cyclone

To return to the thread, the most distinctive, wide handlebars I've come across where those used by the Aussie World finalist Peter Moore, who came to the UK in 1952 at Long Eaton, and ended his UK career @ Rye House, I think, in the seventies. He was at his peak riding for Wimbledon in the 50's, and Ipswich in the 60's , latterly for Kings Lynne in 1966. Interestingly he was reckoned to be one of the fastest gaters of his time, despite the extravagant cow-horns.

A guy called Dave Robottom was considered the "Coventry Historian" in the 70s and might have produced something. I think he used help compiling the stats for the Coventry prog also.

Charlie Monk started off in the UK in 1962 riding for Trevor Redmond at Neath/St Austell. In 1963 he moved to Long Eaton and in 64 joined TR at Glasgow. IMO his peak season was 1965 when he again imo, closely ran Barry Briggs a close second as top BL rider. Was very unlucky not to qualify for World Final that year (a dubious exclusion in British Final ?) and I think he won the Internationale in 65 also. Eventually moved on to Sheffield & Halifax & rejoined Tigers @ Hampden in between. Rode for Monarchs in Powderhall opening season and seemed to be more comfortable with the fans. Finished his career at Barrow. I think he was unfairly stereotyped as surly - remember he gave me the most carefully written autograph on my prog at Meadowbank in 65. The guy was just shy and introverted at that time.

If people from Berwick don't want to be Scottish, then why do they put on those obviously fake Scottish Accents - is it just one huge joke to them? And here was me thinking that Geordies all sounded like they came from Berwick

Berwick, north of the border? Nope it's in Northumberland - maybe it's just a problem in tracks located in this English county Returning to the thread, one very good thing has been the introduction of air fences in modern times - anything that improves rider safety without detracting from the spectacle deserves praise.

For the anoraks amongst us, you might wish to visit: http://speedwayswapshop.co.uk There is a display of over 330 prog covers of British tracks from 1928 to late 50's, and also images of old badges of the same period.

So you share something in common with Frank Ebdon, the greatest referee in his own lunchtime :?: :twisted:

Motherwell's 1972 meeting (vs Teeside) was run on the same site as used from 1950 - 54 & 1958, though I believe not on the same track previously used. In 1972 were also scheduled to meet Barrow, but I think this fell foul of the weather.

Norwich Hevingham only ever held one meeting in the seventies, under Cyril Crane, before the local council nuked poor old Cyril. Mute point may be whether this was ever an "official" meeting, which was won by Andy Buck (Eastbourne version) when he was under 16.

2 meetings only - opener vs Birmingham, 2nd & last Northumbrian Champ. Geoff Brownhutt was promoter, not sure if his sidekick Thomas was also involved. Robin Dixon was one the original Arrows - he used to wear the racejacket @ Berwick 2nd halves

Inspector Clouseau he note a 5 letter name which is unusual - how about Silas :?: mais oui ou mais non as they say in Franglais

Biblical - Saul or Solomon :?: After a place - Sebastapool or Salisbury :?: Or Sod this - roll on Friday when all will be revealed :x