Worlds Top Riders Coming Back To The Uk.......

[BWitcher]

As an occasion as an (example) Cardiff is not in the same league as Wembley the occasion and atmosphere was electric.Often some of the finals were average but what a day out a day you always remembered.Also in the GPs they're are say at least 8 riders who have zilch chance of winning the WC so is the level any better than the old one off finals? also is the series a closed shop.?

Is there?

 

The rider predicted to be 15th last year won the World Title..

. A good post and i can identify with alot of what you have said.In the 90s like yourself i lost alot of interest i still went but i think as soon as Jason Crump started i got alot of my interest back.You are right about the tv coverage the no 1 riders then you might only see them ride once a year then which made it more enjoyable

 

Spot on.

 

The other significant factor was that there wasn't a Heat 15. This gave the impression that the top riders of yesteryear were somehow more dominant or better than the riders of today. You would always have your top riders of course, but there were a lot running high averages who in todays format would be 8pt men.

[stratton]

Is there?

 

The rider predicted to be 15th last year won the World Title..

 

Spot on.

 

The other significant factor was that there wasn't a Heat 15. This gave the impression that the top riders of yesteryear were somehow more dominant or better than the riders of today. You would always have your top riders of course, but there were a lot running high averages who in todays format would be 8pt men.

Not better but to me they're just seemed more of them someone as an example John Davis ( didnt rate).For a few years when he was on his game he won the manpower got 9 or 10pt averages yet he probably was not in the top 30 riders at any given time the top class riders they're seemed to be a larger volume of them.

[BWitcher]

Not better but to me they're just seemed more of them someone as an example John Davis ( didnt rate).For a few years when he was on his game he won the manpower got 9 or 10pt averages yet he probably was not in the top 30 riders at any given time the top class riders they're seemed to be a larger volume of them.

 

Because there were more teams and the top riders were racing against each other less. Thus they lost less races and you perceive they were all great.

 

Plus as has been said by a few other posters, 2nd string riders are of a much higher calibre now than they used to be, so the top riders don't have it as easy anymore.

 

I found it interesting reading an article about Chris Pusey in a recent Speedway Star (tail end of last year). Chris Morton was quoted as saying he saw Pusey in a race where he forgot to turn his fuel taps on, had to reach down and do it on the back straight by which time he was half a lap behind. Morton raved about his immense talent as he still managed to get up and win the race... There is absolutely no way in hell that would happen now. Even against the NL riders that will be riding in the EL this year.

Edited March 13, 2014 by BWitcher

[oldace]

Not better but to me they're just seemed more of them someone as an example John Davis ( didnt rate).For a few years when he was on his game he won the manpower got 9 or 10pt averages yet he probably was not in the top 30 riders at any given time the top class riders they're seemed to be a larger volume of them.

 

 

But when you factor in various changes you will see why John Davis wouldn't have a 9 point plus average today.

 

For instance an average of 10 bonus points are score per match, 5 per team adding 0.7 to every riders average, give or take.

 

As the number one John Davis would have only met the opposition number 1 once in a match and he would likely have had choice of gate over his team mate each time.

 

He wouldnt have ridden in a heat 15 against the top two from each team guaranteeing that one of them would be last making a big dent in his average

 

The simple fact is if todays riders had ridden under the format of the 70s they would have had the averages of the 70s riders and vice versa.

[stratton]

But when you factor in various changes you will see why John Davis wouldn't have a 9 point plus average today.

 

For instance an average of 10 bonus points are score per match, 5 per team adding 0.7 to every riders average, give or take.

 

As the number one John Davis would have only met the opposition number 1 once in a match and he would likely have had choice of gate over his team mate each time.

 

He wouldnt have ridden in a heat 15 against the top two from each team guaranteeing that one of them would be last making a big dent in his average

 

The simple fact is if todays riders had ridden under the format of the 70s they would have had the averages of the 70s riders and vice versa.

My main point really was the VOLUME of top riders in yesteryear, i think they're were more of them maybe it is a myth.Also i disagree about the second strings i believe in yesteryear they were better alot of them were usually very good home riders alot i know often had home advantage.An example i can remember like yesterday my favourite ever rider Malc Holloway scored 0 at Bradford on the Saturday yet 48 hrs later scored paid 15(paidmax) against the same team beating Carter three times.

[g13webb]

I take on board what people say and can understand their comments. But the facts remain, we DID have the best League in the world, We DID have ALL the best riders riding in this country. But the biggest difference was the crowds. Most places had a big support factor, creating atmosphere, was so that much better..

 

Like some say, probably the racing was no different then that of today, but It just seemed more enjoyable because of the packed crowds and electric atmosphere. There was so many more supporters prepared to travel to away fixtures and all this added to the excitement of reverie banter.

 

So I will always refer to the 'Good ole Days' with good memories......

[Guest]

Completely hypothetical I know but referencing the quote from GRW123 below on Peter Collins award in EL section:

 

 

That's impressive when considering the quality of the opposition. This was the time when British Speedway ruled the world, and EVERYBODY wanted to race in our league.

