Speedway's Golden Year

[BL65]

Speedway's golden year in my view-no question it was 1965-first year of BL and watching the PL stars meeting NL stars for the first time-and there were some great surprises. Still got my programs from that year!!

Totally agree. I have every programme from the 1965 season for all British tracks except for the rained off meeting at Halifax on 29th September and three meetings at Weymouth in February and April. League tracks had a meeting scheduled for each week, virtually no guest riders, no rider replacement so every team had to track 7 riders, no changing team line-ups every other week except when required because of injuries. The weaker teams suffered some heavy defeats, but that happens these days even with the points limit and the chopping and changing culture. Back in 1965 crowds were generally good everywhere, there was variety with some away teams only visiting once a year, so seeing the World Champion in action, for example, was a crowd puller, whereas in modern times there is no novelty value if the opposition visits 3 or 4 times a season. In 1965 fans would support 30 meetings a season because of the variety of opposition and meetings, unlike today where a number of tracks only run meetings once every couple of weeks.

[van wolfswinkel]

The Valley i only went there once they had Derek Hales and a 16 year Paul Walsh playing there record crowd there is 75000.

"Killer" Hales...legend. Remember when they beat Swindon at the CG, Walshie set up all 3 goals for Killers hat-trick as they blew The Town away. The Adver headline was "Halestorm hits Swindon". Got sent-off for fighting with fellow striker Flanagan in one game.

Always plenty of room on the terraces of what was the biggest ground in England.

[Sidney the robin]

"Killer" Hales...legend. Remember when they beat Swindon at the CG, Walshie set up all 3 goals for Killers hat-trick as they blew The Town away. The Adver headline was "Halestorm hits Swindon". Got sent-off for fighting with fellow striker Flanagan in one game.

Always plenty of room on the terraces of what was the biggest ground in England.

Remember that game at the CG,a game that always sticks out in mind 'Downsman" was a home Friday night game against Millwall one side of the pitch was unplayable flooded.If i remember rightly Trevor Lee a very good black lad played think he scored.

Totally agree. I have every programme from the 1965 season for all British tracks except for the rained off meeting at Halifax on 29th September and three meetings at Weymouth in February and April. League tracks had a meeting scheduled for each week, virtually no guest riders, no rider replacement so every team had to track 7 riders, no changing team line-ups every other week except when required because of injuries. The weaker teams suffered some heavy defeats, but that happens these days even with the points limit and the chopping and changing culture. Back in 1965 crowds were generally good everywhere, there was variety with some away teams only visiting once a year, so seeing the World Champion in action, for example, was a crowd puller, whereas in modern times there is no novelty value if the opposition visits 3 or 4 times a season. In 1965 fans would support 30 meetings a season because of the variety of opposition and meetings, unlike today where a number of tracks only run meetings once every couple of weeks.

BL65 when the leagues came together was there a feeling that a lot of riders could be out of there depth but often a lot of them adjusted and made progress Eric Boocock was he one.?Also my uncle often told me that Briggo would often win off a handicap when did that finish was Peter Craven on a handicap when he sadly lost his life.?

[BOBBATH]

Yeah BL65 I went to about 32 meetings in 1965- to Sidney the Robin-missed Charlie Monk winning Easter trophy or Internationale -but was there when Charlie who looked like a cert to qualify for the World Final, just missed out at the British Final in September at WH. Reckon he would have done well if he'd qualified. A damn shame that he didn't. What a year though!!

[BL65]

Remember that game at the CG,a game that always sticks out in mind 'Downsman" was a home Friday night game against Millwall one side of the pitch was unplayable flooded.If i remember rightly Trevor Lee a very good black lad played think he scored.

BL65 when the leagues came together was there a feeling that a lot of riders could be out of there depth but often a lot of them adjusted and made progress Eric Boocock was he one.?Also my uncle often told me that Briggo would often win off a handicap when did that finish was Peter Craven on a handicap when he sadly lost his life.?

