Ivan Mauger: The Man Behind the Myth

Ivan Mauger was a multi-world champion speedway rider who is often remembered as the man who changed the "Hells Angels" image of speedway racing. This is an interesting read with views of many different people both within the speedway community and those on the outside - the fans. The subject comes across very much as the marmite of his time, either loved or hated. A few people even refused to have their views published! I would recommend this book for all speedway fans young or old.

I largely enjoyed reading the book - a succession of random articles of vastly varying length, written by different individuals from the speedway scene (riders, ex-riders, promoters, journalists, etc).... until I read the penultimate chapter - contributed by a man based in that well-known hot-bed of speedway Los Angeles. The contributor was described as a freelance writer.The contributor in question had barely started senior school when Ivan Mauger's British carrer ended, and the article was less than complimentary about Ivan Mauger, seemingly focusing on the writer's disappointment with certain aspect of one solitary meeting - Ivan's UK farewell meeting at Belle Vue nearly 30 years ago.Many people have had many opinions about Ivan Mauger, but this is the first time an "unknown" (i.e not a rider or promoter or journalist) has gone to print in such a derogatory and unbalanced way.

A brilliant book about a legend in his own lifetime. Ivan Mauger has always been an idol of mine since I was a kid watching him ride at Newport Somerton Park (not one of his favourites I believe) for Exeter Falcons against my beloved Wasps.

have not finished yet, cannot get into it as it is not about the man himself just stories about him that keep getting repeated

A very good read, a lot of detail.

This is a book that has very little journalistic input which as a consequence makes it very disappointing. All it is is collection of other peoples thoughts and memories which are sometimes interesting and sometimes predictable. I have read better subject related books.

good book

fabulous read