Shale Britannia:A Sideways Glance at Speedway

I found this book very evocative of my teenage years when I went to stay with some friends in Norwich, Norfolk, and one of the things we did was to go to the local Speedway track.

I well remember sitting behind the tall wire mesh and smelling the cinders flying off the wheels of the bikes, as they flew past us with the riders having one foot on the ground as they turned the corners!

Shale Brittania:A Sideways Glance at Speedway shows the non glamerous quirky side of Speedway - with concrete terraces - no  facilities like Brands Hatch - but a down to earth look at what can only be thought of as a community sport - fully supported by the locals.

Jeff takes in a day in the life of Speedway tracks up and down the country from pre meeting through the action and into the aftermath at the local pub! I love it - because it brought back those very happy memories of my teenage years.

Would I recommend this book - absolutely because it gives a down to earth look at a different kind of sport - one in which the people are a friendly quirky, salt of the earth lot, who are more than happy to have a pint and a chat with you. It is also very family friendly with the kids starting young both watching and racing.

Highly recommended.