stratton

Yes but it helps the SPORT as a whole if they're is healthy competition and playing FAIR by the book not always trying to skank an advantage.I have nothing against Poole a really great club great history but they're are a few on here who could name many dubious incidents that Poole have been involved with over the Ford era.

Quite right, in one of the most attractive places in Britain and it is a wonderful area.But what are they're real competition?Poole FC ( doing well) and Bournemouth Fc that's it i would be worried if they can't attract support.I am not Knocking Ford as he is one hell of a promoter but if we are honest Ford only worries about himself. And not the overall picture of British speedway a win at ALL COSTS mentality nothing else matters.

Would like to see Lambert, Ellis, push on with a few others in the mix like Kerr (ect) i hope they do and get the support they deserve.

Good points Grachan and maybe Nielsen himself feels he underachieved on the individual front.I don't think so, for me Olsen was a better rider but only won three titles but the point you made about Nielsen overriding at times is so true.The race against Knudsen he was so lucky and i can remember the Bradford final when he was looking for Erik he made a mistake there.Also i think at Gothenburg he made a mistake there? and Kelly Moran crept through and beat him saying that 4 titles is pretty good and Erik was an outstanding rider and rival at the same time.

Cant be bothered to look at the new race format Yerropes'' but would he have 2 rides against the NL boys.?

Loved Cradley i thought it looked very difficult to ride for visiting riders but it was a fine racing track.The Collins/Grahame partnership was awesome Alan in my opinion was one of the most underrated rider ever he had a proper racing brain he could be tough as well.My last visit i think to Dudley was a real tanking for Swindon(i think they scored 21 pts?). and Belle Vue (19 pts?in a double header that Cradley side was in the top 3 club sides i ever saw.

Put it another way do you think for a rider many feel is in decline would a 7.5 ave be a good in your opinion.?

For about 2 years i went to Oxford nearly every week when it didnt clash with Swindon.God i have forgotten how many maximums he got, and for me his partnerships with Marvyn Cox,Martin Dugard and Per Sorensen made them all better riders.Hans v Erik clashes were awesome the ones for the helmet were very special indeed.

Out of all the great riders since 1960s. Craven, Fundin,Knutsson were the only riders i did not see live unfortunately .By the way Grachan how did Nielsen come up short? I was never a fan and used to love it when Erik whipped his ass.But 8 rostrum places and 4 world titles beating Erik and Ole is something to be really proud of some record and longevity.

Now what is wrong with a 7.5 average?

Give it a couple of years and BT will rival Sky, about time sky have took the p..s for to long.I wanted speedway this year to say stuff you sky we don't care anymore and start afresh.I see a few really good PL meeting,s but that was about it most of the EL stuff served up was total dross i would not really miss the sky meetings.

Not a fan but with this watered down league easier rides a risk worth taking surely he can average 5.50 to 6.?

Have to say that Collins and Penhall would not be in the top 10 ever (ie because Lee was better than both of them.Craven has to be in the top ten i am not sure about Collins and Penhall Collins was a great rider (1973-79 ) Penhall in Britain 1977-82 but all time top ten riders no.

Roll of honour,the best 8 individual riders in history.

Here goes bloody difficult, 1.Briggs, 2.Fundin. 3.Mauger. 4.Rickardsson. 5.Olsen. 6.Nielsen. 7. Craven 8.Moore. Farndon and Duggan would be there abouts the older guys who remember them would know more.

Yes of course try to win, but not at any COST?it is not the be all and end all is it.?

A great read very interesting indeed, some of it i have heard before but have learned a bit.I have a strong recollection of the past and i have really enjoyed it but alot of what PC says has no relevance to today's speedway. The sport has moved on it is a different world now whether it is better or not it is all down to what the individual thinks i suppose.

I don't think people have been hammering PC most i believe hold him in high regard and respect him( ie) firstly as a great rider and a nice bloke.I read his views and i agreed with alot of them but it does not mean they are all RIGHT does it.?

I went to Smallmead alot over the years, when prepared and not a dust bowl it was a lovely track i did see some very good racing over the years.I always enjoyed the 3TT with Reading/Oxford it was great when you had a morning meeting and then another one at night great days i do miss going to Reading now a great loss to our league.

I saw quite alot of Conference league racing in 2003/4 when Swindon had the sprockets Wright really was a very good prospect.Willie Lawson and Jamie Robertson i believed could be regular PL riders i also rated Ben WIlson he went on and did ok.Did Derek Sneddon start at conference level? i am sure i see him at the Abbey once he has gone on and had a good career great loyal clubman.

See him first at Buxton in 2003 was really impressed,at Swindon i enjoyed watching him i believed he would be a regular in the EL.

Good point i can always remember the riders having a skid before the start.Parades were never as boring as they are now, usually 7.35 tops now yawn yawn you are lucky to be home at 10 o'clock.

Yes Ray the odd good race here and there,but the stoppages and never being prompt on time with there start time was frustrating.

That is what the sport is judged on in my opinion,decent racing well prepared tracks having a great night out and believing i have had value for Money.I am not that bothered about the facilities angle,god i have put up with Swindon long anough i don't know how others feel but at times last year at meeting,s i could not wait to get home.

Worrying GR.! Maybe it is me ER? since they put some banking on it has not been as good i love the long straights though.As you said Ashby dive bombing on the line was a joy odviously Briggo was the master (mr excitement) after Crump senior and the awesome Adams we have not done to bad have we.!