It was still very raw back in the 70’s with only Ivan getting scientific about things. Even top lads would stick a bike on the bike of a Citroen with bits on the back seat. You could chat away for ages with your hero’s and a big crowd made even the most mundane meeting an event. I do believe that with the difference in remuneration top riders will “coast” if they don’t make the gate on our notoriously gate’n’go circuits. Exception to this is Dan who just loves to ride his bike and goes for it all the time, showing it can be done with a little desire and application. Back in the 70’s the big bucks were here and you would get an almighty bollocking if you were to coast, much like Poland now. The fact there are no characters can make for a bland evening and of course nostalgia colours our recollection of events from 50+ years ago when (generally) we were all in a happier place. PC was my hero and I can still get tongue tied when chatting with him now whereas Dan is a mate but still provides the level of excitement in me that PC did all those years ago. The on track action can be as good if not better than back then but off track it’s lacking somewhat. 

Who said I was or wasn't a Kemp fan? I think when his head is right he can be really good, as he proved later on in the meeting. It was depressingly predictable, though, that as soon as he got baulked in that race he lost his head.

No fixed gate positions in the 70s either and the top boys often pulled rank to get the best ones further cementing their dominance

I can't take any credit anymore after been involved since the beginning I've stepped aside this year and left it for others. After 20+ seasons I think I've done my bit

I would take the 70's every time. Atmosphere, Characters (where are they now), Upright Engines (not the rocket bikes they have now), no Grand Prix (where is that going, I wonder?) Second Halves, where we saw a lot of the future young stars coming through (Gone). Who is there today, British Riders, who can compare to Simmons, Collins, Jessop, Louis and Lee. The Sport had twice the Entertainment/Excitement than it does nowadays. I sincerely hope that Speedway in this Country can resurrect itself in to the Magnificent Sport that it used to be

I can't take any credit anymore after been involved since the beginning I've stepped aside this year and left it for others. After 20+ seasons I think I've done my bit