KIWIPIRATE

As the instigator of the original original thread, I would just like to say that is indeed a fine line-up and show of proper handlebars - you'd never turn one of those brutes with the namby-pamby girly bars they have now......

Ronnie Genz - he took my hand painted programme board (this was a major work of art, with every team's race jacket lovingly created in Airfix enamels) and personally passed it to every member of the Pirates to sign it.... Tks Ronnie, wherever you may be now.....

Aaah, Gab Kadirov - ISTR he was known as the Russian (sic) "Beatle" because of his hair cut at the time..... or was that Gennady Kurilenko?? Both exciting riders to watch...

Only a guess, but it might be a badge from the Wembley Cycle Speedway Club... Cycle Speedway

one of his great nephews is Aaron Mauger - the All Blacks centre...

SOLO MOTORCYCLES South Island Solo Championship, 20 December 2003, Ruapuna Speedway, Christchurch 1st Place: Blair McKinlay, Ruapuna 2nd Place Michael Long, Oreti Park, Invercargill 3rd Place: Sean Cox, Ruapuna NZ Solo Grand Prix 27 December 2003, Ruapuna Speedway, Christchurch 1st Place: Michael Long, Oreti Park 2nd Place: Andrew Aldridge, Ruapuna 3rd Place: Scott Boyce, Ruapuna New Zealand Solo Championship 23 January 2004, Wellington Speedway 1st Place: Jason Bunyan, Waikaraka Park (UK) 2nd Place: Terenzani Simone, Waikaraka Park (Italy) 3rd Place: Craig Ramsay, Gisborne North Island Solo Championship 14 March 2004, Rosebank Domain, Auckland 1st Place: Craig Ramsay, Gisborne 2nd Place: Greg Fisher, Rosebank 3rd Place: Dylan Moohan, Rosebank New Zealand Under 21 Solo Championship 22 February 2004, Rosebank Domain, Auckland 1st Place: Grant Tregoning, Ruapuna 2nd Place: Andrew Bargh, Palmerston North 3rd Place: Jade Mudgway, Palmerston North

League racing has started in the South Island of New Zealand - only 3 teams at present (Canterbury, Southland and the West Coast). Plans are to try and create a 6 team league in the SI, possibly adding a North Island team as well.... Ronnie Moore is in support ... (Canterbury are called Ronnie's Rebels) Full page article in the Southland Times....

Actually, Dorset people have a burr, not a twang Well done, Jason - a worthy champ. and well done Trick - a worthy runner-up. I take my hat off to every rider who straddles a speedway machine, in fact....

Phil was a sight to behold.... ISTR he was also physically very strong - rumour had it that he could lift one of his bikes with one arm!!!

Poole "Badger Beer" Pirates 1. Tony Rickardsson 2. Malcolm Simmons 3. Michael Lee 4. Mark Loram 5. Leigh Adams 6. Brian Crutcher 7. Craig Boyce

I'll be in Surfer's 18-23 Jan incl. Any meetings on durng that period?

Ordered the book for myself for Xmas, and KPjr may read it when she's a little older. Excellent read, and a sorely missed exponent of track craft. My only criticsm would be that the proof reading isn't all it could be... The book seems to affirm that PC did start with a 20yd handicap on that fateful night...

Condolences to all the family, Janice. Always liked to see Chris down at Wimborne Rd with the Aces - loved the polka dots and sideburns!

AFAIK it's two....

Tks for all the comments. I agree New Plymouth is not the most inspiring of places, but we were "lucky?" that the motel had cocked up our booking and we "accidentally" found a lovely little 2 bedroom cottage available right opposite Pukakura Park. Mrs KP loved it, and they even left a bottle of wine for us... The Godden mounts were as listed on Ivan's web site... have to admit I raised an eyebrow as well... Would love to see a short track GP in Wellington, but I guess an Australian round would also be needed to make it worthwhile... Won't make it to Rosebank Rd - used to live in West Harbour, just up the road really!