chunky

I don't like confrontation (not "serious" confrontation, anyway). I have told you why I react the way I do; I do not appreciate being accused of saying things I didn't. You are doing it to others too. I am still a pleasure to engage with - as you will see from many threads on here - and I am always one of the first to help with information if I can. You just need to stop making ridiculous claims and accusations, and there won't be any issues. Sorry, but there IS right and wrong. It is called FACT.

From what little I have found (and I hadn't heard of it either), it seems that it was generally called the New Forest Training Track. It was on St. Ive's Rd in Ferndown. Steve

Yep. Again, a Swede... Nordin and Holmqvist too. Still, when did the monkey masks become popular?

Aabsolutely he did; good call!

There were a number of rigid masks worn by odd riders, including those you mentioned above. Alan Grahame and Castagna were two of the most notable riders to wear these, but Scott Autrey, Andy Grahame, Mitch Shirra, and Ray Morton (amongst others) were also known for their masks. Google for their pics, and you will see. Steve

If you look back at my original post, you will see that I did clarify that. They are indeed the one piece goggles/face mask, with nose protector. As I said, there were several different styles, but I consider them all to be "monkey masks". That is why I named certain riders, as most of us are familiar with what they worem The simple one-piece leather ones (again various styles) were something different.

Pretty sure he just wore a scarf at Wembley in 1969, as did Sjosten. I can't think of any others who were just using a scarf after that time - other than Michanek. Seemed to be popular in Sweden... Steve

Of course not, but that's nothing unusual on here...

That is definitely the earliest pic I have seen of one! I believe that would have been from Tuesday, April 28, 1959... Cool! Funny thing is, that has jogged my memory. I have seen another photo of Ronnie wearing a monkey mask during (what I believe to be) a World Championship round. I don't know the date of that, but I would say it has to be early 60's before he broke his leg. Just wondering why they never really caught on until over a decade later, and of course, on his return to the UK, Ronnie reverted back to a simple leather mask.

Be careful, or you may have to go away too!

This has got nothing to do with Auty, and is nothing to do with trolling. You just keep claiming that people say things that they didnt, and then you get butthurt when we respond with the truth.

We all could! There were so many different masks (and goggles) that riders wore. Wasn't just Mich who wore a scarf; Fundin, Sjosten, Crutcher etc were a lot earlier.

Hmmmm... That's fascinating, and I have never seen that photo!

Okay, if I can squeeze in here between gustix's many memories, I would like to ask a question. We all miss the old face masks - in particular, the good ol' monkey masks - but thinking about it, they really weren't around for long. Obviously, there were several different models; the standard one with the small vent in the middle, the style worn by Mauger, Collins, and Olsen, the Gordon Kennett one, the Joe Owen one etc... So, does anyone know when they were introduced? The American racing driver Dan Gurney made one around 1958, but they were never used in speedway that early. Even around 1969 and 70, the majority of the face masks were simple leather ones with slits in them. Trying to think back, I can't actually remember when they took over, or who were the first riders to use them. I know Ronnie Moore wore one around 1971 or 72... Anyone? Steve

Neither did you mention home track advantage. There were quite a few riders who struggled to get three or points on their own shale, but then they would go to certain tracks and ride like a world-beater...

You still here, BWitcher? Or did you "go away" as politely requested?

Judging by his contributions on the BSF, there's bugger all he does like! He makes the real Arthur Rudge look pleasant and joyful... Steve

Is that what he said? NO!!! He said that the sport "is littered with pretty poor riders who were good at one track". That doesn't mean "all" riders, and that doesn't mean they were "crap". You really don't help yourself by constantly accusing others of saying things they didn't...

Stop talking sense! We don't need that (or at least, SOME don't understand that) kind of stuff on here... Steve

It's okay; there are a few posters on the BSF who make me want to do that!!! Steve

What? It takes four hours, you keep changing the rules, people headbutt each other, and others just have it on in the background??? Sorry, I've been biting my tongue for hours...

Um, it is Sir JACKIE Stewart, not Jocky... There have been many Scottish footballers and managers called Jock, most notably Jock Stein and Jock Wallace. Don't forget World Sidecar Champion, the late Jock Taylor. Steve

As highly as I rate Woffinden, I agree that he is not at the Rickardsson/Mauger/Nielsen level - yet. Needs another win or two... I would also put Gundersen and Olsen in that elite group. Michanek's peak was 10-15 years after the group mentioned. Steve

Joseph Cotten. Oh sorry, he was the Third Man...

As a manager?