 30 years now. At that stage, Peter organised tour groups to all Speedway World Finals (solo bikes), and 1982 was the first (and so far only) time the final was held in the USA. It was at the Los Angeles Coliseum, and America’s own Bruce Penhall won his second successive World Final having won the previous year at Wembley Stadium in London.

In those days, it was a stand-alone final held on the one night. Since 1994, the final consists of rounds in a lot of countries, including Australia, to determine a Champion.

On that tour in 1982, we went all over the USA, culminating, of course, with a week in Southern California for the final. We did take in some other meetings, including Costa Mesa, San Bernardino and Ventura. An optional meeting was at Ascot Park, but there were only minor car divisions on that night.

My favourite of all those tracks was undoubtedly San Bernardino, but I found Ventura very interesting, being so close to the ocean.

I remember they marketed it as “The Commotion By The Ocean”. I don’t know whether they still do.

Looking at your pics and the video you attached, the place certainly has been done up at lot. The whole of the seating has been completely re-done and extended (I compared it to my 1982 photos) and looks a lot fresher than in those days.

The thing I remember most about my visit there was having first “shout” with two other people for beers. The others asked me if I wanted a hand bringing them back to the stand from the vendor stall and I said that I would be fine as there were only three to carry.

Little did I know that they served them in these huge cardboard cups and there was no way I was going to be able to carry them back without help.

Archerfield is still going strong despite rumours that developers were keen on turning the place into a residential eyesore. There was talk about relocating to somewhere near the Gold Coast, but it appears that we are still here for the foreseeable future.

Donny Schatz is coming once again for his usual seven-night burst in late December-early January, and bringing with him a couple of youngsters from the World of Outlaws.

We also have some Americans coming in late January (Rico Abreu, Brady Bacon, Andrew Felker and Alex Bright) for the round of the World Midget Championships, which also includes the Australians and New Zealanders.

I love the midgets far more than the sprintcars and can’t wait for the overseas boys to appear. The Americans always put on a great show and are far better overall than our boys, given the tough racing they consistently do during their season.

Sad to hear of the passing of Brian Clauson. He came here a couple of times and I had the pleasure of interviewing him. He was a terrific fellow and an absolutely amazing talent in a midget.

Anyway, Randy, I just thought I would drop you a line with Christmas fast approaching and wish you and your family all the very best for the Festive Season.

Best Wishes,

Bob Leyden, Archerfield Announcer.