norbold 7,057 Posted May 19, 2014 I saw him a few times in league matches and big events and would agree absolutely with Wessex Wanderer's view. It's exactly what I would have said. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chunky 6,018 Posted May 20, 2014 Anyone know why he packed it in so early? I've often wondered................................................... It was always Jim's ambition to become World Champion. After riding in the Final, he said he knew he was never going to be good enough to do so, and there was no real point in continuing in the sport. Steve Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The White Knight 9,039 Posted May 20, 2014 It was always Jim's ambition to become World Champion. After riding in the Final, he said he knew he was never going to be good enough to do so, and there was no real point in continuing in the sport. Steve Oh! Thank you Steve. Ian. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Third Man 2,211 Posted May 22, 2014 (edited) i think for business reasons WK ? he did i believe ride in a Daily Mirror series in 1973? for the Aussies style wise not a typical Aussie but a world class rider.He averaged 10.86 and 10.74 in 1970 and 71. ( 27 full maximums in two years pretty impressive. How good was he at Owlerton Third Man? his away average was pretty impressive as well. excellant at home as well as away, great to be able to go away and know a rider would be able to compete with the away teams best riders hi averages in 70 and 71 were amazing considering the amount of matches rode, was it 36 league meetings then?, and with the standard of riders in the league at that time thought the reason given at the time for not coming back was something to do with a business in Australia Edited May 22, 2014 by The Third Man Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stratton 1,491 Posted May 22, 2014 excellant at home as well as away, great to be able to go away and know a rider would be able to compete with the away teams best riders hi averages in 70 and 71 were amazing considering the amount of matches rode, was it 36 league meetings then?, and with the standard of riders in the league at that time thought the reason given at the time for not coming back was something to do with a business in Australia i thought business,he was offered good money a few times but relented and never changed his mind.You are right the league was tough also a huge variations of tracks then very tough competition. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ARU777 0 Posted May 24, 2014 Jim Airey, I saw him when he rode for Wolves against Glasgow maybe 1967, very good rider, tall if I remember correct and he was someone who had raced on tarmac. I see to remember a photo of him in the Speedway Star on a 250 or 500 cc road racer. Wolves were the first team I saw that had their riders customise their leathers .... a simple stripe of orange leather down the legs and arms of their leathers ... jet set stuff!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iris123 20,855 Posted December 15, 2019 Interesting piece on Jim including the tragic story of his great friend Gordon Guasco https://amcn.com.au/editorial/where-are-they-now-jim-airey-king-of-the-speedway-royale/ 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Garry1603 353 Posted December 15, 2019 He was certainly a great rider. I used to enjoy him riding in Sheffield's visits to Hyde Road. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lastword 200 Posted December 15, 2019 2 hours ago, Garry1603 said: He was certainly a great rider. I used to enjoy him riding in Sheffield's visits to Hyde Road. Me too. From memory he was particularly adept at hugging the white line. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Garry1603 353 Posted December 15, 2019 12 minutes ago, lastword said: Me too. From memory he was particularly adept at hugging the white line. Didn't he also wear black leathers? - quite 'old school' Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chadster 221 Posted December 15, 2019 Really fast starter. I remember seeing him comprehensively outgate Ivan Mauger at Hyde Road. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sidney the robin 4,735 Posted December 15, 2019 Airey. was very good at the big fast Sydney showground he won four Australian title's and in his last one in 1972 he beat Ole Olsen to win it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites