steve roberts

I would agree (but I would say that!) that Nielsen would have dominated during most of the eighties under a GP formula. If I recall he topped the averages for most of that period and although other riders would have won various rounds Nielsen was by far the most consistent.

Yes I preferred the 13 heat formula and a second half (we were spoilt at Oxford during the early seventies as we got to see the kids from both Eastbourne & Peterborough in the second halves). The heat leaders (1, 3 & 5) were always pitted against each other during the course of the meeting (but of course some Team Mangers played it tactically and sometimes programmed a heat leader to ride at number 4 or even at number 2) I think that it was 'Good Old' Bernie Leigh who has been quoted as saying that the number 4 position was the worse as the second string never had an easy programmed ride. Also, as you say, having more teams in the league meant that you only got to see some teams perhaps once a year which made the occasion special. Ivan Mauger would visit Oxford perhaps just the once, or at the very most twice a year, to Cowley.

John Berry...how he is missed!

Didn't Graham Hambly travel up from Plymouth after announcing at the football in the afternoon to make Swindon for the evening?

I got to enjoy the tones of John Earrey when he was presenter at White City. How he remained impartial when Ipswich came to town I don't know...a true professional!

Perhaps we should start a new thread...'Who was the best announcer?'

'As long as we know' Followed by 'The William Tell Overture"

I have a vast collection of DVDs from the 70s, 80s, 90s & 00s and matches are variable during that entire period. The camera work often leaves a lot to be desired (often not catching the action at the back) and although enjoying them from a nostalgic point of view it's the atmosphere that's missing - although listening to the soft tones of Dave Hammond over the PA does help bring it back to me!

Remember hearing the news of his death during a meeting at White City in 1977. RIP

If you say so! Blimey! Pot, kettle and black comes to mind here!

Peter Craven is one rider I would really liked to have seen. He remained the track record holder (63 seconds) at Oxford for nigh on 11 years...it was only beaten when it was decided to shorten the track and a new record established (Phil Crump who established a new time although Dave Perks was the first rider to circumnavigate Cowley at 62 seconds - although the track was different than in Peter's time) Sorry got my facts wrong...it was Ole Olsen who registered a new track record of 65.2 seconds (in case Mr.Peasley is lurking!)

Okay 95 per cent then...but the thing that bugs me are the posters who think that they are always right and continue to niggle away and should show a little more respect to other posters. As I keep commenting a little humility goes a long way.

Following on from a similar thread I'd be interested to know who has seen the most World Champions? I've seen the following: Moore Fundin Briggs Mauger Sczakiel Michanek Collins Lee Penhall Muller Gundersen Nielsen Jonsson J.O.Pedersen Ermolenko Rickardsson Hamill Hancock Crump Gollob Havelock Loram Olsen N.Pedersen

Agree 100 per cent! (don't know how to type percentages!)

Superb club man for both Swindon and Exeter and achieved very high averages for most of his BL career. Never was able to transfer that dominance to the international scene although he did have a very credible Test Match record.

As much as I hate to admit it being an Oxford supporter Martin was a very classy act! Although my first hero 'Cassius' Middleton often had the beating of Briggo he always seemed to come unstuck when up against 'Crash!' Martin's inside moves on the pits bend at Blunsden were superb and he has left me with many memories!

Yes I did realise that...just adding a bit of light hearted banter! However your question was 'How many world titles did he win?' The question is irrelevant as, with the benefit of hindsight, he never won the Individual Championship...however he qualified for the 1968 Final presumably hoping to win (his 1968 average was an impressive 10.72)?

Two! He was a member of the Great Britain Team that won the WTC in 1968 and 1975.

Recall Martin Ashby being 'persuaded' by Wally Mawdsley to miss the practice session for the 1968 World Final (Ullevi) to ride a club meeting at Oxford. He worked on his bike thru' the night and then caught the charter plane from Luton the following day.

I took part in an Olle Nygren Training School many years ago at King's Lynn. A real character. My brother also went (wearing Briggo Team Leathers) prior to me and shared a bike with Chris Prime who was later killed at Brough Park.

I enjoy reading your comments...always constructive and always open to debate.

Strewth! I knew that it didn't look right when I typed it...!

Crumbs! At this rate there will be a need to have a speedway in York!

When I lived in Oxford I used to walk to Sandy Lane from my house in Littlemore (20 minutes). I gave up travelling to other venues during the last five years of my going to speedway except on the very odd occasion.

Trouble is there has always been a reluctance of Promoters to issue 'official' attendance figures. Why one may ask?