norbold

I've just done this one!

Yes, I remember seeing it but can't remember much about the actual event. Wasn't it a best pairs won by the Ipswich pair of Donkey and John Cook? Which was a bit strange for a World Games as it was a club event and won by an Englishman and an American riding together.

It was unusual for him to lose ANY leg, home or away! It just shows what a great rider Knutsson was. (That's a little aside for CHK)

Yes, it was on 1 September at Norwich. The first leg was on 22 August at Southampton. Knutsson won both legs 2-0.

Don't know about the leaflet, but it must have been 1961 as that's when Knutsson beat Fundin two legs to nil.The World Finalwas in Malmo that year. Wembley held the British Final on 2 September.

Fred Pawson started as a mechanic at Eastbourne in 1947. He then had a few practice outings at Rye House as a rider and was signed up by Harringay in 1948. He moved to Norwich in 1951, coming straight in with a near 6 point average. He remained with Norwich until 1954. I don't think he ever ride for New Cross.

Read the full account of this match in the forthcoming norbold/falcace masterpiece Speedway's Classic Meetings, which includes memories of the match from Dave Lanning, Malcolm Simmons and Reg Trott. Thank you for the opportunity to plug the book, tmc. I will add that I found VSM 50 to be an excellent issue. One of the best so far. Full of interest. Good balance between the different eras. If you haven't done so alreadyI would urge everyone to subscribe.

Yes, but see VSM for the explanation of this.

No Nazi bombers I'm afraid, but I'll see what I can do....

Some of the early Rayleigh programmes had an aerial view of the stadium on the front. I have some. If you let me have your e-mail address I can scan one in and send it to you.

Well, Ron Johnson was born in Scotland but emigrated to Australia when very young and became an Australian, riding for Australia in the Test matches. It is also the case, of course, that he never rode in a World Final anyway. One of those who is always mentioned in "the greatest rider never to ride in a World Final" discussion. So whatever way you look at it, Ken McKinlay was the first Scot to ride in a World Final.

Yes he was. He qualified as reserve in 1955 but did not ride. The next Scot to qualify for the World Final was Jim McMillan in 1972.

Oh right, I see. I'll see what I can find out. I don't recognise the name off hand (except the F1 driver of course!)

I'm not sure what you mean when you say the programme had his name but he wasn't down to ride. How do you know he was a rider?

I wasn't a Dons fan, but used to go regularly. From my time of going to Plough Lane my top 10 would be: 1. Ronnie Moore 2. Sverre Harrfeldt 3. Gote Nordin 4. Tommy Jansson 5. Olle Nygren 6. Ron How 7. Bob Andrews

In spite of the star names we had at West Ham like Sverre Harrfeldt, Olle Nygren, Ken McKinlay, Bjorn Knutsson, Norman Hunter, Christer Lofqvist and so on, my favourite rider was always Stan Stevens. He was never what you would call a star but he was a wholehearted trier who never gave up though there were occasions too when Stan really excelled himself and became a match winner. He had a great understanding with Ken McKinlay in the days when team riding meant something and quite often they would score a 5-1 against the odds. When I later met him in real life (as it were) I also realised what a modest man he was too. Before he rode for West Ham he was a top man in the Provincial League with Rayleigh and New Cross (amongst others) but when I spoke to him about this period of his career, he just said that there was a big gulf between the old National League and the Provincial League and so he didn't consider himself to be a top rider. For me, Stan's the man.

Yes, the names are right. The missing one is Denis Gray. See page 81 of Speedway in London. An excellent book. Ahem

Yes. It was Trev and Bernard Cottrell who revived the Lions in 1970 and became joint promoters.

Yes, and he also promoted at Shelbourne Park in Ireland. Got around a bit did Trev!

Yes, sadly Trevor is no longer with us. He was an excellent rider. Rode for Wembley and Bristol amongst others as well as the teams you mention. He was the first Provincial League Riders' champion in 1960. I saw his attempt to retain the title at Harringay in 1961. With one ride each, both Trevor and Reg Reeves were unbeaten on 12 points. In a race I shall never forget, Trevor shot off in to the lead and led by "miles". Then, on the 4th bend of the 4th lap, his chain came off, leaving Reg Reeves a very lucky winner of the championship. As a New Zealander himself, he was partly responsible for introducing Ronnie Moore and Barry Briggs to this country and to Wimbledon as well as another kiwi, Geoff Mardon, who once finsihed third in the World Championship. Trevor also organised tours of South Africa and helped popularise the sport there. A great character and a great rider.

Ever wish you'd never started something, VV?

Norman Parker was the sort of rider parents ought to name their children after...

Don't forget Vic Huxley as well. Or was he just before your time?

Sorry to hear you've fallen out with Scott, sandman.

Could have been the greatest...Photo here