BOBBATH

Coventry-always attractive visitors everywhere particularly Somerton Park. I recall the Heat Leaders being Nigel B., Ron Mountford, Rick France, Jim Lightfoot-I also think this was before Les Owens' tragic injury. First four names were all World Finalists at one time or another. Can't believe the track is gone. Col Cottrell always a good second string. I know that Nigel, Les and Ron have passed-any news on those other greats-I think both Rick and Jim must be getting up there (aren't we all!!)

Was I right on the two veterans interviewed- Arthur Atkinson and Tiger Stevenson? And was anybody able to identify the West Ham supporter lady who evidently was a dedicated fan over many years? It was distressing for me to see the parts of the news report that showed some of the stadium already being destroyed. I first went to West Ham in 1965 for the British Final and I think at that time all four corners of the stadium were available to supporters. My last ever visit was August 1968 just before I left the UK-think it must have be sixth of August -maybe the Nordic- British Final of the World Championship- Briggo didn't qualify but then somebody got sick (Eric Boocock maybe) in a later round and Briggo made the World Final after all- think he finished second to Ivan. Brian Foote was after my time- wasn't there another guy called Foote who rode for Leicester-also I know that Kevin Holden was killed in a racing accident , at Exeter maybe was that also in 1972??

Hi Leeds Lass , I would contact jskinner@btinternet.com, he runs a website called Defunct Speedways. Both Wally and Jeff Lloyd were great speedway stars and John Skinner's website would definitely contain photos and info. on them both. John is a very helpful speedway historian

If you go on youtube and enter the above there is a 4:54 minute video- looks like it came from a local TV news program. A number of riders etc. are interviewed- Stan Stevens for one (what a good bloke he is). I need a help identifying two others who are interviewed -one is at 1:31 another is at 2:01. Then at 3:10 are two older veterans, I think they are Arthur Atkinson and the other, with glasses, perhaps Tiger Stevenson. Some races of the final meeting , looks like against Hull, are shown but the West Ham uniform looks different. Can anyone help me identify the guys I couldn't, also does anyone know the lady supporter who was interviewed. I felt very sorry for the supporters who were upset.

Yes, Ian was 97, and was in a retirement home in NZ. Joe Hicks and Dave Gifford passed this on to Reg Fearman who in turn passed it on. Dave and Joe kept an eye on him, as did a number of the "speedway family" members in the rickety-racket islands(haven't heard that term used for years!!). Whenever Reg was down under he would always visit with Ian. I well remember Ian as the flamboyant promoter of Edinburgh in 1964-65-he would have been about 40 then!! How time flies. After he retired from speedway he ran a movie theatre in Rhodesia- when the "barbarians" took over he left and returned to NZ- sensible decision. He was a real character. I also think he may have been the first promoter that Bernt Persson and Bengt Jansson rode for. Another real piece of speedway history has left us. R.I.P. Ian .

Thanks for clearing that up-sounds like a good natured competition.

How old was Taffy when he passed -I remember him well-R.I.P. Taff!!

R.I.P. Harry- I recall him as one of CH's heat leaders in 1964 (Prov League) I think-maybe 1965 also- I always thought that the CH heat leaders in 64 were Ivor Brown, George Major and Harry. Can you say more about the rivalry between Harry and Ivor I didn't know that Of course Ivor was the uncrowned king of Dudley Wood. Also in 1960 Ivor was riding for Yarmouth and went to CH in 1961 I think. I would have guessed without knowing for sure that Ivor was the top scorer for CH in each year from 61-64.

I agree with chunky and not midland red on this, definitely there were some guys very lucky to get to the World Final , and certainly to win it. E.G. in the first category Bryan Elliott, in the second category no way could Jerzy Sczakiel have become World Champ. in a GP series -not sure about Egon Muller either.

I think the CMA is the most accurate measure of riders' averages- good for Bryan for developing it. When did he pass away and at what age?? BTW has any body e.g. speedway researchers gone back into speedway history and calculated CMA's for riders who rode in the 40's and 50's to enable comparisons to be made. Was good at maths was our Bryan!!

I forgot Norwich- so can I have 6, otherwise will have to drop Rayleigh!!!

New Cross, Newcastle, Wolverhampton, Rayleigh, Kings Lynn

Here goes : Newport, Cradley Heath, Long Eaton, Swindon, ,Sheffield

Thanks BL 65 re Jack Scott answer-anyone know if Jack is still with us??. I agree with you re Ivor Hughes and remember him beating Ivan. As always BL65 I learn something new every time you post-your contributions are much valued.

Weren't there two Jack Scotts'-is this the one who was a star in the Prov. League. Also great to see a mention of Ivor Hughes , I watched him in1966 when he was just starting to really take off!!

Dick Bradley, Jimmy Gooch, Ivor Brown, Charlie Monk, George Hunter

Back to Oxford 1964- there were two novice promoters in charge that year, one was called Rodney Rycroft the others' name escapes me. I think they may have been posh guys-only stayed that one year . There were rumours of money troubles when they left. Anyway, did these two assemble the all conquering team or did they do something as promoters that made Oxford such an all conquering team in 1964.

I remember reading in the Star about the 3 Jays riding in the same meeting in 1964 (last year of the long gone and lamented Prov. League). I recall seeing Alan ride many times in the mid sixties-is Alan Jay still with us (hopefully) ?

Thanks for pointing that out re Aub finishing 3rd was in 1958. A most polite response Norbold, but you don't have to be delicate with me After all "I'm a lumberjack and I'm OK................".

You beat me to it again BL65-must admit I didn't know about Bryan Elliott though

Didn't Reg Luckhurst ride for Edinburgh in 1960 in Prov. League

I of course screwed up- I forgot Aub was in the 1960 Final. I think though that in 1959 was when he finished in the top 3. I was going to ask who was the youngest-no contest there its got to be Ronnie Moore (I think)

I've been sitting in my anorak pondering this-any advance on Aub Lawson, born in 1915 he appeared in the 1959 Final.. Best I can come up with but there may be others. Any thoughts forumlanders?

Interesting comments from all as per usual, thanks folks

I got to agree-lots of luck played a part in the one-off World Finals, but at least there was a winner at the end of 20 heats. I guess the Grand Prix system is fairer (maybe) -but how can you have a winner without winning a single Grand Prix event(e.g. Mark Loram)?-Who decided on the points set up for these meetings-does it make any sense ??