NickRushbrook 202 Posted December 11, 2015 Been watching a fair bit of him on YouTube recently and am aware he retired to become an actor. I wasn't aware however that he was so young. Was there ever any talk of a comeback etc? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gemini 4,894 Posted December 12, 2015 Don't think so, although his acting career didn't last very long. He was the darling of the Cradley Heath fans but he did leave them somewhat in the lurch from what I can remember as he didn't finish the season with them. I'm sure one of those fans will comment later. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KIRKYLANE 534 Posted December 12, 2015 (edited) He was the darling of British Speedway until the White City meeting where he threw points away to help his USA compatriots. Edited December 12, 2015 by KIRKYLANE 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
guitar_art 247 Posted December 12, 2015 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLvgbeYRbhc Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The White Knight 9,039 Posted December 12, 2015 I'll just say that there were other American Riders I liked better - and leave it at that. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vince 9,454 Posted December 12, 2015 I remember he constantly amazed me by getting drive off corners when other top riders struggled Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TonyMac 720 Posted December 13, 2015 Great rider, Mr Personality and the kind of charismatic character speedway is so badly lacking today. Some would argue the sport has never recovered from his abrupt departure in 1982. You can enjoy more than 100 of his races on our DVD - here's a taster: http://www.retro-speedway.com/extras/ytm_gallery/ytm.php?view=Cy_qtTbJDP4&p=1 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gemini 4,894 Posted December 13, 2015 He was the darling of British Speedway until the White City meeting where he threw points away to help his USA compatriots. I've never understood the hatred for this. If it had been one of the English lads helping a fellow rider no one would have complained. For instance if Peter Collins by losing a race could help Chris Morton also qualify then why not? Not doing it would be selfish. 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HenryW 1,178 Posted December 13, 2015 I've never understood the hatred for this. If it had been one of the English lads helping a fellow rider no one would have complained. For instance if Peter Collins by losing a race could help Chris Morton also qualify then why not? Not doing it would be selfish.I'm just guessing, but I think the biggest issue that the crowd had with that race was just how deliberate Bruce made it look. If he had ridden close to the others and looked like he was maybe making an effort he probably wouldn't have got the same abuse, it would just have been a big talking point about whether or not he tried. He made it blatant that he wasn't trying and the sporting Brits didn't like that one bit. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waiheke1 4,295 Posted December 13, 2015 Don't think so, although his acting career didn't last very long. He was the darling of the Cradley Heath fans but he did leave them somewhat in the lurch from what I can remember as he didn't finish the season with them. I'm sure one of those fans will comment later.Yep he handed the 82 bl title to the aces by missing the last heathens meetings. Thanks Bruce! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dave the Mic 258 Posted December 13, 2015 (edited) Great rider, no doubt. Not sure that his leaving was the start of the demise of British speedway-can't see that at all. The White City display was the nail in his coffin here. Never one of my favourites, but what told me all I need to know about him were his comments about Kenny Carter in an edition of back track. Carter did a terrible thing, but Penhall's comments were out of order. He never liked Carter and simply used that platform to vilify him. Poor taste from someone who should have known better. Edited December 14, 2015 by Dave the Mic 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted December 13, 2015 I'm just guessing, but I think the biggest issue that the crowd had with that race was just how deliberate Bruce made it look. If he had ridden close to the others and looked like he was maybe making an effort he probably wouldn't have got the same abuse, it would just have been a big talking point about whether or not he tried. He made it blatant that he wasn't trying and the sporting Brits didn't like that one bit. Yep he handed the 82 bl title to the aces by missing the last heathens meetings. Thanks Bruce! Whatever Penhall did - it was 33 years ago. Time to forgive - if that was needed? - and also forget but that doesn't happen in British sport generally and most certainly it doesn't seemingly in speedway?. USA-wise I fancy Prnhall was regarded as a patriot for helping his fellow countrymen? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SCB 0 Posted December 13, 2015 Great rider, no doubt. Not sure that his leaving was the start of the demise of British speedway-can't see that at all. The White City display was the nail in his coffin here. Never one of my favourites, but what told me all I need to know about him were his comments about Kenny Carter in an edition of back track. Carter did a terrible thing, but Penhalls comments were out of order. He never liked Cartwr and simply used that platfo to vilify him. Poor taste from someone who should have known better.I don't know what Penhall said but in guessing he pointed out that Carter was a prick for killing himself and his wife leaving his children without their parents. Well he was a prick, I say that as someone who has loved watching Kenny on video but try all you like, you'll not convince me he was anything but the lowest of the low as a person. As for Bruce, typical cheesy American for me. Didn't like him "as a person" from what I've seen on video and read. But as a rider, he could do magic things on a bike. As for the White City incident, numerous riders have done similar. Joe Screen shut off for Mark Loram in Poland to help him win a World title, Martin Dugard "had an EF" to get Havvy a point in the '99 overseas(?) final to allow Havvy to qualify. Hampel shut off in his last ride of the 2002ish U21 final to let a fellow Pole have a point to get him 3rd after Hampel had already won the title. It happens. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Starman2006 2,354 Posted December 13, 2015 As for the White City incident, numerous riders have done similar. Joe Screen shut off for Mark Loram in Poland to help him win a World title, Martin Dugard "had an EF" to get Havvy a point in the '99 overseas(?) final to allow Havvy to qualify. Hampel shut off in his last ride of the 2002ish U21 final to let a fellow Pole have a point to get him 3rd after Hampel had already won the title. It happens. You are right about Screeny helping Mark to win the 2000 World title, but any fellow countryman would do the same.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted December 13, 2015 You are right about Screeny helping Mark to win the 2000 World title, but any fellow countryman would do the same.. Very true. As I said previously - it's time to forgive-and-forget Bruce Penhall and his support of fellow Americans 33 years ago. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
