briggo

1. Scott Autrey 2. Bruce Penhall and 3. Sumner McKnight - bizarre choice I have to admit, but when he pitched up at Swindon back in '73 he certainly made quite an impression on me and my chums.....colourful leathers, colourful bikes, fantastic sideburns...........oh, how we wanted him not to come last in darn near every race he had in the Robins racejacket! He deserves one vote for all that effort.

Most people of my age can remember where they were and what they were doing when Kennedy was assasinated, when Elvis died, when the Berlin Wall came down. I can't. But I do remember when I heard about poor Tommy. Enough said, RIP.

The obvious question is .......... Bernie Persson, Wembley, 1972.....his thoughts. Probably already well documented............. Also, as a Robins fan : His thoughts on leaving Swindon........ Returning to Swindon as a Wimbledon rider in 1974........ His relationship with Martin Ashby......(early doors, a bit rocky apparently) His thoughts on son Tony's career........

Was going to vote for Jack Parker, but I have just read an article on Tom Farndon (written by John Chaplin), never realised just how good he was. Tom Farndon gets my vote. With you all the way on this one Norbold!

RIP

I think Mike Keen is worth mentioning in this topic. So, o.k. he was never a top notch rider, but on occassions when he was fit and flying he could dice it with the best of them, especially at Blunsdon. He always seemed to get niggling little injuries that would set him back for a while. Late on in his career he often struggled to come back from these injuries and was never quite the same rider. Injury free he could have been a quality third heat leader for many a year, in my opinion.

Jim McMillan Henny Kroeze Briggo - surely worth a page or two, still world class in the early 70's Nigel Boocock Bruce Cribb Bob Kilby

Jan Holub Milan Spinka Jiri Stancl Jan Verner Vaclav Verner not sure if Antonin Svab rode over here though

Puma23, I can't see Gary Peterson on that last list you posted..........

Wasn't there an Ove Olsen who rode for Birmingham mid 70's?

Anyone mentioned Alan Sorensen, rode one match for Swindon in 1974

Did Bryce Subrtizky ever ride over here?

Bill Andrew Bob Andrews

......and Dave Gifford (born in Herne Bay, but emigrated to NZ when a youngster I believe)

Roger Abel Robin Adlington Roger Austin Bruce Cribb Colin Farquharson Mike Fullerton Jack Millen Larry Ross Frank Shuter Graeme Smith Graeme Stapleton Jim Wells Roger Wright and not forgetting Gary Peterson

Sumner McKnight, Rick Woods, Dewayne Keeter............any word? They kinda sunk without trace. If only Rick had stayed longer, he was surely a better prospect than Scott Autrey, who stayed, and proved himself to be one of the best. Steve and Mike Bast also, unbeatable at home, if only...... Was it the love of the small tracks or the big bucks that stunted their careers?

Probably a daft question, but have you tried eBay?

I didn't start this thread to debunk certain riders, I apologise if people have taken it that way (or maybe hijacked the thread that way!). If you look at my original post, I was pondering whether certain Americans had the potential or even guts to succeed over here. However, not aware that DeWayne Keeter had sadly lost his life. Unfullfilled potentail certainly. I was always led to believe that Sumner McKnight was a bit of a playboy millionaire, who took up speedway for kicks............ And finally, Rick Woods could surely have been better than Scott.........we will never know

From my time reguarly attending speedway (Blunsdon 1971 to 1977), I have to say I thought Ole Olsen's leathers were pretty cool, as were the late great Tommy Jansson. Always had a soft spot for Briggo's, but absolutely hated Ray Wilson's, the Bostik episode, what was all that about.....horrible. Always respected Nigel Boocock in his consistent blue and Broady in his red, but was never sure of Brian Leonard in his whites.....shocking. What were your likes and dislikes and why? Whilst I'm on this thread, who first started the trend of wearing the colourful "winged" boots that everyone wore in the 70's......design classic in my opinion. Over to you Briggo

Tony, How about an article on riders from lesser known speedway countries. I can think of three who spring to mind....Henny Kroeze, Peter Prinsloo, Ila Teromaa. I'm sure there must be many more Your thoughts please

A long-shot I know, but when I started watching Swindon back in '71, the track announcer was a certain Graham Guthrie. And as a young kid, I thought he was superb, entertaining, yet always fair. My question is, really about his life, how he got started in speedway, how he crafted his technique, anything really will be greatly appreciated. I know he sadly passed away circa 1974, so I'm not holding out too much hope. It also begs a question of this forum (apologies if it has been asked before), but who do you rate as the best ever track/stadium announcer

Brian Leonard, James Bond and Mick Handley. Not household names I know, but solid back up from my early years at Blunsdon. Also Edgar Stangeland, a rider who never quite fulfilled his potential, what is he up to? All info greatly appreciated

Bit of an odd one 'Briggo' Neither Stangeland or Handley rode for Swindon before 1973 and 'you' left in 1972!! <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I've been rumbled frigbo. I first saw the great Briggo back in '71, but can't remeber who we had as second strings back then. Mike Keen, Clive Hitch, Billy Wall, Ralph Waller perhaps?