Bee

Ahh see where now.....I apologise totally.

Hi Andy....yes isn't all just about nostalgia at all. I agree with your comments completely

the 13 heat formula was great. But, I'm not against the current 15 heat formula either. Think we could still put on around four races afterwards for juniors/reserves etc. would like however in the current 15 heat formula to see the 'interval' maybe after heat 8, and not so late in the match with only three heats remaining. Bob I have read many of your posts, and they bring back great memories. Thanks you for that

Sorry I don't see what your point is. Glasgow and Edinburgh would be still there of course.

]I posted this on the Way ahead board as well....some old timers may well have some thoughts as well. The direction that Speedway needs to take in the U.K. There have been numerous times, especially in the 90's onwards when the BSPA have realised that 'changes' were needed to rekindle interest on the terraces, and attempt to bring Speedway up to date, and more media friendly. But, nothing really major has happened to the sport since the divides of the old National League and Provincial League came to a head in 1964, resulting in the foundation of the British League as was, with the two leagues joining together. Those early years in the British League worked wonders. A single strong League featuring around 19 teams. 13 heats, Tactical Substitutes, Reserve rides, and yes! Even set guidelines for 'guests' and rider replacement. The was no points limit. Instead we had the SCB and BSPA allocate certain moves of riders between teams in the winters, to try and make it a 'level playing field' for every team come March. ( Not always by any means a popular method of team strength's, with it flaws. But, then again the current system is just as unpopular, and flawed.) We experienced a boom then from 65 through until the end of the 80's I'd say. We had 19 teams and a second half where most tracks had a host of youngsters every year trying to make a break through into the main team. So much so, that the boom continued in 1968 when the British League formed a second division. Mainly consisting of teams from existing clubs juniors, and a few new tracks that wanted racing. The Second Division had its problems eventually as well, with teams wanting their independence, and not acting as a organised training field for other teams youngsters. Understandable to a degree. Although I always felt it was good to see these teams take on and bring through the riders that were to become stars! - Always seemed to be more waiting in the wings to follow through as well. Put your thinking caps on! Many British League Stars of the 70's came through the Second Division in those formalitive years of the Second Division. Coventry had the likes of Lomas, Harrhy, Bailey, Carter, all of which made the top league in those first couple of years of the British League Division Two. There were many other names as well....Wyer, Reg Wilson, Jessup, Kennett, Davis, Collins, Lee, Barry Thomas..... I think that the old adage 'you have never had it so good' comes to mind. As well as 'If it ain't broke don't fix it.' It was definitely a boom period for the sport. However, as I said some of the 'new' tracks with 'new promotions' wanted independence, and wanted rights on contracts with the riders they had. Again, understandable from a business prospective. So the British League Division Two formed its own Management Committee, and the NEW National League came into force as a competition. Took a couple of years for them to finally drop the 'NEW' part and just be the National League Eventually after a long period the sport was in decline again. The SCB and BSPA formed the Elite League and Premier League from the clubs remaining. It gave the sport a short boost. Further changes took place in the last 15 years or so. The race formula of 13 heats was scrapped. Points Limits were applied. They even tried 6 man teams, amalgamating into just one league at one point. Some teams folded, some teams dropped down, one or two moved up etc. We lost some of the real 'showmen' on the promotion side of the sport over those years as well. (But, that is another subject almost) - The fun went out of the sport, and everyone became too serious! - I remember hundreds of on and off track incidents, and characters in the sport, that nowadays would be fined, and banned for bring the sport into disrepute. Instead of allowing the odd 'handbags at five paces' scuffles that added to the entertainment value! (Another topic maybe) The tactical substitute rules were changed and tampered with. Eventually bringing in the almost child like ('its a knockout") Golden Double, and now with a 15m handicap as well. Far to restrictive compared to the tried and tested, and workable system of replacing any out of form rider, with another, on one occasion per rider, when you were 6 points or more down after heat 4....Why on earth did they change that? The rules kept being changed, adjusted, and tweaked. We the paying fans were told that it was to make Speedway more entertaining and matches more competitive. Bah! Humbug.....It just made things worse, and harder for 'new' fans to understand what the hell was going on.... (Yes, it makes me angry to think about the mess the SCB and BSPA have made of the Sport) The problems of rising costs, and falling crowds though have continued. Only the other day I learnt from an interview on archive with Chris Harris prior to the 2007 season that he had invested 70k in equipment and had EIGHT bikes!!! 