A SPEEDWAY enthusiast from Bradford is appealing for the public's help as he prepares for a major exhibition on the sport.

John Murphy is trying to identify every rider who had the distinction of being a track record-holder - fastest over a four-lap race - at the Odsal track in the city, and he plans to display the information at his six-month event later this year.

He is particularly keen to hear from people who have information that pre-dates 1954, when Ronnie Moore - the earliest rider Mr Murphy knows of - was setting records.

"If any readers could suggest riders who held the record before Ronnie, I would be delighted to hear from them," said Mr Murphy.

"I really need information pre-1954. My knowledge on the older days is limited as to how records were recorded. I know some actually were published from just one lap of racing - a flying lap."

Mr Murphy also suggested that the fastest times will also only tell part of the story.

He explained: "Having thought about this, although Bradford rider and 2000 world champion Mark Loram was the fastest rider round Odsal against the clock, in fairness to other candidates the achievement is essentially contemporary.

"Over years the Odsal track underwent subtle changes in length and contour. And the removal of the starting gate to the other side of the circuit is a consideration. And of course, the timing of races way back would have been basic compared to the digital and satellite devices of this modern era.

"To compare the earliest holder that I know of, Ronnie Moore from 1954, to the final era which began in 1985 is unfair. The machinery has developed dramatically, and though essentially still powered by a 500cc motor, the modern era brought ultra light frames, and ultimately a laydown, not upright engine, for better manoeuvrability and speed. Add in leading-link front forks for a smoother ride and slicker and smoother track surfaces, the interesting thought is how would a young Ronnie Moore have performed on Mark Loram's super-tuned factory Jawa?"

Mr Murphy added: "With these things, not only I am looking to pay respect to riders who made their special mark at Odsal, but also I hope that after the exhibition, things will live on - such as the board done for Wembley goes to Wembley.

"And for Gary Peterson, to the Mayor in New Plymouth, New Zealand - his birthplace."