Exeter Riders

[iris123 20,989]

Going through some old programmes the other day i came across an Exeter match at Plough lane including 2 riders that i dont seem to recall at all ,namely Buddy Robinson and Leif Wahlman. Wahlman seemed from this one match to be a useful reserve while Robinson(maybe an off day or the tight track didnt suit him?) did not seem much support for the other heat leaders.any info on these 2 ?

[frigbo 518]

Going through some old programmes the other day i came across an Exeter match at Plough lane including 2 riders that i dont seem to recall at all ,namely Buddy Robinson and Leif Wahlman. Wahlman seemed  from this one match to be a useful reserve while Robinson(maybe an off day or the tight track didnt suit him?) did not seem much support for the other heat leaders.any info on these 2 ?

Buddy Robinson is an American who only rode in this country for Exeter in '84. I think he averaged about 5.5 and was regarded as a decent prospect.

 

Leif Wahlmann was Swedish and also only rode in '84 and was on loan from Poole.

 

He was only about 18 and was making pretty good progress. Tragically, he was killed in the European U-21 Final (now called the World U-21 Final) at King's Lynn following an accident with Andy Smith.

Edited January 24, 2004 by frigbo

[Grachan 7,362]

I remember Ivan Mauger saying the if Leif Wahlman didn't calm down he would end up getting killed. This was about a week before the accident.

[paulboy 169]

I remember Ivan Mauger saying the if Leif Wahlman didn't calm down he would end up getting killed. This was about a week before the accident.

Pretty stern words Grachan. From what I remember of the reports of Leif's accident either his or Smudger's engine seized with the other right behind and a collision was unavoidable.

 

Going back to the original question I remember Buddy Robinson was a real hit at the CG, even though he only arrived halfway through the year. However he picked up a ban from the American federation at the end of the season and this, I think, was the straw that broke the camel's back as far as Peter Oakes was concerned and he pulled out of promoting at Exeter. Colin Hill then stepped in and they returned to the NL.

 

That was the year when the Falcons went BL but really struggled for a team. Ivan Mauger rode in home matches only and we also had Andy Campbell, who had a storming season, Sean Willmott, Frank Andersen, Louis Carr and a few other second string/reserve riders. Efforts to sign a host of top men failed with, for one reason or another, Bobby Schwarty, Larry Ross, Les and Neil Collins and probably several more all turning down the Falcons (although I think Ross was actually announced as a signing at one point!). Leif Wahlmann was on loan from Poole where he was very highly regarded.

[Grachan 7,362]

Pretty stern words Grachan.

It wasn't intended to be. I genuinely remember it.

[Nevs 4]

I remember them both and was on holiday with my mum in Bournemouth and looking forward to going to Poole that week when the news came through that Leif had been killed I couldnt face going after that.

As you said Paul I believe it was Leifs bike that packed up and whoever was behind couldnt avoid it.

 

The year in the BL was a bit of a disaster all told wasnt it!!!!!

I seem to remember that we struggled to win any meetings at home all season--but Im no statto .

 

No cries of home advantage that season that I recall

[iris123 20,989]

Thanks for the info,even if sad.My all time favourite was another young Swedish rider who died on track also, Tommy Jansson.I guess the fact that we are still remembering these guys after all this time goes a tiny way in compensating for the tragic loss.At this moment another star from the Russian Ice team is critical in hospital here in Germany,although not from a racing accident.Lets hope he make it!

[Grachan 7,362]

Buddy Robinson and Leif Wahlman.