"Crazy Jack" Millen

Both Speedwayplus and the Berwick Unofficial web site have carried separate interviews with Dave Gifford. While both interviews are interesting, there is one thing that upsets me, his nasty remarks about the late Jack Millen. As Jack is no longer with us I'd like to speak up on behalf of "Crazy Jack".

In the Speedway Plus interview he states "Jack died in a blazing car wreck" he goes on to comment "A precursor to his next destination some might say". A totally uncalled for comment I would in say in my opinion. In the name of decency and respect he went too far!

On the Berwick web site Dave comments "I refused to ride with him under any circumstances". He then goes on to make the most damning statement of all, "He is the only person I have ever known with no redeeming features whatsoever"

I have spoken to many of his fellow riders and family members during the course of writing of my two books on Jack Millen, and almost without exception they say, "Ah! Jack Millen, now there was a character". But it's about the way that they talk about him, in an endearing sort of way, even after all these years since he was tragically killed in that blazing car crash.

Dave of course is entitled to his opinions of Jack Millen but lets have some perspective of the man! Jack was a charismatic leader of his speedway team, he created excitement where ever he rode. As for him having no redeeming features whatsoever, well let's have a quote from his ex Sunderland skipper Russ Dent, he recalls needing some work done on his engine, "I'll do it for you" said Jack, no hesitation about it. And Jack wouldn't take a penny piece for his troubles. To quote Russ, "he had his good points, he wasn't all bad as some folk made out". That remark is backed up by most of his Sunderland team mates and the Thomas family with whom he often stayed with overnight in Sunderland.

On the speedway track and off it, Jack Millen took the knocks as well as dishing them out, but he didn't moan about it, a pity Dave Gifford can't be the same. Let us remember them both for the memories the left us with.

If anyone wants to know more about "Crazy Jack" they can read my two books on him.

Ronnie Millen:

"Have read the comments about my late uncle Jack and obviously this guy Dave Gifford didnt know my uncle at all!...true he was a hard man and hard rider but he also had a heart of gold and this has been backed up by people that knew him! Shame on you Dave for slagging a dead man who is not here to defend himself..if he were here today he would probably show you what a good right hook is...go back to raking the track....thank you Bob for sticking up for my uncle!"  

 

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