Ron Butler

Thank you for that info, Britmet. Sadly, the fact that there is but one club in a country the size of South Africa only emphasises the lack of interest in speedway as a spectator sport of any importance.

Nicholls and Harris? Sorry, I seem to be devoloping a rather quirky sense of humour!

Yes there is a history of speedway in South Africa but isn't that just what it is - history. Are there any clubs operative in the country now? I know of none. No clubs - no local support from the man in the street. Would the government of the country back any attempt to reintroduce this comparatively unknown sport to the land?

So, as we all expected, Jason Crump won the 2009 World Championship. This is particularly meritorious in view of his injury. Congratulations to him. Commiserations to Tomasz Gollob definitlely worth the silver medal. Sad that he was so near and yet, once again, so far in the final anaysis. Maybe he could do it yet - this generally unsung hero outside his own land. To me, however, the outstanding rider of the series and of the night is 18 year old [?] Emil Satfurdinov - before this season a little known Russian rider. The rider of whom most said 'Emil who?' Here is a rider of whom it can be said with a fair degree of truth - perhaps even a hint of certainty - is a future World Champion.. Warmest congratulations and best wishes for a great future in speedway to Emil Satfurdinov, the latest of many fine sportsmen and sportswomen his country has produced.

Thanks for posting that, Aces51. I knew he'd had a reserved spot on the podium for a few years. I was going to research exactly how many before posting it on here. What a record! What a man!

That comment is even more irrelevant!

I don't understand that comment, Spook, although I do know who Ecclestone is. Perhaps you'd care to make it simpler for this poor old codger with only two remaining little grey cells, please!

With so much at stake he'll take to the track if at all possible. These Aussies are no wimps! I fear the real question is whether he will score highly enough.

His greatest hits were the ones he scored as Angus McKenzie the novice rider at Hyde Road! I only remember him having one hit song as Karl Denver the singer i.e. Wimoweh.

His real name being Angus Murdo McKenzie that's only to be expected, Topcat Seriously, he was neighbour of mine when he was a rider so I spoke to him on a number of occasions - without the aid of an interpreter though

Thanks for the info, Speedy. I didn't know how the nickname originated. I did know his real name was Charles though he was always billed in the Belle Vue progamme as Pee Wee. He did ride semi-legtrail and was certainly a very useful man at Hyde Road. He competed in his homeland [uSA} for some years after he left England and died some years ago. Regards, Ron.

I've just trawled through this thread from 1 to 188 [what a saddo I am] and I'm surprised that nobody has listed Pee Wee Cullum of Belle Vue and Stoke and the infamous Angus Murdo McKenzie. Angus was the terror of the Hyde Road second half races many years ago. Having finally realised that he would never make the grade on the cinder tracks he opted for a totally different kind of track and made a name as country and western singer Karl Denver. Angus-Karl is now strumming in the theatres of heaven. I sincerely hope he's not tempted to make a comeback in the great speedway stadium up yonder! Another useful rider at Hyde Road was Tink Maynard. He was doing quite well as a second string. Sadly, my ever smiling friend was killed in a track crash at Norwich in the 60s. Someone referred in post 151, I think, to Ken Wrench. He's still very active in the sport as the announcer at Belle Vue. This post would not be complete without record of that great Hyde Road rider and manager John Denton Oliver Don't think I'll mention the totally unheralded and unwanted Scandinavian rider of Polish ancestry Bengt-Ove Bakwdsz

I lost interest in the GP circus some time ago Paul but I chickened out of posting my feelings on here. Many, I felt, would consider it a form of sacrilege to do so! You, my friend, are of sterner stuff; must be the highland blood coursing through your veins.

Not sure whether you're saying that Chris Harris can't ride in a field of barley or whether the Coventry track resembles a field of that cereal! Probably just a mildly amusing typo. Thanks for the smile.

Please be advised, sir, that I have no interest whatsoever in grabbing that part of your anatomy! No question - absolutely none!

Bobbath, Jim Yacoby is, indirectly, still involved with Belle Vue. He is the grandfather of James Wright and is the guiding light of James's career. I imagine he also plays a similar role in relation to his other grandson, Charles Wright of Workington. Regards, Ron.

A touch of brilliant satire there, Jim!

Absolutely, John, I mean, well, it has to be said it makes a change from the ubiquitous 'yer know'. Know worra mean? Regards, Ron.

Really, Eastie, you could do yourself a mischief, my friend. You shouldn't get so wound up about it. Simple remedy - hit the mute button on your remote. You probably have, at least, as much expert knowledge of speedway as the Sky team. Do you really need to spoil your own enjoyment? Regards, Ron.

I read some years ago, Moxey, that when she retired as the speedway supremo she became a director of the parent company Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. This, as you will know, was the company that owned the speedway stadium, Kings Hall, zoo and amusement park etc. During her reign as speedway chief she was known as Miss A S Hart and insisted on being addressed formally I've no recent news of her though.

HA Dave, BP is the world's finest motor fuel - but not for speedway bikes!

Thanks for that, Pearcey, got it now. I think one of my two remaining little grey cells had gone off at a tangent when I read it. It's technically known as a senior moment! Thanks again. Ron.

Interesting idea, Cornishman, which could enliven some of the more boring races. However, I doubt that any referee would tolerate riders bashing each other on the bonce with a cricketing implement as they circuited the track.

You may think that, Gem, but I could not possibly comment! Enjoy your speedway, Ron.