5 for Europe, and 3 for the UK. That is some very serious money. I recall times when riders were lucky to have two bikes, and a spare engine or two. I'd hate to think what would have happened to the sport if riders of the 60's/70's had to have EIGHT BIKES and spend the equivalent amount of money to start a season. It is little wonder then that the sport is struggling financially. I know also that we have ECC regulations. However, add in the factor that there are more overseas riders than ever in the UK with flights, accommodation, and transportation bills that have to be met by the club, and again that adds to the financial mess. The National League was originally open to British Riders only. (That included commonwealth Countries like Australia and New Zealand) Now, the flood gates are open as such, and the Premier League is full of riders from all Nations. I would not say 'ban' the foreign riders. I would though say that clubs should make it a clear requirement that the rider is paid a contract fee, that includes a signing on fee, commission based wages, as is. With pay for number of rides, and pay per point scored. Basic travel expenses can be covered as well but only from his UK Club base to the track he is racing at! No airfares! No additional payments. A salary cap if you like. This may well reduce costs, and in doing so reduce the 'quality of the product' on show. But, factor in anyway, that the points limit has been reducing the 'quality' for some years now. That way you could say, your welcome to come and ride in the UK for (insert your team here) but you are going to have to reside in the area during the season. Or! Cover your own additional transportation, and flights. Probably impossible to consider. But, there you go. I think we need to edge away from a 'professional' sport a little and get back to basics, and bring back the 'amateur' ways, where riders were usually local. Did Speedway more as a hobby, and for the fun, with an outside job as well. Riders can still get sponsorship of course. Maybe it would be too much of a backward step. The way ahead. We may very well be at a big transitional stage again with the sport. We need all the promoters from both Leagues to come together again as they did in '64/65. I don't see any other way of survival. I don't think we should 'amalgamate' the two Leagues in 2010. Use the whole winter, and 2010 to come up with a clear and defined product, and rules and regulations. Have maybe a independent body govern the sport once everything is set in place. Elite League. - Continue with an Elite League for those that want that, and the TV audiences etc. Raise any points limit restrictions, or rider control to a more realistic level. I often feel like the limit should be set to the strength of the previous seasons champions, so at least they have the chance to defend the title with the same team, and the other clubs will get a bigger crowd when the champions are in town. The other clubs will then be in a position to try to match the Champions. No mid season changes of the points limits. Teams can only bring in another rider up to, but not above the rider he is replacing average. Add to that maybe the riders he is replacing starting average in March. The Elite League to be staged over 1 home and 1 away match not the two against each team as it is now. Thus reducing costs, and freeing up riders to concentrate on their other commitments overseas to. ( Grand Prix or Leagues) We in the UK could still then see the 'superstars' even if it were to be less often. The play-off's would take place mid August, to it's conclusion in mid September. Along with an Elite League KO cup that would be a minimum of 9 home meetings and 9 away meetings a season. With progress via the play-off's or Cup adding up to maybe 4 additional home and away matches. The Premier League. All Elite League Teams would have a Premier League side as well. Clearly they would not be able to use their 'star' names and the team would consist of their Elite League riders #4-7 with three juniors. Some form of calculation would have to be set to allow the EL riders averages to take into account the moved down. But, as an example the Coventry Premier League team may look something like this.... EG - Coventry Premier League Olly Allen Ben Barker Jordan Frampton Filip Sitera Ricky Wells Josh Auty A.N.Other A.N. Other Too me that would be about the level to work to. The #7 and #8 would be about the 3.00 average standard. The 14 current Premier League Teams would merge with the 9 Elite League Teams. Making a total of 23 clubs. Add 1 for a new team if there could be found one from the National/Conference League like Weymouth, Plymouth or Mildenhall for example. With 23 or 24 clubs the Premier League could be split into either : Premier League Division One featuring the 9 Elite League teams squads and with the top three from the Current Premier League. Belle Vue, Coventry, Swindon, Eastbourne, Peterborough,Wolverhampton, Lakeside, Poole, Ipswich, and the top three from the Premier League at the end of season 2010. (Remember we are looking at the powers that be, take the whole of this winter and 2010 to get everything set up and ready.) Premier League Division Two would feature the remaining 11 or 12 teams. Again each team would face each other ONCE home and away. With a Cup competition, and the Craven/Parker Shields as well. - In addition at the end of the season the top 4 from each division could go into a play-off system, with promotion and relegation between the two divisions. ( Additional bonus of elevation or play off for promotion to the Elite League status if an non Elite League team wins the Division One title. Two leagues would then involve a minimum of 12 home matches including the Cup and 1 additional (minimum) for the Craven/Parker Shield. Any open dates can be filled if not in Elite League action by regional cup competitions or open invitation meetings and of course the BSPA shared events super seven series. Alternatively : The 23/24 teams could go into two REGIONAL DIVISIONS (North & South) with play offs between the top teams in the North and South at the end of the season. Again, this is just an example and a look at direction the sport could go in.....Not that it will. Just some ideas. Of course there would be issues of equaling out the riders averages so everyone is set at same standard and then what, and how any team average limits or rider control would work, and be enforced. An independent governing body would settle all issues regards to the rules, protests and disputes. They would also have some authority to 'help' or give clubs 'special dispensation' should they find themselves cripple with injuries, as happens on occasions. Guests though not great idea, should be allowed until a signing up to or equal to that of the injured rider is found for the club. Wonder if their are other ideas out there

