Grachan 7,362 Posted June 25, 2003 The recent impressive debut by Janusz Duckbilledplattypusz at Reading reminded me of the time Swindon planned to sign a new rider back in the 70s. I can’t remember the name of their intended target – something like Kenneth Samualsson (?) – who was touring with the Kaparna side. They went to watch him, but in the end decided not to take him but to go with another young Swede who had impressed in the tour matches. The unknown youngster was duly signed up, and promptly shot out of the start to win his first ever race at Blunsdon and become an instant hit with the fans. His name? Jan Andersson, no less. Can anyone recall any other impressive debuts, or, for that matter, less impressive ones, from riders who went on to prove something special? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Leg Trailer 5 Posted June 25, 2003 Micheal Blixt (where did he dissapear to?) Tomasz Gollob Edward Kennet (one to watch!) LT. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grachan 7,362 Posted June 25, 2003 It's true - big things were expected of Blixt weren't they, but he never truly became the big star that was expected. Not exactly a debut, but I remember there was a USA v Rest of the World match at the Houston Astrodome many years ago and an American called Jeff Sexton came out and was beating everybody - yet was to all intents and purposes never heard of again (or at least not by me anyway). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
frigbo 518 Posted June 25, 2003 Oxford tried to sign Jeff Sexton in 1976, didn't materialise for some reason and he dissappeared into oblivion. Mikael Blixt was badly injured riding for Berwick in the early 90's and had to pack in. Jimmy Nilsen's debut in a pairs event in '85 was pretty hot (9+2)!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
orion 7,615 Posted June 25, 2003 fribo's debut in the cycle speedway match v the headley hawks in 85 four from four outings never to be seen again after getting pissed at poole Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
frigbo 518 Posted June 25, 2003 Ah! a cracking performance considering i could barely see straight!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
norbold 7,116 Posted June 25, 2003 Less impressive debut: Terry Betts for Norwich. He rode in four meetings in 1960 and did not score a single point. Didn't improve much in 1961. Then... He suddenly came good in one match in 1962 away at Belle Vue. On a night when Ove Fundin managed to score just four points, Betts scored a 15 point maximum including two victories over Peter Craven on his home track. Craven was later to win the World Championship that year. From then on Bettsy never looked back. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flying scotsman 2 Posted June 25, 2003 Mikael Blixt was badly injured riding for Berwick in the early 90's and had to pack in. A huge shame that such an exciting riders career was cut so short. He was an instant hit with the Peterborough fans for the short time he was there. I thought I had heard that Mikael was still involved in speedway as an engine tuner these days? Can anyone confirm that? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
norbold 7,116 Posted June 26, 2003 More impressive debut: John Louis. In each of the first two matches he ever rode in he scored seven points. He finished his debut season as Ipswich's top scorer with 7 full and 1 paid maximum. He also took the Silver Helmet during the season and successfully defended it seven times. In his second season he averaged 11.31, easily topping the league averages, scoring 21 full and 4 paid maximums on the way. He successfully defended the Silver Helmet 25 times and won the Division Two Riders' Championship. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grachan 7,362 Posted June 26, 2003 Wasn't the story with John Louis that he broke into Foxhall Stadium, stole the track spare and started riding around the track? When he was approached he thought he was in trouble but they signed him up instead. Not sure how true that is though - may have just been a PR tale. I remember what must have been Bruce Penhall's UK debut. He came over with Mike Bast for an Overseas Final at White City. Both of them were well out of their depth and they managed just one point between them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gemini 4,894 Posted June 26, 2003 Believe he started racing quite late too. Wasn't he about 27 or 28? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff. 2 Posted June 26, 2003 I remember what must have been Bruce Penhall's UK debut. He came over with Mike Bast for an Overseas Final at White City. Both of them were well out of their depth and they managed just one point between them. It was actually the 1977 Inter Continental Final Grachan. Hard to believe that within five years of that inauspicious debut Bruce had been twice world champion, possibly the most recognisable speedway racer of the modern era and retired to become a movie star. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
norbold 7,116 Posted June 26, 2003 Wasn't the story with John Louis that he broke into Foxhall Stadium, stole the track spare and started riding around the track? When he was approached he thought he was in trouble but they signed him up instead. Not sure how true that is though - may have just been a PR tale. May I quote from that excellent book, 'Speedway in East Anglia' by...the name of the author escapes me at the moment...: "It was in 1969 that John Louis was approached and asked if he would like to have a go at speedway. In spite of being a top local scrambler, Louis was very reluctant to have a go. In the end he agreed to a trial session on condition that it was held after a meeting; that all the stadium lights had to be turned off for ten minutes so that all the spectators would leave and then, and only then, would he try his hand. All the conditions were met, but Louis got scared and joined the crowd by going home instead! Eventually, he was persuaded to ride in a second-half event and the rest, as they say, is history." I believe that is the true story of Louis' debut! And yes, Gem, he was quite old. 28 I think, but not sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatface 2,554 Posted June 26, 2003 A 16-year-old Joe Screen made a cracking debut as I remember - winning a couple of races for the Aces. There was lots of hype around another 16-year-old - Paul Dugard, but he never really looked the part. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greybear 7 Posted June 26, 2003 A 16-year-old Joe Screen made a cracking debut as I remember - winning a couple of races for the Aces. Indeed. It was against my team (bradford) :-( Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
