Longest League Careers Post War

[Sidney the robin]

Peter Moore.??

[lucifer sam]

Moggo missed 1998, so did 25 seasons (1981-1997, 1999-2006).

 

All the best

Rob

Edited October 21, 2017 by lucifer sam

[iris123]

He was the first name I thought of (along with Neil and les Collins). But pretty sure he had 2 or 3 seasons without aBritish club. 1996? And one or two others?

Taken a look on WWOS and it seems Andy missed the 1 season in 2002,if of course they have mot made a mistake.So 25 seasons.Not too bad and still equal with Moggo if Robs info is correct

 

1982..Belle Vue..4..10..8..3..4.40

1983..Belle Vue..50..149..137..30..4.48

1984..Belle Vue..50..187..302..37..7.25..2F..1P

1985..Belle Vue..38..156..267..29..7.59..4F

1986..Belle Vue..16..61..84..9..6.10

1987..Belle Vue..35..136..194..22..6.35..1F..1P

1988..Belle Vue..41..171..257..35..6.83..1F..1P

1989..Bradford..36..169..275..32..7.27..2P

1990..Bradford..27..117..191..34..7.69..3P

1991..Swindon..7..32..53..9..7.75

1992..Coventry..15..72..129.5..8..7.64

1993..Coventry..36..187..309..40..7.47..2F

1994..Coventry..22..103..151..15..6.45

1995..Coventry..38..182..276..28..6.68

1996..Bradford..43..217..371..50..7.76..2P

1997..Coventry..38..189..239..37..5.84

1998..Belle Vue..15..74..88..15..5.57

1998..Swindon..16..88..137..29..7.55..1P

1999..Belle Vue..27..127..227.5..35..8.27..3P

2000..Belle Vue..30..147..202..26..6.20

2001..Belle Vue..25..106..142..12..5.81

2002.....?????????????

2003..Oxford..21..92..132..16..6.43..1F

2004..Swindon..39..174..208..44..5.79

2005..Belle Vue..45..202..263..58..6.36

2006..Reading..27..108..120..29..5.52

2007..Reading..6..28..22..2..3.43

2007..Oxford..10..42..34..8..4.00

So an updated list

 

Jimmy Squibb 30 (1946-1975)

Neil Collins 29 (1978-2006)

Les Collins 29(1975-2003)

Ken McKinlay 28 (1948-1975)

Malcolm Simmons 27 (1963-1987,1989,1993)

Nigel Boocock 26 (1955-1980)

Alan Mogridge 25 (1981-1997,1999-2006)

Andy Smith 25 (1982-2001,2003-2007)

As far as i can tell both Scott Nicholls and Stuart Robson are just outside the list,but still going and next year would be the 25 season for both,as it seems Stuart missed a year(because of injury?)

Edited October 22, 2017 by iris123

[lucifer sam]

I've got a feeling that Andy Smith did miss 2002. When Oxford signed him in 2003 (firstly for the BLC, then for the CL (!), and then for the EL), I'm sure he'd missed the previous year.

 

All the best

Rob

[norbold]

According to that great fount of all knowledge, Wikipedia, Andy Smith rode in the Grand

Prix series in 2002 but not the league.

[Guest]

Jack Biggs' British career spanned 1947 to 1970... 24 years.

 

And that certainly wasn't his whole career. He was killed in action in Australia in 1972 at the age of 50. Not sure when he started racing in Australia - can anyone provide the year?

 

All the best

Rob

 

EDIT Rob Hollingworth made his league debut for Berwick in 1973. His final league season was at Boston in 2005. There was a gap in the middle.

 

An itemised thread in regard to the speedway career of Jack Biggs: unfortunately nothing in regard to his Australian career before arriving in the UK in 1947.

http://www.speedwayatoz.co.uk/pdfs/biggs%20jack.pdf

Edited October 22, 2017 by Guest

[iris123]

Paul Hurry another whose career spans a fair time,started in 1991,but has had a lengthy period away due to injury etc,but is still going

 

Quite possible with the suggested Jon Armstrong,but not found any stats

 

David Mason made his debut for Eastbourne 'Eaglets'(probably junior racing though?) in 1993 so maybe proper debut in 1994,but no idea if he has been an ever present in a league since then..seems he didn't stay long anywhere though!!!