The direction that Speedway needs to take in the U.K. There have been numerous times, especially in the 90's onwards when the BSPA have realised that 'changes' were needed to rekindle interest on the terraces, and attempt to bring Speedway up to date, and more media friendly. But, nothing really major has happened to the sport since the divides of the old National League and Provincial League came to a head in 1964, resulting in the foundation of the British League as was, with the two leagues joining together. Those early years in the British League worked wonders. A single strong League featuring around 19 teams. 13 heats, Tactical Substitutes, Reserve rides, and yes! Even set guidelines for 'guests' and rider replacement. The was no points limit. Instead we had the SCB and BSPA allocate certain moves of riders between teams in the winters, to try and make it a 'level playing field' for every team come March. ( Not always by any means a popular method of team strength's, with it flaws. But, then again the current system is just as unpopular, and flawed.) We experienced a boom then from 65 through until the end of the 80's I'd say. We had 19 teams and a second half where most tracks had a host of youngsters every year trying to make a break through into the main team. So much so, that the boom continued in 1968 when the British League formed a second division. Mainly consisting of teams from existing clubs juniors, and a few new tracks that wanted racing. The Second Division had its problems eventually as well, with teams wanting their independence, and not acting as a organised training field for other teams youngsters. Understandable to a degree. Although I always felt it was good to see these teams take on and bring through the riders that were to become stars! - Always seemed to be more waiting in the wings to follow through as well. Put your thinking caps on! Many British League Stars of the 70's came through the Second Division in those formalitive years of the Second Division. Coventry had the likes of Lomas, Harrhy, Bailey, Carter, all of which made the top league in those first couple of years of the British League Division Two. There were many other names as well....Wyer, Reg Wilson, Jessup, Kennett, Davis, Collins, Lee, Barry Thomas..... I think that the old adage 'you have never had it so good' comes to mind. As well as 'If it ain't broke don't fix it.' It was definitely a boom period for the sport. However, as I said some of the 'new' tracks with 'new promotions' wanted independence, and wanted rights on contracts with the riders they had. Again, understandable from a business prospective. So the British League Division Two formed its own Management Committee, and the NEW National League came into force as a competition. Took a couple of years for them to finally drop the 'NEW' part and just be the National League Eventually after a long period the sport was in decline again. The SCB and BSPA formed the Elite League and Premier League from the clubs remaining. It gave the sport a short boost. Further changes took place in the last 15 years or so. The race formula of 13 heats was scrapped. Points Limits were applied. They even tried 6 man teams, amalgamating into just one league at one point. Some teams folded, some teams dropped down, one or two moved up etc. We lost some of the real 'showmen' on the promotion side of the sport over those years as well. (But, that is another subject almost) - The fun went out of the sport, and everyone became too serious! - I remember hundreds of on and off track incidents, and characters in the sport, that nowadays would be fined, and banned for bring the sport into disrepute. Instead of allowing the odd 'handbags at five paces' scuffles that added to the entertainment value! (Another topic maybe) The tactical substitute rules were changed and tampered with. Eventually bringing in the almost child like ('its a knockout") Golden Double, and now with a 15m handicap as well. Far to restrictive compared to the tried and tested, and workable system of replacing any out of form rider, with another, on one occasion per rider, when you were 6 points or more down after heat 4....Why on earth did they change that? The rules kept being changed, adjusted, and tweaked. We the paying fans were told that it was to make Speedway more entertaining and matches more competitive. Bah! Humbug.....It just made things worse, and harder for 'new' fans to understand what the hell was going on.... (Yes, it makes me angry to think about the mess the SCB and BSPA have made of the Sport) The problems of rising costs, and falling crowds though have continued. Only the other day I learnt from an interview on archive with Chris Harris prior to the 2007 season that he had invested 70k in equipment and had EIGHT bikes!!! 5 for Europe, and 3 for the UK. That is some very serious money. I recall times when riders were lucky to have two bikes, and a spare engine or two. I'd hate to think what would have happened to the sport if riders of the 60's/70's had to have EIGHT BIKES and spend the equivalent amount of money to start a season. It is little wonder then that the sport is struggling financially. I know also that we have ECC regulations. However, add in the factor that there are more overseas riders than ever in the UK with flights, accommodation, and transportation bills that have to be met by the club, and again that adds to the financial mess. The National League was originally open to British Riders only. (That included commonwealth Countries like Australia and New Zealand) Now, the flood gates are open as such, and the Premier League is full of riders from all Nations. I would not say 'ban' the foreign riders. I would though say that clubs should make it a clear requirement that the rider is paid a contract fee, that includes a signing on fee, commission