squibby

Is there anyone out there as old as me, and who was a Mildenhall supporter back in 1981 ? I recently acquired a medallion in silver metal, with a speedway rider in the centre. The background is a mustard colour. On the reverse is engraved " 1981 " and " B. Coles ". I believe Bob Coles started at Mildenhall in the 1981 season, but things did not work out and he moved to Exeter. I wondered if Mildenhall may have given one of these medallions to each of their riders at the start of the season? I think this because there is no engraving saying " winner " or similar, so I don't think it was for a meeting as such. Any help would be much appreciated ! Thanks.

One of the best posts I've ever read on this Forum. You are so right about divisions between promoters within the BSPA, and imho it is this, along with the lack of an independent overall governing body, that is slowly but surely killing the sport we all love. As for the Govier situation, I suspect that his ' representative ' was his father. As a youngster he had a lot of talent on the grass, but now has far too high an opinion of himself and his shale abilities. He will be extraordinarily fortunate if he is kept on now by the Warriors. More power to Barry and Martin. They deserve every success.

Was that the same Busk-Jakobsen that rode so well for Kings Lynn as a guest in the EL on Monday night ??? Maybe his bikes were down on power tonight as a result ?

I think it is unwise of you to make such sweeping condemnation from, as you say, a distance. Mr Short may have been the mouthpiece at this time, but I think you will find that he is far from the villain of the piece on this occasion. I have to agree, though, that the timing of the announcement is strange.

Does anybody out there have any photos of the late Frank Andersen during his time at Exeter in 1989 and/or at Peterborough in 1990, please ? I have recently acquired an upright Godden GR500 dating from that period, and my plan is to restore it as a replica in memory of Frank. To do this, I need to see the colour schemes, sponsors etc he was using, so any colour photos of him with his bike would be very useful. I am happy to pay a sensible amount, including postage, even for a copy if you don't want to part with the originals. Thanks for reading this. Myles

Hey Tracy Bird - you may have hit on the answer !! I'll look into that possibility a bit more. Thanks.

Thanks for that. I thought it may have been Mildenhall due to the colour scheme, but clearly not. I came to the same conclusion as regards a lack of medal winning by Bob that year. Looks like it will remain a mystery unless I can ask Bob himself sometime !

Personally, I think it would be in the best interests of speedway in general, and particularly of those trying to resurrect Exeter Falcons at present, to avoid idle speculation as to where the possible site of any new track may be. It is hard enough to get planning approval etc without well-meaning ( or otherwise ) folk trying to publicly guess the whereabouts of the site. Just my opinion.

Whatever else Danny doesn't do next year at Glasgow, he will always give 100% effort in every race. He rode against us ( Exeter Falcons 2015 ) in a challenge v. a Cradley Select at Somerset and was their matchwinner, frankly. We then had him in our team against a Somerset Select later. He had two broken chains which restricted his scoring, but his efforts in heats 13 and 15 won him the "Most Entertaining Rider" award. Good luck Danny !!

Has anyone out there got an old-style bog standard Jawa throttle, late 1970s period, they might sell me please ? Cheers.

Many thanks for that info. Much appreciated ! Will investigate further.

I have just prepped the side cover from my Jawa 895 four-valve motor ready for repaint, and found after getting off all the surface corrosion that it has a logo impressed from behind under the '500' that the factory put there. It has KWP along with a circle and what looks a lot like a paperclip ! Don't suppose anyone out there recognises this logo, please ? Maybe an engine tuner ? It would probably have been in the very late 1970s, or first half of the 80s, I guess. Thanks people.

