The White Knight

But he did come over here to try to match the achievements of Autrey and the other Americans, he couldn't do it and went back to the USA with his tail between his legs, as I remember. That is why I say that he was a good Rider in his own back yard and conditions. The other Americans proved themselves on the Speedway Tracks of the whole World - not just a little corner of it. I think the Reporter/Photographer Scott Daloisio either hasn't watched Speedway at that time in Europe or, he is ignorant of just how very good Autrey and those other Americans over here were. Whichever way you look at it, as far as I am concerned, he is quite simply wrong.

There you go bbs. http://www.speedwaypairs.com/en/news/n/164/

Now THAT is a valid reason. That I can understand.

For what it's worth - I think Fricke has more potential and talent than both Kurtz and Holder. Only time will tell of course. I could be wrong - but I don't think so.

Many apologies Dandelion. I keep forgetting - the years fly by. :sad:

Most appropriate for the Irish Speedway Rider's Thread. :rofl: :rofl:

You can't stop senility.

The Television Programme. 'allo, 'allo. René was the Bar Owner. https://www.marktv.org/aa/characters.html Have a look at the caption under Yvette Carte-Blanche.

Ooops sorry - I forgot that.

No Mauger?

Ooops!! You are right - I had forgotten Ove. Ove Fundin in for Rickardsson. Add Tony to the honourable mentions.

Not a prayer to even win one World Title, in my opinion. Perhaps at Costa Mesa - but I wouldn't be certain about that either.

I. Mauger, B. Briggs, T. Rickardsson, E. Gundersen, P. Craven. Honourable mentions - P. Collins, H. Neilsen.

Have you all forgotten - Charlie Monk? :D

As you say Sidney, from what I have read nearly all, if not all of the Tracks in the USA are/were small. It is no surprise to me that Bast struggled over here. Over in the USA, Autrey, Hancock, Hamill etc. would probably struggle on those smaller Tracks as they would no longer be used to them, so the fact that he was beating everybody, including those mentioned, in the States is no surprise either. Bast was a good, Rider in has own environment/comfort zone, but - to me anyway - he never proved his greatness in the different Leagues around the World. Mauger, Briggs, Collins, Michanek were all truly great Riders, they proved themselves everywhere - I am afraid that in that pantheon of Stars he just doesn't measure up. Mike Bast, good Rider, but in my opinion definitely not a great Rider.

Thank you for that BL65 - I appreciate that.

Even when there is no sun. Looks daft to me, especially when they wear the peak over one of their ears.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Renéééé" :rofl:

Yeah - what's that all about? :rolleyes:

For some reason I always thought Glyn Taylor was a New Zealander or Australian?

I do not like much about the said Mr. Penhall. Probably just his riding ability. There is more to being a Champion than just riding though. These are my last comments on him.

Thank you for that Steve. I have read through this Thread and realised I had forgotten the late Jimmy Tannock.

Yes - and he still lives in the Shropshire area. He is a lovely man who travels to Sunderland every year to attend our Reunions.

Not all Fans are like that - I would just like my Team to support. You know - the way I did forty or fifty years ago. Riders to relate to, to talk to, to become friendly with, to have a Pint after a Meeting together, socialise. Most of them haven't time for us nowadays. We are only the punters, the paying customers if you will, just like any other business. Hell's Bells - they can't even give us an enthusiastic wave when introduced to the Crowd - at least they didn't when I last went.

I don't think that the word credibility enters in to the minds of the 'Powers that be'. It can't - if it did - Speedway would be a vastly different and probably a far more popular Sport.