Sotonian

Chris Byles was responsible for that site. My own bike is featured on it although the picture no longer displays. Sorry, but I do not have any contact details for him.

They were around football or rugby pitches.

I think the extent of Crump's recovery from his burns will define his season. I may have missed the latest news but last I heard he was still struggling for full fitness.

Rubbish! The Rudges used in the 20's and 30's had 4 valves.

Two conflicting statements there. In what way has Tai earned his place?

Not forgetting that he also survived an earlier life-threatening crash while riding for Hull. It must have taken taken immense character and will for him to continue after that, and at a good standard too, only to fall victim the the crash discussed here. Joe was a rider I always looked forward to watching, not least for his unusual 'elbows out' style which I have yet to see replicated. Also, like others who have been left paralysed, he has never seemed bitter about his lot.

Is this the same guy who races 500cc sidecars on the grass?

Wasn't that the year he chose to opt out of British league racing after his injury at the end of the previous season? The BSPA rather unfairly decreed 'no league racing, no world championship entry' and barred him from the qualifiers.

And arguably never have done in any World Final, be it traditional or GP.

No it does not. There simply isn't an argument about giving a 3 times champion a wildcard if needed. And even if he were not an ex-champ, it's not as though there are any better Danish options The case for Tai is far less clear cut.

He did actually come through a series of qualifying rounds before the GP challenge, so not just a one-off night.

It's not always about the money. Some of us can't receive Sky due to line of sight problems. Virgin are a godsend then until the red button issue crops up.

Which performances would these be? His SGP qualifier (1)? No, he failed to qualify. His SGP qualifier (2)? No, given an undeserved second chance, he again failed to qualify. What has he won of note? He fulfills your last criterion but that's not reason enough to be included.

Not strictly true - the riders in this meeting came through a series of qualifying rounds.

A British wild card is sufficient to maintain Cardiff interest.

Yes, a first class line-up there.

Another was Dave Buttigeig (sp) who went on to become a karting legend.

I'm pretty sure it was Chris Byles who owned the site. My own bike (Dula JAP grasser) appeared on it and that's who I sent the pic to some years ago.

Ivan is absolutely adamant about it, more so on behalf of Bob who he is determined should not lose his place in the record books.

Swe 46 WG 32 GB 31 Nor 10

Is it Holta's birthday?

Given that many riders of the era used some quite colourful nicknames, I'm surprised Alec didn't. Or perhaps he did and was being ironic! Any idea if that was his real name Norman?

He's a cert for a wildcard if he doesn't qualify.

Ken 'Pubic' Eyre, former Ace and Wolf

Another awful GP. How sad that the pinnacle of our sport has come to this.