The White Knight

You echo my thoughts on Jim and Jack, Steve. I am desparately sorry to learn of Jim's passing. I remember watching him as a new rider at reserve when he joined us and eventually became our Number One. It was great watching his progress over the years. He came over to the UK around 2006 and we had a 'do' for him, we also met up with him at Redcar to watch a Speedway match.. He was a lovely fellow and a smashing rider... He will be sadly missed by all Sunderland 'Stars' Supporters. My sincere condolences go out to Jim's family and friends. May he Rest In Peace. +

Very sad to hear this. Ray Day rode for Sunderland 'Saints' in 1964. He also attended a couple of our Reunions. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. R.I.P. + Ray. Condolences to Peter's family too. May he R.I.P. +

Dennis rode for Sunderland for a short time. R.I.P. + Dennis

Signed. Enjoyed a number of meetings over the years. I would be gutted if the EoES went the same way as Brandon and others.

Very sad to hear. Yet another Rider from my era who has passed away. My condlences to his family and friends. R.I.P. Duncan.

Thank you frigbo.

This book is excellent. It really is a fascinating read. Proves my point 100% as to why we closed in 1964 - it had nothing to do with the weather or attendances - the reasons given by the Promoters. There are a lot of very shady things went on when Sunderland opened in 1964. A lot has come out in this book that I never new about. A decent social history of Sunderland too. The Author is to be congratulated on some superb research.

I'm glad I have my books. I obviously can't remember off the top of my head these days. Thank you for the info.

He left under a bit of a cloud. Came back to ride for Birmingham I think, memory sometimes lets me down these days..

Thank you for posting this Chunky. I had forgotten that, you are right John Goodall was the first one I saw. John was only with us for about half the Season in 1971, he returned to New Zealand.

First time I ever saw a full face helmet was in about 19972. Dave Gatenby wore one when riding for Sunderland 'Stars'.

Sad news indeed. R.I.P. + Billy.

I've felt that way since 1974. Nearly FIFTY years ago now.

Too true Bobbath, too true.

Totally agree Steve. Fantastic stuff. Absolutely BRILLIANT!!! A trifle early for me - I started watching Speedway in 1964. Absolutely superb viewing this. Pity we can't go back to those days Speedway wise. A far superior product then, in my opinion. No doubt many will disagree with me, which is fair enough. I know how I feel.

Sunderland 'Saints', 1964: Mike Parker/Bill Bridgett. Sunderland 'Stars' 1971 to 1974: Len Silver, Charlton and Fell, Elizabeth Taylor. Here endeth Sunderland's involvement with Speedway.

I know the feeling.

Brilliant this. Love it.

That was my thinking too.....

How will this effect a Rider's recourse to the Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund? If these Tracks are independent, and free of of official Speedway Promotors influence, would they still qualify?. I think questions like thiis need to be asked. Insurance etc. too.

One night, years ago now, we attended a Crewe 'Kings' Reunion. When we we were returning from the Function, we shared a taxi with 'Taffy' Owen and Pete Kelly. I have never laughed so much in my life. The stories they told were so funny. I will ever remember that trip in the taxi with fondness and appreciation. Thanks for the memories. Two great lads. May they both Rest in Peace. +

Lucky you. I'm not the only one on here who has had problems. In the interests of fairness though, I have had no trouble for a couple of days now. Let's just hope it is fixed.

I just thought I would try to enter the Site before logging off for the night. I was successful this time. Is it fixed? I don't know. I like to think I am fair.

Lucky you.

If that is the case, then how is it that it works one day, and not the next. Surely if it was an update it would , in a professional world, be preceded by a warning from the Site that the update was taking place. Nothing like that here. Just some people having problems, and some people not - that doesn't look like an update to me. Imagine if the main FIFA Website was behaving like this what an outcry there would be. Speedway purports to be a professional Sport - surely it's method of communications to it's customers (Fans) should be capable of maintaining a Website that is fit for purpose on all Browsers. If I took my car in for an MOT - I would be a bit peeved if the Test took two or three weeks to complete the Test.