A little while ago Forum member Goof-aka 1983 Mr MX Ray Vandenberg- was chasing a copy of the footage from the Ravenswood Golden Jubilee meeting in 1983.
i managed to catch up with the club president of the time, Leigh Watkins, and asked him if he had a copy of the footage. Leigh was more than happy to chase it up as he knew he had the original footage at home, just got to find it!
Well Leigh called and let me know he found it, and had ran off a couple of copies for me to forward onto Ray. Yesterday i recived a package with the DVD'S inside, so tonight i had a few minutes to have a quick look.
Unbeleivable that Leigh (who was a mover and shaker that achieved many important milestones in his time at the helm of the Bendigo Club) managed to get live television coverage of the event on free to air television in 1983.
THe whole show goes for some 53 minutes roughly, with footage of mini classes, the C grade main event (local riders and sons of well known legend Brian Clarke, Noel and Tony clarke, featuring well), of course the A & B grade support races and then the premier class, the Frank Black Memorial-which was later called the Ravenswood Cup.
The track layout was very similar to today, but went through the creek twice!!
Several interviews went to air, one with some skinny little dude called Leisk, Mike Landman, Ray of course, and even some of the local riders from the 60's, along with priceless footage from the 50's & 60's.
I have never put anything on you tube before, but i will attempt to get it on as soon as i can.
THe race footage is gold, and for those of us who can remember Ray's days at the top of the game, yes he definitely was that good, its not just our old memories playing tricks. Even Leisky couldnt hold a candle to him on this day.
Trevor Williams , Trevor Brooks, the old names all had plenty of air time...
