Sotonian

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?

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.

Good to see speedway at Sydney Showground again. Is it a one-off or will there be more meetings staged there?

Pretty sure Ole Olsen won it in the 1970's.

Still living in the Southampton area the last I heard.

Ex-Berwick star Rob Grant was the tallest I can recall seeing.

I'll say. European champion in 1981- the highest honour in the sport in those days.

Anders Michanek in 1974. Commuting Swedes were banned from the British League that year.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ron Walton recently. He rode for California in 1956 and also 1957 when they raced at Aldershot. He has some photos from his racing days which he plans to make copies of. I hope to get some of these and will post them if and when I do.

The Vespas were ridden on the *athletics* track. See my earlier post.