Edited October 23, 2017 by iris123

[steve roberts]

Paul Hurry another whose career spans a fair time,started in 1991,but has had a lengthy period away due to injury etc,but is still going

 

Quite possible with the suggested Jon Armstrong,but not found any stats

 

David Mason made his debut for Eastbourne in 1993,but no idea if he has been an ever present in a league since then..

Had a chat with David Mason many years ago at Cowley. He came across as a very pleasant young man and had nothing but praise for Len Silver who had offered him a prolonged opportunity in 'The Rockets' team at the time.

[lucifer sam]

Another possible 'gap' - did Les Collins have a year out in 1998?

 

1975..Crewe..36..131..139..33..5.25..1P
1975..Belle Vue..1..3..2..1..4.00
1976..Belle Vue..10..41..58..7..6.34
1976..Stoke..35..165..368..16..9.31..4F..4P
1977..Belle Vue..36..149..242..51..7.87..3P
1978..Belle Vue..44..181..317..45..8.00..2F..1P
1979..Belle Vue..35..152..264..25..7.60..1P
1980..Leicester..36..168..350..25..8.93..3F..2P
1981..Leicester..47..233..476..22..8.55..1F
1982..Leicester..41..191..396..23..8.77..1F
1983..Leicester..41..180..353..18..8.24..5F
1984..Sheffield..45..191..347..27..7.83..1F..1P
1985..Sheffield..44..180..289..22..6.91..2F
1986..Sheffield..11..42..65..11..7.24..1P
1986..King's Lynn..2..8..4..1..2.50
1986..Edinburgh..44..198..493..9..10.14..12F..1P
1987..Edinburgh..33..162..394.5..9..9.96..6F..2P
1988..Edinburgh..36..216..475..11..9.00..4F..1P
1988..Belle Vue..1..4..3..1..4.00
1988..Sheffield..1..5..3..0..2.40
1989..Edinburgh..36..196..423..20..9.04..6F..3P
1990..Edinburgh..34..183..376..25..8.76..2F..1P
1991..Edinburgh..24..124..260..22..9.10..1P
1992..Edinburgh..24..124..259.5..15..8.85..1F..2P
1993..Edinburgh..45..231..418..51..8.12..3F..3P
1994..Edinburgh..44..231..431..44..8.23..3P
1995..Edinburgh..42..208..296..61..6.87
1996..Cradley&Stoke..31..156..204..38..6.21
1997..Stoke..38..203..468..11..9.44..4F..2P

[1998 - ??????????????]
1999..Glasgow..17..91..203..7..9.23..1F
2000..Glasgow..39..212..439..14..8.55..1F..2P
2001..Glasgow..44..221..415..31..8.07..1F
2002..Workington..11..51..90..13..8.08
2003..Glasgow..44..194..279..22..6.21

Read more: http://wwosbackup.proboards.com/thread/624/les-collins#ixzz4wKRW14yy

 

All the best

Rob

[Guest compost]

My records are a bit dodgy regarding the 80's but how about Alan Grahame 1973-98 (26 seasons), Gordon Kennett 1970-94 (25 seasons), Barry Briggs 1952-76 (24) & George Hunter 1960-83 (24). Anyone able to confirm how many seasons Glyn Taylor rode (the first I have is 1973, the last is 2003) ?

 

Some one asked about Peter Moore. My records show 1950-1967 and 73 + 74 so around 20.

Squibby actually started his career before the war, but looks to have had the longest continuous career, with a total of 37 seasons. I know there are others, and not all of these were racing leagues, but here are some of the front-runners.

Jimmy Squibb 37 (1939-1975)

Steve

 

Steve

Where did Squibb rode in 1939 ? I haven't seen any references to a pre-war career for him.

 

Thanks

 

 

 

For Jon Armstrong I've come up with 1992-93,96-2009 & 2013 (though both my records and the ones I found on-line stop at 2009) so if still in action and rode in the missing years between 2010 and now he'd be on 24 (I think).

