BigFatDave

Spot on BB, as I've said earlier , I hope the Hans-Haters crawl back under their rock and give him a fair go. This S**T has been going since 2004 SWC. I'd include HA (now that brings back memories!!) as a rider who can handle any track.

As for Nicki P, he's under a Suspended Sentence for SWC does that carry over to SGP? I'm not sure if he'll ever grow up! Maybe he needs to take the blinkers off?

It was a new-look Jason Crump this year, I don't think I've ever seen him that focussed. By the time the series was half-over the big question was "who'll be second?" I certainly got a great deal of pleasure watching him this year and I'll enjoy seeing him pick up his third champioinship at the end of 2007. That said, Hans is the Boy to look out for. I don't buy his omission as non-political; there were a few other riders that had poor 2005 SGP seasons that could have been outed; I'm of the opinion that there's a clique up there in the powers-that-be that's got a real down on him, - you only had to be at the SWC this year to see that. Fortunately he's maturing as a person and a rider, whereas the "Andersen-haters" will end up choking on their own bile. Sorry Hans, Second for you, mate. Third on the Podium is a three-way between Greg, Leigh & Nikki. Toss a coin. Sorry about the Swedes, I hope the Bomber goes well, and one day Scotty, one day mate. For me, even though we lost, the SWC had heaps better riding than the GPs this year, I suppose its the "Riding for the Flag" syndrome, coupled with the "Where's Tony" problem, it wasn't the Shoot-out I'd hoped for. Better luck in 2007, and maybe Hans or Jason will bring the Championship Downunder for the 2008 Aussie Champs! Really looking forward to 2007 Ozchamps in January, gotta get that fix of Shale & Methanol!

Well, since the Aussies built it for ya! Only two years late!

That's the stuff; send 'em down the Mines, or up the Chimbleys! I reckon youse mob have gone soft since I left! "Speak roughly to your little boy, and beat him when he sneezes..."

Best thing too, can't afford another person in tow with my bad habits! Can't you get them work down the Pits?

Bring back the Aussie GP!

Geez, Shazz, call that travelling?(No Offence meant) Takes me 2 years to save up for my European trips (Thank God I gave up Smoking) but I wouldn't miss 'em for the World. I think I did 40.000 km this year. Cannot believe some of you lot wouldn't cross the road if there was another GP in Pomgolia! Its Speedway for F**K's sake! Just following the Aust Champs for me is a round trip of over 12,000 Km!

Its not easy being a Leg-end, I'll be practising next coupla weeks at the Ozchamps! Have a wonderful Xmas James, regards to Clare & the lovely Brian, see you in 2008.

Fans of Billy Sanders might like to know his legend lives on - From WORLDSPEEDWAY: The BILLY THE KID Cup. The five round 2007 Linddales Labour Hire Australian Motorcycle Speedway Championship Series will see the best placed rider under the age of 23 awarded the inaugural Billy Sanders Trophy. Sanders was a legend in Australian Speedway Motorcycling – taking no less than six Australian Speedway Championships and twice stood on the podium in the World Speedway Championships. He passed away in tragic circumstances in England in 1985. Sanders enjoyed rockstar-like status in Sydney during the 1970’s when he was at his absolute peak. The venue that shot Billy to prominence – the Sydney Showground – makes a return to Australian Championship Speedway at it’s new home in Sydney Olympic Park after an absence of 27 years. Billy was the last to win an Australian Championship at the old Sydney Showground in 1980. "For many years we have been thinking about an appropriate way to honour Billy," Sanders’ nephew, Craig Wallace said. "When it was suggested the Billy Sanders Trophy be struck for the 2007 Championships, we had no hesitation in giving it our full support. "We feel it very fitting to be involved with this prize for the best rider under the age of 23 in the Linddales Labour Hire Australian Championships, particularly as Championship Speedway will be returning to the Sydney Showground, where Billy was a legend." Accompanying the perpetual trophy will be a fantastic prize courtesy of MJM Speedway Spares – a pair of new Daytona Race Boots. "Billy’s legacy continues to live on in the sport in Australia despite it being over 20 years since he passed on," said MJM Speedway Spares proprietor, Matt Jones. "I think it’s fair to say that Billy’s efforts on the international stage inspired many young Australian Speedway riders to pursue a career overseas. "Not only that, his performances on home soil were – for many years – without peer. We are honoured to be involved with this prize, which is sure to become one of the most sought after in Australian Speedway racing." "The Sanders and Wallace families would like to thank MJM Speedway Spares for their association with the Trophy and also Championship Co-Ordinators Power Productions, without who’s persistence, this would not be possible," Craig Wallace concluded. The seeded riders eligible for the Billy Sanders Trophy are as follows*: -Troy Batchelor (Qld) -Jason Doyle (NSW) -Chris Holder (NSW) -Rory Schlein (SA) -Cameron Woodward (Vic) *These five riders may be joined by some or all of the four qualifiers from the Qualifying Meeting on December 30, 2006 at Gillman Speedway, Adelaide. I can see Corey being in the mix. Great Tribute to Billy and to whoever is good enough to win it. Go Rooboy!