Absolutely - could not agree more. I know our sport is called Speedway, but the pursuit of ultimate speed is not the be all and end all. First and foremost is rider safety, then entertainment value for us paying punters. How about a return to the 1970s situation, when engine tuning was minimal by comparison to today, engines ( upright ! ) could do many meetings before needing overhaul, tracks had more dirt, rear tyres had more tread depth, handlebars were wider ? Race times would be maybe 5 seconds slower, but riders would have much more control, especially in 'awkward' moments. Back then, you rarely saw a bike suddenly leap away from its rider, with a mind of its own, like they do so often now. Today, you are either in control, or not, there is no in between. Forty years ago, if a bike began to go out of control, the rider invariably had a brief period where he could try to regain that control. If he did not, he usually had managed to scrub off speed, so that the fall, and the impact, was much reduced, and he would be able to dust himself down and walk away much more often than now. A further benefit would be a significant reduction in costs to riders. It may help more to take up the sport, and to stay in it despite a few setbacks. Imho the racing would be more entertaining as well, with the emphasis back on how good the rider's ability is, not how big his wallet is. You may well say that all the above is wishful thinking, or indeed just rubbish ! Whatever your thoughts, it is time for the BSPA to say enough is enough, and do something to significantly reduce the terrible number of serious injuries riders are enduring. My thoughts, as are everyone's , are with Lewis and his family. I don't pray usually, but have made an exception on this occasion. Please let there be a really positive outcome.

Many thanks for the info. Much appreciated !!

I am hoping that someone out there has a copy of the DVD of this meeting, the last away win by The Falcons before their demise. Can anyone help please ??

The Met Office website for tomorrow says some rain between 10am and midday, and maybe a shower or two again around 3pm, but by 6pm it gives glorious sunshine right through the evening ( well, until it gets dark at least ! ). So, it is looking ok for the first 15-heat meeting for Exeter Falcons since 2005. OK, I know it is only a Select side, but it will still be a night to remember !!

Sadly, no they haven't, at least not yet ! Just teams using the old names to keep them in the 'public eye' for now.

Wish you wouldn't say things like that - it reminds me of the dear old County Ground, Exeter !!

Janowski won the meeting but didn't win the title. Why do we have to have a semi-final and final ?? Bring back the good old days when getting the most points from your five rides was good enough.

Michael rather enjoyed his reputation of being a man who was tough as old boots, I fancy. I was at the IOW v. Falcons meeting the night Michael had the big crash into the fence on bends 3/4. I was attempting to 'spanner' for Krister Marsh. It was a big impact on the fence. However, my recollection was that Michael, true to form, was very reluctant to go to hospital, or indeed stay there, and have the proper tests, X-rays etc. Consequently, it was only some years later that it was discovered just how many times he had damaged vertebrae in his back and not realised just how much of a problem it was in reality. I sponsored Mike for one season for £5 a point ( 2001 ) to top up the deal Colin Hill had offered him, and to secure his services for another year, so I am not having a go at him here. He scored heavily home and away, so it wasn't pin money ! I'm just saying that he was sometimes his own worst enemy where injuries were concerned. I think I know Mike well enough to say that if he was honest, he'd agree with me. I would like to think that the Ben Fund organisers could see their way clear to helping him out. Maybe not as much as for the likes of those riders who are using wheelchairs, but some help. Whether Mike's pride would allow him to accept help is another matter. He was hugely popular during his years at Exeter, and I'm still a fan. All the very best Mike, if you are reading this.

Does anyone know what happened about the autobiography that Dave Morton was supposed to be bringing out ? Did it happen ? I've not seen or heard anything for ages now, after the piece in the Star about launching the book in conjunction with the new stadium at Belle Vue. Thanks.

My humble apologies for scaring anyone - most certainly not my intention of course. Taken on board for the future.

Does anyone know what happened about the autobiography that Dave Morton was supposed to be bringing out ? Did it happen ? I've not seen or heard anything for ages now, after the piece in the Star about launching the book in conjunction with the new stadium at Belle Vue. Thanks.

Those damn squibs get everywhere - pesky things !! :wink:

I remember seeing Billy Bales way back when. Mind you, a pair of binoculars helped, as he was so small. I think you'll find Ray was his son and yes, he was small too. Both very good riders though.