Sotonian

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?

At Poole, by Martin Yeates wearing a dress!

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?

Will we get to hear any of these bikes, or any others, or is it a static display only?

I presume you mean the 'modern era' 4-valver. The 1929 Rudge speedway engine had 4 valves.

Some years ago I rode a few grasstracks on my JAP. At one of them, Lew approached me and said that the angle of my handlebars was all wrong if I ever wanted to get comfortable on the bike. It goes without saying that he was right. Of course, he didn't know me from Adam, but just couldn't help passing on his knowledge.

You can add Rayleigh and Sunderland to the list.

Certainly was. He then moved on to Barrow in 1978.

I think it was in his first official race that he knocked off all 3 other riders. He certainly received an SCB (or equivalent) reprimand, if not ban, and was warned to curb his enthusiasm.

A serial offender was Shirra. Remember seeing him do the same thing to the Start Marshall at Poole. I think that he was banned from speedway for a period as a result.

To describe such a life-changing event for you as 'a bit of an off' sums up the humility which I have found to be typical of all riders I've met.

Ted runs a speedway and grasstrack spares service called Maximum Racing, based near Salisbury. Also, I think he is of Polish descent and not an Aussie.