I had the great privilege of meeting Ivan during my time working at Coventry speedway in the 70s. His passion and absolute determination to win was always clear to see. I remember him coming to Brandon with Belle view, Exeter and Hull and he would go around to his team mates offering advice and you would see him helping with a wheel change or repair to a young rider's bike. It was always the highlight of the season to see Ivan race against either Nigel Boocock in the late 60s or Ole Olsen in the 70s, the races were terrific and if Ivan was in town the stands would be full not just with Coventry and fans of whichever team he was racing for, but with speedway fans from Leicester, Cradley and Wolverhampton who just had to see Ivan vs Ole because you just knew it would be incredible racing by two of the absolute legends of Speedway. Ivan you were the greatest of all time, thank you for all you gave to speedway, a legend and a genius. RIP xx