moomin man 76 171 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted December 8, 2017 (edited) Best Finnish riders I have seen: Antti Pajari Timo Laine Edited December 8, 2017 by Guest Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sidney the robin 4,735 Posted December 8, 2017 Kai Niemi with Ila Teromaa (before injury the next best ). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve roberts 9,242 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BOBBATH 466 Posted December 8, 2017 Kai Niemi for me 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatface 2,549 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
f-s-p 832 Posted December 8, 2017 After that, Id probably go for Miko Baste. Miko who? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve roberts 9,242 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grachan 7,314 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
norbold 7,100 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waiheke1 4,295 Posted December 9, 2017 Kai Nieme without a doubt for me, though Miko Baste is a great shout. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chunky 6,086 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve roberts 9,242 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! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
