salty

Eric Boocock could fit the bill for someone who retired too early ? Further to Falcace's point, you could argue no one who walks away fit and healthy from Speedway has retired too soon.

Two more who left British Speedway too early? Kristian Praestbro and Phil Collins.

Penhall the obvious one as is the aforementioned Dag. In terms of his English career what about Ulf Lovaas? Others to consider....Jim Airey (again in terms of his British career), Dave Shields, Wayne Brown, David Biles, Dave Tyler.

But not quite so professional to night. Did she not call Broc Nicol, Nicol Broc?

Fingers crossed for a full recovery. Get well soon Dicko.

Sad,sad news, RIP.

Just wishing to pick the brains of the BSP gang. Last week in the Star's feature on "Greatest Gaffers" Peter made reference to a rule whereby in 1982 BL teams could name four reserves and use any two of them in a meeting. I don't have any recollection of that rule myself, though I can remember Cradley declaring their numbers 8,9 and 10. Anybody got a better memory?

Aye, Gledhill was a reserve at the start of the season but struggled and was replaced by Verner half way through. The other reserve at the beginning was Reid but he got injured early on and was covered by the aforementioned Jackson, Barratt etc until he recovered. Joe Owen (the declared number 8) was used just once to replace Penhall early in the season. Checked what few programmes I have after Penhall's leaving and you're correct re him being covered by R/R - if I remember right Cradley had a bit of a battle to get the facility. I'm guessing Wigg was only used sparingly as they didn't want him to jigger his average for 1983?

" My one big regret is falling out with Charles. I think it was 1982, it was when BL teams could name four reserves and use any two of them for any meeting. One of my four was Simon Wigg. It was near the end of the season...." Goes onto explain that Ochiltree wanted to know the team a week before so he could print extra programmes. Adams offered him six names but wasn't sure on the seventh. Ochiltree replies "It better not be Simon Wigg". Of course it was. I'll dig out my programmes to see if that can shed any light. I know Cradley had started the season with Joe Owen as number 8, Drury at 9 and Pullen at 10 and used a number of riders to cover injuries to Andy Reid at reserve - Wayne Jackson and Bill Barratt spring to mind.

Adams definitely quotes 1982. The context was that Charles Ochiltree contacted him a week prior to Cradley's visit to Brandon to find out which reserves would be riding. Adams said he declined to confirm and subsequently he and Ochiltree never spoke again. He mentions the use of Wigg, but as I recall he was only used following Penhall's departure and not as a replacement for one of the other reserves.

Sad to hear this, but what a life! RIP Olle.

Cradley v Newport September 1968. Heathens - Graham Coombes, Chris Julian have passed away. Bob Andrews, Roy Trigg, Ken Wakefield, Alan Totney and Archie Wilkinson still with us afaik Wasps - Jimmy Gooch (rider replacement that evening), Cyril Francis, Bob Hughes and Alby Golden have passed Norman Strachan, Jon Erskine and Tommy Sweetman (guest) still around.

King's Lynn v Leicester 1980. Two excellent rides from Colin... 1980 Kings Lynn v Leicester BL, Heat 8. - YouTube 1980 Kings Lynn v Leicester BL, Heat 2 - YouTube Make that 3 1980 Kings Lynn v Leicester BL, Heat 6 - YouTube

With Clark Osborne involved the only thing that would surprise me is if they end up with the promised new stadium.

Sad to hear. Thoughts with all family and friends.

Halsgrove Publishing: Saving Speedway, General List, 9780857043481

I think its getting posted out this week.

"Scotsman's Bonk"

A super rider and, by all accounts, a smashing fella. RIP.

I might be wrong, but when the short lived London Lions rode at the short lived London Stadium I think the pits were in front of the main grandstand. Certainly can remember away riders being situated there.

Sad he's leaving the sport, but glad he's fit and healthy. Loved watching him celebrate the title this year and have really enjoyed his riding over the years.

Saw him riding for Cradley at the start of 1981. It was sad to see him struggling so much, Peter Adams ran out of patience and replaced him with John McNeill. Prefer to remember the quality rider he was in his pomp round Owlerton.

Brafield still operating....http://www.spedeworth.co.uk/venue.php?name=northampton Sorry to hear of Pete's passing. RIP

Superb footage. Thanks for posting.

Funnily enough I watched some footage of the 1982 Overseas Final the other day and was struck by how many helmet colours were off within a lap or two. One of the things that have improved over the years.