norbold

Al Sparrey features in a brilliant new book just published called, "70 Years of Rye House" as he rode for Rye House from 1954 to 1956 before moving on to Swindon.

Both...

Yes, 1971. He scored four points and came 11th=

Bryan Elliott actually qualified for the final, he wasn't just a reserve. This was my first year of going to speedway and Bryan's achievement in reaching the final even though he was only the Leicester reserve at the time, is something I always remember. It would be almost impossible for this to happen these days under the grand prix system, which, in that sense, has taken much of the romance out of the World Championship.

He didn't slide off. In 1951, he won his first four races and only needed one point from his last race to win the title. Up against Aub Lawson, Split Waterman and Freddie Williams he was drawn on the outside and was taken out wide by Lawson on the first bend. He never recovered and came in last. He then had another chance in a run-off with Jack Young and Split Waterman. This time he gated first but probably his nerves got the better of him and he was passed by the other two, finishing third. Defeat snatched from the jaws of victory!

National League: 1932 - 1964 Provincial League: 1960 - 1964 British League: 1965 - 1994

As a Norwich supporter of the time I am sure star ghost knows this only too well!

Yes, you're right, frigbo. Bert is still around and living in Watlington, Oxford. Sorry about that. (About the fact I said he wasn't around that is, not the fact he is...er...I'll stop digging now.)

Harry and Bert were brothers. Harry was born in 1923 and was a post War Rye House discovery after spending four years in a Japanese pow camp. He later went on to ride for Walthamstow and Norwich. I don't think either of them are still around, but I'm sure star ghost will know for sure.

Maybe it's because they now have to fill the evening with 15 heats instead of the 20+ we used to get when we got value for money.

Which one is Shazzy?

I believe Jim Lightfoot is still around too and living in Coventry.

Ronnie is still alive and living in Ilford. I don't know what he's up to these days.

Yes and quickly too. The match took place on 5 June 1933 and on the 20 June the Control Board ruled that starting gates had to be in place at all tracks within three weeks.

Ashley Pullen sadly died of cancer. See LINK

It's open now...but please have a wash before you go. It's a very small place and smells tend to linger.

I've just heard from Tempus that they have received my book from the printers today and they should be in the shops, including Amazon, next week.

Hmmmm. Back to the drawing board....

See TwoMinute Warning's post above.

Well, it's my belief that the first proper speedway meeting in this country with bikes with no brakes, a proper dirt track and broadsiding was the second meeting at High Beech held on 9 April 1928. I don't think Droyslden, Camberley or the first High Beech meeting had any of that. So 1928 it is then!

That's because I've never mentioned him!

Being a very modest chap, I really ought not say that I got 10 out 10!

I'm glad you asked that question...as it gives me yet another chance to mention a good book called "70 Years of Rye House Speedway" due to be published on 21 May. The regular 1976 line up was: Ted Hubbard 9.17 Kelvin Mullarkey 7.55 Hugh Saunders 7.47 Brian Foote 7.03 Karl Fiala 6.73 Bob Garrad 6.13 Bob Cooper 5.11 Ashley Pullen 4.92 1977: Kelvin Mullarkey 9.14 Ted Hubbard 9.03 Bob Garrad 8.07 Hugh Saunders 7.32 Karl Fiala 6.22 Ashley Pullen 6.11 Bob Cooper 4.79 Do you want any more years? P.S. Brian Foote was the number one in 1974 and 1975.

I always thought that was called "When Dr Belton went to the dogs." Thanks for putting me right, Parsloes.

I think it has been pretty well established that Peter Craven was off scratch that night.