Jump to content
British Speedway Forum

World Pairs


Custom House Kid

Recommended Posts

Sitting at the keyboard the other night, whilst looking at the Premier League Pairs thread, I had a flash of insperation and thought of all the great international riders over the years, who would make the pair for each country !

 

Here’s my attempt (first 3 in order)

 

1st Sweden

Ove fundin

Tony Rickardsson

Sub Bjorn Knutsson

 

2nd New Zealand

Ivan Mauger

Ronnie Moore

Sub B Briggs

 

3rd Denmark

Ole Olsen

Hans Nielsen

Sub Tommy Knudsen

 

In no Particular order

 

Great Britan

Jack Parker

Peter Craven

Sub Peter Collins

 

Australia

Jack Young

“Bluey” Wilkinson

Sub Jason Crump

 

Poland

Tomasz Gollob

Antonin Woryna

Sub Andrzej Wyglenda

 

Czech Republic

Lukas Dryml

Antonin Kasper snr

Sub Lubos Tomicek

 

Norway

Sverre Harrfeldt

Rune Holta

Sub Reidar Eide

 

Russia

Igor Plechanov

Boris Samorodov

Sub ?

 

Finland

Kalevi Lahtinen

Kai Niemi

Sub Kaj Laukkanen

 

USA

Bruce Penhall

Greg Hancock

Sub Jack Milne

 

Have you got any alternative Riders/Country

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For the Czech Republic how about Jiri Stancl (George's father)

 

He was a World Finalist many times.

 

And how could you miss out Messrs Ermalenko, Hammil, and Penhall from the USA? It's difficult isn't it!

 

Also when it come to actual pairings I seem to remember Scotland (YES SCOTLAND!) with Jim MacMillan and the late George Hunter giving them hell at Belle Vue one year (in the 70's?)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nice thread, reminded me of Denmark's pairings in the early 70's. Usually reported in the results as something like Olsen 18, Bogh 0!

I would have put Gundersen in their trio. For Poland how about Zenon Plech or Edward Jancarz?

I think Valeri Gordeev for Russia. USA is the most difficult. I don't disagree with your selection but no Morans or Sigalos?

Isn't Crump senior and junior tempting as well......

Link to comment
Share on other sites

there are plenty of arguments of course especially for the likes of Denmark (what about Jan O and Gundersen), USA (Ermolenko, Moran bros), Czecho (Jiri Stancl, Ales Dryml snr, Vaclav Verner) Australia (Phil Crump, Billy Sanders) Poland (the late Edward Jancarz, Zenon Plech) Russia (Gordeev brothers..even if one did cheat in a World Final)

Sweden (Per Jonsson, Tommy J, Soren Sjosten)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Strangely enough I was working on a similar thread myself, only with 4-man World Cup type teams.

 

However, I agree with most of your selections CHK. My only changes would be: Australia: Vic Duggan, Jack Young res: Vic Huxley. Gt Britain: Tom Farndon, Peter Craven res: Jack Parker. Denmark: Erik Gundersen as sub. Not sure about USA, might put Jack Milne and Greg Hancock round the other way. Might also put Briggs and Moore round the other way for New Zealand.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For the Czech Republic how about Jiri Stancl (George's father)

 

He was a World Finalist many times.

 

And how could you miss out Messrs Ermalenko, Hammil, and Penhall from the USA? It's difficult isn't it!

 

Also when it come to actual pairings I seem to remember Scotland (YES SCOTLAND!)

 

Ken Mckinlay is my first choice for a "sweaty" pairing, the best team rider ever to sit on a speedway bike ! Bert Harkins could also make the pair !

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I should have Anders Michaneck or Tommy Jansson as a tactical substitute for Tricky & Fundy!!!!

 

I watched Anders many times. Always a great rider !

 

Meetings that spring to mind

 

GB v Sweden Custom House 1970 13Pts from 5rides beaten only by I Mauger & B Briggs on the night and the only man to beat I Mauger !

 

British League Riders Championship 1970 at Belle Vue runner up after a race off with B Briggs and Eric Boocock 3rd !

 

As for my choice B Knutsson, a bit of West Ham Bias. Also World another World Champion !

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As for my choice B Knutsson, a bit of West Ham Bias. Also World another World Champion !

 

More than just West Ham bias surely? Remember he did break in to the Fundin/Briggs/Moore/Craven stranglehold to become part of the 'Big Five'. He was a great rider in anybody's book.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For the Czech Republic how about Jiri Stancl (George's father)

 

He was a World Finalist many times.

 

And how could you miss out Messrs Ermalenko, Hammil, and Penhall from the USA? It's difficult isn't it!

 

Also when it come to actual pairings I seem to remember Scotland (YES SCOTLAND!)

 

Ken Mckinlay is my first choice for a "sweaty" pairing, the best team rider ever to sit on a speedway bike ! Bert Harkins could also make the pair !

 

Bert Harkins was only ever a good team man, not in the same class as George Hunter or Jimmy Mac. Tommy Miller?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. Privacy Policy