The team I supported (Oxford) appeared regularly in either league (in whatever guise) during the period I use to follow speedway so I had a good incite as regard the then different disciplines.
1972-75 (British League One)
1976-83 (National League)
1984-1992 (British League)
1993-94 (Premier League)
1995-1996 (One combined League)
1997 (Premier League)
1998 -2003 (Elite League)
Also the Oxford Cubs occasionally ran in the 'Junior' League....think I got that little lot right?
Personally I always preferred the 'upper' league until later when the GP came along and decimated it!
However we did have some good seasons in the 'lower' league and the racing was exceptional on occasions.
If I chose to go back to speedway (which is unlikely) my chosen league would be the second tier...but with less foreigners!
I recall that when dirt deflectors were first introduced it was thought that meetings would be less prone to postponements and/or cancellations due to adverse weather. The case for their introduction was that they would ease visibility and that meetings that would normally be cancelled would take place. That scenario never really did happen in my opinion (just another cost passed onto the riders) and it seems that postponements are even more prevalent nowadays judging by the comments.
I'm sure there's a statistician out there who could either confirm or deny the ratio of meetings postponed prior to dirt deflectors being introduced and meetings postponed after their intervention? Personally I wouldn't be very surprised if the figure worked out about even.
Not sure what the present criteria is but tracks had to conform to FIM track measurements (width in particular) of which there were/are just a few in Britain.
Recall the incident and Bernard got the then track presenter, Mike Bennett, to make a 'comment' over the PA regarding Thorp's actions who had 're-joined' the race and managed to re-pass at least one rider if I remember correctly. If I recall Bernard resigned as Team Manager.
I guess that at a stretch Neil Street being father-in-law to Phil Crump and therefore Grandfather to Jason may qualify? I claim special dispensation for that one!
Following on from the thread regarding fathers and sons who rode it did get me thinking of grandfathers who have competed. I can only come up with Charlie (Grandfather), Bob (Father) brothers John & Eric also rode and sons of Bob Martin & Paul Dugard. I remember reading sometime ago that Martin's son dabbled in the sport also...so that would actually make it four generations!
Different slant on the subject but how about brothers riding together? The Boocock brothers would have taken some beating. They did appear at least on one occasion in a Best Pairs Final I seem to recall?
I'm sure that the last thing 'speedibee' would want is someone to 'fight his corner' for him but, although not always agreeing with him, he is one of very few of the contributors on BSF that makes me laugh out loud at some of his comments!