Wonderful memories, Wonderful times, Brilliant Speedway. So pleased I was able to live and enjoy the iconic period of 1970's

(Make love not war !!!)

What would the speedway leagues in the UK be like now if all the best riders in the world wanted to ride in the UK and make this country their priority league?

Bankrupt!

[oldace]

Broke

 

 

Bankrupt!

 

 

I wonder if I say it a third time if it will still be funny

[BWitcher]

My main point really was the VOLUME of top riders in yesteryear, i think they're were more of them maybe it is a myth.Also i disagree about the second strings i believe in yesteryear they were better alot of them were usually very good home riders alot i know often had home advantage.An example i can remember like yesterday my favourite ever rider Malc Holloway scored 0 at Bradford on the Saturday yet 48 hrs later scored paid 15(paidmax) against the same team beating Carter three times.

 

Home track specialists were a lot more pronounced in the past in my belief. Some riders were superb on their home track and garbage at others. You still get that to an extent now but nowhere near to the levels that you used too.

[stratton]

Home track specialists were a lot more pronounced in the past in my belief. Some riders were superb on their home track and garbage at others. You still get that to an extent now but nowhere near to the levels that you used too.

Have to agree in my memory Halifax were often weak travellers away saying that they were always one of my favourite clubs a great track.I think alot of this was because it was slower the variation of tracks were superb and they're certainly was often home track advantage Exeter and Halifax spring to mind.

[oldace]

 

Home track specialists were a lot more pronounced in the past in my belief. Some riders were superb on their home track and garbage at others. You still get that to an extent now but nowhere near to the levels that you used too.

 

 

Indeed you did, for the very reason Sidney pointed out, variety of tracks. Exeter being the prime example but, as Sidney says, there were other. Ian Cartwright was often an 8 point man but it was made up of a 10 point average round the Shay and 6 elsewhere. Newport, Hull, Wimbledon etc all produced a good advantage for the guys who rode there and as a visitor you really only went to these places once a year so it took years to master them

[stratton]

Indeed you did, for the very reason Sidney pointed out, variety of tracks. Exeter being the prime example but, as Sidney says, there were other. Ian Cartwright was often an 8 point man but it was made up of a 10 point average round the Shay and 6 elsewhere. Newport, Hull, Wimbledon etc all produced a good advantage for the guys who rode there and as a visitor you really only went to these places once a year so it took years to master them

Yes correct Oldace sometimes these riders only rode at certain tracks once a year i can remember the Robins beating Halifax 63-15 with Cartwright i think? the only rider to split a home partnership.Newport Somerton park ( only went once) a weird shape a massive home advantage (ie for the likes of Street,Trigg,Tebby (ect)

[g13webb]

It's only natural to remember the good times, and Speedway is no different. Life now, to what it once was, has completely changed, and when looking back it's easy to distort feeling with what was actually facts. Years ago we never had any of the X boxes, Computers , or Smart phones. We led a boring existence and looked upon any past time as wonderful. Speedway fell into this category. This is why the crowds poured in and created all the atmosphere and excitement.

 

I look at all the SGP and really enjoy the spectacle. And yes, it is as good if not better then anything we use to watch in those glory days. Back then speedway was not regarded as full time sport and most riders supplemented their riding doing a part-time job. I remember once when attending a season Press and Practise day at Lynn, Michael Lee was the only person, who was turned out with all the sponsored leathers and equipment. The rest was just in black dirty leathers, probably still got last years dirt on. The difference now is that most riders are professional and are all turned out like Lee did.

 

I find it annoying when posters rubbish the greats of yesterday. Top riders like Mauger, Olsen, Briggs, Penhall, Lee, Collins, Gunderson, Nielsen were really special and would have coped with todays stars very well. I feel speedway today is better in so many ways. Machinery, Tracks, Organisation, Media have all help to move the sport forward. What a pity that the greats from the past will never have the benefits that todays riders enjoy......

[BWitcher]

Excellent post GRW.

 

I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone rubbishing the greats of yesteryear to be honest though, its usually the other way round, the starts of today being rubbished in comparison.

 

Apart from that, you hit the nail on the head though in my opinon.

[stratton]

It's only natural to remember the good times, and Speedway is no different. Life now, to what it once was, has completely changed, and when looking back it's easy to distort feeling with what was actually facts. Years ago we never had any of the X boxes, Computers , or Smart phones. We led a boring existence and looked upon any past time as wonderful. Speedway fell into this category. This is why the crowds poured in and created all the atmosphere and excitement.

 

I look at all the SGP and really enjoy the spectacle. And yes, it is as good if not better then anything we use to watch in those glory days. Back then speedway was not regarded as full time sport and most riders supplemented their riding doing a part-time job. I remember once when attending a season Press and Practise day at Lynn, Michael Lee was the only person, who was turned out with all the sponsored leathers and equipment. The rest was just in black dirty leathers, probably still got last years dirt on. The difference now is that most riders are professional and are all turned out like Lee did.