From WORLDSPEEDWAY: The BILLY THE KID Cup. The five round 2007 Linddales Labour Hire Australian Motorcycle Speedway Championship Series will see the best placed rider under the age of 23 awarded the inaugural Billy Sanders Trophy. Sanders was a legend in Australian Speedway Motorcycling – taking no less than six Australian Speedway Championships and twice stood on the podium in the World Speedway Championships. He passed away in tragic circumstances in England in 1985. Sanders enjoyed rockstar-like status in Sydney during the 1970’s when he was at his absolute peak. The venue that shot Billy to prominence – the Sydney Showground – makes a return to Australian Championship Speedway at it’s new home in Sydney Olympic Park after an absence of 27 years. Billy was the last to win an Australian Championship at the old Sydney Showground in 1980. "For many years we have been thinking about an appropriate way to honour Billy," Sanders’ nephew, Craig Wallace said. "When it was suggested the Billy Sanders Trophy be struck for the 2007 Championships, we had no hesitation in giving it our full support. "We feel it very fitting to be involved with this prize for the best rider under the age of 23 in the Linddales Labour Hire Australian Championships, particularly as Championship Speedway will be returning to the Sydney Showground, where Billy was a legend." Accompanying the perpetual trophy will be a fantastic prize courtesy of MJM Speedway Spares – a pair of new Daytona Race Boots. "Billy’s legacy continues to live on in the sport in Australia despite it being over 20 years since he passed on," said MJM Speedway Spares proprietor, Matt Jones. "I think it’s fair to say that Billy’s efforts on the international stage inspired many young Australian Speedway riders to pursue a career overseas. "Not only that, his performances on home soil were – for many years – without peer. We are honoured to be involved with this prize, which is sure to become one of the most sought after in Australian Speedway racing." "The Sanders and Wallace families would like to thank MJM Speedway Spares for their association with the Trophy and also Championship Co-Ordinators Power Productions, without who’s persistence, this would not be possible," Craig Wallace concluded. The seeded riders eligible for the Billy Sanders Trophy are as follows*: -Troy Batchelor (Qld) -Jason Doyle (NSW) -Chris Holder (NSW) -Rory Schlein (SA) -Cameron Woodward (Vic) *These five riders may be joined by some or all of the four qualifiers from the Qualifying Meeting on December 30, 2006 at Gillman Speedway, Adelaide. I can see Corey being in the mix. Great Tribute to Billy and to whoever is good enough to win it. Go Rooboy!

