The White Knight

Will you be doing any other Tracks Tony???.......................................................

But he didn't sidney - did he - he decided to shaft Speedway, it's Management and it's Supporters. Unforgivable in my book. He treated the Sport that made him what he was like dirt. A terrific Rider, yes - not sure about the 'man' though. I must admit that I really enjoyed Rod Haynes Articles too.

PC and Chris would be the best I think.

WHY would BSI be happy for others to lose money? Please explain why they would want people to lose money. That doesn't make sense. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm - I wonder how much it costs to transport Riders, Mechanics and Equipment to Oz??? Do BSI/IMG pay the Costs??? I just wonder.......................... If they don't - then that is why Riders are losing money.

Well orion - you certainly got me pegged. I fill ALL of your criteria apart from the MONEY bit. I think that I DO actually have some idea about the money side of things, the question is - DO YOU??? I would just like to point out that ALL the money taken from the old 'One Off' British World Final was ploughed back into British Speedway. I am sure that BSI/IMG will be quite happy with the way things are at present - NO MONEY goes to British Speedway - it goes in to the already bulging coffers of the aforementioned Company. The monies from the old World Final benefitted Tracks and British youngsters. I can't exactly remember (my age orion) the year that the GPs actually started - BUT - I dare bet that it was about the time the steady decline in British Speedway commenced. Remember orion - some of us may be getting on a bit - BUT - there is no substitute for experience. orion - you forgot the Double Points Tactical Ride Rule - I HATE that too.. Edit: To reflect the fact that mickthemuppet has already mentioned about the destination of the money from World Finals/GPs.

There were flaws in the old one off World Final Qualication yes - BUT - as I have said many times at least anyone COULD and sometimes DID qualify. Currently there is a debate as to who to 'award' a place to in the Speedway GPs. Are you seriously arguing that this is a FAIR and morally JUST way of organising a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. Speedway currently has a credibility problem with the British Public at large. One of the reasons for this is the pathetic way that the current GP System is run. If you are one of the select few, you are fine - just look at Chris Harris as proof of this. I have nothing against Harris - but - his place in the GPs next Season looks very dodgy to me. I am a regular Speedway Supporter - how will this look to an outsider? At a time when Speedway support is dwindling - it is things like this (and there are others things too) that need addressing. We British are renowned for our sense of 'Fair Play'. Perhaps if we can get back to that - things may begin to improve.

..........AND limited PARTICIPATION.

I loved the 'EAGLE' and am a Member of the 'Eagle Society' to this day. Dan Dare, Luck of the Legion, PC49, Harris Tweed, Storm Nelson and Tommy Walls. THOSE WERE THE DAYS!! PS. I'm 66 years of age and these are STILL great memories.

Thanks for the warning SCB.

Does that include Breakfast??

I TOTALLY agree with you Bryn.

My sentiments EXACTLY.

Where would you put Freddie Williams then? Genuine question.

Jack Millen and Frank Auffret for me.

I have the Full Set of VSM too. I would not part with them. I also have all the Classic Speedway and BackTrack Magazines as well. I would not part with those either. My son will inherit them along with everything else - so what HE does with them then is up to him. I just enjoy reading them all - sometimes two or three times.

I can't wait for this Issue Tony. Graeme Smith is a great friend of mine - I am looking forward to seeing what he has to say. (He was a Sunderland 'Stars' Rider back in the Seventies).

Oh Heck - this makes me feel 'OLD'.

OUCH!!!!

Come on Chaps. Speedway is a Sport for our enjoyment - not for us to keep sniping at each other. Perhaps the two of you, BOTH of whom I respect, could perhaps agree to differ and move on. It grieves me to see two obviously keen and enthusiastic lovers of our Sport having a go at each other.

I am sure - actually - HE WAS.

I must admit to having a change of mind. After viewing the various Postings on here I am now not as convinced as I was regarding this issue. Johnnie Hoskins is still, to my mind a GIANT of the Sport and largely, with Mr. Hunting, responsible for the DEVELOPMENT and PROMOTING of the Sport from it's early beginnings. I have, because of weighing up the EVIDENCE on here and doing a little research of my own, got to now admit to the fact that there were people 'sliding' moterbikes BEFORE the Maitland Meeting that is widely regarded as the first ever Speedway Meeting. This does not lessen the special place that Johnnie Hoskins has within our Sport. He was clever enough to see the possibilities, he had the vision. I still believe that we have Johnnie Hoskins to thank for the way Speedway is today - BUT - crucially and sadly I have to admit I no longer think that Maitland was the first ever Speedway type Meeting. The highlighted part of your Post Norman - I wish I could use the Avatar of my Teams - Sunderland 'Stars' and Sunderland 'Saints'. Sadly, for me anyway, it seems that Sunderland is a step too far for the Avatar Section. I know I have mentioned this before - BUT - it WAS a long time ago and I apologise to those who are fed up with me going on about it. But I AM trying to keep the name of Sunderland Speedway alive in the Speedway World. Ian.

I basically agree with you I suppose Tony. I do - however - think it is a National disgrace that there IS no Speedway in our Capital City. Very sad indeed. :sad:

Great idea CC. That way everyone gets a go at the 'Fours'. :t:

Speedway Riders are judged on Results. Carter was a good Rider - but - he did not reach the heights of the other Riders I mentioned. He WAS certainly brave - I am not questioning that. The fact is though that he never really realized his FULL potential. Sad - but - True!!

Good to see some folk coming up with some excellent ideas. Personally - I like the 'Stigg'. I'm sure that with a little thought and maybe, as has already been said, with more than one Stigg throught the Country, it COULD be made to work. The Rider wouldn't really need to be 'unknown' that wouldn't be an issue for me. I'm sure that, if this were put in to practice, advertised and the Stigg Rode Match Races against the top four Scorers in the Meeting, it would bring more people in to our emptying Stadia. :approve: