**Jim (James), born Wimbledon 1945**

Lifelong Wimbledon resident who first attended speedway in 1952 aged seven, witnessing an American rider (Ernie Rocky) the night before he was killed at West Ham. Became a regular Monday-night attendee through his teens, also travelling to other London tracks by public transport.

Worked at the stadium from Easter 1960 for nearly six years, primarily maintaining the greyhound track. Also assisted track man "Mack" with speedway track preparation on Tuesday mornings. Got his father a job at the stadium. Met his wife there in 1962; they married in 1964 with stadium staff in attendance and were gifted furniture by colleagues.

Developed a close personal friendship with Ivan Mauger from 1957, when Mauger lodged near his family home. His younger son subsequently took up speedway, trained by Mauger at Belle Vue, and raced for Canterbury then Exeter before a serious injury ended his career. Jim maintained the bikes from a home garage workshop.

Key observations: the stadium atmosphere was exceptional in its 1950s–60s peak, drawing 15,000–20,000 for league matches; promoter Ronnie Green was central to Wimbledon's success and fan engagement (requiring riders to socialise with fans after meetings); rider approachability has declined sharply in the modern era. Considers the wire mesh safety fence superior to modern air fences. Notes speedway's decline from the late 1970s, attributing it to loss of skilled promoters and dwindling crowds. Now follows Polish speedway on television. His last visit was a brief, disappointing attendance at a junior-league meeting.