speedyguy

For Canadian fixtures try: http://www.speedwaybikes.com/canada/csra/schedule/htm or just google to: Canadian Speedway Racing Association I think Paris Speedway starts Friday June 1.

How dare the Spanish object to something they may not like in their own country! Seriously, this is not the first time that efforts to establish speedway in Spain have faltered. Both in the 1930s and in post-1945 years. Even Wally Mawdsley could not get it established in Madrid in the 1980s. How can Russell Paine's venture at an outpost on the coast, despite efforts to make a go of things, expect to suceed? Local Spanish beauracrcay takes a lot to contend with. And there is, of course, the dreaded 'land grab' law in some parts where councils can decide they want some of the land you own for building purposes. Local councils can also put in high costs for the work needed to keep the infrastructure of nearby roads to a good standard. And if you really upset the local administration....well

Has any of this ever been checked for accuracy against the book on Bluey by Dr Brian Belton?

Try by registering to this excellent history site. I am sure you will get the needed answers: http://speedwayhistory.proboards67.com/index.cgi

I think Dr Brian Belton, the author, can help you here.

The tracks given on the website information are correct: Paris Speedway is the busiest of them.

Well, Crystal Palace has been closed since 1939...I guess we can wait a little longer

And also in war-time (1940) at Glasgow. Possibly, I've not checked, at Belle Vue?

What from halfway along Leigham Court Road? There are no other buses to the Parade direct from there? Still waiting for news on Donsking's promised article!

Interesting to read about Timo Laine. I saw him ride in Holland in the late 1950s and early 1960s, also in the early 1960s in the Internationale qualifyingr round at New Cross. Properly handled in this country, I am certain he good have been a very good rider indeed. I also remember Antti Pajari at Coventry in 1959: what a thrillmaker!

Fay Taylour certainly rode speedway in New Zealand and Australia in 1929 or 1930 after the ACU band was imposed. I am ceratin that it was in GB and not recognised worldwide. For the reason it was imposed, it all seems petty by today's standards. I also remember a story on Maxine Hill appeared in the South London Press around 1989.

I remember Jack and his brother Ken. In the early post-war years Ken rode for West Ham, Birmingham, Eastbourne and Hastings, and also for England in two test series in South Africa in late 1940s and early 1950s. I don't - but could be wrong - remember Jack riding post-war. He may have been briefly also at Birmingham, possibly Middlesbrough. Not sure. I remember his name came up quite frequently though in 1946 and 1947.

As I suggested elsewhere (!), I am certain Jimmy Squibb was a novice at Southampton in 1939. Isn't he still alive? unsure:

What a delight it is to see midget cars like these. Pity we have never had anything like it in the UK.

Dear Donsking: Any sign yet of your article on Crystal Palace Speedway?

How about the Finnish rider Antti Pajari who rode for Coventry in 1959? To say that he was "wild and woolly" is to put it mildy. But what a wonderful personality both on and off the track. But, of course, he was never in the Provincial League so doesn't really count.

Perhaps I misunderstood your comment on Justin Elkins. I always thought he was a much better rider than many gave him credit for. And, but for "too much tinkering" with his bikes, which often caused him problems, that he could have been a really big star in the sport. I certainly liked him in his brief spell as a Wimbledon rider back in 2002. Or am I, as usual, a lone voice?

Ah! Your version of Central Park Sittingbourne? Have a good season.

Remember all these with great affection: Bill Simpson once at Wembley, Jimmy Heard who had a good career at Stoke, and Ronnie Rolfe - was it Sheffield he had his best senior spell. And Charlie Cheshire, a real enthusiast who raced part of the 1953 season in Sain with the Ted Gibson's troupe. Happy times. Circa 1953 to 1957 in regard to their Rye House careers.

I was thinking in the context of one rider over four laps.

I am sure laser-timed times from start to finish are correct. A guy with a stop-watch would depend on his reactions.

There's a big motocross meeting this Sunday at Canada Hills, near Swanley, Kent, It all starts to build up mid-morning for the afternoon action. Seen a photo in my local The Newshopper (in an advert) and it looks REALLY spectacular stuff.

The 2nd public workshop on the future of Crystal Palace Park is on Saturday March 17 10am-3pm (lunch provided!) at Sydenham High School, 19 Westwood Hill, Sydenham SE26 2BL. Could be the last ever chance to plead the cause for a speedway return there! Howzabout it Donsking? And when is the article on the speedway due out?

What about Al Sparrey? A great team Norman - but wonder how many modern day fans know who they are?

Good to see Justin Elkins listed. A rider badly treated by many in the sport - just needed the right sort of advice and handling to be really great.