salty

Might be wrong but I think Finn Thomsen used to wear green leathers as well. Can't believe we've got through so many posts on this subject without mentioning one of the most distinctively attired riders of the 70's..... the Polka Dot Kid himself!!

You're right the Speedway handbook was my source, but I also have acopy of Speedway and Short Track racing by Dave Lanning that shows a 1974 pic of Jim McMillan with the word SMITHS showing on both arms and the old Smiths Crisps logo on his leg. Regards

Looking at team pics from the 1969 season, apart from the Leicester team leathers the most noticeable coloured leathers belong to Alan Knapkin, Bruce Cribb, Barry Briggs and John Langfield. A few black with stripes down the side and a good smattering of Rugby/Football shirts (Coatbridge, Newport, Bernie Persson, Jimmy Squibb and the Eastbourne Eagles). No sign of any sponsors though, apart from Ivan Mauger having Jawa on his shoulders.

Totally agree with you Steve. The point I was making was that by 1972 coloured leathers were more common place and Ivan's wearing of black ones on that night was a deliberate ploy.

Dewayne Keeter only rode 1 season in British Speedway and that was the previously mentioned 1969 campaign with Leicester when the whole team wore identical coloured leathers.

Nearly certain that Ivan wore black leathers in a World Final as a deliberate ploy to be possibly mistaken for a Russian or Pole. Almost certain it was the 1972 Final as at that time Western riders were almost exclusively wearing coloured leathers.

What about the "Briggo" leathers as I called them, which were mainly red and had very noticeable thin black stripes down the arms. A number of riders wore these as well as Briggo (Martin Ashby, Scott Autrey and Graeme Stapleton were 3 I seem to recall). If memory serves it was some sort of promotional tie-in, can anyone elaborate???

Leicester had red and yellow team leathers in 1969, the season they rode every match with the same 7 riders. Other team leathers in the early 70's were Wolves in 71? Also Cradley had team leathers in 1972 but opted rather strangly for a dark brown colour.

Think he might have survived that and still got a nomination if Holta hadn't got in the top 8. Then it became a straight choice between Jarek and KK.

That would be the Greg Hancock who finished 2nd in 2006 would it? Having said that I take your point. We used to be in a position where riders like Crump or Sanders would sometimes be out of the World Championship race before the European season had even started.

Surely you can't be referring to Janno? One of the most exciting riders in the past 30 years. Probably got an interesting story to tell as well. Hard to believe it is so long since his retirement.

The only major nation not taking part are Britain. Sure it would be good experience for our up and coming riders.

Come on Ron tell us who it is!

Can't see Zagar getting back in. Too far behind in the points to have a nomination ahead of Holta or Jagus, previous 9th and 10th places have got in the following year. I have doubts that it is that important to have a Slovenian in the series, surely he would just be a Wild Card for Krsko.

Interesting in this week's Speedway Star to read Philip Rising's report of the Gp Qualifying Final. The paragraph in question read ...."Lindgren, though disappointed, has the consolation of knowing that he will almost certainly win a seeded place for 2008 but the case for Kasprzak, despite his place on the podium in Bydgooszcz, is less clear". Given that Philip Rising is also Deputy Race Director for the GP's (or some such important title) I think it is fair to surmise that he has a rough idea of the way the nominations will go. Kasprzak's hope of a nomination are clouded by the claims of Holta, Jagus and Hampel.

Wish I could share your confidence with regard to Rune. Got a horrible feeling that Kasprzak and Hampel would get the nod over him if it came down to nominations. I think he has shown throughout the season he has got the ability and he has featured in some excellent races, I just have this niggling feeling that other factors such as sponsorship profile might go against him.

Good performance by the Brits to get so close to the Poles and refreshing to see Kennett piling up the points on a continental track. Would be interesting to know the story behind Tai's non selection, did Uncle Len say NO! Slightly ironic if Len is failing to support the British Under 21 team again, given how keen he is to have Hoddesdon used for Under 21 meetings.

Don't think Len should have a say in the matter. Country should come before club.

Surprising because Peter Oakes did a lengthy article following the Qualifier. As both the manager and a contributor to the Star you would have expected something wouldn't you?

No problem with 5 Danes if he had qualified by right, I'm just saying that means he will not be nominated. Maybe he should do a Greg Rusedski/Kevin Pietersen and find a long lost English granny.

KK and Freddie Yes, but Bjerre hasn't got a hope, no way will they have 5 Danes.

The problem lies with the clash between commercial and sporting interests. Once the World Championship became the "property" of a commercial concern then it follows that their interests would become more powerful. Thus, we now have a situation where riders are given GP slots due to commercial considerations, for example the "need" to have at least 2 Brits and Swedes in the series. The best system would be like the old GP Challenge where riders 9-15 in the end of season GP standings ride in a meeting against 9 riders who have come through a qualifying process, the top 7 get slots for the following year. But of course that runs the risk of a series without a Brit and BSI apparently can't risk that so we have the fall back of the nominations.

Don't think so! Pretty certain the Brits will continue to have 2 spots. Can't see Zagar getting nominated in front of people who are well ahead of him in this years series.

Personally I would go for Holta, but that is just personal bias. I do think he has added something to the series this year. A really interesting scenario would be if Holta or Jagus get into the top 8 meaning the nominations would have to be any 4 from Nicholls, Hampel, Jonsson, KK and Lindgren.

Not a problem with the concept of them coming through the qualifiers. Far better than having to rely on being "nominated". Think its fair to say that having the Final at Vojens does give the Danish riders a big advantage though.