Wessex Wanderer

By the time it was abolished there were only 3 riders on the 20 yard handicap. (Peter Craven died the year before and Ronnie Moore had retired from British racing.) That left just Briggs, Fundin and Knutsson and it really had become a bit much to expect just those 3 to start 10 yards behind (say) Nigel Boocock at Coventry. Probably all three wanted the system abolished (or at least made a bit fairer) but from what I remember (40+ years ago now!!) Barry was the most vocal and all credit to him for saying what he thought. Like I said before though it was a pity they didn't tinker with it a bit (maybe a second level of riders being also handicapped for just their home matches) rather than throw the whole system out.

Rather different. At that time the "Big 5" of Fundin, Craven, Ronnie Moore, Briggs and Knutsson were handicapped 20 yards in all league races. They still managed to be among the top scorers every season though. From what I remember most others were off 10 yards with some reserves off scratch. It was abolished (?during the 1964 season?) partly due to pressure from Barry Briggs. It probably was a bit unfair that the 5 had to start behind riders like Nigel Boocock, Peter Moore and Ron How on away tracks. Pity they didn't tinker with it a bit though rather than abolish the whole thing. What I was suggesting would apply to all riders and would depend solely on the scores in the match at the time. Like I said though I doubt very much whether it would ever be accepted.

Sure is Trees. Trouble is that wanting and getting are two different things.

For a long time I have thought that handicapping would be a good alternative to tactical substitutes and the current tactical rules. Quite simply a team 6 (or maybe 8) points down would go off the gate with the other team off (say) 15 metres. That would mean every match would either be close scorewise or there would be a lot of passing. At least one or the other would be guaranteed. With it usually being the home side facing the handicap it should also lead to tracks being prepared for passing (pressure from the home heat leaders would see to that). I don't think it will ever happen (massive opposition from the riders would be one problem!) and I am not too sure I would like to see it applied to the CL due to the inexperience of most riders but it would turn EL racing into a can't miss surefire spectacle every match.

Johnnie Hoskins may have been past his peak by the 1960's but he was still the greatest even then. My proudest moment in Speedway was when I got to shake his hand and talk to him for a few minutes at Wimbledon one NLRC night.