steve roberts

...approaching York on the A1079 has been a nightmare since 2nd January due to roadworks and the A1237 northern ring road around York is a constant pain and that's without roadworks!

Used to be 30p for me at Cowley in 1972 (12 years old) if I recall and 8p for a programme.

Thank you again...always look forward to this!

A very fair and honest response to which I would agree.

It's an emotive subject and down to the staging promoter to decide on what policy he/she feels is best suited. I appreciate both sides of the argument as regards free/paid entry and potential benefits that it may or may not generate. If I was a promoter I would certainly consider a "request" but a free for all (which personally I don't think would be the reality for reasons I've highlighted previously on this thread) would certainly need serious thought and consideration weighing up any costings gained or lost on potential revenue. One time promoter Steve Purchase invited me to a pre-season "ideas" session and it gave those round the table to put forward suggestions to help generate extra income. Whether inviting or having attend an ex-rider would generate interest with the fans is open to conjecture but personally I feel if promoted in the right way giving the fans the chance to meet an ex-rider after a meeting could create some interest. I recall Nigel Wagstaff holding post meeting presentations after a meeting and fans were given the opportunity to ask questions and generally mix with the riders which went down well with those present.

...not a question about being in denial but just wanting clarification. If the letters contained the word "demand" then that's the end of the matter.

Yes I'm aware of apparent "lists of riders" that PC has produced but has he at anytime "demanded" that they (apparently 100's?) qualify for free entry which is what some have implied on this particular thread and elsewhere? If someone can confirm that was indeed his intention when producing said "lists" other than hearsay then I'll be happy?

Well we can all speculate and who's to say what the truth is at the end of the day?

Obviously the truth is out there somewhere but I have no knowledge of what may have been implied elsewhere and can therefore only comment on what I've personally read but if people have other recollections based upon other sources then that's fair enough.

...just a reminder.

...that's not what was implied in his book from what I recall?

Great post! I would have witnessed those being a regular at Cowley!

I remember reading that some riders disliked wearing them because they didn't allow for full peripheral vision.

I remember when Kai Niemi's helmet flew off in one race at White City and completed the race without one finishing third (?)...strangley enough the referee excluded him for being "improperly dressed!!"

Good question.

Ah the usual suspects!

I've been sort of dipping in and out of this particular thread and to be honest much of the content and/or comments are lost on me. When I was Union Rep I attended many training seminars and the instructor always emphasised that every one present had an equal voice and when asking a question should be treated with respect and not to be interrupted until they had finished and then debated upon. Many a time over the years certain posters on the BSF (some who no longer contribute for whatever reason) have treated others with little respect and I have been called all sorts of things (water off a duck's back personally) on oocasions.

I guess that list highlights how out of touch I am with speedway today...I've only seen Scott Nicholls, Ben Barker and. I think, Sam Masters ride?

As full face helmets became popular and most riders adopted them there were a few who continued wearing traditional helmets and the Grahame brothers come immediately to mind. I remember Simon Wigg wearing one for one season (1984) before reverting back to the full face option.

Peter Oakes's 1977 Speedway Yearbook has a list of Track Records up until that season if that helps?

I remember when he first started out at Peterborough/ipswich as a sixteen year old and his longevity is a credit to him.

Colin Gooddy was another cosistantly fast starter as was Ken McKinlay...long careers for both and I was fortunate to witness both as "Rebels" during my first season.

...yes there were/are a few like that! I'd much rather see someone miss the gate and work their way thru'. Gordon Kennett was never the best of gaters but one of the best when it came to passing in my opinion. He used to catch out John Davis many a time!

George Hunter was definately a quick starter but he also measured up well with his team-riding abilities certainly when he was a "Cheetah".

When he rode for the "Cheetahs" his gating was usually good but not as dominant as it once was.