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Your best speedway year


customhouseregular

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1976 for me. I had just left school and started my job and (of course) the long hot summer came along soon afterwards!

Watching PC dominate the league season and go on to take the title in Katowice - priceless.

It was also the year that Alan Wilkinson took another step forward to become a true heat leader.

Great racing at Hyde Road with brilliant visitors such as Jessup, D Morton, Simmons, Betts, Wyer and Olsen.

Happy days!

 

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8 hours ago, Garry1603 said:

1976 for me. I had just left school and started my job and (of course) the long hot summer came along soon afterwards!

Watching PC dominate the league season and go on to take the title in Katowice - priceless.

It was also the year that Alan Wilkinson took another step forward to become a true heat leader.

Great racing at Hyde Road with brilliant visitors such as Jessup, D Morton, Simmons, Betts, Wyer and Olsen.

Happy days!

 

Collins did he ever make the gate at Hyde Rd??? i often think he gets forgotten Garry certainly when Tai is concerned.With a bit of luck he could of won three world titles the thing with Peter was he was around with three legends in there pomp Ivan, Ole, Anders.He took it to them and was on a level with them also he was the most exciting rider to watch in the world.I don't know what has gone on but one of my greatest wishes would be for Belle Vue now to bury the hatchet with Peter and let's see him at the NSS on a regular basis.Was thinking god what would Peter be like at the NSS the track would be made for him he could pass anywhere inside or out.

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3 hours ago, Sidney the robin said:

Collins did he ever make the gate at Hyde Rd??? i often think he gets forgotten Garry certainly when Tai is concerned.With a bit of luck he could of won three world titles the thing with Peter was he was around with three legends in there pomp Ivan, Ole, Anders.He took it to them and was on a level with them also he was the most exciting rider to watch in the world.I don't know what has gone on but one of my greatest wishes would be for Belle Vue now to bury the hatchet with Peter and let's see him at the NSS on a regular basis.Was thinking god what would Peter be like at the NSS the track would be made for him he could pass anywhere inside or out.

I remember reading John Berry's comparison between Peter Collins and Chris Morton. He always thought that both could give opponents a head start at Hyde Road and overcome their lack of gating prowess but he did think that Peter could gate if he put his mind to it at tracks that were less complimentary whereas he felt Chris lacked that ability having to rely more than Peter on his ability to pass opponents. Apparently that was one reason when England boss he went with the inexperienced Kelvin Tatum rather than Chris during the World Pairs in 1985.

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For me, Tai was not a patch on PC. One was a rider who won all there was to win, turned up and proudly rode for their country winning ten world championship honours, and was the darling of the sport and further popularised it at the time. The other was, in comparison, someone who could not be arsed, as it was all about him. Sad but true.

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9 minutes ago, steve roberts said:

I remember reading John Berry's comparison between Peter Collins and Chris Morton. He always thought that both could give opponents a head start at Hyde Road and overcome their lack of gating prowess but he did think that Peter could gate if he put his mind to it at tracks that were less complimentary whereas he felt Chris lacked that ability having to rely more than Peter on his ability to pass opponents. Apparently that was one reason when England boss he went with the inexperienced Kelvin Tatum rather than Chris during the World Pairs in 1985.

Correct in parts. England never won it again after Chris and PC did the business for both their club, country and city.

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2 hours ago, steve roberts said:

I remember reading John Berry's comparison between Peter Collins and Chris Morton. He always thought that both could give opponents a head start at Hyde Road and overcome their lack of gating prowess but he did think that Peter could gate if he put his mind to it at tracks that were less complimentary whereas he felt Chris lacked that ability having to rely more than Peter on his ability to pass opponents. Apparently that was one reason when England boss he went with the inexperienced Kelvin Tatum rather than Chris during the World Pairs in 1985.

Great point Steve , even though he did not achieve as much as Peter ( he still had a fantastic career) for me as racers there was  not that much between them.Chris longevity wise was terrific a great team man and influence  and for excitement there were not to many better .His pass of Carter in the 1983 Northern riders championship ( on you tube) was sublime never tire of watching that.Also he beat Hans in the 1984 BLRC when Hans was getting near to being the superstar he was  no mean feat indeed.

