cyclone

Jimmy Tannock & Doug Templeton were an unsung pairing for the Monarchs between 1960 - 67. JT started at Ashfield in 1952, then moved on to Motherwell 53-54 & 58, before appearing for Edinburgh in 1960. Never more than a second string but had his moments, including beating Gote Nordin at Old Meadowbank in the BL. Remember in the PL days on the parades Jimmy would ride round on his bike wearing a cap, with a fag dangling from his lips. Doug rode at White City (Glasgow) around 1953/54, ,Motherwel44 & 58 l briefly at Ipswich 56, then rode for the Monarchs from 60 - 69, then Tiges& Bandits up to 1976. A hard uncompromising rider who was one the top guys in the PL and had a decent record against the best in the BL also, but never made the big time in World Championship. Another unsung hero in my books was Jimmy Squibb who was also a fearsome competitor who apparently first rode in 1939 and finished in 1975. Great to watch him & DT jousting at Old Meadowbank in the PL.

Reg Reeves can be scored off for Liverpool - he rode there in 1951 & scored 2 from 4 for Walthamstow., likewise Allan Kidd only scored 3 from 2 there on 21/6/52 and Eric Hockaday 9+ 3 from 5 on 3/6/57. Reg R also only scored 5 from 4 @ Yarmouth on 9/5/50 and Stan Stevens scored 4 + 1 from 4 there for Rye House on on 14/7/59. Russ Dent had an e/f in his 4th ride for Newcastle @ Cowdenbeath but did score 12 from 5. However I remember seeing Alan Wilkinson scoring a 12pt max for Newtongrange Saints in his only appearance there at the opening meeting of 1970. I believe this might also have be AWs first ever appearance in an Official meeting. Agree Hans Nielsen only appearance @ Powderhall was an 18pt max for Denmark in 1978.

Soldier Boy was known to loudly support Ray Wilson at big meetings, so perhaps this was why it was assumed he was also a Leicester fan . Over the years I recall he switched his allegiance to Peter Collins, as he came to the fore and Ray's star began to dim. .

So was it a different Shane Parker that rode for Ipswich at Powderhall on 29/4/1990 who was listed with a GSA of 3.00 Gavan? Or has dontforgetthefueltapsbruv been providing you with the "facts"

Witnessed an horrific crash there, where Brett Saunders went through the fence, then across the stock car track, and iirc, had to have his spleen removed, as result of the injuries he sustained.

One of his party pieces when the Monarchs were visiting was to stick on a Dagenham Girl Pipers record, to make us feel at home. Gentle humour that we all recognised it as, and appreciated his effort to add a little bit extra atmosphere to the proceedings.

Don't think Rising is trolling your posts, but instead provided some historical facts (unless you dispute them), that contradict your assertion that "Briggs manufactured the first ones , so they were instantly approved without question"

Nice sidestep to avoid providing hard facts to support your thinking

Where did you get this information from ? I can provide some hard facts regarding National League newcomers in 1990:- Edinburgh's Danish newcomer, Frede Schott was assigned an initial GSA of 2.00, whilst Aussie first timers, such as Ipswich's Shane Parker, started on 3.00 Can you provide provide actual facts to support your memory/thinking

UK Speedway would be more credible if it did not impose artificial averages on any rider based on nationality, once they have achieved an actual GSA. No problem with overseas riders being given an assessed starting average which reflects their previous experience (foreign league exposure, SGP participation etc.), but once they have an actual GSA , they should then be treated the same as UK nationals. When Speedway was thriving in the UK, we did not have this nonsense of discriminating against overseas riders. If they were not good enough, they were binned, and if anyone believes that a Promoter would hang on to foreign duds, I'd be interested to know if anyone can give examples and whether they sought an explanation from the said Promoter.

. Mark Riss's real average was 3.27 so he will still be penalised by starting the 2017 Season with an assessed higher average, namely 4.00 Compare this to Dan Bewley whose final real average was 4.00 and who will benefit from a further 2.5% reduction for being a less experienced British newcomer. No problem with Dan's reduced team building average, but I would consider him to be more of an "absolute steal" than Mark. Don't see the logic of your argument and IMO it comes across as "Little Englander's" prejudice towards "Johnny Foreigner"

Do you really believe this would be enforced?? Also you have not answered my original question, namely:- "Why should the employment status in Speedway be any different from other jobs or sports?"

