Tsunami

.......and me yesterday.

A little update on Ashington for those who might be interested. With the closure of Newcastle at the end of the 1994 season, the hunt was on to find an alternative venue. I was in touch with Ashington FC and started discussions to bring speedway back at Portland Park. I knew the then Chairman of the football club and we were talking a deal. On the night that George English and myself went there, for me to measure out the track, a certain person who had been passing on the flyover stopped in to see what was going on as the floodlights were on. That certain person was the 'glycerol' who also writes on this forum. Unfortunately, although a deal could have been concluded I then got a phone call from the Dennis Murphy, the then leader of the council and now the MP for Ashington, to advise us that they would not let the football club sub-let the stadium and privately told me that they would not allow any development as they were considering demolishing the stadium and build a supermarket. The football club were subsequently evicted from Portland Park and the new supermarket built. Ironically, the main problem, if the project had got underway, was the fact that fans could have stayed outside the stadium on the said flyover and watched the speedway for nowt. Happy days. All ended up well eventually when we got back into Brough in 1997.

Interesting. BTW by the contours of the grass on the centre green of the half mile track, I would say there had been an earlier smaller track with the main grandstand in the middle of the home straight. Perhaps with developing the big track, the smaller track on the right was created to host the other small track activities.

Newcastle 3. Brian Craven is with a junior called Derek Grieves.

Sad to report that Gordon Byers of Newcastle died a couple of weeks ago aged 97 years. He was the winner of the very first race at Brough Park in 1929 and went on to have a rewarding career representing his country. Ironically, Gordon has attended all the anniversary meetings including the 50th, 60th, and the 70th(I picked him up) and his death means that he will not be joining us in 2009 for the 80th anniversary celebrations. Gordon RIP The full article is the main story on www.newcastlespeedway.net

He was in this country in 2002 as he often came to Newcastle meching with Davy Watt when he rode for us.

Didn't Andre Compton take out a helicopter flying licence in 2007/8. I am sure it was in the Speedway Star.

You are correct iris. His names on his birthcert are Guy Allen Ermolenko.

Gil Goldfinch

Gil Goldfinch formerly of Wimbledon, and later for my Diamonds in about 61/62 was Jewish. Died, I believe, of blood poisoning and, as beliefs required, was buried within 24 hours. My favourite rider and it is my photo of him that is on DantoDan's excellent Newcastle Speedway History website.

Well, one night in 7 is not bad. Just hope my 'lads' are on the ball on Monday against the blueside.

Given my team, is that deliberate.

Quite agree with you. There will always be young bucks coming up on the rails to challenge Nicki, but with his 'boys' around him and his desire, he looks good for a couple more in the future. Would he become more liked or less liked if he did.

Well done Nicki. 3 World Championships under your belt and still counting. You ARE the best rider, no matter what some losers say on here, and I look forward to cheering you on next year to your 4th title. I totally agree with bazaar3, Nicki is a great guy off the track with his cheeky grin and great sense of humour. Ideal company and a lovely girlfriend.

I remember an Aluminium coloured bike with water coolers acting as leg guards. They were very quiet and agree I think they were Velo's.

Certainly a guy to have in your team, but reading the posts of some on here, you would think he was the kiss of death. Oh well, both Schumi and I will lead the singing WHEN he becomes World Champ in Germany.

Not a great GP on a lifeless flat track. How many riders seemed to be slow, not finding grip, and looking frustrated. The 2 Crump incidents were right even though there was evidence to support the opposite decisions. Dryml was just crazy and dangerous and I fully support the actions of Scott who must have been very frustrated at his riding. Great meeting for Bjarne, nice to see a good guy come good but a bit disappointed he is giving GP's a miss next year. Maybe costs ? When will Gollob use his brain and just settle for qualification. Nicholls has definately raised his game, and attitude generally, now that he has changed his pit crew. Havvy out and Kelvin in has worked for him. I wonder why. Good winner in Hans who was there all night and available to capitalise on Jason's misfortune. Pity about Jason's ignition probs in the final but it does happen to everyone at some time but it was unfortunately very costly for him last night. He was the best rider on the night, I understand his disappointment, and he is probably not now challenging for the World Championship, but must learn to curb his emotions and take it in his stride. Being a 'girlie' on the rostrum and with his pit crew didn't exactly enhance his reputation. Agree about Millard comments. Thoroughly unprofessional and not required in a sport when there are all too many injuries. Being 16 ahead instead of 12 now means that it is odds on the worthy 2008 WORLD CHAMPION being our Nicki. Like last year, when he was gating so much better than this year, he is the best rider in the world love or hate him regardless of others petty jealousies. He puts more bums on seats and brings with him a certain excitement on and off the track that others just can't attempt. Well done Nicki, a bad night at the office last night, but here's to Germany in a couple of weeks.

I think the clue is in what AndyM said. He inferred we should recruit youngsters from minority groups which therefore could imply positive discrimination. Their ability would control their destiny after that but why give some preferred treatment to get started. If it was just to introduce them to the sport I have no probs with that, in fact that approach has already been tried in cricket in Yorkshire I believe.

Must admit I have never heard or seen racism in Speedway from either side of the fence. And long may it continue. I totally disagree with AndyM with his suggestion of recruiting people from minority groups to be I assume riders. There would be more objection about positive discrimination than the perceived problem in the first place.

Bet that's come a shock to him. Head down having a moan and forgot about Scotland's top 2 cities.

Yes, but you can bet before the month is out that someone will propose that all tracks should have covers.(again)

Interesting tonight, when Gollob did Bjarne on the back straight, Bjarne pointed his finger at him and 'swished' his back wheel in anger. Can't help thinking that Nicki might have been a bit more forcefull.

Ha Ha. I read that and gave it my usual attention. Sad, Sad.

Yes, the Newcastle Select team were worthy winners. As well a Ole, we had Nicki, Bjarne, KB and even Rune Knutsen in the pits. Good meeting.

So. Hampel was then in front on the 4th bend and he was racing forward. What do you expect him to do when suddenly the WC that he was racing for is being given to you.