Handicaps were applied in the National League in the early 1960s, with rules determining which riders started off scratch or 10 yards. The 'big 5', Ove Fundin, Barry Briggs, Ronnie Moore, Peter Craven and Bjorn Knuts(s)on went off 20 yards. In 1964 the National League had 7 teams and handicaps continued to be applied, although Peter Craven had tragically lost his life in 1963 and Ronnie Moore was back in New Zealand recovering from serious injury. Barry became particularly disgruntled at the number of blown engines he suffered in fighting to overcome his handicap and stated how much his confidence was adversely affected by having an often insurmountable task of passing riders of the calibre of Nigel Boocock, Ken McKinlay and Gote Nordin, for example. In early August 1964 Barry threatened to retire unless handicapping was scrapped. At the same time Newcastle were experimenting with handicapping Ivan Mauger in second half races at Provincial League level. The back marker handicap was duly removed for Briggs, Fundin and Knutson towards the end of August 1964.

 

There had been a number of meetings between Provincial League Select and National League Select teams prior to the amalgamation in 1965 and it was clear that many of the Provincial heat leaders were more than a match for all but the very top riders in the National League. Also, the National League teams had a number of riders of reserve standard who would be second string or reserve standard in the Provincial League. When the two leagues amalgamated in 1965 a number of the top riders from the 1964 National League teams did not take part. A ban on commuting foreigners ruled out riders including Ove Fundin, Bjorn Knutson, Bengt Jansson, Gote Nordin and Soren Sjosten. Additionally, Brian Brett and Leo McAuliffe initially retired but then returned during 1965 to cover for injured riders. Further still, there were some fairly good National League riders, including Norman Hunter and Malcolm Simmons, who had ridden at Provincial League level as recently as 1963. The feeling was that the standards would soon level out in the new British League and this proved to be the case. Several riders from the 1964 Provincial League quickly flourished in the British League, including Ivor Brown, George Hunter, Charlie Monk, Colin Pratt, Roy Trigg, Eric Boocock, Dave Younghusband, Ray Wilson, Ivan Mauger, Peter Vandenberg (although a National League rider in 1963), Bill Andrew, Jack Kitchen, Clive Featherby, Peter Jarman and Jim Airey. I think it is fair to say that the large majority of supporters approved of the amalgamation, which enabled a fair number of riders to develop at a rapid rate by matching their skills against the best of the ex-Nationals.

[Sidney the robin]

Handicaps were applied in the National League in the early 1960s, with rules determining which riders started off scratch or 10 yards. The 'big 5', Ove Fundin, Barry Briggs, Ronnie Moore, Peter Craven and Bjorn Knuts(s)on went off 20 yards. In 1964 the National League had 7 teams and handicaps continued to be applied, although Peter Craven had tragically lost his life in 1963 and Ronnie Moore was back in New Zealand recovering from serious injury. Barry became particularly disgruntled at the number of blown engines he suffered in fighting to overcome his handicap and stated how much his confidence was adversely affected by having an often insurmountable task of passing riders of the calibre of Nigel Boocock, Ken McKinlay and Gote Nordin, for example. In early August 1964 Barry threatened to retire unless handicapping was scrapped. At the same time Newcastle were experimenting with handicapping Ivan Mauger in second half races at Provincial League level. The back marker handicap was duly removed for Briggs, Fundin and Knutson towards the end of August 1964.

 

There had been a number of meetings between Provincial League Select and National League Select teams prior to the amalgamation in 1965 and it was clear that many of the Provincial heat leaders were more than a match for all but the very top riders in the National League. Also, the National League teams had a number of riders of reserve standard who would be second string or reserve standard in the Provincial League. When the two leagues amalgamated in 1965 a number of the top riders from the 1964 National League teams did not take part. A ban on commuting foreigners ruled out riders including Ove Fundin, Bjorn Knutson, Bengt Jansson, Gote Nordin and Soren Sjosten. Additionally, Brian Brett and Leo McAuliffe initially retired but then returned during 1965 to cover for injured riders. Further still, there were some fairly good National League riders, including Norman Hunter and Malcolm Simmons, who had ridden at Provincial League level as recently as 1963. The feeling was that the standards would soon level out in the new British League and this proved to be the case. Several riders from the 1964 Provincial League quickly flourished in the British League, including Ivor Brown, George Hunter, Charlie Monk, Colin Pratt, Roy Trigg, Eric Boocock, Dave Younghusband, Ray Wilson, Ivan Mauger, Peter Vandenberg (although a National League rider in 1963), Bill Andrew, Jack Kitchen, Clive Featherby, Peter Jarman and Jim Airey. I think it is fair to say that the large majority of supporters approved of the amalgamation, which enabled a fair number of riders to develop at a rapid rate by matching their skills against the best of the ex-Nationals.

