salty

I find it amazing that Matt Ford, who is so meticulous about his approach to building the best team each season and maintaining his income streams from sponsorship etc, hasn't done major surgery on that track. A poster above reckons its down to home track advantage, but when front wheels are routinely bouncing in the air entering bends then safety becomes a major issue. Couple of decent heats tonight near the end, but overall the racing was dismal.

Well don't vote Tory then!

Zero % chance I'm afraid. 602 flats are incorporated in the site's rebuilding. Speedway never really stood a chance - the other possible developer (which would have kept a dog track) was still going to involve a lesser amount of housing and had no plans to involve motor sport. The money boys won.

You knew spring had moved into summer when Eddie turned up! - Sure Cyril said something to that effect once or twice.

Cradley - Early 70's Top Hat Sam - can't remember his real name - a very vocal supporter who became a sponsor. The open air "toilets" on the second bend. "Scotsmans Bonk" on the 4th bend where dozens used to watch for free. Wimbledon - Early 80's - the old guy who used to open the pit gate - never watched the 4th lap of a race - he used to wear a black beret. Ken Tozer announcing the wrong riders on parade. Getting a free pint off Doris in the bar.

I get Jan Andersson was not renowned for his overtaking skills, but I liked him because of his quiet persona. Going back to the OP - riders who didn't capture the imagination? Spent a lot of time at Plough Lane in the 80's - never took to John Davis or David Jessup.

Zagar £50 more Dudek £50 more. Ta

Couldn't have put it any better. RIP.

Don't fret Gustix. Towns can apply for the 2021 City of Culture as well...... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39129473 Though Ipswich will have to wait for another 4 years.

The UK City of Culture concept seems to be one cherished by nobody other than city councillors. Stroke City was the first four years ago - and whilst there were some nice events such as the All-Ireland Fleadh which drew big crowds, I think the citizens were far less enthusiastic about the results and legacy then the organisers.

Come on Gustix! Click on his author page, then sports, then motor sports. I've even done it for you. https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=sr_nr_n_6?fst=as%3Aoff&rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3ABrian+Belton%2Cn%3A%211025612%2Cn%3A55%2Cn%3A279426&bbn=55&sort=relevancerank&ie=UTF8&qid=1493548685&rnid=55

This link (part of yours) shows he is still active, with a book due to be published soon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Golden-Len-Goulden-Times-Legend/dp/1781555699/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493542721&sr=1-4

Knew that would get you...

Plenty of other recent tomes missing off that list... The Billy Hamill, Sam Ermolenko, Moran Bros biographies by Brian Burford. The original "Confessions" by John Berry (my favourite of the books published in this century) and "Wheels and Deals" by Ian Thomas as well as Reg Fearman's book. The two books on Cradley by Peter Foster, "Clay Country Speedway" and couple of books on Hull. Not to mention "Hammerin' Round"..... Answer to Sid - I've still got the Websters books from the early 70's as well as most of the Yearbooks from the late 70's and early 80's. One I'm missing is the 1977 Speedway Yearbook, so if anyone's looking rid of one PM me!

Lindback £50 more Dudek £50 more. Thanks

Always glad when a rider can walk away from the sport in good health at a time of their own choosing.

Sad news. Enjoyed reading his thoughts about all the meetings around the world. RIP

Further to the original post - and apologies that this focuses more on the venues than the riders, Gustix - but I found this link as well. http://www.national-speedway-museum.co.uk/belfast-tracks.html

We'll simply have to agree to differ.

Seriously? As I say I enjoyed Chunky's tales and I also liked finding out about the current scene in Germany. Don't see why they need separate threads in different parts of the forum other than to satisfy the OP's desire to control. Ironically, a control he is quite happy to flaunt when it suits him!I

Surely there is no need to create another thread?

Interesting stuff. Particularly Chunky's insight and also the posts from Germany about the modern day set up.

A pox on the house of Galliard Homes, RCP, Luke Johnson and their ilk. I suppose we're left with our memories.......

Before my time, friend.