arnieg

True, even Crump had a hard time in his first GP season. My first instinct is to say that it is too early. However his Polish form (average above Andersen, and way higher than Nicholls and Lindgren) suggests he does deserve a shot. (He's only ridden four matches in Sweden - scores OK). Like Saifutdinov he is an exceptional talent. (Lakeside score notwithstanding I think it is too early for Pavlic - although he should at least get a run-out as a wildcard in one of next year's GPs) BSI need some new blood so I'd go for: Lindgren (only 22 - Millard please note) Harris Saifutdinov Holder This leaves (assuming the top 7 don't change) Holta and Nicholls knowing that it's a top 8 place or nothing. Of course this depends on the GP Qualifier result. If Sullivan, Richardson or Davidsson/P Karlsson qualify then Holder, Harris and Lindgren must be considered unlikely to receive a nomination. I'm assuming that Walasek and/or Ulamek will qualify, otherwise a nomination spot must go to a Pole (probably Hampel)

Was the SATL actually a name for the league or was it just the label used in Speedway News while the league apparently had no name?

Actually the renaming took place after the season started Early programmes refer to metropolitan league, but then change to SAL mid-May. Guess someone realised that California, Ringwood, Brafield, Hoddesdon and Arlington weren't exactly metropolises

It's been the standard method for many years - (thankfully) it isn't needed very often, but I think it should be known to most officials. However I don't know if it is written into the regs if so which ones. (I'd guess it is in FIM regs, but of course this was a UEM event) I did find an event where they used an alternative way to sort out a multi (ie 5+) rider tie. The 1966 Swedish Championship. They drew lots and seeded Fundin to the final of the run-off, then had a run-off among the other four riders for places in the title run-off. [Fundin won]

Both at Long Eaton 1 October 1994 and 2 September 1995

Mentioned over the tannoy at Lakeside last night. Location given as end of stadium Way in Rayleigh. Ove Fundin, Terry Stone etc in attendance

I went in 2006 and bought tickets (covering all 3 meetings) via the net (Ticnet - Swedish Ticketmaster). They can be collected from ATG agents (these are mainly newsagents even small towns have them so they are easy to find). Although at present Ticnet only lists the Swedish GP - I'm sure our Swedish contributors will be able to give more reliable info. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. You get three very different meetings and get to see some interesting riders you may not have watched before. (And in 10 years time you'll be able to say I saw xx when he was still riding 50cc bikes.

Bob was at Smallmead last night. He's over here for a month, and hopes to get along to Kings Lynn sometime. (He was surprised to discover that they no longer ride on Saturday's) He doesn't see much speedway these days (he didn't seem to be a great fan of Pinjar Park). He talked a bit about his road racing and seemed quite animated when the talk turned to moto-GP and superbikes. We chatted a bit about his Racers days (and Milton Keynes) - I had to remind him he was the first ever rider to card a maximum at Smallmead (and the first with Bernie Leigh to record a 5-1)

Sold out I'm afraid - you'll have to keep an eye out at Collectors' Fayres

First Tempus one was 2004 (covering 2003 season) but there was an A4 spiral bound annual covering 2002

I recall seeing him at Mildenhall. A quick check in Mr Vasey's opus confirms that he rode two matches for Mildenhall in 2002. Robert Bamford's annual gives his dob as 10.7.79 and the place as Maitland, New Soutrh Wales

RE Ivor biggun's little masterpiece. If used at Coventry then I think it inconsistent with: 14.1 The ANNOUNCER/PRESENTER's role is to provide Spectators in a strictly impartial manner with information they need to reasonably understand and enjoy a Meeting and in respect of racing decisions, instructions / statements as given by the Referee. Under no circumstances should s/he make comments that gives the impression that a protest has been/is being made against a Referee's decision, that incites any section of the crowd, or comment on any matter that is sub judice and is responsible for the comments of any person being interviewed that does not hold an SCB Licence / Registration. (from this year's SCB rulebook) I have no idea what FIM rulebook says. While it amused me I must say I was suprised. My pet peeve is the use of 'Born in the USA' an anti-patriotic song for Greg. And Land of Hope & Glory clearly worked very well, but how about adding 'Jerusalem' to the repetoire? (Bring me my chariots of fire - anyone?)

Not sure how I lost the 1952 appearances He did ride a few matches for Southampton - in 1956.

