chunky

I was with you at Wembley, White City, and Hackney...

We've been through this several times... PC isn't the only rider to have done this over the years, and when falcace made a well-thought-out recent post on here about top riders "looking out for themselves", that caused a real stir...

The problem is that while many consider it just "sport", it really is a lot more than than that these days. Sport (all kinds) is one of the biggest industries worldwide, providing a livelihood for millions of people (competitors, team and organization administration, staff in concessions and marketing, journalists, and many others). For those, it is every bit as essential a business as for individuals in manufacturing, retail, and health. It really isn't as simple as it may first appear. This is why many are are predicting that the aftermath of all this will be just as bad - if not worse - than the actual virus.

He was the same at Wimbledon. Can't remember what individual meeting it was, but he won it after a run-off with Penhall (Bruce fell). When he was on form, he could make anyone look second-rate.

That is my point! I am not talking about longevity, but you say you never rated him, and sidney doesn't class him as an "overwhelming" number one. You don't have to physically top the averages to be a "number one", and being top of a team's averages doesn't necessarily make you a number one. Those averages I posted SHOULD be enough to prove that JD was a real "number one". For some reason, he is never classed alongside the other top riders of the day, but he was certainly good enough to be.

How do you edit submarines? I think I'll ask norbold - after I've edited him...

Was JD another Mauger, Collins, or Olsen? Of course not, but between 1977 and 1981 (leaving out a "poor" year in 1978), I would think that the following averages would class someone as more than a "backup"... 1977 - 9.80 1979 - 10.32 1980 - 9.59 1981 - 9.67 I just think you guys are being a little harsh...

Ron How, Arne Pander, Jimmy Gooch (Oxford 65).

Unlike you, I don't get offended by people pointing out that I made a mistake. I can't see why it is a "good job" that your quote remains, unless it is for your own personal satisfaction. I even responded with an attempt at humour, which apparently went over your head the same as the "edit norbold" replies on another thread. "Did Sir Walter ride" is an interrogative statement, whichever way you look at it, therefore a question mark is required. Had you said, "Sir Walter rode", that could have been interpreted either way, and exclamation marks would have been acceptable.

Only cycle speedway... Question marks for a question, John!!!

He was included in the England 'C' squad for two tests against Sweden in 1952. He scored 7+1 at Southampton, but didn't ride at Rayleigh.

Have to agree with Cradley, Belle Vue, and Wembley. I also loved Paisley and the original Canterbury.

If you have any punctuation issues, don't ask gustix for advice!

Yes he was, Steve! First thing I thought of too, and I'm sure he would have been a hard rider...

Seeing that my first choice - Ron Preston - has been taken, I'll go for Bob Kilby, Gordon Guasco, Alan Grahame, Bo Petersen, and Chris Morton.

As a matter of interest, John, do we spell it "woosh" or "whoosh"???

See, you can't get me out of your head...

Quit whining! I've wasted a whole day, worrying about why gustix dragged me into the conversation!

Why drag me into this?

I'm not sure whether he did ride at Rochdale at all, but his one appearance for the Hornets was away at Berwick. I would suspect that he may have had rides at Berwick, and that he was pressed into service by Rochdale who were short-handed. I know that the one appearance he made for Rayleigh in 1972 was at Workington, and he was listed as a guest.

I know you are talking about the 60's, but I went to Station Rd a number of times for NL meetings, and it wasn't bad.

It's just that I don't think one or two odd appearances - maybe as the result of an on-the-night loan, can actually be counted as a track "producing" riders for BL action! Again, that is your choice entirely...

Mitch Graham at Rochdale? He's already been listed under Worky, anyway...

Another for Ellesmere Port - Nicky Allott

Kings Lynn/Boston - Arthur Price and Carl Glover. I know Price had a handful of rides for Nelson and Crayford first, but he didn't do anything until he went to Lynn. Barrow - Craig Pendlebury and Keith Evans. Coatbridge - Mick McKeon.