The Following Post was pinched from http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/aus_speedway_bikes/ Results: Dave Booth Memorial meeting at Labrador As expected Jason Crump won the trophy in a canter from Scott Smith (who missed the start after getting a roller in the first attempt), Kozza Smith (AKA Korey Williams) and John Oliver in 4th. Behind Crump it was all action as Scott roared from the back to split both Oliver and Kozza - three abreast going over the starting line on lap 2-3. Previously in the repecharge the impressive Oliver rode out of his skin to win. Close behind him Trent Leverington fell with Kozza crashing into him with the chequered flag in sight. Trent was pale- looking after his fall, shaken but not stirred. Ashley Cathcart also required medical attention in another race but he too was uninjured. In heat 12 John Oliver led early but was passed by Sam Taylor. Then Scott Smith had the crowd on their toes when he came through from 3rd to whip past both of them. Meanwhile Oliver regained 2nd place in one of the best races of the day. Dave Watt was a little of the pace with a borrowed engine, his points tally also affected by a dropped chain while well out in front. His battle with youngster Josh Grajczonek was also a close call with Josh pressing the Elite League racer all the way. All in all it was a good meet, if somewhat unusual to be held in mid- summer during the day. This could not be avoided, as an electrical fault outside the premises had caused havoc the previous evening when the place was absolutely packed; I have never seen such a crowd squeezed into the grounds. Perennial UK visitor Bryn Williams also filled in well to replace the ill Bob Leyden as track announcer for the day/night.

Are you off up there as well, Bryn? Jetsetter! Should be a good meeting in memory of an excellent Bloke, one of the best. Did you see the Crumpy interview etc. on "Chequered Flag" last night? He might talk like a to & from but he's still an Aussie at heart.

Can't go past the Norman Gunston version....... " I've been to Wollongong, Wollongong, Wollongong, Wollongong,....."

How many Stubbies? Or was it Cans of "Dark & Stormy"?"

Hopefully he goes good at Gillman on the 30th.

Good to see Troy Batchelor keeping hisself busy, popping up to QLD to take out the Qld Solo title at Pioneer Park from Mitchell Davey, Josh Grajczonek and the unlucky Scott Smith, who led for three laps before totalling the Donk. And in the NSW Juniors latest Sam Masters (of Danish under 16's Champs fame, keep yer eye on this lad) won the third round from Taylor Poole.

Odds On Mildura, mate. I think he's got a Benefit Meeting there, 27th Jan. http://www.milduramotorcycleclub.org.au/index.html

Its we who owe Dick and his teammates a debt, Britney, for turning us on to this wonderful sport of ours.

Adam Shields? Enjoying married life too much, perhaps? Jason Lyons? Leaving it to the youngsters? Kevin Doolan? That is a mystery, one of the best in the PL this year, along with Davey Watt? One of the best in the EL. Have to ask his Team Manager when I catch up with him. Todd Wiltshire? Could it be a final farewell to the best Gater of all time? I shall never forget him teaching his bike to fly at Reading this year (SWC). Good Questions, Bryn, bu**ered if I know the answers!

Off to Mildura, Bryn - that's a 12 stubbie drive - easy!

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story...998-601,00.html - this is the latest re the Fires from The Australian. If you've never lived through one you don't want to. Up here at the local Museum there's a room you can go in to hear the sound of Cyclone Tracy - a lot of locals can't handle hearing that again. the sound of a Bushfire is incomparable - a dozen steam engines coming at you - the smoke, the heat - its terrifying. Fingers crossed, Lunchy.

Bu**er! After all the hard work, etc..... Still, one of the things you don't mess with is Bushfire, personally remembering the Ash Wednesday Fires. Hopefully an alternative date can be found, the KL boys & girls were looking forward to this one. Down the Pub, then? Just turned around and this arrived: Rod Colquhoun 07-12-2006 Plus Gillman: http://www.gillmanspeedway.com/release.asp?NewsId=21103

I hear its gonna be stinking hot, Lunchy, 37 degrees, better find a REALLY BIG esky to stuff that Bundy-Guzzling Taffy Freeloader into, otherwise you'll be co-commentating with a puddle of Sweat! Incidentally Brynbach, if you're reading this over Lunchy's shoulder, your old mates at Kings Lynn asked after you, worried you might fall into a vat of Bundy and try to drink your way out!

Was that the night Dick broke his arm? - memory's pretty fuzzy here - this was the 60's after all - and Vic W. came to us as his replacement. Remember the night Geoff Penniket lost the tip of his finger? Wandering round the pits with an oily wrag wrapped round his hand, leaving a trail of blood.