chunky

Passed away last year? Must have been getting on a bit then? Even if he was only 16 in 1928, he would have been 107 or so...

Think I've heard the name somewhere...

I noticed you'd mentioned him in your initial list. I liked him, and thought he was pretty useful too.

I agree with that. Back in the 70's and 80's, there were quite a few Aussies who were impressive, but never really achieved full potential. Many of them are largely forgotten now. In addition to O'Brien, I liked Dave Jackson, Jim Burdfield, Stuart Mountford, Glen Baxter, Scott Norman, Lou Sansom, and Tony Langdon (he put in some brilliant performances against the Dons).

Uusually the opposite - struggle for a few years (a la Nielsen) and then step up a gear - but Crump did it in reverse. Had to be something mental with him, as it wasn't like he had "bad luck" like Jessup and others.

Interesting, but you may want to get them to correct Geoff "Pymer" and Mick "Hanley". Steve

You're in trouble, PotteringAround; gustix is on a mission! Once he starts copying and pasting links with this regularity, there is no stopping him!

That's exactly the thing I was talking about! The only non-small oval racer who was even able to control a speedway bike was Martin Lampkin.

Because he was raised on it. My point is that other motorcycle racers are generally all at sea when trying speedway - as was shown on the show I am talking about (Superbike Six, I think it was called). However, speedway riders were able to adapt to the other disciplines a lot easier. I agree that the speedway is largely unrecognised by the motorcycle world, but the fact that many speedway riders haven't ridden other bikes is irrelevant. My point is that if you can ride a speedway bike, then you can ride a road racer or motocross bike with little difficulty. That doesn't appear to be the case in reverse. Can't argue with that at all. I was waiting for him to be mentioned!

That is my point, John! Speedway riders can switch to other forms of motorcycle sport with little or no difficulty, but it doesn't happen in reverse. Therefore, those who master small oval racing tend to be much better all-round motorcyclists.

Thing to remember, John, is that speedway is probably the most difficult of all motorcycle sports to take to. Remember when we had the televised competition in the 70's between the best performers in various motorcycle sports? Not one racer from outside small oval racing got close to anything past mediocrity on speedway. There is a lot to be said for that...

No. I don't spend much time on FB these days, but I wasn't aware of that particular group.

Yes it is still there, John; or at least it was a few days ago. I am a member... Steve

It is always sad when we lose someone. It is a tragedy that the person was suffering in ways we can't even begin to imagine, An even bigger tragedy is that we didn't know, and were unable to help. R.I.P. Danny

It was also mentioned - and apparently later deleted - on a post on the Ipswich website.

You shouldn't have to be an 'Awk to confirm that; I'm as sure as I can be that it's Toby...

That is really sad... I've known Ken all my life, as he played on the WSSC dart team with my mum and dad. Unfortunately, we lost touch when he moved to Caterham, but we used to visit Ken and Esther in Aylett Rd. I also used to ride to White City with them. R.I.P. Ken.

Okay, nobody has said anything, so I would just like to add that the Parker Brothers should have had a monopoly... Sorry...

Again, how many sports pride themselves on such meaningful names as "Best Pairs", "Revenge World Championship", "Overseas Final", and "Speedway of Nations"?

Only in speedway... Wouldn't you?

Tertibly sad, and so terribly young...

I appreciate the kind words! I know there must still be a few that are missing, and I am always checking. I can't take all the credit, though, as there are a number of individuals from around the world who have contributed, including yourself.

Or Tai Woffinden was never Australian. I'll get me coat...

It's called "fashion", apparently...

I'm pretty sure it was dictated by the length of track; you will see how the Sydney Showground was a 3-lap track.