 

Another rider that someone might be able to provide career details for would be Tony Atkin(s). I have 86 & 94-09 but my records stop then. Anyone ?

Edited October 23, 2017 by compost

[tigerowl]

These are the riders I reckon have had 20 years or more of active league racing. Pre-war years included. Apologies if I have missed anyone and queries welcome.

 

29 years

Neil Collins, Jimmy Squibb

 

28 years

Les Collins

 

27 years

Ken McKinlay, Malcolm Simmons, Paul Thorp

 

26 years

Nigel Boocock, Peter Carr, Michael Coles, Alan Grahame, Gary Havelock

 

25 years

Martin Dixon, Paul Fry, Gordon Kennett, Alan Mogridge, Joe Screen

 

24 years

Tony Atkin, Jack Biggs, Barry Briggs, Bruce Cribb, Colin Gooddy, George Hunter, Gordon McGregor, Scott Nicholls, Stuart Robson, Andy Smith

 

23 years

Jon Armstrong, Mike Broadbank, James Grieves, Peter Karlsson, Leigh Lanham, David Mason, Reg Trott

 

22 years

Leigh Adams, Mark Burrows, Sam Ermolenko, Ronnie Genz, Richard Hellsen, Roger Johns, Jason Lyons, Ivan Mauger, Les McGillivray, Ron Mountford, Shane Parker, Geoff Pymar, Norman Strachan

 

21 years

Billy Bales, Bobby Beaton, Andre Compton, John Davis, Rob Hollingworth, John Jorgensen, Mark Lemon, Mark Loram, Cyril Maidment, Jim McMillan, Ray Morton, Wal Morton, Dave Mullett, David Norris, Alun Rossiter, Carl Stonehewer, Jim Tebby, Barry Thomas, Carl Wilkinson

 

20 years

Martin Ashby, Dean Barker, Craig Boyce, Eric Broadbelt, Howdy Byford, Louis Carr, Brian Collins, Mark Courtney, Lee Dicken, Jimmy Gooch, Chris Harris, David Howe, Paul Hurry, Dave Jessup, Chris Louis, Kenny McKinna, Jack Parker, Mark Simmonds, Jan Staechmann, Simon Stead, Neil Street, Kelvin Tatum, Doug Templeton, Willie Templeton, Doug Wyer

Edited October 23, 2017 by tigerowl

[waiheke1]

ANDy Smiths BL averages are remarkably mediocre for a rider who averaged over 7 in the BL as an 18 year old, was a three time British champ, was a gp regular and scored double digits in both his world final appearances.

[chunky]

 

Steve

Where did Squibb rode in 1939 ? I haven't seen any references to a pre-war career for him.

 

Thanks

 

I haven't been able to find any specifics so far. It was stated on the Exeter County Ground Years website, and I believe Tony Lethbridge could have been the source of that information. If anyone is able to confirm that?

 

Steve

[BOBBATH]

Glad to see this post was so popular-indeed I don't really know if Jim Squibb rode before the war-I was thinking of the years post war. Was wonderful to see other stalwarts posted as contenders e.g. Colin Goody. Enjoyed reading all the posts. One question-in 1967 (I think) I was at the Wimbledon v. Exeter meeting-there was a Golden Helmet (or maybe Silver Sash) race after the League match-Olle Nygren was the champ and defending his title against the top Exeter scorer =-the Exeter rider won against the odds- I think it was Jim Squibb but it may have ben Colin Goody-does anybody recall this and who won-maybe Norbold 'cos I think he was there and I bought him a beer(which you still owe me Norman!!)

Glad to see this post was so popular-indeed I don't really know if Jim Squibb rode before the war-I was thinking of the years post war. Was wonderful to see other stalwarts posted as contenders e.g. Colin Goody. Enjoyed reading all the posts. One question-in 1967 (I think) I was at the Wimbledon v. Exeter meeting-there was a Golden Helmet (or maybe Silver Sash) race after the League match-Olle Nygren was the champ and defending his title against the top Exeter scorer =-the Exeter rider won against the odds- I think it was Jim Squibb but it may have ben Colin Goody-does anybody recall this and who won-maybe Norbold 'cos I think he was there and I bought him a beer(which you still owe me Norman!!)