based wages, as is. With pay for number of rides, and pay per point scored. Basic travel expenses can be covered as well but only from his UK Club base to the track he is racing at! No airfares! No additional payments. A salary cap if you like. This may well reduce costs, and in doing so reduce the 'quality of the product' on show. But, factor in anyway, that the points limit has been reducing the 'quality' for some years now. That way you could say, your welcome to come and ride in the UK for (insert your team here) but you are going to have to reside in the area during the season. Or! Cover your own additional transportation, and flights. Probably impossible to consider. But, there you go. I think we need to edge away from a 'professional' sport a little and get back to basics, and bring back the 'amateur' ways, where riders were usually local. Did Speedway more as a hobby, and for the fun, with an outside job as well. Riders can still get sponsorship of course. Maybe it would be too much of a backward step. The way ahead. We may very well be at a big transitional stage again with the sport. We need all the promoters from both Leagues to come together again as they did in '64/65. I don't see any other way of survival. I don't think we should 'amalgamate' the two Leagues in 2010. Use the whole winter, and 2010 to come up with a clear and defined product, and rules and regulations. Have maybe a independent body govern the sport once everything is set in place. Elite League. - Continue with an Elite League for those that want that, and the TV audiences etc. Raise any points limit restrictions, or rider control to a more realistic level. I often feel like the limit should be set to the strength of the previous seasons champions, so at least they have the chance to defend the title with the same team, and the other clubs will get a bigger crowd when the champions are in town. The other clubs will then be in a position to try to match the Champions. No mid season changes of the points limits. Teams can only bring in another rider up to, but not above the rider he is replacing average. Add to that maybe the riders he is replacing starting average in March. The Elite League to be staged over 1 home and 1 away match not the two against each team as it is now. Thus reducing costs, and freeing up riders to concentrate on their other commitments overseas to. ( Grand Prix or Leagues) We in the UK could still then see the 'superstars' even if it were to be less often. The play-off's would take place mid August, to it's conclusion in mid September. Along with an Elite League KO cup that would be a minimum of 9 home meetings and 9 away meetings a season. With progress via the play-off's or Cup adding up to maybe 4 additional home and away matches. The Premier League. All Elite League Teams would have a Premier League side as well. Clearly they would not be able to use their 'star' names and the team would consist of their Elite League riders #4-7 with three juniors. Some form of calculation would have to be set to allow the EL riders averages to take into account the moved down. But, as an example the Coventry Premier League team may look something like this.... EG - Coventry Premier League Olly Allen Ben Barker Jordan Frampton Filip Sitera Ricky Wells Josh Auty A.N.Other A.N. Other Too me that would be about the level to work to. The #7 and #8 would be about the 3.00 average standard. The 14 current Premier League Teams would merge with the 9 Elite League Teams. Making a total of 23 clubs. Add 1 for a new team if there could be found one from the National/Conference League like Weymouth, Plymouth or Mildenhall for example. With 23 or 24 clubs the Premier League could be split into either : Premier League Division One featuring the 9 Elite League teams squads and with the top three from the Current Premier League. Belle Vue, Coventry, Swindon, Eastbourne, Peterborough,Wolverhampton, Lakeside, Poole, Ipswich, and the top three from the Premier League at the end of season 2010. (Remember we are looking at the powers that be, take the whole of this winter and 2010 to get everything set up and ready.) Premier League Division Two would feature the remaining 11 or 12 teams. Again each team would face each other ONCE home and away. With a Cup competition, and the Craven/Parker Shields as well. - In addition at the end of the season the top 4 from each division could go into a play-off system, with promotion and relegation between the two divisions. ( Additional bonus of elevation or play off for promotion to the Elite League status if an non Elite League team wins the Division One title. Two leagues would then involve a minimum of 12 home matches including the Cup and 1 additional (minimum) for the Craven/Parker Shield. Any open dates can be filled if not in Elite League action by regional cup competitions or open invitation meetings and of course the BSPA shared events super seven series. Alternatively : The 23/24 teams could go into two REGIONAL DIVISIONS (North & South) with play offs between the top teams in the North and South at the end of the season. Again, this is just an example and a look at direction the sport could go in.....Not that it will. Just some ideas. Of course there would be issues of equaling out the riders averages so everyone is set at same standard and then what, and how any team average limits or rider control would work, and be enforced. An independent governing body would settle all issues regards to the rules, protests and disputes. They would also have some authority to 'help' or give clubs 'special dispensation' should they find themselves cripple with injuries, as happens on occasions. Guests though not great idea, should be allowed until a signing up to or equal to that of the injured rider is found for the club. Wonder if their are other ideas out there