 

I find it annoying when posters rubbish the greats of yesterday. Top riders like Mauger, Olsen, Briggs, Penhall, Lee, Collins, Gunderson, Nielsen were really special and would have coped with todays stars very well. I feel speedway today is better in so many ways. Machinery, Tracks, Organisation, Media have all help to move the sport forward. What a pity that the greats from the past will never have the benefits that todays riders enjoy......

Great post and i will hold my hands up and say i was totally wrong about the GP Series and the younger generation taking over from Crump,Gollob,( ect).I look around we have Tai, others reaching there prime and classy sorts like the Pawlicki bros, Dudek,MJJ sniffing about.WIth myself maybe because the golden time was in my youth it all seemed like a bed of roses maybe it was because i enjoyed going so much.When i see Ward ride and say both the Pawlicki bros i enjoy watching as much now not so much the league racing but it is not all doom and gloom.

[BWitcher]

Great post and i will hold my hands up and say i was totally wrong about the GP Series and the younger generation taking over from Crump,Gollob,( ect).I look around we have Tai, others reaching there prime and classy sorts like the Pawlicki bros, Dudek,MJJ sniffing about.WIth myself maybe because the golden time was in my youth it all seemed like a bed of roses maybe it was because i enjoyed going so much.When i see Ward ride and say both the Pawlicki bros i enjoy watching as much now not so much the league racing but it is not all doom and gloom.

We're all like that Sidders to be fair.

 

My happiest days as I said before were in the Ermolenko/Correy/Karlsson/Jones era at Wolves. I was a teenager, they were my heroes. Nothing will ever beat it. I almost don't like watching the DVD's of the matches from that era as in some ways it tarnishes the memory! Better to just remember it as being bloody brilliant every race, every week

 

If only the powers that be could use some imagination to get bodies back onto the terraces. Big crowds make the whole spectacle so much better.

 

I like the GP's and they bring a sense of big time speedway, but for me, you simply cannot beat seeing your own team in a vital match in front of a big crowd. It's why I love the playoffs so much.

[stratton]

We're all like that Sidders to be fair.

 

My happiest days as I said before were in the Ermolenko/Correy/Karlsson/Jones era at Wolves. I was a teenager, they were my heroes. Nothing will ever beat it. I almost don't like watching the DVD's of the matches from that era as in some ways it tarnishes the memory! Better to just remember it as being bloody brilliant every race, every week

 

If only the powers that be could use some imagination to get bodies back onto the terraces. Big crowds make the whole spectacle so much better.

 

I like the GP's and they bring a sense of big time speedway, but for me, you simply cannot beat seeing your own team in a vital match in front of a big crowd. It's why I love the playoffs so much.

We're all like that Sidders to be fair.

 

My happiest days as I said before were in the Ermolenko/Correy/Karlsson/Jones era at Wolves. I was a teenager, they were my heroes. Nothing will ever beat it. I almost don't like watching the DVD's of the matches from that era as in some ways it tarnishes the memory! Better to just remember it as being bloody brilliant every race, every week

 

If only the powers that be could use some imagination to get bodies back onto the terraces. Big crowds make the whole spectacle so much better.

 

I like the GP's and they bring a sense of big time speedway, but for me, you simply cannot beat seeing your own team in a vital match in front of a big crowd. It's why I love the playoffs so much.

I always preferred league racing was never a mega fan of individual meetings even though i see quite a few.But if i was an outsider looking in the GP series does look a excellent and professional product not like the days of a rider having a fag in the pits black leathers (ect) .WIth the rules as they are and the sport not being strong and UTD,that is the frustrating thing it could be so much better the potential is there but in my memory the sport has always managed to shoot itself in the foot. Edited March 13, 2014 by sidney

[The White Knight]

It did used to be good though - when you could recognise individual Riders by style, even Bikes and, most importantly of all to Spectators the Race Jacket bearing your Club's Emblem. It gave more of a sense of 'TEAM' than the Kevlars that they wear today. Youngsters like to identify with Team/Riders - they can't these days because they all look the bloody same. :sad:

[Tsunami]

It did used to be good though - when you could recognise individual Riders by style, even Bikes and, most importantly of all to Spectators the Race Jacket bearing your Club's Emblem. It gave more of a sense of 'TEAM' than the Kevlars that they wear today. Youngsters like to identify with Team/Riders - they can't these days because they all look the bloody same. :sad:

 

Disagree. In every other sport I can think of, all teams wear team clothing with either their name/number on them to identify them. The bike and it's covers are all you need to use to keep your identity.

[ruffdiamond]

It did used to be good though - when you could recognise individual Riders by style, even Bikes and, most importantly of all to Spectators the Race Jacket bearing your Club's Emblem. It gave more of a sense of 'TEAM' than the Kevlars that they wear today. Youngsters like to identify with Team/Riders - they can't these days because they all look the bloody same. :sad:

I do think the team kevlars is a better idea,,, it helps riders aswell, recognising their partner,,, I do hear what you say about individual's leathers/kevlars helping youngsters reconising different riders, but their number and helmet cover is there for that,,, maybe youngsters should pay more attention to those details, instead of just chatting to their mates, or texting in stuff, lol