Today we gear up and take a look back at the cycle speedway at Northgate in 1987.

Ipswich Star: The thrills qand spills of cycle speedway racing at Northgate Picture: DAVID KINDREDThe thrills qand spills of cycle speedway racing at Northgate Picture: DAVID KINDRED (Image: David Kindred)

A group of young cycling enthusiasts took to the tennis courts at Northgate to train for cycle speedway.

Ipswich Star: The thrills qand spills of cycle speedway racing at Northgate Picture: DAVID KINDREDThe thrills qand spills of cycle speedway racing at Northgate Picture: DAVID KINDRED (Image: David Kindred)

The group practised a host of different skills, from precision cycling around obstacles and racing one another.

Ipswich Star: The thrills qand spills of cycle speedway racing at Northgate Picture: DAVID KINDREDThe thrills qand spills of cycle speedway racing at Northgate Picture: DAVID KINDRED (Image: David Kindred)

Cycle speedway began in the bombsite era, post-war. Tracks appeared all over the country as it provided entertainment for the riders as well as the spectators during a bleak time.

Ipswich Star: The thrills qand spills of cycle speedway racing at Northgate Picture: DAVID KINDREDThe thrills qand spills of cycle speedway racing at Northgate Picture: DAVID KINDRED (Image: David Kindred)

Cycle speedway tracks have declined over the years due to land development. There are approximatley 30 different cycle speedway tracks around the country now.

Tim Snook and Danny Zagni, who are both pictured kneeling at the front of the photograph, were both top riders British champions during their racing career.

Ipswich Star: The thrills qand spills of cycle speedway racing at Northgate Picture: DAVID KINDREDThe thrills qand spills of cycle speedway racing at Northgate Picture: DAVID KINDRED (Image: David Kindred)

Cycle speedway is still popular today, in Suffolk.

Ipswich Star: The thrills qand spills of cycle speedway racing at Northgate Picture: DAVID KINDREDThe thrills qand spills of cycle speedway racing at Northgate Picture: DAVID KINDRED (Image: David Kindred)

Ipswich Eagles race at Whitton Sports Centre, while there are also competitive tracks and clubs still racing at Great Blakenham and Kesgrave. There is also occasional racing at Somersham.

Ipswich Star: The thrills qand spills of cycle speedway racing at Northgate Picture: DAVID KINDREDThe thrills qand spills of cycle speedway racing at Northgate Picture: DAVID KINDRED (Image: David Kindred)

When the sport was very popular back in the 60s, 70s and 80s there were tracks all over Suffolk, from Woodbridge to Grundisburgh and Leiston to Trimley.