PotteringAround

Not the NSS, but she did go to Hyde Road. Did a bit of flagging on the centre green at one meeting.

Chris Morton, David Gordon and George Carswell were treated very badly by the BSPA. It was shown that the problems of that year were caused by Manchester Council and their inept contractors, yet all 3 lost their promoters licences. Mort still does visit the NSS on occasions, especially the Peter Craven meeting, as he owns the Peter Craven Trophy, but still allows the club to present it to the winner each year.

Definitely Mike Bessent. Born 28/01/55 - Died 11/06/21 of a brain tumour. British Clubs: Crewe (1974) Eastbourne (1975) Crayford (1977) Year..Club..Meetings..Rides..Points..Bonus..Average..Maxima 1974..Crewe..1..2..0..0..0.00 1975..Eastbourne..3..7..7..1..4.57 1977..Crayford..30..91..72..23..4.18 Was married to Wendy. Had daughters Katy and Hayley and a grandson. The two people on the programme are wife Wendy and daughter Hayley.

Mike Sampson rode from 1971-82 so doesn't fit the narrow time frame. It could just be a junior. Mike Bessent. He had 1 match with Crewe in 1974. 3 matches for Eastbourne 1975 and 30 matches for Crayford in 1977. He died in 2021.

Enough of the wind-ups and joke Woffinden signings. Anyone know when the Aces are naming the next signing? Norick Blodorn

Lawson did some NDL meetings last year covering for Greaves after Greaves retired, but Lawson hasn't got a CL place this year, so would it be worth his while gearing up for just NDL? I can understand him doing some NDL last year because he was already set up to ride CL, but maybe not worth it this year.

That's what I was trying to politely hint at. Surprises me that Leicester couldn't find a 3 pointer of at least equal standard closer to the Midlands.

Though we knew it was happening, I'm still a bit surprised at the signing of Vinnie Foord. He's not local to Leicester by any means, and I'm not sure the tricky bends of Beaumont Park will suit his "style"

It's true that Harrigay did have the riders' initials on the racejackets, all except Vic Duggan. However I believe he had a star on his, not "Vic".

Yes, they're running. Would expect Danny Phillips, Tom Woolley, George Rothery, and the Millars to be back. Thought they'd also go for Archie Freeman, but he's at Belle Vue. Presume they'll need a big hitter to replace the retired Nathan Greaves.

TRY THIS

What a cock-up. Who is this Pete Woodhouse? It's not just a simple typo using the wrong name. He clearly thinks King's Lynn have signed Steve Worrall.... It even makes mention of this new signing being the twin brother of Richie Worrall who has ridden for King's Lynn in the past.

That was a Friday as the Aces were away at Coventry on the Saturday

Yes. Mudguards covering all the way down to where modern-day dirt deflectors go. They kept snapping off on the bends. It was a very cold Sunday afternoon in November 1985.

Don't see that at all. He's a good guy and he'll be good value on a 6.55 average. He'll increase that around Plymouth in this league. Looking like a decent team depending on the last signing. Dan Gilkes will be the league's top star. But he starts on a huge 10+ average, so you need him scoring a near-maximum in nearly every match just to hold his value. I rate him highly, but I think after the little Kent track, he'd have done better going to a big track like Belle Vue to progress. Not sure what he'll learn at Plymouth. But from Plymouth's point of view he'll rack up the points. Andrews and Atkins are on good averages for heat leaders. Atkins will make an absolute mockery of 5.86 so they'll have 3 very strong riders at the top end. Second-strings could be the weakness. I don't rate Extance at all. Like Andrews he's approaching his 30th birthday, but I can't remember him ever completing a season without quitting or getting injured or both. We await news on the other second string. Ben Trigger will do fine at reserve. He's a nice enthusiastic lad, and a lightning gater, which is all you need at Plymouth. Eli Meadows seems a decent enough youngster and just needs to be allowed to progress at his own rate. Plymouth should easily go unbeaten at home, and could shock a few away.

Well here's the official reveal. Very similar to my pic

Bit naive that. If they've got (say) a 5.05 hole and you're that 5.00 rider, then I'd be asking an extra 5 quid a point.

Can only get 6 right, since they're only naming 6. Seems an odd thing to do. If they've got all 7 signed, why not name all 7? If they've only got 6 signed up, then they're giving target no.7 a lot of bargaining power!

Top middle Eli Meadows.

There was Roger Parker who had a not very spectacular short stint with Stoke in the early 70s before being killed at a grasstrack meeting. And Rob Parker who rode at NDL and MDL level a couple of years ago, and who I believe was the grandson of Norman and great-nephew of Jack.

??, ??, Henry Atkins, Adam Extance, Dan Gilkes, Richard Andrews (Presume Ben Trigger is top right but struggling to find the exact photo used)

Plymouth facebook page. I'm struggling on bottom right who has a head like a Mr Whippy ice cream (or is wearing a bobble hat). Would think Ben Trigger is in there and Kai Ward, but can't find a photo that fits.

From the silhouettes top right is Henry Atkins bottom left is Adam Extance Bottom middle is Dan Gilkes Bottom right is Richard Andrews

They don't like it up 'em

Cook - John, Craig, Colin, Ben, Zach, Jon and Derek