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Oldest Surviving World Finalists


BOBBATH

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2 hours ago, norbold said:

I thought you must have done - it was the only way I could see that you would have seen Josef Hofmeister but not Brian Crutcher.

Testing me were you norbold? LOL

I really don't remember too much about it though....but I was struck by the name of Hofmiester even at that young age.

The first World Final I really do remember was 1962....with my childhood hero winning.

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20 hours ago, andout said:

Testing me were you norbold? LOL

I really don't remember too much about it though....but I was struck by the name of Hofmiester even at that young age.

The first World Final I really do remember was 1962....with my childhood hero winning.

I was also there in 1962 and heat 6 stands out in my memory as it involved four of the so-called 'Big five' of the 60's with Ronnie Moore missing out. Peter Craven came second to Barry Briggs in that race ahead of Knutson and Fundin but he was unbeaten in his other 4 rides and became a deserved world champion on the night.

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On 4/7/2020 at 11:26 AM, tigerowl said:

I've had a look at this today and it does get more difficult as time goes on as there are a number of Swedes who rode in World Finals who I haven't got a date of birth for and I don't know if they are alive or not but my best guess would be:

1. Arthur Payne 30.8.1924

2. Dick Bradley 28.11.1924

3. Chum Taylor, 4.4.1927

4. Eric Boothroyd, 26.4.1927

5. Derrick Close, 13.5.1927

6. Billy Bales, 6.6.1929

7. Olle Nygren, 11.11.1929

8. Rune Sormander, 29.11.1929

9. Jack Geran, 10.12.1929

10. Ian Williams, 4.8.1931

11. Per Tage Svensson, 16.10.1931

12. Peo Soederman, 29.10.1932

13. Ove Fundin, 23.5.1933

14. Jim Lightfoot, 11.11.1933

15. Dan Forsberg, 25.3.1934

16. Josef Hofmeister, 25.6.1934

Ā 

17. Brian Crutcher, 23.8.1934

18. Mike Broadbank, 25.9.1934

Ā 

The three Swedes who may be on the list are Olle Andersson, Ulf Ericsson and Joel Jansson but I haven't got enough detail to include them at the moment.

Hi Matt, I just noticed you are missing Ray Cresp (born August 25, 1928). On the original thread, Ray was missed out there also! So, he would come in at No. 6 ahead of Billy Bales.

Incidentally, can anyone confirm the correct spelling of Mr Close? I was always led to believe it was the standard "Derek" (and it was always published as such), but in recent years, I have seen both "Derick" and "Derrick", mainly on here... I still think it is likely to be "Derek".

Edited by chunky
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Re the update and inclusion of Ray Cresp-who is still in good shape and in touch with Reg Fearman- I must admit I didn't notice his omission so thanks Steve-it also means I have seen 9 of the World FinalistsĀ  not 8!!

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Thank you for the update. I didn't realise Ray was still with us but I'm delighted that he is. Sorry for the typo with Derick Close, that is the correct spelling with one r and ick at the end

Ā 

1. Arthur Payne 30.8.1924

2. Dick Bradley 28.11.1924

3. Chum Taylor, 4.4.1927

4. Eric Boothroyd, 26.4.1927

5. Derick Close, 13.5.1927

6. Ray Cresp, 25.8.1928

7. Billy Bales, 6.6.1929

8. Olle Nygren, 11.11.1929

9. Rune Sormander, 29.11.1929

10. Jack Geran, 10.12.1929

11. Ian Williams, 4.8.1931

12. Per Tage Svensson, 16.10.1931

13. Peo Soederman, 29.10.1932

14. Ove Fundin, 23.5.1933

15. Jim Lightfoot, 11.11.1933

16. Dan Forsberg, 25.3.1934

Ā 

17. Josef Hofmeister, 25.6.1934

18. Brian Crutcher, 23.8.1934

19. Mike Broadbank, 25.9.1934

Ā 

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On 4/13/2020 at 3:32 PM, BOBBATH said:

Re the update and inclusion of Ray Cresp-who is still in good shape and in touch with Reg Fearman- I must admit I didn't notice his omission so thanks Steve-it also means I have seen 9 of the World FinalistsĀ  not 8!!

Me too!!!!

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5 hours ago, Midland Red said:

Can confirm Derick is the spelling registered for his birth record!

So, years of being fed the wrong information in the press? Good thing that couldn't happen today!Ā :rofl:

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On ā€Ž4ā€Ž/ā€Ž14ā€Ž/ā€Ž2020 at 7:07 PM, tigerowl said:

Thank you for the update. I didn't realise Ray was still with us but I'm delighted that he is. Sorry for the typo with Derick Close, that is the correct spelling with one r and ick at the end

Ā 

1. Arthur Payne 30.8.1924

2. Dick Bradley 28.11.1924

3. Chum Taylor, 4.4.1927

4. Eric Boothroyd, 26.4.1927

5. Derick Close, 13.5.1927

6. Ray Cresp, 25.8.1928

7. Billy Bales, 6.6.1929

8. Olle Nygren, 11.11.1929

9. Rune Sormander, 29.11.1929

10. Jack Geran, 10.12.1929

11. Ian Williams, 4.8.1931

12. Per Tage Svensson, 16.10.1931

13. Peo Soederman, 29.10.1932

14. Ove Fundin, 23.5.1933

15. Jim Lightfoot, 11.11.1933

16. Dan Forsberg, 25.3.1934

Ā 

17. Josef Hofmeister, 25.6.1934

18. Brian Crutcher, 23.8.1934

19. Mike Broadbank, 25.9.1934

Ā 

Thanks again Tigerowl-I think your list is now the definitive one-hopefully it will stay this way for a long time. Amazing how many World Finalists in their nineties are still around. they must be tough old birds!!. Incidentally Reg received a note from Marion Cresp-Ray's wife. Despite having some heart surgery a few years ago-he's fine, living in Melbourne and enjoying pottering around in his garden under the beautiful Aussie sunshine!!

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