Grachan

So you did. We've really got to stop agreeing like this Racer X! It's an interesting point about Gjedde/Loram, particularly as a lot of Charlie's points came from reserve. The problem is, give discretion on one rider and everyone will start wanting it. With Charlie Gjedde, though, presumably he'll be based on his PL average from last year. Averages still seem the best way of selecting riders' grades, even though they are far from perfect.

One thing that could arise if the grading system carries on into the following year is riders who are on borderline averages at the bottom of their grade miraculously losing a couple of points to drop into a lower grade and make it easier to secure a team place for the following year, or to help getting a stronger team. I'm sure this sort of thing could happen. I remember a certain Swindon rider a few years back had already decided to drop down into the lower division the following year. To do so he needed to average below 6 points, and in his last race of the season he needed 1 point to be below 6. If he scored 2 points he would have been over 6. He was cruising round for his point when the rider in second had an engine failure on the last lap. Cue the worst last bend of all time, followed by looking over the shoulder to make sure the guy in last place got past, thus ensuring 1 point instead of 2. It was so obvious it was hilarious.

I don't know if the grading system is to be long term or just for this year, but on a one year basis I certainly don't have a problem with it. You could put a limit on heat leader averages, but teams would probably all hang on to their 'grade A' riders and nobody would be available for teams coming up. It's unfortunate, but if the EL wants teams to move up a league, then they have to make it clear that there will be top riders available to them if they do. This didn't happen last time, so they had to find another way. It may cause quite a difference with team averages, but I don't have a problem with that. I don't see why every team needs an almost identical average at the start of the year, and there's yet to be a year when they've all ended up equal at the end so it's a bit of a false levelling up. As a short term fix to get top heat leaders distributed I think it's okay, and, let's face it, nothing is ever long term in speedway so lets see what happens in the future. I trust them even less now after certain other rules they've brought it.

Yeah, he did a whole series of Chips, before advancing into the glamorous world of soft porn, normally playing people called Bruce.

Hehe, I'd already noticed your signature Jez!

The other riders in that crash were Jimmy Nilsen, Lance King and Simon Cross. I think all four riders were injured in that crash and missed the rest of the meeting. I was there and it was announced that Erik was in hospital but was fine. My biggest worry at the time was if Jimmy Nilsen would be fit for Swindon's next match, and it was only later that the extent of Erik's injuries came to light.

Two words. Dave Jessup.

And they used to drive along the outside of the queue in which you were waiting to make sure they got to the meeting on time whilst you were worried that you'd miss the start and there would be no programmes left.

Exactly Shoddy. People can talk as much as they like about it being fair/keeping the scores close etc. It's the sheer embarassment and credibility of the sport that is the real issue here as far as I am concerned. You can hide team building, guests etc. from first time spectators to a certain extent, but there's no hiding from this one.

Hi Jamie. If you keep your eye on this thread, there may well be some KC races coming up. Unfortunately there's nothing from The Shay or BV, but keep your eyes peeled for Kenny's British Final win with broken leg and his 1982 incident with Bruce Penall if you don't already have them.

Peter, The Golden Joker (I'm cringeing even writing the name of the damn thing) doesn't start from 15 yards back but from the tapes. To get his double points takes no extra effort whatsoever.

One for the connoisseurs, this one!

Yeah, pretty good decision in my book. Good on 'em I say. Gawd bless 'em.

I am completely horrified that they are doing this, though not completetly surprised as I felt a pang of fear last year after reading in Speedway Star how 'delighted' they were with it's 'success'. It's unbelievable. Did they not notice the groans that went through the crowds whenever it was used? I just can't see any reason why they think it is a good idea. For a while there I was quite tempted to pop over to Swindon a few times to have a look at the EL Robins, but my enthusiasm has rapidly taken a dive again. I really am pissed off about this. It's idiocy like this that dampened my enthusiasm for speedway in the first place and they've done it again. Will someone point the fools in charge in the direction of this thread so they can see what people really think, or do they not care? How can you explain this one to a first time supporter? I think I saw two matches last year where this was used, and in one of them I had the wrong score for a couple of races having missed the announcement. These were two leg matches where the ONLY justification I could think of was that at least it evened out over two legs. Now we're talking about league points I can't even use that excuse on myself. Has this been approved after consulting a few dumb team managers without the brain power to work out good tactical moves? Tactical substitutes were always a bit of an odd one, but at least it was fun looking through a programme and trying to pre-empt tactical moves and use a bit of tactical thinking. Now it's just 'ooops. 8 down, double the points'. I hate this decision. Oh God, somebody call me a doctor. (Posts of 'You're a doctor' will be summararily ignored). Aaaaaaargghhhh!!

Bobby Ott I reckon. Don't see any Martin Ashby there though.

It's a true classic isn't it! I was at that meeting and had a good seat near the front on the back straight. I can still remember the pair of them flying past me dead level on the last lap. Phenomenal. If only all World Finals could have been like that night, but really that was probably the last of the great one-offs - either that or 1982.

What, that actual race or one with those two in it?

This time, in honour of Bruce Penhall's decision to ride again, is his race against Tommy Knudsen in the 1981 World Final.

I went to Perry Barr once and I shall remember it mainly as the first time I saw Shawn McConnell ride. I think Hans Neilsen was in the Brummies side at that time as well.

Here is an anti climax.

Although Gordeev touched the tapes, if you look he's actually the only one not moving when they go up, the other 3 all got rollers. Very messy.

Just take a look at THIS amazing clip!!

I've done another one, but I've used the same filename so this thread is effectively obselete now!

Great race isn't it Falcace. I'll do some more some time, though not sure they'll be that good! RE your question - see here: http://www.speedway-forum.co.uk/forum/view...opic.php?t=5230

I remember Rudy Mutts being signed by Swindon at one stage, but never actually riding for the Robins. I think it was a classic bad Swindon transfer move with Rudy & Alf Busk coming and Steve Bastable moving on. Maybe someone (Frigbo?) can remember more details than me. There are some pictures of Rudy Mutts in the 70s section of the Wimbledon website. And Larry Ross! http://www.wimbledonspeedway.co.uk/1970's_...s__part_two.htm