chunky

You sound like me, except you are a lot older! When I whittled down my magazines, I basically got rid of everything post-1970's. As far as progs, what I really loved was the covers. Forget high-quality photos, I thought some of the old graphics and drawings were wonderful. My fave was the old multi-colour Swindon one (really stood out from others of that era), although I was also fond of the Wimbledon leg-trailer (Billy Lamont?) of the 60's. Steve

I believe that Hancock is still one of the top 15 riders in the world. I am clearly not the only one, as that is the reason he has been chosen. Age is irrelevant. As I have said a couple of times, I am not a fan of Lindback, and personally, I would have gone for Michelsen. However, I can't really claim that he is "better" than Lindback.

I agree. As has been stated, probably because a second Swede was preferable to a third Dane... I thought that Nationality would enter into it.

Not according to the experts on here... This is what gets me; do we want the best riders, or do we want the future? If we want the best riders, I am sure that Greg still would still be one of those. The idea of a World Championship is surely to feature the best competitors on current form, not who will be best in five or ten years time. So, given that Hancock has been out of action for a year, it seems that there are those who think he is "washed up". How many top riders in the past have had a year off - or longer - because of injury or other personal issues? And returned at - or close to - the same level? As a Dons fan, Todd Wiltshire and Ronnie Moore are two that immediately spring to mind. Briggo wasn't that far off after missing a year and a half... So, I have no reason to suspect that Hancock wouldn't be able to compete at GP level...

Tell me, John, as a respected speedway and sports journalist (who by his own admission wasn't a speedway and sports journalist), have you ever considered engaging in an intellectual conversation by using fact, logic, and reason (rather than astonishingly defensive behaviour and untruths), to substantiate your viewpoint? Of all the fabricated and emotional nonsense you have posted, blowing a gasket simply because I asked if you watched the GP's was by far the most unexpected, yet entertaining aspect of this episode. I truly never realised that watching television was that private and embarrassing a subject to you. Is the stigma of being known not to watch - or even be interested in - modern speedway too much to bear? Even though you think it is extremely dull and tedious; or "boring" as you so eloquently stated. Please, we are not all idiots on here, and we don't like being treated like idiots. Neither do I enjoy having my profession dismissed simply because you aren't smart enough to know that dartboards aren't made of cork, or that darts is actually a well-attended and highly-skilled major international sport... Steve

That is probably the best description I have seen of Bernie...

I can't believe all these 'Boro fans on here, and NOBODY has mentioned the Cleveland Park legend himself, Pete Reading...

I never used to write it mine, but a lot of them were covered in autographs. Those really aren't replaceable...

With me, the programmes bring back personal memories, but that isn't all of it. We had a lot of others from the 30's, 40's, and 50's, and I love the historical value. Worst thing is that we had most of the World Final progs, including Malmo 1961. I really wish I still had those...

Apologies to everyone for deviating from the topic. I just thought this was the perfect time...

So, it is quite clear that you DIDN'T watch the GP's, in which case you are not in a position to make such a claim! Why would you be so offended by me asking you if you watched them? More to the point, why would you react in such a manner? I know why - BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T WATCH THEM! Why be so deceitful just to make us believe that you are an ardent speedway viewer and expert? If you ask somebody, "Did you watch that?", standard answers are, "Yes, I did" or "No, I missed it". NOBODY gets all defensive and belligerent like that just because somebody asks them if they watched something on television... My original comment asked, "What do you think about Bartek"? Initial responses are things like, "He was great. Totally deserved it." or "I thought Madsen should have won." NOBODY replies like Robbie the Robot saying, "Bartosz. Zmarzlik. Became. Poland's. Third. World. Champion. blah, blah, blah... Not even you... And what is up with the, "And he has revealed that his former mentor...."? NOBODY adds that - and certainly not writes it in that manner, when asked, "What do you think..." I've told you before, you really don't help yourself. Quite embarrassing, really...

No, I asked what YOU thought about him, not what others thought. Did you truly sit and watch every GP this year?

When I questioned those who think Drabik should be in, I was met with the response that he is one of (or close to being one of) the best 15 riders in the world. Sorry, I'm still not convinced. Thing is, I'm not a Lindback fan - way too inconsistent for me - but it comes down to this; is Drabik better than Lindback? At the moment, I would say "no". I do think that nationality will still play a part, but we have wait and see how big a part. Like some others, I think Michelsen is worthy of inclusion. As much as I like Lambert, I don't think he is worthy - yet. I don't feel he went backwards this year, but he didn't advance as much as he could. Still, it is not unusual for an up-and-coming rider to have a "year of consolidation" after making an initial impact, and it happens in all sports. Obviously, injuries played a part, and he wasn't able to reproduce his early season form after the SoN crash.

So, what do you think about Bartek?

Trolling... Remember, gustix made a comment on here the other day how people look up to him because of his knowledge of "modern" speedway...

"A bit"??? I was scared when I saw how many people were taking the comment seriously!

Yeah, I remember when we lost Alan, but that is sad to hear about Charlie...

I met Billy a few times, and he seemed a really nice guy. I tell you though, if you never saw him without a shirt, you have no idea just how muscular he is! I wouldn't want to upset him...

One of the biggest regrets of my life was that years ago (I was still a kid) my parents got rid of a load of speedway books, magazines, and programmes. I managed to acquire a fair amount of magazines and progs myself (but nowhere near what we had), but I was never able to replace the Stenner's and Astorias annuals. I so wish I still had them... The one thing I do treasure is my copy of Thrilling the Million. Steve

I said that hours ago.... In American sport, teams actually "retire" a number that was used by legends.

That does come into it, though. You, really think Drabik would fit the bill right now?

Unless you have a poll, there probably won't be enough to go on...

If Dudek had missed out, I would have gone for Drabik, but you really think we need another Pole?

People have posted their lists...

You've got friends??? Then what the hell are you doing on this forum???