kaiser

Cheers Rob, indeed the contrast is really quite ridiculous. Granted he broke down in his 4th ride in 81 (although i dont think he was leading anyway). It clearly shows a total lack of consistancy. Or dare i say it, his win or bust attitude, i suspect Kenny wasnt interested once he knew he couldnt win the meeting, 2nd or 3rd place was of little significance to him. As demonstrated by his 5th rides at LA and Norden, when he still had a chance of a rostrum place. Must say i got a lot of pleasure and entertainment watching Kenny (booing him at BV!!well i was only a kid ). He was a character, and people who liked him or not, always wanted to watch him race.

Totally agree, would probably put Sigalos in there as well(very unlucky with injuries ). Kennys big chance was oviously in 82, and in my view the HOT DOG STAND decision could have really gone either way, maybe it helped Bruce that it was in the usa. Although ive always thought Carter should have won it in the 83 final, which was probably a more open even field, added that he was probably one of the more experienced riders in that final aswell. You do have to question some of Carters mental strength in finals, where he always started the meetings on fire but ultimately tailed off. Think im right that in all the 81,82,83 finals he actually lead the field at the interval!!!

Well i only really remember The Main Dane passing average riders (granted he wasnt behind that often ). I think its fare to say he wasnt a natural passer in the mould of a Collins, Jan o, Morton or Moran. More of a master of making lightning starts, similar to Mauger in that respect. Im pretty sure Kenny got on with both Morans, dont think he was too friendly with the rest of the yanks though!!!

Oh, like the 84 British final, when he passed PC and Les in the rain (with a broken leg!!!). I was never a huge Carter fan, but he could pass, he wasnt just a trapper!!! Unlike certain Danes a la Nielsen and Knudsen

I first watched Kenny Carter around 1982, pretty sure it was the BLRC which he won. Carter was really the only reason to bother watching Halifax, who by and large always got smashed at Hyde road in the 80s. He was an unbelievable speedway rider, who could pass or trap when he needed too. Oviously he had issues in his private life, which ultimately led to his downfall. As a person Carter was both selfish and weak in what he did, but nobody should doubt his ability as a speedway rider. Englands best rider of the 80s?? Yeah probably....

I cannot believe the stick young Tai gets on this forum!!!Nothing like knocking Britains/Englands best young rider by a country mile. Fare play to Darcy he took his chance, but it was Tais to lose (still next year). Well done Paddy H

Yep!!!! 1980 Lee 1981 Penhall, awesome display of riding. 1982 Collins Les, very unlucky with the carter penhall rerun incident, plus he won the earlier intercontinental round. 1983 Sanders, Muller only won because of a doctored Norden track (well thats what my dad said!!! ). 1984 Gunder the wonder, you bet ya!!!! 1985 Shawn Moran, won both Overseas and intercontinental finals, then made a balls of it at Odsal 1986 Tommy Knudsen, knocked off by Nielsen (granted the main dane deserved a bit of luck, but he sure got it here!!!). 1987 Hans Nielsen 1988 Erik again!!!! 1989 Hans Nielsen 1990 Per Johnsson, sorry about spelling!!!! THAT ENOUGH FOR NOW, MY FINGERS ARE HURTING!!!!!!

I can only really include riders that i have been fortunate to have seen at there peak, on that basis i would go for Shawn Moran, Kenny Carter and Billy Sanders, all were quality riders. From the current gp system got to be Leigh Adams and Tomaz Gollob.

Decline of Leigh Adams!!!! Oh come on, Leighs been a great great rider, its just age(it catches up with us all in the end!!!). Ok hes not the top gp rider of past years, but hes still a top top rider, been a credit to the EL/British League and Swindon. He could still captain Swindon to there first league title in decades. Yeah youve really ley yourself go man!!!!

Kelly Moran mad as a hatter, but a total legend!!!!! If only the aces had a rider with half his talent now, rather than that tosh i watched lastnight!!!!!

Recieved my copy yesterday, top read again, like the article about Bobby Beaton, plus Paul Thorp winning the NLRC.

Well ive got to say backtrack is one of the best mags avaliable. Im not remotely interested in a pdf format (not everthing has to evolve around a pc!!!). Keep up the good work, its a great read and one of the few mags i actually go back to read again.

Got to be Kenny Mckinna for me. He always gave 100 percent when he rode for the aces. We could do with a few like him now in the side!!! Sure he was never a world beater, but as a reliable 2nd string he was top draw.

Luckly ive been going since 1982 and managed to get too hyde road. One track i never got to was Leicester, most people who ive spoken to always say it was a great track. Feel fortunate that i got too cradley and halifax as both these tracks were great.

The Americans were some of the most entertaining and colourful riders of the 80s, something thats sadly missing in the current climate. Anyway heres my top three. 1. Shawn Moran my all time hero, quite simply awesome, the mirracle man. 2. Dennis Sigalos, probably would have won a world final, if not for an early career injury. 3. Mike Faria, only rode one full season in the BL, but he was great for BV in 88.(could do with a few loke him now!!!)