Thanks BL a great post learned a lot more today

[BOBBATH]

BL65 , I agree with Sidney really enjoyed reading your post-many memories. If I could add one comment-some old NL riders who didn't do so well in 1964 got a new lease of life in 1965- the best example being Jack Biggs with Newport (wait a minute when I think back ,he might have been the only example).!!!!. What a thrill it was for me to visit BL tracks like Swindon, Belle Vue, Wimbledon and West Ham for the first time. Didn't get to Coventry or Oxford till 1967 and 1968. Too bad Norwich closed before I got that chance.

[BL65]

BL65 , I agree with Sidney really enjoyed reading your post-many memories. If I could add one comment-some old NL riders who didn't do so well in 1964 got a new lease of life in 1965- the best example being Jack Biggs with Newport (wait a minute when I think back ,he might have been the only example).!!!!. What a thrill it was for me to visit BL tracks like Swindon, Belle Vue, Wimbledon and West Ham for the first time. Didn't get to Coventry or Oxford till 1967 and 1968. Too bad Norwich closed before I got that chance.

Bob Bath, I agree that Jack Biggs was undoubtedly the prime example of a rider with a new lease of life. From being eighth in the Coventry National League averages in 1964, at under 5 per meeting, he became the Wasps number one in 1965 with a British League average of just over 9.

 

Other ex National League riders who rose towards the top in the new British League included Cyril Maidment at Belle Vue, Ron Mountford and Jim Lightfoot at Coventry, Colin Gooddy at Exeter, Gerald Jackson at Hackney, Jimmy Gooch at Oxford, Ronnie Genz at Poole, Martin Ashby at Swindon, Reg Luckhurst and Trevor Hedge at Wimbledon.

[norbold]

was Peter Craven on a handicap when he sadly lost his life.?

No, in that particular race he went off scratch along with the other three riders.

[Sidney the robin]

No, in that particular race he went off scratch along with the other three riders.

Thanks "Norbold" George Hunter was in front of Peter and his engine seized think that is correct.

[BL65]

Thanks "Norbold" George Hunter was in front of Peter and his engine seized think that is correct.

I am aware there has been much discussion regarding the tragic incident over the years, including in at least one of the publications (possibly Classic Speedway) and I believe the track promoter at the time, Ian Hoskins, stated categorically that there was no handicap in force in the race. I was not at the meeting and cannot pass any opinion, however, the subject reminded me that George Hunter had a reputation for being extremely fast out of the starts - something I can confirm from the many meetings in which I saw him ride.

[mickthemuppet]

Some very interesting contributions about speedway in the yesteryears and lots about events that had nothing to do with speedway I think the heading was Speedway 's Golden Year which obviously was the late 1940's of perhaps the early 1950's. any thing else is just a pale imitation of those successful years

[Sidney the robin]

Some very interesting contributions about speedway in the yesteryears and lots about events that had nothing to do with speedway I think the heading was Speedway 's Golden Year which obviously was the late 1940's of perhaps the early 1950's. any thing else is just a pale imitation of those successful years

Your point is? 😀 Edited May 1, 2016 by Sidney the robin

[Reviresco]

Your point is?

 

My thoughts too...

 

Tell you something "Macca" old age is catching up with me.Remember Fred Davis playing Kirk Stevens could of swore Kirk won he did not Fred had a 3.0 head to head with him he beat him.I can remember Fred getting to a semi aged 64 it was against bloody Perry Mans god it catches up with us all mate old father time! Going back to Tennis my top five would be Laver,Sampras,Borg,Djokovic,Nadal my favourite two players were McEnroe and Stefan Edberg.

 

I think old age has caught me Sidney. I remember Fred playing on at a great age and he always came across as the wise old uncle enjoying his time playing with his young nephews and, as you say, he was 64 when he made he semi final in 1978 - with his brother passing away a few weeks after. A golden age for snooker. I was a massive fan of the nugget especially with his Romford connection and haven't take too much interest in the sport since Hendry took over his mantle. There was an interesting link between Steve Davis and Bily Sanders in that Steve could often be seen in the company of one of Billy's sponsors.

