Sotonian

I wonder if that is Alf Kaines who went on to ride for Southampton post-war.

In my view, on track exploits and achievements transcend any personal views however distasteful. I still play the odd Gary Glitter record too. Does that make me as bad as him?

So you think being patriotic to England is xenophobic? There's a world of difference between the two. And since when have speedway crowds been known for their skinhead/BNP following? Or did you mean BSF?

How could Scott hear him? You've already mentioned the muffling effect of the helmets. Add to that the noise of their engines and the crowd and you expect him to hear every word!

Track reserves can only be used to replace riders who commit a starting offence, i.e tape touching or 2mins exclusion. Once a race is underway they cannot replace an excluded rider.

http://www.justin.tv/stusports10/popout

How old IS Jason then ? BTW, I agree with speedyguy, sorry.

Agreed. You don't pay to enter a shop, which is effectively what this is!

Why was it controversial? I thought Biggs just blew it under pressure.

Malcolm Simmons did, and may have been the first to, in 1979/80.

You obviously missed my post but I'm glad you agree with me Speedyguy.

It may have been Ron Walton.

I get equally narked by those who cite Havelock's win as a surprise. He may not have been the favourite, but given his form that season it was fully merited.

I see that Vojens is back. I wonder how?

They were only the FIM's preferred nominees, completely unofficial.

Sorry to hear that Neil. I was aware of it at the time (who wasn't?) but didn't realise it was still unresolved.

Bikes looked like bikes, not hidden under plastic covers Riders with neck scarves Pre-meeting parades without crash helmets Winning team's lap of honour on the tractor Track lighting that only lit the track, not the infield Easily identifiable team race jackets with no sponsors names Special race jackets only used for 2nd halves Being able to park in the carpark at Poole after 7pm

I've got a great photo of Don Hawley. The style of bike, not to mention his full-on leg trailing, suggest the late 40's or early 50's. Would that be right? I would welcome more info about him and his career.

Yes, they were brothers.

Well, Barry Briggs and Ivan Mauger are on record as saying he was. Maybe they are not clued up either.

Not necessarily disagreeing with you but: A rider who holds his nerve (something that should not be underestimated) and scores the most points on the night is a deserved world champ. That's why I still prefer the one-off final concept. A GP series can be, and has been, won without winning any individual rounds that season (step forward Mr Loram). Consistent, yes, but not outstanding at any point. I wonder if it's possible to win a GP series without winning a race at all? For instance, finish 2nd in every heat, s/f and final, while the big wins are shared around?

Great to hear that Vic is still with us. He's fondly remembered too for keeping Poole going in the late 50's.

And that Chris Holder is Australian champion.

How about Phil Bishop? Started at High Beech in 1928 and certainly rode as late as 1963 in a match race with Ron Johnson. So that gives Phil 5 decades, the same as Ron.

Pretty sure I saw an obituary for Dennis Hayles in the Echo a year or so ago. Not on your list, but is Cecil Bailey still alive?