OGT

Track was decent in 85 but the stox ruined it the following year. The location was indeed, awful. As was the "stadium".

Google? How does that work then?

True, watched it on DVD s couple of times and didn't think the racing was as good as I remembered.

Wow, what an incredible speedway meeting! Credit to Panthers for digging deep when under the cosh.

Kelv says "speedway out of the top drawer" so often, I'm surprised he's not sponsored by IKEA!

I remember his first rides at Perry Barr in 73, progress the following year on the BSA then a JAWA, then exploding onto the scene in 75. His broken thigh in 76 halted his rise up the ranks, returned in 77 them moved to the Heathens and the rest is history. Such a shame to lose him. My sympathies go out to the Grahame family.

My word, I'm responsible for the last comment on there! How times change, unfortunately.

Blimey!

This'll bring the crowds back! Not a brilliant advert for the sport really.

Exciting stuff so far.............

There are many reasons why speedway is struggling in Brum. The size of the city is no guarantee of support. Pick up the stadium and plonk it in the middle of Dudley and it'd be packed out for every match.

With the "Athletes Village" over the road nearing completion, I'm wondering if Brum Speedway could suffer the way other venues have when new residents move into earshot of a Motorsports event. It would be such a shame after all the hard work done by Tony Mole and his team a few years ago regarding the noise issues.

He did, I watched the documentary.

I bet the winner can't be at the ceremony and they have to bring someone else in!

Absolutely.

4 guests and R/R says it all really. Sadly

Ooh yes, not long now, Allez x3

Friday night was Motocross night

What would these riders have made of the Wheels, 1986 vintage?

If they turned up in Brum, the track would disappear way before midnight.

You'll find that in BSB for example, a lot of fans make a weekend of it by camping at the circuit from Friday/ Saturday until Sunday. Many will follow the series around the country too. Obviously a good proportion of fans are also motorcyclists, following their favourite rider, manufacturer or team. Then of course you have your locally based fans attending the whole weekend. Could never see speedway fans supporting two day events in this way and in those numbers TBH. Motorcycle racing fans and speedway supporters are different gravy.

*Coughs* Andy Grahame, Birmingham and Milton Keynes. 1979.

Derek Timms once told me about a rider who gave his engine to someone claiming to be a tuner. It was a set up by some of his team mates as he was constantly moaning about his bike. The "tuner" did nothing more than polish the casings, cylinder and barrel so the engine had a mirror finish. The guy fell for it and claimed it was a lot faster than it was before!

I have to say, Brady Kurtz's fuel cap is a lovely shade of blue.

What was his shirt like?