 

A top five in men's tennis is difficult, but as for my favourite five, I would go for: Murray, Borg, Roy Emerson, Mansour Bahrami and Guilermo Vilas. Stefan Edberg would be my No. 6.

[steve roberts]

Thanks "Norbold" George Hunter was in front of Peter and his engine seized think that is correct.

 

Just copied an earlier post I made on another thread regarding Peter's crash:

 

Interesting article regarding the Peter Craven crash in the latest edition of 'Classic Magazine' (another superb magazine) where one time Edinburgh and Berwick rider Ian Paterson quotes:

"There had been a bit of needle before they (Craven & Hunter) went out for the race. Hoskins was saying that Craven had to start off a 20 yard handicap but George didn't want any advantage handed to him, so he wanted to start level with Peter"

"I'm not sure if those two started behind the other two in the race or whether all four started from the line, but Hunter and Craven definitely started alongside each other. Those two were so far ahead of the others when the crash happened. They say that Hunter's bike seized but I didn't think so...and I think that George just overdid it going into the corner"

"His bike went down but then it started spinning around. Peter definitely had enough time to lay his bike down but he must have thought that he could go through the gap (between Hunter's bike and the wooden board safety fence). Trouble was, the gap shut on him at the wrong bloody time. It looked bad. But not horrendous."

Edited May 2, 2016 by steve roberts

[Sidney the robin]

Just copied an earlier post I made on another thread regarding Peter's crash:

 

Interesting article regarding the Peter Craven crash in the latest edition of 'Classic Magazine' (another superb magazine) where one time Edinburgh and Berwick rider Ian Paterson quotes:

 

"There had been a bit of needle before they (Craven & Hunter) went out for the race. Hoskins was saying that Craven had to start off a 20 yard handicap but George didn't want any advantage handed to him, so he wanted to start level with Peter"

 

"I'm not sure if those two started behind the other two in the race or whether all four started from the line, but Hunter and Craven definitely started alongside each other. Those two were so far ahead of the others when the crash happened. They say that Hunter's bike seized but I didn't think so...and I think that George just overdid it going into the corner"

 

"His bike went down but then it started spinning around. Peter definitely had enough time to lay his bike down but he must have thought that he could go through the gap (between Hunter's bike and the wooden board safety fence). Trouble was, the gap shut on him at the wrong bloody time. It looked bad. But not horrendous."

Great post Steve makes you think how many more titles Peter could of won a real shame the fans and the sport were robbed of a real talent.I have a large memorabilia collection and was digging some Peter Craven pictures out how similar in style was Peter and Soren Sjosten style and balance wise very similar to each other.Looking at the greatest British riders we have produced Craven,Collins,Williams,Lee,Price,Woffinden would be the Elite i would imagine.

[steve roberts]

Great post Steve makes you think how many more titles Peter could of won a real shame the fans and the sport were robbed of a real talent.I have a large memorabilia collection and was digging some Peter Craven pictures out how similar in style was Peter and Soren Sjosten style and balance wise very similar to each other.Looking at the greatest British riders we have produced Craven,Collins,Williams,Lee,Price,Woffinden would be the Elite i would imagine.

Yes Peter was the rider I would have most liked to have seen but was only three when he died. Remember Soren very well...another who died tragically.

[norbold]

I have spoken to a number of people who were there that night. They say that all four riders started off scratch and that George Hunter got away first. The only real controversy over this seems to be that some people think that Peter Craven deliberately let George gate first so that he could make a race of it; others swear that George, who, as BL65 says, was a fast gater, got out first on merit. We may never know about that, but it is certain that they were all off scratch.

[lucifer sam]

Some very interesting contributions about speedway in the yesteryears and lots about events that had nothing to do with speedway I think the heading was Speedway 's Golden Year which obviously was the late 1940's of perhaps the early 1950's. any thing else is just a pale imitation of those successful years

 

The early 50s which were so successful that there were tracks closing left, right and centre?? Strange definition of success. 1946-49 was a boom period, but the 50s were a massively troubled decade for speedway.

 

I would say the period 65-80 was a more sustainable Golden era for British Speedway.

 

All the best

Rob

[cityrebel]

1971 was a golden year for me as a nipper. Four top flight tracks in london, speedway heaven!