customhouseregular

My recollection is this was a one-off second half event, though I edhave no record of it. Probably dreamed it. I don’t think I ever really got over Lokeren. 1964-1971... lots of good memories and some really bad ones, but I will always look back on my Custom House years fondly.

I never really took to Olle but Chister was magic. I don’t know if I dreamed this or imagined it but I have a memory of seeing two sidecar speedway riders tragically lose their lives at Custom House. I have seen mention of it anywhere so probably a false memory. No doubt Norbold would know.

Like you I witnessed both tragedies and yes, it puts things in perspective, sadly.

Bjorne had panache, Sverre had dash. Bjorne had what it took to win more titles. Sverre in full flight could have been champion. What I do know is that having Knutson, Harrfeldt, Hunter, McKinlay and Simmons at Custom House made Hammers fans very happy.

1965 aside, I have to mention 1960, the year I discovered speedway. Sunday afternoons at Rye House, no big names, no major meetings or championships, just the thrill of standing against the fence on the first bend, getting showered as the riders sped past. Heroes to watch on a sunday...no stars, just good solid riders like Mudge, Hitch, Sweetman, McGillivray and Broadbank. Magic days for a 12 year old boy.

Often quoted as the best rider never to win the world title.

It was, and West Ham was a great place to enjoy it.

Most speedway fans have a favourite year depending on age and length of time watching our sport. Mine would be 1965. The British League was formed and we had a long league season. Many more teams to visit Custom House and many new riders to watch. West Ham won the league, the KO cup and the London cup. Bjorn Knutsson became World Champion and finished second in the Internationale. All in all the year that has remained in my memory when others have faded.

I was offline for some time due to serious illness within the family, so have missed many posts.

We can only wait and hope. Are there a minimum number of gp’s needed to qualify as a World Championship?.

Would it not need a bigger capacity stadium?.

If the season does not restart in time to get the gp’s under way, what is the chance of a one-off World Final in Cardiff or Warsaw, with the 15 gp riders and the first reserve making up the field. None of the field have ever ridden in a World Final and this could be one spectacular meeting. Over 20 heats’ top scorer to be crowned World Champion.

Agreed. I was at Cardiff in 2014. I have no intention of going again. I really do miss Wembley World Finals.

I was there too, though admit it has faded fro memory after all this time.

Many thanks

Given there is no speedway are we likely to see the bumper pre season issue of speedway star? Thanks

I'm not sure that a rider finishing with 8 points after 20 heats can end up winning a GP is exactly fair. I am not happy with the semis/finals arrangement.

I preferred the old system for drama and excitement. The atmosphere at a Wembley world final was electric. I was underwhelmed at my only visit to Cardiff in 2014.

I love watching Eurovision just to see how many countries dislike us and refuse to give us any points. Warsaw at least should give us a British winner.

Thank you OVF.

Well done and thank you.

Many thanks. I don't have Sky so presumably I can't get this any other way.

According to my copy of What's On TV, BT Sport are not showing the GP tomorrow.

Having been at Romford's opening meeting I would love to attend. Long drive from York though.

Really too early to say series not yet started. Barring injuries and other enforced withdrawals I would suggest... If he regains his previous consistency and speed,. Emil to win with Tai second and Bartosz third. If Greg sits out the whole year I anticipate Robert to finish around 12th. Completing the top 8...Lindgren, Dudek, Vaculik, Iversen and Laguta.