Why should the employment status in Speedway be any different from other jobs or sports? Given that your suggestion would further reduce the availability of potential signings, you would probably end up with the "favoured few" demanding financial rewards that do not reflect their actual ability. The clubs with the financial clout would get the best, and the rest would be scrambling to sign overpriced wobblers.

Good suggestion. You get a great view from the back straight, but unless you grab a place at the front early, your view is greatly diminished by the folk standing in front,

You obviously haven't

Pity that Blacklock has already announced his retirement - thought you prided yourself as always knowing everything

Some on here are being overly pessimistic about the effect Dan Bewley's concussion will have by the start of 2017 Season. I believe he was keen to resume during early October, but based on conflicting medical opinions, wisely decided to err on the side of caution. Any Championship side would have jumped at the chance to sign him and although I'm a Monarchs fan, imo the 2017 Tigers side has the greatest potential of any to greatly increase their team average above 40 and must be favourites to clean up, unless a version of "Somerset 2016" appears from nowhere.

Bet the likes of Glasgow & Edinburgh will be really disappointed

Four of Poole's 2017announced lineup have been mentioned for various Championship sides so far (Jack Holder, Brady Kurtz, Adam Ellis. & Kyle Newman). For 2016, only two riders in the top tier 1 - 5 were permitted to be double uppers/downers. With the EDL 6 & 7 being scrapped(?), does anyone know if there is any restriction on the number of double/uppers/downers that a 2017 Premiership side can have in their side?

The Title of the page you are referring to is "2016 Premier League Final CMA's (Numerical)" My understanding is it refers to the averages that applied at end of 2016 PL Season , including where applicable, assessed averages. No reference is made as to what whether or not the 2016 assessed averages will apply in 2017. IMO the new statement that Foreign Riders will have have a minimum GSA of 4.00,( unless they already have a real GSA that is greater), for next Season, supersedes the 2016 regulation.

The wording is : "'Championship clubs must include include a young Brit with a 3-point average. In a bid to help young riders get a team spot any rider who hasn't achieved a 3-point average will come in on a minimum of 2'." As the likes of Smith & Bacon have not achieved a 3 pt ave by not being part of a declared Championship club, then they should come in on 2. IMO the ambiguity is for the likes of existing Championship riders who never attained an actual 3 pt average based on results, such as Danny Phillips, Nathan Greaves, etc. However they appear on the Green Sheets as 3.00. Say their actual average was 2.82, do they come in on, 2, 3, or 2.82? Likewise what is the definition of a "young Brit" - is it under 19, under 21, under 25, under 30, etc., and also is it someone born in the UK, or of British parentage, or a naturalized UK citizen?

I'll admit that I rate GH as one of the best, but this quote from him in the Speedway Star does puzzle me:- "I rode a really wide line to stay out of harm's way basically. There was something wrong with the bike and I always felt like something was going to happen. "It's the same thing if I have a flat tyre. I try to get out of the way because there are three guys behind you. If something breaks there are three guys who could run over you." As Greg looked back several times during the race when comfortably leading, was this because of the bike problem? If so, why was it that rather than slow down and pull onto the centre green or drift to a standstill on the very outside of the bend, thereby getting out of the way of all three following riders, it appeared that after Holder had went to the front, that he suddenly resumed a normal racing line and speed, despite Zagar and Zmarzlik still being behind him? Perhaps either Burbidge or Rising can ask him and publish his explanation If one was being cynical, the reason could have been that instead of Holder gaining 3 points over Zmarzlik, it would have been reduced to 2. It would also have hampered Zmarzlik's attempt to secure the the silver medal from Greg's fellow Monster team mate, Tai Woffinden, by a further point in the overall standings.

If it's the stewards employed by the Stadium & Casino who "police" the Car Park, not surprised, as they are an aggressive bunch who like to throw their weight about

Which is neither

The other KOC semi-finalists were Rye House & Somerset, so Sissis would still be eligible. If you are suggesting no guests from the six Play-Off teams could be used for KOC & Prem Trophy semis/finals , then it is possible that these particular matches could be run before the Play-Off qualifiers are even confirmed!