moomin man 76 Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 As I couldn't see an existing thread, I thought I would begin one, to allow anyone to discuss the merits of Finnish riders over the years. Due consideration can be given to achievements not only in speedway but also long-track racing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 (edited) Best Finnish riders I have seen: Antti Pajari Timo Laine Edited December 8, 2017 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidney the robin Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 Kai Niemi with Ila Teromaa (before injury the next best ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 Has to be Kai Niemi. Saw his debut meeting at White City (1976) against Wolves and instantly thought he was going to make it. Ila Teromaa must also be considered...first Finn to make a World Final (1978) when despite putting in an average performance he did spoil Gordon Kennett's chance of possibly becoming World Champion by beating him when they met. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 (edited) Best Fnnish riders I have seen: Antti Pajari Timo Laine More details on Antti Pajari: http://www.national-speedway-museum.co.uk/anttipajari.html Timo Laine and Antti Pajari featured with main placings in the early 1960s era of the European Long Track Championships: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individual_Speedway_Long_Track_World_Championship Edited December 8, 2017 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOBBATH Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 Kai Niemi for me 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f-s-p Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 Timo Lahti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatface Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 (edited) More details on Antti Pajari: http://www.national-speedway-museum.co.uk/anttipajari.html Timo Laine and Antti Pajari featured with main placings in the early 1960s era of the European Long Track Championships: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individual_Speedway_Long_Track_World_Championship If I didnt know you better, Id think you were deliberately naming obscure riders in a misguided attempt to appear you had far superior knowledge to other fans of the sport. But I know you not be that foolish. For me, its obviously Kai Niemi. A heat leader for a decade in the worlds toughest league, playing a key role in two league title wins. He was also a consistent performer on the world stage, four World Finals and nearly snuck under radar and won it in 1985. After that, Id probably go for Miko Baste. Edited December 8, 2017 by falcace 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f-s-p Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 After that, Id probably go for Miko Baste. Miko who? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 Remember Matti Olin who rode for 'The Bees' in 1974 and Veijo Touriniemi who appeared to have something when he turned out for 'The Eagles' but lost his way eventually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grachan Posted December 8, 2017 Report Share Posted December 8, 2017 The best Finnish rider I ever saw was Ari Koponen in a match atbSwindon after he piled into the fence right by me in a crumpled heap. He then came out and won the rest of his rides. Best I've seen him, or any other Finn, ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norbold Posted December 9, 2017 Report Share Posted December 9, 2017 If I didnt know you better, Id think you were deliberately naming obscure riders in a misguided attempt to appear you had far superior knowledge to other fans of the sport. But I know you not be that foolish. Actually, falcace, I have to say I am of an age where Antti Pajari and Timo Laine are not obscure to me. They were both good riders and I would probably count them in Finland's top five, though I agree Kai Niemi would be my choice as no.1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waiheke1 Posted December 9, 2017 Report Share Posted December 9, 2017 Kai Nieme without a doubt for me, though Miko Baste is a great shout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chunky Posted December 9, 2017 Report Share Posted December 9, 2017 Actually, falcace, I have to say I am of an age where Antti Pajari and Timo Laine are not obscure to me. They were both good riders and I would probably count them in Finland's top five, though I agree Kai Niemi would be my choice as no.1. I don't want to rub it in, but I am a few years younger than you, norbold! Having said that, the pair are not obscure to me either. In fact, as a kid, I remember my parents telling me about Antti Pajari! Although both were better on the long-tracks, I think Timo Laine was the better of the two, Pajari being a little on the hairy side. Kai Niemi is a definite No 1, with Ila Teromaa a clear second. The remaining three - in no particular order - I would give to Kylmakorpi, Laine, and Kaj Laukkanen, Honorable mentions for Tyrvainen and Kokko. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted December 9, 2017 Report Share Posted December 9, 2017 The best Finnish rider I ever saw was Ari Koponen in a match atbSwindon after he piled into the fence right by me in a crumpled heap. He then came out and won the rest of his rides. Best I've seen him, or any other Finn, ride. Remember Kai Niemi scoring 19 points at the Abbey whilst riding for Eastbourne. Gordon Kennett scored 21 but Eastbourne still lost! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidney the robin Posted December 9, 2017 Report Share Posted December 9, 2017 Remember Kai Niemi scoring 19 points at the Abbey whilst riding for Eastbourne. Gordon Kennett scored 21 but Eastbourne still lost!I remember that well Steve ,Kennett and Niemi scoring 40 points out of a total of 46 Steve Naylor 2, Sigvart Pedersen1, Richard Greer 1, Eric Dugard 1, Dave Kennett 1 were the other scorers.Gordon Kennett was a rider who i would of loved to see ride for the Robins at his peak but it was not to be. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted December 9, 2017 Report Share Posted December 9, 2017 (edited) I remember that well Steve ,Kennett and Niemi scoring 40 points out of a total of 46 Steve Naylor 2, Sigvart Pedersen1, Richard Greer 1, Eric Dugard 1, Dave Kennett 1 were the other scorers.Gordon Kennett was a rider who i would of loved to see ride for the Robins at his peak but it was not to be. Yes they were both awesome that day. Personally I feel Gordon should have moved to Swindon when White City closed rather than returning to Eastbourne. Ari Kopenen (Kai's bother-in-law) was an enigma throughout his career. Recall him starting at Birmingham and finishing at Swindon if I remember. Could beat the best on his day but could be inconsistent. Veijo Touriniemi was simply awful when he signed for 'The Budgies' but he showed tremendous promise down at Eastbourne. Edited December 9, 2017 by steve roberts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidney the robin Posted December 9, 2017 Report Share Posted December 9, 2017 Yes they were both awesome that day. Personally I feel Gordon should have moved to Swindon when White City closed rather than returning to Eastbourne. Ari Kopenen (Kai's bother-in-law) was an enigma throughout his career. Recall him starting at Birmingham and finishing at Swindon if I remember. Could beat the best on his day but could be inconsistent. Veijo Touriniemi was simply awful when he signed for 'The Budgies' but he showed tremendous promise down at Eastbourne. Koponen for me was in the Finn Jensen mould ( now he was an inigma) both so frustrating both had real talent Koponen did quite well for the Budgies but he could of been better than that. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Posted December 9, 2017 Report Share Posted December 9, 2017 Best Finn? Finn Thomsen Kai Niemi for me. In with a shout of the 85 world title up until his fifth ride. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iris123 Posted December 9, 2017 Report Share Posted December 9, 2017 Who is the plonker who nominated Timo Lahti??? :-p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
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.