fatface

Lee was good in 1983. Very good. And at times, downright brilliant. I don't think he was the best rider in the world that year. That was probably Hans Nielsen. But he was back in the mix for sure and it would have been much more interesting having a motivated Lee, an active Penhall, a fit and stable Carter and a fit Sigalos around for a few more years to challenge and possibly beat Gundersen and Nielsen.

Don't know how others see it, but looking back that final was the end of an era. Not just Penhall's career, but the end of the sport being in the national consciousness. The Penhall-Carter rivalry was national news and thereafter, the interest just seemed to fall away quite rapidly. Four years on and the World Final was not even televised.

Agree. Barely legible. As a commentator, absolutely iconic.

One of those areas in which the yanks do it so much better than us.... I give you.... "Cowboy" Cook "Sudden" Sam "Showtime" Bobby Ott As opposed to...erm... Havvy Woffy Wiggy

Yes, definitely been completely redeveloped, but still on the same footprint.

You (and others) might be interested to see some pics I got from Slaski at the weekend. It's obviously a very different modern stadium to the one that hosted many World Finals. But it still teems with history....the cable cars running by the stadium were something that rung a bell with me. There are also several homages to speedway's history in the stadium, though interestingly, very little about PC's, Ivan Mauger's or Hans Nielsen's wins...most of it was around Jerzy Szczakiel's win.

Surely no-one can beat Zielona Gora's use of a prominent Disney star...they are literally taking the Mickey

Good ones. There's also something quality about the 81 World Final programme. I also really, really liked the cover for the 1984 Exeter Speedway programme....I'm not entirely convinced they got the full approval of Bruce Penhall Still very nicely done though.

Gotta be Bruce Penhall. With respect to the previous book on him, there's a more expansive story or two there to be told.

Thanks Tony. Appreciate the reply. Hope the whole project comes out well for you and PC.

Thanks Tony. Yes, on the face of it, every word above is true. I am a sucker for sport nostalgia and former sportsmen and women who can be a bit, let's say franker, with their opinions when their career is long gone. But I think there's an elephant in the room in this instance. And it comes down to this... Are the thoughts and opinions of PC consistent with those held prior to his brain haemorrhage or not? And if there is any doubt and his clarity of thought is not what it should be, then I (as a fan) would be uncomfortable in things going into print as a permanent reminder of a guy who is the nearest the sport has to a national treasure. Oddly enough, this time next week, I'll actually be at Slaski Stadium, scene of PC's greatest triumph. I will take a moment or two to figure out where he passed Simmo and where he was chaired by fellow riders after a comprehensive and conclusive win. I - like most 70s/80s fans - hold hugely fond memories of him as one of the most spectacular and brilliant riders in the sport we all love. I hope that continues to be the over-riding feeling most of us retain long into the future.

Hmmm. I don't know. This is a book that should have been written before now. I don't think the unedited thoughts of the PC of today should be committed to print. I fear it will not be a fair reflection on one of the sport's greats nor on others too. And I'll leave it at that.

Same here. Many happy hours leafing through Backtrack over the years. I have to be honest and say the quality has tailed off recently, with "The Life and Times..." little more than a rehash. But overall, it has been a very enjoyable read. Coupled with some excellent books under the same operation, especially the Kenny Carter and John Berry books, its a great body of work to be proud of. Well done Tony and Susie.

Some stuff I've hung on to. But more I've got rid of and regretted. I've still got a Chris Morton oil painting by Dave Ellis. Still got a Mort programme board by Speedart. Ones I have pangs of regret to have shifted on via ebay or otherwise are: Mike Patrick "World of Speedway" book which was packed with signed pages; PC, Carter, Mauger, Morans, Crump, Schwartz, Nielsen, Knudsen, Wigg, Mort, Gundersen etc. Soren Sjosten testimonial programme in mint condition signed by Sjosten Chris Morton Testimonial body colour signed Chris Morton England body colour signed

Some great tributes and kind words on this thread. There are real parallels in Nigel's passing and that of a successful cycling journalist I knew who also recently passed away far too early. 52 is certainly no age. But in that short time, he is someone who got his head above the parapet, crammed a lot into a short life, achieved a great deal and leaves behind a body of work to be proud of. That's something we can all draw inspiration from.

Very sad news for the sport. A real enthusiast and ambassador. I thought he was an excellent commentator. In what is an incredibly difficult job, he was knowledgeable, engaging and with a tempo that often perfectly complimented the action. He also had an obvious chemistry with Kelvin Tatum that worked brilliantly. He should rightly be remembered as the voice of speedway, particularly in the GP era. Condolences to those closest to him.

Harsh. Yet fair

It's not an easy job commentating at all. I've had a couple of very small dabbles at it. It's really not easy at all. You can plan, but are ultimately on the hoof. You are there to be shot at for what you say in the immediacy of a moment. I think speedway is pretty lucky in this regard. Back in the day, Dave Lanning called it brilliantly and I think Nigel and Kelvin are very good too. Pearson's voice suits the fast moving nature of the sport and he and Tatum have obvious chemistry. Of course, it's horses for courses...what works for speedway wouldn't work for other sports. Peter Allis, for example, was perfect for golf...

I don't envy you that bit of research. Glad you did though. Makes interesting reading. I kinda feel like I should have got Mort too. What is also says to me is what a stalwart Chris Harris has been for each club. I've seen him copping some flak on here many times. But he truly is a throwback rider, never giving less than 100% for each club. Plus delivering some of the most exciting moments in league speedway in the modern era.

Leigh Adams? Hans Andersen? Chris Harris? I admit I am guessing!

Tell you what...I'll have you a bet on that. Double it if you like? If there's less than 10k at Sunday's GP2 I'll give £100 to the Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund. If it's more than 10k you hand over 100 notes to the same charity. Deal?

When life gives you Lemons.....

I know. Sick as a pig.

Having a browse through Peter Oakes' excellent history of British League Speedway book the other night. Found it interesting to see some teams that look the part and actually turned out to be not up to much. Also, the opposite, teams that looks pretty ordinary, but actually really clicked. Two examples... King's Lynn 1988 - Lance King, John Davis, Bo Petersen, Richard Knight, Allan Johannsen, Stephen Davies, Adrian Stevens - effectively four heat leaders and two really solid second strings. Finished 9th/11 Long Eaton 1984 - Dave Perks, Graham Drury, Paul Stead, Chris Piddock. Miles Evans, David Tyler, Mark Stevenson, John Frankland - mostly past their best, middle of road or untried...bottom in 1983, champions in 1984 Anyone else got any examples that drained away the start of year optimism or pessimism... ?

Cradley, Wembley, Bristol, Meadowbank, Trelawny.