OK, So as a Coventry fan I often think back of the 'meaningless' second half scratch races and juniors coming through the scene. Usually local lads. Some made it. Some were cut short by injury. Some faded away and one or two slipped through the net maybe, and ended up making it elsewhere. Can you remember some of these names. I wonder where some of them went, and if they are still around. I started following Speedway around 1961 so I'm only looking at riders around the time I have been following the sport. Early sixties I recall Les Owen coming up through the ranks of the second half. Usually making appearences in the team as well at reserve on many occasions. Eric Hokaday, Nick Nicholls, Arthur Wright, Bob Mark, Jim Tolley, Maurie Mattingly, Brian Meredth, Peter Brough, Col Smith, Colin Cottrell, Howie Booton, Fred Hodder, Gil Farmer, Pete Gay, Hasty Humphries, Tom Ridley, Roger Hill, Dave Callington, Chris Harrison, Tony Lomas, John Harrhy, Frank Smith, Roy Carter, Pete Bailey, Jeff Shirley, Tony Gillias, Kevin Hawkins, & Andy Hackett all spring to mind. Few I have mssed as well I'm sure. Of those : Hockaday in and out at reserve early sixties, went to Cradley if I remeber right. Nicholls retired Col Smith, Brian Meredth were invloved with veteran bike races many years after there stints in the 60's Booton made the odd team appearence. Farmer, Gay, tried out the BL 2nd division at Ipswich and Long Eaton Cottrell made it and died of Luekemia in the end. He rode at Brandon for many years under Booey as coach before being allocated to Oxford where he lasted a year before retiring. Hill came through after Cottrell, and Booey took him under his wings. Roger was still around Brandon in the 80's and 90's as a spectator on occasions, used to always stop by us and say hello. Friegthening crash on Rugby bend which result in him landing in terraces twice cut his career short. Harrison made reserve before joining BL 2nd division was with Doncaster and Brummies at one time Ridley - known as Tom Thumb was breaking into the team and looked a hot prospect. But then broke his thigh and disappeared completely. Would love to know what became of him. Callington likewise, fractured skull, and retired. After Hill a certain Tony Lomas shot through the ranks with ease, with his electric starting and made heat leader, before eventually moving to Exeter where he finished his career. Harrhy came through, and went out to Division Two with Ipswich and Peterborough before returning to Brandon and making heat leader. Career ended in Owen Crash against Cradley Utd n '73. Bailey went through with Harry to Ipswich, just making break through in Bees, and died in car accident outside Brandon Stadium. Roy Carter lived down the road from me, and he made some progress before joining Panthers and finishing hs career at Div 2 level. Kevin Hawkins a Peterborough lad that started in Bees 2nd halves and then rode for Panthers before moving up wth Bees. Frank Smith a white line ride from Coventry who also went through connections with the Panthers Andy Hackett of course, a pocket rocket, who like Olly Allen alas was injury prone, forcng him to retire One that got away... Programmed in the second half in August 1963 was a certain Ron Wilson Jnr.!! Ray Wilson will go down as a NAME that escaped us....there you go Gem!

