Tim Templeton

Let's hope it happens. New Zealand has produced so many huge names within the sport. The solo scene needs a big lift, and this may be the springboard. Auckland has the biggest population area within NZ, and although Western Springs lacks cover and a few others things, I think this could be the start of a revival, with proper commitment from all sides that wish it to happen. I hope it happens. We need to rekindle interest back into these, once the greatest of speedway nations. This, linked to an Aussie GP, where not one person took the success or failure of the whole event on his shoulders, as happened last time, but make this a huge part for a joint effort of these great historical speedway countries. One GP "down under" is a big ask for the travelling public, but two, presented properly as a package, together with other features for the holiday of a lifetime, I'm sure, could be a huge success. Tim.

Thanks for putting me right on the "Mirror" situation, I was unaware of the circumstances. A friend is hoping to speak to Split Waterman in Spain soon, so I may be able to post some info regarding his possible involvement with the "Winged Wheel". Tim.

I think it was the Sunday PICTORIAL Winged Wheel Trophy, not the Sunday MIRROR. The Sunday Mirror sponsored the 1978 World Final Trophy, won by Ole Olsen, for that year only, I think. If you look at Post No1 on page 1 of this thread, you may be able to answer some of my queries. Tim.

Not looking good for the Wildcats. http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/sport/8848770.Council_and_WDP_blow_for_Cats/

I don't want to be a bore, but can I bring this subject back, in the hope that some of you well informed guys missed the original post. Tim.

Excellent turnout on a bad day weatherwise, and an "out of the way" location. This year is looking bleak, but let's hope for 2012.

I'm always overwhelmed at the amount of latent knowledge within these pages. I posted about the World Individual Speedway Championship Trophy a few days ago, thinking I would be overwhelmed with replies, but nothing at all. This post will bring the point back to the top. Come on you chaps, read post 1, and help me! Tim.

I think he has allowed it to be displayed in the museum in New Zealand at Canterbury for everyone to enjoy, together with a large selection of bikes, race jackets etc. Perhaps it could do a tour over here in the future. I think, in hindsight, that after his sixth World Title in 1979, it's final destination with Ivan has probably been earned, don't you? But I agree, it's an iconic, historical treasure, that should be spread around for all to appreciate. I'm sure Ivan would agree with these comments.

Post War, I know that the Sunday Dispatch sponsored the first World Individual Speedway Championship with the iconic trophy in 1949, won by Tommy Price. I believe they also sponsored the previous events in '46, '47 and '48, which I think were the British Rider's Championship, which were World Championships in all but name. The Sunday Dispatch trophy was then contested every subsequent year until 1957, when Barry Briggs won, and he has kept this trophy ever since. The Sunday Pictorial then introduced the perhaps even more iconic winged wheel trophy in 1958, again won by Barry Briggs. This was then contested for every year until Ivan Mauger won, and kept it in 1977. In 1978, the Sunday Mirror then provided the trophy, won by Ole Olsen. This was for one year only. Does he still have that trophy? In 1979, a new trophy was introduced, won by Ivan Mauger, and then contested until, I think, the last one-off Individual World Championship in 1994, won by Tony Rickardsson. Who provided this trophy, and did it have a title? Was it kept by Mr Rickardsson? Finally, has there been a trophy for subsequent World Champions for the Grand Prix Series that is passed on each year, or a new trophy of some sort at the end each Series?

I met your Dad and Johnny Hole at the Sammy Miller "Bash" in '08. I invited both back, at short notice after Andy Scorey died, for the '09 gathering, but had a nice but very shakey letter from Johnny saying he could not attend. He must still be with us, otherwise we would have heard something. To answer your query, no, I cannot help. Best wishes to you and your father, and to Johnny and family. Just hope the lack of contact is a Royal Mail hiccup.

A group of us have a collection of old and new speedway bikes, race jackets and all sorts, that we display generally around central southern England. We have just re-launched our website at: www.classicspeedway.co.uk The home page has a short video with music at a display this summer, and if you go into "Galleries", there are loads of photos, of bikes, displays, and some well known faces in the "racejackets" section. Any comments welcome, details under "Contacts" section. Tim.

And if my memory serves me correctly, the following year, 1961, he moved to Plymouth upon Bristol's closure.

He also was a member of the Bristol Bulldogs 1960 Provincial League team.

It was good to hear the name of Tamworth at Weymouth last night, but what was the reason for not having race jackets for the meeting? Surely this is an absolute basic for the presentation of the meeting, so I presume there is a good reason. Enjoyed the racing, and a special mention to Richard Andrews. What a cracking performance by him. Tim.

"Plymouth Speedway" by Paul Eustace is a complete history of racing at Pennycross. I've just had a word with Paul, the author, and he is happy to post you a copy. If you want to speak with him regarding the book, purchase or otherwise, he has given his permission to post his home number here, 01256 761355. He is also the author of the history of Southampton Speedway, which has recently had its second or third reprint. Both books highly recommended. Tim.

This Saturday, prior to the Weymouth v Plymouth match at 7.15pm, the guys from the Southern Classic Speedway Bike Club are displaying machinery on Weymouth Promenade, at the Jubilee Clock, from 10am until 4pm. Bikes from the 50's, through to modern day laydowns, will be on show, including JAP's, Jawas, Weslakes, Goddens, and bikes from Leigh Adams, Antonio Lindback, Tony Rickardsson, Nicki Pedersen and Jason Crump. There will also be a display of World Champions race jackets, as well as DVD action on a small screen. So if you are planning to watch the action at the Weymouth venue on Saturday, why not come on down a bit earlier, and take in our great collection of machinery? We look forward to seeing you there. Tim and the Gang.

After a slow start, it turned out to be an enjoyable GP. One moan to Sky. Why was the Danish stadium announcer as loud as the Sky announcers? I struggled to hear all that was being said by Nigel and Kelvin at times.

Job done. Western Springs holds many fond memories for me over the years, although the track surface was not very "solo friendly". But best of luck in keeping things alive there.

Yes, a good looking bike. I think all the Rotrax frames were made in Shirley, Southampton, and then sent for chroming to Blakes in Gosport. The fact that this one is not chromed, doesn't mean it hasn't been stripped of it's chrome at some point. I'm sure someone will know more, and let us know. I have a Rotrax JAP, and I cannot say that the machine pictured, is NOT a Rotrax. Tim.

Looking on the SpeedwayGP website, I see the crowd capacity of the venue is only 4000. There were loads of spaces all around, so on that basis, a reasonable estimate of the attendance would be 2000. That is pretty dire. Any comments?

If my memory serves me correctly, he joined the Police Force after packing up riding.

The spelling was Bowkis I believe.

Bob appeared in the 1951 World Final, which was controversial because of Jack Biggs having the title in the bag, and losing it. Jack Young won, with Split Waterman runner up. Bob Leverenz was eighth with seven points. Tim.

Thanks Tony. Another excellent "Classic Speedway". The content is really quality, a good balance, and a fine successor to "Vintage Speedway", of which I have every copy. If any Forumers haven't seen it, get a copy. You won't be disappointed.

The picture of Ken Middleditch serving in his shop, looks amazingly like Ivor Brown !!