Indeed. Ron Sharp – first rode at a Rye House training school where he became a protégé of George Bason. Signed to New Cross but never made a league appearance for them. Continued riding in the SAL and second-halving. Injury and the decline in tracks meant he didn't get a regular team place until the Provincial League era, when he rode for Stoke and Long Eaton. Tears & Glory - The Winged Wheel Story, page 20 Incidentally one of my first customers at Smallmead said his father rode at California. I asked who, and he said Ron Sharp

but I get none out of five at Motala

But I want to see Kevin Wolbert, Ryan Sullivan, Matej Zagar, Emil Saifutdinow and Jurica Pavlic at Motala! Don't think we're both going to be 100% sattisfied

In 1986 he was 5th in the Polish league averages and 6th in the Polish Championship. In 1987 he made a few appearances in the Polish league. Both years he was riding for Gdansk. As he was born in 1953 he would have been 33 or 34 on retiring. In the years prior to the collapse of Berlin Wall and communism we saw very few Polish riders. (There was a gap of something like 7/8 years between Piotr Pyszny and Jacek Remapla riding in the British League)

Go to: http://www.przegladzuzlowy.pl/wersjaangielska.php Look on the right and click on the leagues listed below the heading "wyniki and tabelle" for fixtures Use the drop down menus for the clubs (at the top) in the three leagues and click on "kadra zespolu" - to get the squads

Vladimir Trofimov (b 28.1.62) rode for Rovno in the Russian league last year - that suggests it is the same one as 1987.

Then you'll enjoy the table on page 251

Its that time of the year when speedway authors release their 'labours of love' in advance of Cardiff. I'd never considered writing a book until just over a year ago when I commented to Andy Povey (we were organising the Reading Museum exhibit at the time) that Reading needed a comprehensive club history. He said "well you should write it then.". And now I have! MEDIA RELEASE: "Celebrating Forty Years of Reading Speedway" Next Tuesday (June 17th) sees the 40th anniversary of the opening of Reading speedway. The story of those forty years is chronicled in a new book: “Tears and Glory – The Winged Wheel Story” by Arnie Gibbons. The book tells the story, year by year, of the Reading Racers adventures in the speedway world. Racers fans can relive the heady euphoria of the Tilehurst years, the agony of title near misses in 1977 and 2006, and the joy of five league title winning seasons. On the individual front the highs of World Championship wins for Anders Michanek and Per Jonsson are contrasted by the terrible tragedy of Denny Pyeatt's crash at Hackney. Author Arnie Gibbons, a follower of the Racers since 1970 enthused: “ Although the heart of the book is the chronicle of Reading Racers 40 years on track I have attempted to show how Reading and the wider speedway world have changed over that period, and how those changes have affected the Racers. I have also included the results of my research into speedway in Berkshire before the historic meeting against Nelson on 17 June 1968. As well as wartime speedway at California (near Wokingham) I found evidence of a previously unknown venue east of Bracknell! “I am tremendously grateful to everyone who has helped, particularly the Reading Evening Post for coming up with some excellent photographs to illustrate the book. Above all I would like to thank Malcolm Holloway and Mark Legg because without them the story of Reading speedway would have come to a premature end and we wouldn't be celebrating 40 years of speedway in Reading this week.” The book contains 256 pages, including over 80 photos and 18 pages of statistics. Longtime promoter 'Aunty' Pat Bliss has contributed a foreword to the book. It will be available from Monday - cost £15. It can be purchased from the track shop or online at: http://www.readingspeedway.com/tearsandglory.html

At last. I now know how it feels to be 'pregnant with book'. The gestation period for this one has certainly been a long one. I'm sure the wait will be worthwhile.

But Norbs, he rode for the Tories!! !! A rare opportunity for Reading citizens to see a top speedway star came at the Reading Conservative Fete at Denton's Field, Bath Road in 1949. As well as a demonstration of skills by Bill Kitchen (winner of 11 National League championships with Belle Vue and Wembley) and George Wilks, a grasstrack event entertained the crowds. Participants included California regulars Bill Newell and Maurice Leonard. Tears and Glory - The Winged Wheel Story, page 10

Good, but when are we likely to know dates? (My flight to Aussie at the start of Jan is already booked )

Ian was the very first ever Racer, by dint of his appearance in heat 1 (along with Dene Davies) of Reading's first ever match (7.6.68 @ Plymouth). Champion started the season in top form but after injury his returns were a tad disappointing. Lost his team place to Bernie Leigh midway thru 1969 (moving on to Rayleigh)