| WEST HAM SPEEDWAY CLOSES | ||
|---|---|---|
| This clip is not available for streaming at this time. Please contact WPA. | Tape Master: | 8275 |
| Catalog #: | 311074 | |
| Clip Number: | 311074-1 | |
| Orginal Film: | UN 4592 B | |
| Timecode: | 01:45:15 - 01:50:20 | |
| Location: | London | |
| Year Shot: | 1972 (Actual Year) | |
| Audio: | Yes | |
| Color: | Yes | |
| Headings: | CITY PLANNING: Development CITY PLANNING: Urban Renewal LOCATIONS/EUROPE: UK, England, London TRANSPORTATION/MOTORCYCLE: Races | |
| Description: | WEST HAM SPEEDWAY CLOSES people being interviewed at the closure of the West Ham speedway course. (Commentary and interviews by John Stapleton) VS cut story telling of the end of motorcycle racing at West Ham Speedway because the stadium has been sold to the developers. West Ham is one of only 3 speedways still left in the London area. Speedway racing was a really big deal especially in earlier decades, and still has some loyal adherents as one can tell from interviews with fans, and past and present riders incl. some older men who were racing back in the 1930s. London Shots of people push starting motorcycles they competitors speed off around track. Spectators look on. Shots of derelict looking buildings nearby to the stadium. The commentator says that many Speedway track are being forced to close due to redevelopment. M/S of woman being interviewed by Stapleton. She says that the impending closure is 'tragic'. Several M/Ss of male fans being interviewed they talk about the achievements of the West Ham speedway teams in the past and the few remaining speedway circuits in London and other past memories. More shots of bikes speeding around circuit. M/Ss of Stapleton interviewing former speedway champions of the 1930's. They speak of the dangers involved in the past. How many bones they broke and how many times they fell off etc.. They also talk of sadness at the closure of the circuit. Shots of man waving flag as West Ham bikers cross the line for the last time (sadly they finished second). | |