Edited by Sidney the robin
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3 hours ago, one of clubs said:

For me, Tai was not a patch on PC. One was a rider who won all there was to win, turned up and proudly rode for their country winning ten world championship honours, and was the darling of the sport and further popularised it at the time. The other was, in comparison, someone who could not be arsed, as it was all about him. Sad but true.

Even as a Hyde Road regular I cannot vouch for the truth of that at all. Both great riders in different eras. But your black and white narrative is untrue and clouded in sentimentality.

PC opted out of British Speedway and riding for Belle Vue and England in 1981 and again in 85 (making himself only available for selection for the World Pairs if required). As I understand it, he was also ruthless in his financial negotiations with Belle Vue, even coming close to going to Leicester and King's Lynn in the 80s. PC did what was best for PC. Fair enough. It's a short career and he understood his value and leveraged it.

I'm sure Tai Woffinden has a similar approach. It's no coincidence that some of the most successful riders in the sport's history - Mauger, Briggs, Fundin, Olsen, Pedersen, Rickardsson all put themselves first and foremost. That's what separates the great from the very good. Just as PC is not Mr Perfect, neither is Tai Woffinden Dr Evil either. He has raised £100k for Great Ormond Street and £35 for Cancer Research UK. 

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19 hours ago, norbold said:

That's good news. So I didn't miss out on this great delicacy then.

 

4 hours ago, steve roberts said:

I remember reading John Berry's comparison between Peter Collins and Chris Morton. He always thought that both could give opponents a head start at Hyde Road and overcome their lack of gating prowess but he did think that Peter could gate if he put his mind to it at tracks that were less complimentary whereas he felt Chris lacked that ability having to rely more than Peter on his ability to pass opponents. Apparently that was one reason when England boss he went with the inexperienced Kelvin Tatum rather than Chris during the World Pairs in 1985.

I can confirm that pork sarnies not available at CH in the 60's. However as stated they were in the 80's. I came back to UK on vacation in 1989 and made a point of going to CH-always my favorite track to visit CH-great and friendly supporters always-wonderful place.. I was thus able to purchase one of these great delicacies, so I can confirm that Norbold -you missed the treat of a lifetime. Greetings to all CH forumlanders and thanx for the memories!!

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1 minute ago, BOBBATH said:

 

I can confirm that pork sarnies not available at CH in the 60's. However as stated they were in the 80's. I came back to UK on vacation in 1989 and made a point of going to CH-always my favorite track to visit CH-great and friendly supporters always-wonderful place.. I was thus able to purchase one of these great delicacies, so I can confirm that Norbold -you missed the treat of a lifetime. Greetings to all CH forumlanders and thanx for the memories!!

?

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2012 another good year for me. Swindon's first title for 45 years. The 2 Wessex clubs, Poole and Swindon, far ahead of everyone else. Swindon 7 points up from home leg in Wiltshire, keeping it tight down in Dorset. No Ward for Poole, no Doyle for Swindon. Swindonian Rosco collapsing on the track in tears. Hans Andersen fantastic captain.

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28 minutes ago, auntie doris said:

2012 another good year for me. Swindon's first title for 45 years. The 2 Wessex clubs, Poole and Swindon, far ahead of everyone else. Swindon 7 points up from home leg in Wiltshire, keeping it tight down in Dorset. No Ward for Poole, no Doyle for Swindon. Swindonian Rosco collapsing on the track in tears. Hans Andersen fantastic captain.

Just a shame that neither Oxford or Reading are involved now...cracking local derbies down the years. Now only "The Budgies" exist.

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On ‎4‎/‎15‎/‎2020 at 3:47 PM, norbold said:

When you say, Nordin was a newcomer, Sid, it is true that 1966 was his first year in the British League, but he was third in the World Championship in 1961 and 5th in 1962 and 1963, and Wimbledon's top scorer in 1964, so not really a newcomer. He was already a world class rider..

