cardrew

The one factor you have overlooked is that the World Finals were held at Wembley from 1936 and thus favoured a home track rider (e.g. 5 Wembley Champions in 12 years - Frank Charles 1935, Lionel Van Praag 1936, Tommy Price 1949, Freddie Williams 1950, Freddie Williams 1953). I have included 1935 Star Championship as it was run on the same lines as 1936 (without the bonus points). 1935 season was dominated by the rivalry between Bluey Wilkinson (Australian Champion) and Tom Farndon (British Champion), unfortunately the anticipated match up never occurred, and it was won by a rank outsider (10th in Qualifying Round), that is why the Bonus Points system was used in 1936-39.

I will always be a Hackney Hawks fan, however once they closed I went to Oxford as they were the easiest track to reach by public transport from Central London. You guessed it, now they have closed as well. I am glad Uncle Len re-opened Rye House, and kept his policy of encouraging young talent, they have been an interesting side to watch. It was sad to see Wimbledon close again, but the recent period just wasn't the same as watching them in the 60's, 70's and 80's. I have never understood why Arena Essex did not Capitalise on their position as the only Elite Track near London, there were many Hackney and Wimbledon supporters they could have captured! There is a station (Chafford Hundred) nearby, if the pits gate turnstiles are open it is a 15 minute walk, if not (as usual) then it is a 30-45 min. walk. They could have run a bus service from the station. Let's hope the Olympic Stadium (or vecinity) has a Speedway track, even if it only stages a Grand Prix, Grand Prix Challenge or World Cup events.

Really appreciate your help Tim Can I help you with any of your research? Best regards Mike

Can anyone help me with a colour picture of the MK Knights race jacket from 1985?

The Bradford Panthers programme cover shows a Blue Panthers Head on a Yellow Jacket (Reverse of Oxford 1964!), however I have only seen photos of a dark number (assume blue) on Light (assume yellow)

I am amazed by the Dagenham v Rye House 26-56 result (same as Romford v Rye House 26-56???) Have not come across the Rye House v Smallford 44-39 result before Do you have a date for either of these matches? I show 4 additional dates, however can find no trace of these matches being staged June 5 Smallford v Dagenham July 3 Rye House v Romford July 17 Dagenham v Smallford Aug.14 Rye House v Dagenham Looks like schedule had Dagenham and Eastbourne riding twice at home against each opponent Romford, Rye House ans Smallford riding once at home against each team

From the early years, the best riders to never actually win a World Championship were Frank Arthur, Vic Huxley, Tom Farndon, Jack Parker and Vic Duggan. The first four won the Star Championship (a forerunner of the WC), and Vic Duggan won the British Riders Championship (in a year when there was no WC). Jack Parker also become World's Individual Champion in 1931, in a competition later known as the BIC. It is incredible that the last 4 Star Champions were British (1932-35), but over the next 50 years there were only a handful of British World Champions (Price, Williams x2, Craven x2, Collins, Lee) The last British World Champion (Mark Loram) wasn't born in Great Britain, the current World Champion (Jason Crump) was!