chunky

But how many world championships involve teams going home after two minutes of action?

And Terry could well have achieved more on the international stage, but "Great Britain" was still full of Australasians for most of his peak...

When you put it like that...

Poxy autocorrect!!!

Let's look at averages.. Betts Simmo 1966 9.41 6.14 1967 9.74 7.09 1968 9.45 9.40 1969 9.35 8.14 1970 9.22 7.58 1971 9.62 9.22 1972 10.51 8.36 1973 9.95 10.26 1974 10.32 9.78 1975 8.87 10.41 1976 9.71 10.17 1977 9.78 10.27 1978 8.10 10.77 1979 7.75 9.04 The only other year Simmo averaged over 9 in BL was 1980 (9.40). Simmo's short peak was slightly better than Terry's, but his career as a true heat leader was nowhere near as long or consistent. The difference is nowhere near as pronounced as some may think. As far as World Team Cup, it is hard to judge a rider by team results, and again, it wasn't like they were racing against the world's best in most races.

Like I say, "Good Morning America! What are we offended by today?"

Cecil Forbes

He was also back at Plough Lane then, with another famous Mike Patrick photo showing Eric Dugard flying over him.

It's hard for me to join in with something like this, because it's something of a competition between "riders" and "friends" - and it's hard to distinguish between friends! So, as far as friends, I would say (in no particular order): Alan Mogridge Jim Tebby Steve Schofield Rodney Payne Maxine Hill As far as riders: Ronnie Moore Tommy Jansson Vaclav Verner Bruce Penhall Billy Sanders

Well, it is a preferred term here in the US - even though calling someone "coloured" is a complete no-no! Of course, despite not being able to use the term "coloured", the people are protected by the NAACP - the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People!

Wimbledon rider from the 1980's. A little history between Terry and John!

I thought Terry Mussett might have been one of your Top Five, John?

Exactly. When I was gowing up, British football was played by the British. Italian football was played by the Italians etc. Now, all leagues are populated by all nationalities. As far as black players, I remember the early ones like Bert Johanneson, Clyde Best, and Adi Coker. As ch958 says, diversity takes generations, which is why there are so many black English players now. Having said that, black people have NEVER really shown any great interest in motor sports in general, let alone speedway.

Well, seeing that that 3/4 of the players now are black...

Okay... I for one love a multi-cultural society; I welcome diversity. However, while there is a constant push for diversity these days, it shouldn't be expected, and it certainly shouldn't be forced. There are just some things that attract certain races/nationalities/cultures/genders, and some that don't. We have to accept that.

Yeah, I remember a photo of a young black kid with Bob Dugard; think his name was Paul, but I wouldn't guarantee it...

Yep. we've had black and Asian riders at Wimbledon, and black and Asian fans. KeirStarmerFan obviously never went to Plough Lane...

Where the world has gone crazy is that, not only can we not laugh at each other - WE HAVE LOST THE ABILITY TO LAUGH AT OURSELVES! Part of being British is being able to take the piss out of each other - and ourselves.

As an Englishman living in the US, I get tired of being asked, "Are you Australian"?" Or Scottish? A few months ago, somebody said they'd met a Scot - and he sounded just like me! Then I have to explain that Wales is not a part of England. And that Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom and not Ireland.

Well, the info I have is that Ron finished on 13, so I assume that is a typo...

The reason I went for Hans is because both Ole and Sam were experienced British League riders when they joined Wolves. Hans was a raw 17-year who came straight to Monmore Green, and made an immediate impact.

Hans...

That is pretty much where I figured it would be; thanks!

This is from 1945. The quality isn't great - obviously - but judging by the information given, this would be about the location. You can see the outline of what could be a track...