chunky

I will admit that I've often defended Middlo when others have criticised him, but this time, there is no way that I could consider doing so. That he could make such a statement is beyond belief... Steve

I was at West Ham the night Christer made his British debut (against the Dons). What a rider... Steve

Good call with Brian Brett... Steve

Don't forget Jimmy Nilsen or Ian Williams... Steve

Honestly, with clubs like Wimbledon and Belle Vue, it is an impossible task to name a true all-time 1-7. Of course, there is always the question of whether someone like Ivan Mauger should be included, so do we judge by actual greatness, or by the impact a rider had during his time at the club? That would then leave the door open for someone like Vic Duggan to be included... Realistically, if we were going by achievements during their time at the club, then there are just two automatic entries : Ronnie Moore Barry Briggs I think it is fair to say that the next name would likely be : Vic Huxley A short list for the remaining four spots would probably comprise : Edward Jancarz Wilbur Lamoreaux Trevor Hedge Tommy Jansson Ron How Norman Parker Olle Nygren Geoff Mardon Larry Ross Then (also taking into account greatness achieved away from Plough Lane), we have : Malcolm Simmons Dave Jessup Todd Wiltshire Kelvin Tatum Ivan Mauger Vic Duggan Gote Nordin Sverre Harrfeldt Steve

I was there that night! It was certainly amazing the way the scores (and scorers) turned out, but Dean did ride really well. Pity he wasn't as good with directions, as he had to follow me back up to Collier's Wood High Street to pick up the A24 to go home... Steve

That was what Jamie claimed at the time, but he later admitted that it was little more than a publicity stunt. Steve

I have used that list in the past to confirm a number of details, but they have also clearly used some postings direct from my website. There have been some additions since I last used it, though, so I need to go through it once more. Thanks again. Steve

Thanks, but that was where I found the info. I was just hoping that somebody could help with more detail. I assume that they were both solos, but it seems surprising that their names haven't cropped up somewhere before. Steve

I've just stumbled across a couple of Australians who sadly lost their lives on track. However, I am not familiar with their names, and was looking for more information. Don McKinnon was killed at the Brisbane Ekka in 1972. Terry Madden (from Brisbane) was killed at Lismore, NSW, in 1974. If anyone can add details - in particular, confirm that they were solos - I'd very very grateful. Thanks, Steve

Must admit, I haven't seen too many like Finn Jensen! He was a great stylist, but never mastered the art of consistency. Steve

That would be Alan Louth, not Mouth! Steve

Still think you'd be better posting a bunch of names instead of one every few weeks... Steve

Patrick was a New Zealander (from Christchurch) who came over to Plough Lane in 1979 to join Larry Ross, and also made a couple of appearances for Exeter the following year, I believe. He was there alongside Dave Brewer (Tatum didn't appear until 1983). Born April 20, 1957, I suppose the highlight of Pat's career was scoring a couple of points in our huge win at Hackney (56-22, I think). Funny you should mention Graham Knowler; I was at Ipswich the night we fielded Alan Johns at No 1, and Graham at No 2. Obviously a very weakened team, were were holding the Witches until Roger Johns blew his engine while leading in his third ride - after two wins. Steve

Lee wasn't doing it as a 14-year-old, though. There have been many kids with potential who never made it to top class, it's true, but two who deserve a mention are Dugard and Havelock. Steve

Not according to this : http://wwosbackup.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=mriders&action=display&thread=1883 Steve

This is news to me! Is this something that has only just happened? There I was, labouring under the misapprehension that Scotland has ALWAYS been smaller, with less facilities and less people... Never stopped McKinlay, Hunter, McMillan etc from becoming stars, did it? There is absolutely NO REASON for us not to see a Scot in Team GB, except that there don't seem to be any with the desire and determination at the moment. Sure, population and facilities help, but it didn't stop riders like Ole Olsen, Rune Holta, or Armando Castagna from making the grade, did it? Steve

The more I look at the more I think it's Rayleigh. Go to http://www.defunctspeedway.co.uk/Rayleigh.htm, and check out the 1960 team pic. The track lighting in particular looks identical, and the surroundings seem rural enough. Even the individual pics above this (Johnny Fitzpatrick and Alan Smith) showing the pits area looks the same. See what you think... Steve

Sad thing is, I remember them all too... Anyway, I think I'd put Dandy Nichols in instead of Irene Handl... Steve

I've been noticing the proliferation of comments regarding tonight's start tarts. Not sure if that is reflection on modern speedway (and a lack of excitement) or a reflection on the frustrated old saddos on this forum!!! Steve

That has to be one of the best races I have ever seen. If only every race was like that... Good performance from the Russians. Steve

There was another thread on here before, asking the same question, and speedyguy even suggested Aldershot, which was another I had considered. Steve

Not sure, but I wonder if it is Rayleigh? There was a trial at an "Essex" track, and Rayleigh would seem the logical choice. Steve

What about Bruce Hughes, then??? Steve

I'm sure that Bob Hughes was Welsh, and thinking about, so was Ivor Hughes. As I said, Bob, I never knew that Howard Cole was Welsh, but he was born in Cardiff. Steve PS Just thought of another Welshman - Phil Vance.