I would travel down to Crayford from Coventry by train in the 70's and then train out to Crayford. Wasn't a regulr there by any means, but went along a few times when riders connected with Coventry in National League were in action. The stadium as you say was excellent. Don't think anyone can have any problems re that. I recall Alan Sage well at Crayford the guy was very good around there.... But! I thought the track was awful with what appearred to be 'dips' in the bend. Standing at one bend I recall when they went into the first corner the dip meant you lost view of the riders all but their helmets and top half. Often felt that the drainage may have been a problem on wet nights as a result of the dips in the corners. Just my thoughts

Easy for me to answer. As with your good self Norwich. I was too young to be allowed to travel that far when the Firs was still in operation. Which always was a dispappointment too me, especially now I'm old and can't go because it's gone. The Bees always seemed to do well there and that was even with Fundin in their line up. Another I missed was Hampden Park Glasgow. Was due to go with my friend and his dad who started me on the speedway bug....But mum put her foot down because they were going in a camper van for a few days, and I'd miss a day or two at school! It was not the Tigers or the Bees match. But I think it was a British Nordic Final of the World Championship. There are a few other defunct places I would have liked to have visited, but up until I left UK in '99 I'd been to most every track that had operated between 70-99.

Yes he did, the 1st BL match was Coventry Cradley and along with Rick Booey got a paid maximum and won the 1st BL race.

Yes remember his early days at Coventry joined us again for early BL days from Wolves I think. Ask him abouthis travels with Ron Mountford to away meetings, they were business partners and mates as I recall, and many a time did'nt arrive until parade time, or later! Always getting lost they said!! His sholder injury really did hamper him, he was on the verge of heat leader class at one stage behind Booey Lightfoot and Mountford. But the injury put paid to that. Great rider before that injury though.

I was always under the impression that Arne Pander was known as the Great Dane.... But true ther have been a few great ones after him, namely Olsen, Neilsen and Gundersen. Not forgetting Jan O as well.

I remember that one too Not in the best of health I'm afraid, but better for being in the sun and warmth here

PUNCH UPS galore in old days..... However one of my favorites LES OWEN was a character. I recall a meeting at Blackbird Road between Bees and Leicester early 70's I think, or late 60's. Ray Wilson, and Les. Ray was of course at the peak of his career and hugely popular at Leicester. World Cup Willie was known for his'gardening' antics at the tapes. He'd roll up to the line, twist his handlebars left and right, rock back and forward, kick his clutch and then pull back and start the proceedure all over again! Les sat there watching him do this in the next gate and waited for him to settle. When he did.....Les moved forward and mimicked Ray to the letter, extremely amusing. He rolled back and forth, twisted his bars left to right, kicked his clutch...... When the tapes went up...... It was LES OWEN WHO SURGED AHEAD much to the anguish of the crowd, and delight of the Bees supporters. He led and blocked Wilson on every bend for two or three laps. Wilson could not find a way through. The crowd was going wild. It was nail bitng stuff -they were really at it out there. Wilson would try the outside, Owen drifted to block. Wilson tried the inside Owen would drop on the line and stay put. Then Willie saw red, and on the pits turn just dived straight into Les who was in front and on the line, the inevitable tangle and both came down. You know what? I can't remember who the ref excluded, and it didn't matter. As from there there was an almighty punch up and arguements from the pits through to the track as just about everyone got involved Ahhhh those were the days Remember this Gemini??? Anyone else remember it....