Nordin was certainly no newcomer to British speedway as he appeared on National League tracks as early as 1960.

https://bellevue-speedway.com/belle-vue-teams-1960s

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14 minutes ago, Split said:

Nordin was certainly no newcomer to British speedway as he appeared on National League tracks as early as 1960.

https://bellevue-speedway.com/belle-vue-teams-1960s

Yes Split you are totally right Nordin was reasonably hardened, but to go straight in like E.Boocock and get in a top ten was quite a step up the level was high.Going by what Eric Boocock said i sensed he didn't really know what to expect other than he was going to enjoy himself whatever the outcome.

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2 hours ago, falcace said:

Even as a Hyde Road regular I cannot vouch for the truth of that at all. Both great riders in different eras. But your black and white narrative is untrue and clouded in sentimentality.

PC opted out of British Speedway and riding for Belle Vue and England in 1981 and again in 85 (making himself only available for selection for the World Pairs if required). As I understand it, he was also ruthless in his financial negotiations with Belle Vue, even coming close to going to Leicester and King's Lynn in the 80s. PC did what was best for PC. Fair enough. It's a short career and he understood his value and leveraged it.

I'm sure Tai Woffinden has a similar approach. It's no coincidence that some of the most successful riders in the sport's history - Mauger, Briggs, Fundin, Olsen, Pedersen, Rickardsson all put themselves first and foremost. That's what separates the great from the very good. Just as PC is not Mr Perfect, neither is Tai Woffinden Dr Evil either. He has raised £100k for Great Ormond Street and £35 for Cancer Research UK. 

I'm getting tired of you coming up with such sensible and well thought-out posts. There is clearly no place for you on the BSF...

Edited by chunky
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36 minutes ago, chunky said:

I'm getting tired of you coming up with such sensible and well thought-out posts. There is clearly no place for you on the BSF...

Ha! Thank you Steve. Tbh, for the last couple of days I've spent more time on pork sandwich and crackling forums. :D

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48 minutes ago, falcace said:

Ha! Thank you Steve. Tbh, for the last couple of days I've spent more time on pork sandwich and crackling forums. :D

Can't say I blame you! Pork and stuffing sarny sounds good right about now...

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3 hours ago, chunky said:

I'm getting tired of you coming up with such sensible and well thought-out posts. There is clearly no place for you on the BSF...

Is it sensible really??? i see both sides of the argument do you really think Tai was as passionate of riding for Great Britain as Peter Collins.? No way in my opinion he kept his options open Tai for me in my humble opinion comes behind Craven, Collins, Lee, (i.e.) in my humble opinion he never EVER won a one off final.

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22 hours ago, Garry1603 said:

1976 for me. I had just left school and started my job and (of course) the long hot summer came along soon afterwards!

Watching PC dominate the league season and go on to take the title in Katowice - priceless.

It was also the year that Alan Wilkinson took another step forward to become a true heat leader.

Great racing at Hyde Road with brilliant visitors such as Jessup, D Morton, Simmons, Betts, Wyer and Olsen.

Happy days!

 

Just thought I'd mention that as great as PC was that year, crowned with a fully deserved world title, he wasn't the top Englishmen in the league. That accolade goes to John Louis, who topped the averages with 11.10, PC was 4th on 10.98. Head to head in the league that year JL won 3-0, including two wins at Hyde Road. Alan Wilkinson was the only BV rider to beat the Tiger. But quite agree that 1976 was a great year! 

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21 minutes ago, Shrub said:

Just thought I'd mention that as great as PC was that year, crowned with a fully deserved world title, he wasn't the top Englishmen in the league. That accolade goes to John Louis, who topped the averages with 11.10, PC was 4th on 10.98. Head to head in the league that year JL won 3-0, including two wins at Hyde Road. Alan Wilkinson was the only BV rider to beat the Tiger. But quite agree that 1976 was a great year! 

Great post Shrub Michael Lee when  he won his title,  Jessup.was the main man in 1980. Lee though  against Collins in 1980 that ride won him  the  title thinking back how did Lee win a world title in 1980 god knows.He got over that really bad injury he got at the 1980 NEC.indoor meeting and he came back and regrouped.

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