chunky

While I'm not as old as you (sorry!), and my first World Final was 1969, the thought of, "my grandad speaks fondly of riders like Erik Gundersen" is a real kick in the nuts!!! I first saw Erik ride 42 years ago. Still seems pretty recent. When I first saw Erik ride, 42 years before then was pre-war... Sobering thought, eh?

You wanna talk about "rushing"? Couldn't be worse than the night we spent at Watford Gap coming back from Belle Vue. By the time we got home, I had time to take a shower, and get back to the stadium for the coach to Eastbourne for the Inter-League 4TT!

So, he could spend money on a drill? Or did he borrow it from someone?

Sounds about right... Makes you wonder how many of his E/F's could perhaps have been prevented with a little more forethought - and cash.

Nowt wrong wi' that!

I took Keith Yorke up there. You remember in Kelvin's first race, he stuck his foot in a puddle coming out of the fourth bend, which temporarily blinded Kuznetsov! The only final I went to after that was Amsterdam...

You NEED to be if you are on here...

He's still posting on Facebook. Never really knew why he just disappeared from here...

Yep; born 13th September, 1923.

And an important member of the Speedway Riders XI football team...

I know there was a lot of talk about him, and I went over to Hackney that winter for a junior match against the Aces just to see him. I wasn't sure how much senior action he'd had at that point.

Read what I said earlier! Again, that's something that NEVER happens in British speedway...

We're talking about British speedway, Steve; NOTHING should surprise you as far as rules - including people not even being made aware of the rules...

I find the threads about the not-so-great (and often forgotten) riders the most interesting of all - and heaven knows, there were enough of 'em in the 80's!

So why did you open with that statement? That looked pretty specific to me? Plus, it's a lie; ALWAYS "on his back"? As norbold stated, I was usually one of the first to jump in and help when John needed it. I often stated that John just needed to forget about posting stupid, contradictory, inflammatory, illegal, and insulting stuff, and everything would be fine. I stand by that still...

Okay, looks like I'm the one who's not wanted here...

What I find interesting is that John was DESPERATE to sever all ties with Facebook, and all the speedway groups, and a number of us tried to help him. So, I wonder what happened? I never made any accusations like those you levelled against me. THAT is why I had a problem...

You never cared for me anyway; 1) Because I stand by my opinion (and don't suffer fools gladly) and 2) Because you think I "deserted" speedway (even though I put more into it - emotionally and financially - than you do) Thing is, John and I did have some really good conversations (including PM's), but you never know what personality you were dealing with from day to day.

Not true. I get on his back when he posts crap on here, and acts like an idiot. I am one of the few who have actually stated that he is (or should be) a valuable member of the forum, and whenever he has needed assistance (often with technology), I have been one of the first to jump in and help.

Lucky you! He bloody ignores me...

I didn't know if this was the thread where to do this, but this is where he was most active... It was a few months ago when our well-known speedway historian from the South London Press, John Hyam (gustix) seemed to fade from the social media scene. You may recall how he departed Facebook, and was desperate to close his account and remove all traces of activity. He also ceased posting on the BSF. Obviously, it can be worrying when people disappear from view, particularly when they are of advancing years. However, it seems that the old chap is doing well, and is active on his Facebook groups. Just wanted to let you all know...

I'd looked for it recently, and couldn't find it. Pity, that was a valuable resource...

Andy Grahame was the same. He was forced out of the BL because they lowered the points limit, and not a single team could fit him in, yet his average was too high for him to drop down!

Why would you expect anything else? Very sad...

And Leicester...