As a techno peasant can't figure out why my previous note was posted twice- I don't understand this modern technology and in fact have only now just started banking online-wot happened to all the humans I used to deal with!!

[steve roberts]

My records are a bit dodgy regarding the 80's but how about Alan Grahame 1973-98 (26 seasons), Gordon Kennett 1970-94 (25 seasons), Barry Briggs 1952-76 (24) & George Hunter 1960-83 (24). Anyone able to confirm how many seasons Glyn Taylor rode (the first I have is 1973, the last is 2003) ?

 

Some one asked about Peter Moore. My records show 1950-1967 and 73 + 74 so around 20.

 

Steve

Where did Squibb rode in 1939 ? I haven't seen any references to a pre-war career for him.

 

Thanks

 

 

 

For Jon Armstrong I've come up with 1992-93,96-2009 & 2013 (though both my records and the ones I found on-line stop at 2009) so if still in action and rode in the missing years between 2010 and now he'd be on 24 (I think).

 

Another rider that someone might be able to provide career details for would be Tony Atkin(s). I have 86 & 94-09 but my records stop then. Anyone ?

I've checked on Tony Atkin...he rode at Newport in 2010, Stoke (2011 & 2012) and Buxton (2013 & 2014)

 

Thanks to Alan Robertson's wonderful publication 'British Speedway Leagues 1991 - 2014'

Edited October 24, 2017 by steve roberts

[norbold]

Where did Squibb rode in 1939 ? I haven't seen any references to a pre-war career for him.

 

On a former similar thread some years ago, a poster called speedyguy, who, as we all know no longer posts on here, said, "Indications are that Jimmy Squibb started at Southampton in 1939, where he was a protege of local riders Vic Collins and Frank Bond." It maybe that gustix can confirm this and has more information.

[steve roberts]

On a former similar thread some years ago, a poster called speedyguy, who, as we all know no longer posts on here, said, "Indications are that Jimmy Squibb started at Southampton in 1939, where he was a protege of local riders Vic Collins and Frank Bond." It maybe that gustix can confirm this and has more information.

According to Peter Oakes' 'Who's Who of World Speedway'

 

"Jimmy originally wrote for a trial at Hackney in 1939 but war broke out and he added to his age to join up. On the resumption of speedway in 1947 after the war he rode in the first meeting at Southampton"

[iris123]

On a former similar thread some years ago, a poster called speedyguy, who, as we all know no longer posts on here, said, "Indications are that Jimmy Squibb started at Southampton in 1939, where he was a protege of local riders Vic Collins and Frank Bond." It maybe that gustix can confirm this and has more information.

You can expect a large number of pm's today,i think Norbold

[BL65]

Glad to see this post was so popular-indeed I don't really know if Jim Squibb rode before the war-I was thinking of the years post war. Was wonderful to see other stalwarts posted as contenders e.g. Colin Goody. Enjoyed reading all the posts. One question-in 1967 (I think) I was at the Wimbledon v. Exeter meeting-there was a Golden Helmet (or maybe Silver Sash) race after the League match-Olle Nygren was the champ and defending his title against the top Exeter scorer =-the Exeter rider won against the odds- I think it was Jim Squibb but it may have ben Colin Goody-does anybody recall this and who won-maybe Norbold 'cos I think he was there and I bought him a beer(which you still owe me Norman!!)

 

It was on 2nd July 1966 that Olle Nygren was defeated in the Silver Sash following the Wimbledon-Exeter match. However, it was neither Squibb or Gooddy, but Tommy Sweetman who won the Sash. Gooddy was Exeter top scorer, having scored one point more than Sweetman in his 4 scheduled rides as well as when taking into the tactical substitute rides which both had, but it was Tommy who took part and won the race.

[norbold]

Does anybody recall this and who won-maybe Norbold 'cos I think he was there and I bought him a beer(which you still owe me Norman!!)

 

I think it more likely you were on the beer when you posted this!