rayallen

Rod Chessell is most certainley an Aussie. I recollect he hailed ( thats an old term ) from Queensland Aus and arrived mid term at Odsal in 1971. Rod was a bit of a pocket rocket and drew similarities in style and size to the then Bradford No 1 Alan Knapkin. I seem to remember Knappy picked up a broken arm and Rod got his chance in the team. Bradford were then tracking the likes of Dave Baugh, Sid Sheldrick, Alf Wells, Robin Adlington, Dave Schofield, Allan Bridgett. Hell that was some line at the time that took Northern to runners up spot in the then BL Division 2 behind Eastbourne. It really should have been Bradfords title because they led the way pretty much all season but just ran out of steam at the end. Anyway I really rated Rod - had 4 official meetings for a 4+ average before the 1971 season was over without him finding a permanent place in the team. Everyone wanted Rod Chessell back at the start of 1972 but the management went down the route of bringing UK based riders like Barry Meeks from Crewe and Chris Roynon ( father of Adam ) to supplement the core of the team from 1971 and Rod was not called back. Having missed out in 1972, Rod was back on UK shores in 1973 again finding his way to Odsal where he joined a band of Antipodeans - Brenton Langlois, Rob Maxfield, Mike Fullerton, Robin Adlington - it was very exciting to have these guys over and pretty much they all cut it. Maxfield had least success initially at Bradford but went on to be a bit of stalwart Div 2 performer at Exeter in later years. 1973 restored a bit of energy at Odsal following a pretty bland 1972 season ( 70/71 were high's following speedways re-introduction to Odsal ). I remember we would have a pre-meeting race off to decide who would be the 7th man in the team and Rod was in this, along with Maxfield, Mike Fullerton and the then local riders Mick Fairbairn and Mike Fielding. Rod never really broke through although he had about 7 official meetings for 3+ average. He always looked to have the makings of a good little rider but there was a surplus of riders vying for the tailend spots and it switched around a bit. In the end even Rob Maxfield went out of the picture. After 1973 that was where the trail seemed to end for Rod in the UK. In the years after his name would crop up in the reports but he never returned over here. In the final analysis I would say he could have achieved more he was neat stylist and as I say very much in the mould of Alan Knapkin. It would be great to here what Rod is up to now - can anyone update. By the way - no speedway in West Yorks since 1997 is it not about time for a revival.

Yeah, my post was meant tongue in cheek - more leg-end than legend agreed. As TD used to say "give us a D- ! and Thirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrty Pounds ! Oh those were the days as they say.

Now then just seen a forum poster with a mesage backing the inimitable Terence Hardaker for the mic job at the Cardiff GP 2007. You know Terry was a bit of a one off, and I will never forget one of our end of season fire work displays at Odsal. Typically it was persisting down, freezing cold. The fireworks were fizzing and up goes a rocket. Terry's giving it oh ah oh ah and then slots in this classic line ( bear in mind it was the politically correctness of today etc.. ) So as the rocket explodes in the dark night sky Terry gives it " eh folks bet you can't get them in your local paki ! - meaning local pakistani newsgent. Innocent yes - classic yes - Terry a legend in his own lunctime at Halifax and Bradford. Not sure what hes up to now adays. Indeed not sure what anyone in these parts is up to. Because we just dont do speedway in West Yorkshire anymore.

Now now Kevin that would be telling, but suffice to say something WILL happen. Ray TIBSpeedway

Not been on here for sometime so was suprised to find the Forum has moved ! and Phils ditched the Fantasy League for 2003 ..oh dear. Well just to say that the TIBS Fantasy-SGP 2003 is now recruiting for GP Racing Team Manager so if anyone on these boards fancies themselves as a "Racing Team Boss" on the GP Circuits heres your chance. 2003 Averages and gradings are posted and you can e-mail selections direct to the TIBS e-address. I'll e-mail confirmation and all you have to do is cheer on YOUR RIDERS on GP Nights. Incidentley the fight to bring Speedway back to West Yorkshire is not over yet !. Odsals gone its time to move on. I'll keep you posted. All the best Ray TIBSpeedway