Showered in Shale by Jeff Scott - 508 pages, 409 photos Paperback, £20. One man's circuitous journey throughout the country in pursuit of an obsession - British speedway.
This book provides a unique behind the scenes look at the 2005 speedway season. The author travelled 10,000 miles, attended 70 meetings and watched over 1,100 races. He has selected key meetings from his travels and created a fascinating speedway travelogue consisting of a cornucopia of historical, technical, sometimes whimsical information and impressions.
Coverage of 30 British League tracks.
Quirky stories galore, the odd rant and captivating photos.
Plus exclusive interviews with: promoters, managers, riders, obsessive collectors, a vicar, photographers, referees, start girls and, most importantly, fans and aficionados of speedway!
Publicity Quotes
'It's all here, in almost soap opera style proportions, this is British speedway stripped bare, this is how it really is and some of it isn't pretty. Many years into the future, historians will gladly hold this book to their bosom for its insight. What the author has achieved - and it will be interesting to see how many people really take this on board - is that he's provided a book that will stand-up as a fly on the wall type narrative of where and what our sport really is in the early millennium. Showered in Shale is a quirky book, it's different and off-the-wall. It should find its way onto any true speedway fan's book shelf.'
Brian Burford, Speedway Star
'What I regard as one of the most fascinating books I have come across since I saw my first speedway meeting at New Cross in 1946. It doesn't need fact files, historical facts and biographies to make it buzz.'
John Hyam, South London Press
'I have to say 'Showered In Shale' by Jeff Scott is worth the read even with a touch extra effort: as this is clearly NOT the typical speedway book and is something close to my heart, a genuine attempt to look at our sport in the wider context of modern Britain. As well as a sense of place, speedway is an appeal to the senses. And Scott at times magnificently captures this. There's sight (a race simultaneously appears timeless, caught in the moment and somehow more significant in the overall scheme of things); sound and smell (they say your smell and hearing are the last senses to go when you die; in which case god must be a speedway fan as these are the key senses you engage at every meeting. There's the throaty roar of the bikes, the distinctive bouquet and aroma of the methanol, and even taste: our sport is compared by someone as like Marmite, loved by some but inspiring loathing and antipathy in many others.'
Derek Barclay, Peterborough Programme
'A compelling journey that delves deep into the psyche of British speedway. Scott's odyssey is a multi-faceted account of the state of the sport.'
Ben Findon, Daily Telegraph
'Speedway from a supporters view - a new slant after all the recent riders books - thoroughly enjoyed a humorous and interesting read. Recommended.'
Pat Bliss
'It really is a fascinating book and I hope fans don't miss out on the opportunity to read not just about the tracks but also the characters behind them.'
Chris Gay, SCB Official
'A very worthy effort by this very candid author, supplemented by 409 interesting if rather small offbeat black and white photographs. Liberally laced with Scott's dry humour and pithy observations, ‘Showered in Shale' is a thoroughly absorbing travelogue that presents a whole new angle on the sport from a fans perspective. Never afraid to ask a loaded question and attempt to get to the bottom of everything, Scott seeks out promoters, staff, supporters and a host of characters up and down Britain. The result is an entertaining read. It's unique and refreshingly honest.'
Tony McDonald, Editor, Backtrack
On sale at all good track shops, order via paypal from www.methanolpress.com or send £24 cheque to cover P&P made payable to "J Scott", Methanol Press, 2 Tidy Street, Brighton BN1 4EL.