You are indeed correct CO was vehemently against any club trying to open withing his catchment area. Even though her owned Leicester Stadium!

Hi Gem.....For those that are interested and asked. Ron Mountford - Did indeed ride at Birmingham before joining the Bees. He had bad eyesight after a work shop accident when some metal penertrated his eye. Ron and Rick (France) were the best of buddies and often travelled together and arrived late together at most away meetings! - Few tales could be told about them in this regard - neither could read a map! Ron badly broke his thigh at Newport I think it was in 1970. Took a long time before making a comeback late in 71, or even 72. Was not the same rider, and ultimately retired. I believe there weere some behind the scenes disagreements as well with the Ochiltree's. In the case of Jim Lightfoot - likewise disagreement with CO. He wanted more money and to be on par with #1 Nigel Boocock. CO wouldn't pay what he wanted and he moved to Long Eaton. Things went downhill for him there and he to retired shortly thereafter. Had Antiques shop when he retired. Ron later in life suffered from heart and health problems and passed away in 1993 Jim is still around to my knowledge.

Yes Indeed fond memories. Ol Effy and his concerns for his fence, when I clouted it once or twice....I used to tell him not to worry I'd help him fix it later Vic Harding lounge memories as well. The Northern tours with Tommo etc at the hotel playing 'bottles' Hope you are well now Bryn, and you to Tadpole. Sorry to hear about ol Snowie. Regards John G (AKA Skid) in in sunny and hot Philippines.

Being a Coventry fan... 1) Nigel Boocock. 2) Les Owen. 3) Gary Guglielmi THATS JUST THREE.... But Booey for sure.

Jim Lightfoot had an antigues shop in Coventry. Last I heard of him is that he is still in the Coventry area.

That is correct. Pete was a local lad, and came through the second halves. He along with several of our 'juniors' went out to National League or BL11 as it was then as well. Harry and Bailey were at Ipswich. Bailey also at Brum for a spell before that. It was during 72/73 when injuries really hit us, and I think Bailey came in and scored heavily on his full debut. Then we had to recall him. Tragically he was killed just outside the stadium in a head on crash. Whilst driving. Tony Lomas was a factory test rider for Triumph. He was electric from the starts...He came through second halves as well, and was at Plymouth before being called up for Coventry. After several seasons with the Bees he was transfered to Exeter along in the days of Autrey and Mauger at The County fround. He wasn't quite as good and eventually moved around a little before retiring. He was good friends with Jim Lightfoot and I think they were involved in business together in the Antiques trade at one point. Ron Mountford did alas pass away. The Crash at Newport in 69 (I think) virtually finished him as a rider. He was in his 40"s then I was also asked about Colin Cottrell....If you are reading this. Colin transfered out to Oxford in 71 when we brought in Jan Simmensen under rider control I believe. He had one season with the Cheetahs and retired at the end of 72. I believe he emigrated to South Africa (not sure) and died in the late 70's I think. He had Lukemia (sp) Colin was another from the 2nd halves that was taken under Booey's wings in the 60's. Lots of memories of the 60's onwards I am now relocated and living in the Philippines where when it rains there would be no doubt about a meeting....Were there any...It'd be off. But mainly its hot and sunny Was back there July last year. Hope to be back again soon...MAYBE THIS YEAR but if not then NEXT. Follow the Bees live here at 4am onwards match days! How's that for sore eyes Bryn... Up the Bees - Hi Gemini day woof t the dogs

Well done Crumpy....A class rider. And I watched all of his father's career....For those who debated whether Phil was better the answer is his son is head and shoulders above what Phil ever was, and that is saying something.

It's been said before. Dave Lanning would be the ideal man for the job. And he is already with Sky I believe. Trouble is I remember some of his gaffs too!

No. If a race is stopped it is at the discretion of the refereee. Fact is 99/100 he will exclude who he deemed as the cause of the stoppage. I have though seen incidents going into the 3rd /4th bend....One at Stoke v Hackney in 80's looked a clear case of Trevor Banks being the cause...The ref called all four back.

Hi Gemini, good too meet up with you again when I visited UK from Philippines. Hope your enjoying your speedway still.

Hennryk Zyto Coventry early sixties cool stuff