**Marc Jones** — born 1967, Balham. Works for AFC Wimbledon.

First taken to Plough Lane aged four (1971) by his mother on a first date with his father, who became a regular attendee and keen fan. Father had a nearby welding factory (Machine World) where speedway riders brought bikes for towbar fitting, giving him informal pit access and personal connections with riders.

Recalls the stadium as industrial, always watching from the final bend. Describes the atmosphere as visceral — noise, smell, crowds — with children running freely around the stadium in 70s fashion. Merchandise was limited to programmes, *Speedway Star*, rosettes and pin badges. Food memory is mainly blackjacks. Considers it an accessible, working-class sport. Attended with extended family; describes it as a wholly family activity rather than a social one with peers.

Primary rider loyalty was to Tommy Jansson, described in Beckham-like terms. Also aware of rival riders including Ole Olsen (whom his mother disliked). Appreciated the dual individual/team dynamic as distinctive to speedway.

Standout memory is the annual fireworks night, featuring ships firing at each other — considered superior to any other local display. Notes the weekly ritual and processional familiarity of race nights, including a Wimbledon team tune his father sang at home.

Did not attend away meetings. Attempted unsuccessfully to pass his enthusiasm to his son during the stadium's later revival, which he felt was hampered by poor track conditions. Designed the programme for that second-era speedway as part of his AFC Wimbledon role. Credits the revival effort but considers it ultimately unsuccessful.

Family connection extends to cycle speedway: his father rode for Wimbledon Wolves; a cousin (Tony Birch) reached British championship level with South London Rangers. Provides a brief explanation of cycle speedway as a postwar youth sport mirroring speedway format on push bikes, often on bomb sites.

Welcomes the oral history project and sees the speedway statue outside the current stadium as an important prompt for public memory.