stratton

Basically going back to my youth there were loads of just world championships rounds i see alot of them at Swindon never just started at quarter stages.I remember Phil Crump who was even a aussie[was aloud then] riding in one of them in1973 .Also even some juniors even got a go if there were injuries ect and there were gaps in the fields.What i am saying now it is a closed shop,down to finance and in affect only 5 or 6 places going for the next years series.Quite closed wouldnt you say,going back to the old system now you wouldnt get a Martin yeates Simon Wigg, Paul Thorp lower league riders mixing with the best in the later stages of the world championships would you.You think in the late 60s and early 70s there always generally between 13 to 18 teams then in the british league then alot more english riders then work the numbers out.Wasnt 1974? eric boocock won was the last year that there were not just englishman in a British Final?

In the old world championships,everyone had a chance a chance like the Fa Cup to go to the final.A level playing field it isnt like that now is it.It will probably be the same top 8 again and basically 11 are guaranteed for the next year.Needs looking at i think things are going stale also Ward should of been in this years series.For the good of the sport they should of made it attractive anough for him not to miss it .Again Speedway backward in there way of thinking you wouldnt have a champions league without Barca in it would you.?

Thanks Steve my uncle kept asking me had i found out. I think i was one out Steve in 67 [you are the stats man thats for sure.]I said 24 eight early in season 16 later on.I am gutted really because the black and white picture, i had of Booey beating Briggo Barry had baby blue leathers on which i thought was 69.Got there in the end thanks again. Rechecked Chunky you were right as usual in 1967 Briggo beat his brother Wayne twice making it 25 defences.

So what it might take 20 minutes? keep the venue at Cardiff because it only takes 10 minutes to get there?i dont understand your point?

Was going through my programmes, and in 1967 Briggo i think dominated the silver sash i think he won it 8 times at the start of the year.And defended it 16 times at the backend also once beating brother Wayne?unique.Does anyone no the year i think 68 ? when Eric Boocock beat Briggo at the abbey.It might of even been later i have a picture of Eric doing it but dont have the programme my uncle always harped on about it says Briggo at the abbey was near unbeatable and Booey was outstanding can anyone help CHUNKY MAYBE?

Great point,i think people took more notice when it was on Bbc and World of Sport ive been in pubs when the football had finished turned to speedway within 5 minutes turned over.Some people today think the gp series is great and it is all fine the sport is in a meltdown no structure no long term vision.Individuals doing well, i am all right jack you know when i think of that Pothawaite always comes to my mind.

He has a point though and no one seems to have a answer to it.In my opinion Ward is in the top 8 riders in the world now if not higher its Like having the Champions league without Barca in it.At any sport surely we want to see the best compete thats what its about Ward in the mix a great tonic for speedway again the sport misses a trick.

I think you are blinkered in your way of thinking its like nothing nothing can compare to Cardiff.We all thought that of Wembley didnt we?.A weekend in London or a weekend in Cardiff only one winner for me.

I have never thought about the W.C at length really i no you have strong views which are valid.Just say as a outsider looking in like/him Ward or not he is box office and a big draw.Sky are probably the most important thing in speedway at the moment they leave speedway it is doomed.Sky i think really like Ward and he is a reason to promote are sport again the sport losses out yet again exspecially as we know Crump,Gollob, and Hancock wont be around for ever.I was hoping sky would of insisted on a way for Ward to ride in this years series, again speedway misses a trick[oh what a surprise]

i agree and speedway needed him to be in it,its like having a world championship at snooker without Judd Trump entering.Things are never done with Speedways best interest at heart thats what annoys me more than anything.

Crumpie will win it again hopefully, the same top 8 again boring what will Parsloes say about that?

No i personally dont think he is good anough,Jonsson ,Holder,[Ward[big call have more chance of winning title in next three years? If he does it would be good for the sport. Bet on it ,no way Crump unless injured will be out side of top 8.

At Hyde rd Mort and P.C could give them a start and still pick them off no worries.That was the days when tracks were proper not like they are now gaters paradises.As for wolves always has been a massive home advantage there i always thought Correy was a gating tart .

I cant see beyond Crump,Hancock,or Gollob to be world champion in 2012? i go for Crump with Holder to improve greatly what do others think.?

Brilliant Rusky.

What i mean impartial one , i think because there are so many other things going on [ie] shows football ect, 40000 ?at Wembley would be like a normal day because of the size of London.Think you could get somewhere ok,not the ritz i know not a millions miles away.Not knocking Cardiff is very nice,only behind Harrogate, and York,of places ive stayed at also Plymouth was nice to.

How can i get a list of all books dvds and videos which are available Phil.

It wouldnt ive heard Cardiff charge joke prices hotels , not that you would get one unless you have booked no bbs either.In London you could get somewhere average nearby get a taxi or local bus if need be it would still be loads cheaper.

Frightening when you put it like that,i suppose if you save well before hand you dont notice it.If you decide on the chance to go like you said it isnt cheap.I no you couldnt get a hotel on short notice but ive heard Hotels there take the ..ss how much they charge.

Yes you are right Parsloes she remembers nothing about the racing.Cardiff is an ok place am a bit surprised how much the capital has support from alot of supporters.

No exspense i never really thought about it,not at the time because i love speedway. i went with my partner she,s not a fan we travelled up on the day, tickets petrol,food, loads of drinks and a bit of shopping souvenirs [ect] we spent 400 between us.Her opinion was,enjoyed it but for a day out it was a exspensive. If you go for a weekend practice [ect] accomadation it isnt cheap if you add it up.

I am the same Gearhead i live 2 hours away and ive been twice, but the racing hasnt been great and like you said it isnt cheap when you add it up.A big event though and it keeps British speedway in the spotlight which is good.

Better than Collins and Morton not a chance also Phil Collins and Alan Grahame i would put in front of Ermolenko and Correy.

Its Cardiff and nothing else,cant believe whats so good about it.I would love someone to rival Cardiff we dont want a monopoly do we?Olympic stadium would be great.

Great point,but maybe there is room for something else,i would not have a g.p in London anyway.But maybe there could be something else special a big individual meeting or something[wont rival Cardiff] .Wont ever happen i dont suppose, anyway just a thought.