salty

Is THJ a Poole asset? If so, then presumably Matt Ford would have to have been contacted for permission to approach him? How could he have fined Batchelor? He was signed off during the meeting by the doctor. Rubbing Chapman's nose in it by guesting the following night he can't be fined for either, so Buster did something he could do - he got rid.

Dudley Wood Stadium was indeed purpose built for Speedway - on the site of an old fairground. Opened in June 1947 with an estimated crowd of 12,000.

If I remember rightly Harrfeldt struggled from the off (having missed the previous season through injury) and them got another bad bang. I think that's when they introduced Christer Lofqvist. I also seem to remember Sverre becoming team manager post Lokeren. Garry Hay did ride and escaped from Belgium with minor injuries, then had a terrible crash in the close season which left him paralysed.

Lokeren in mid-July must have knocked the stuffing out of them - and they were only a couple of wins away from mid-table.

I reckon that a strong Germany can only be good for the sport. Kai looks like he can make the jump up to Gp's if he continues to improve. As you mention he is always good to watch in the Euros/pairs, illustrating again the folly of Brits not being allowed to compete.

She speaks nearly the same language as Sam.

Super meeting. Lovely wide track, well prepared with 4 teams fairly evenly matched. Lost count of the quality races. Well done to the Latvians. Hope they do themselves justice in Poland.

Ila was rumoured to be a Cradley target for a few seasons before Dan McCormick finally nabbed him. Ironically when he did finally ride for Cradley he never reached the heights he had for the Lions. One of my favourite riders of the seventies, last I read he was involved with the FIM, so a shock to hear this news. RIP Ila

I find it amazing that Matt Ford, who is so meticulous about his approach to building the best team each season and maintaining his income streams from sponsorship etc, hasn't done major surgery on that track. A poster above reckons its down to home track advantage, but when front wheels are routinely bouncing in the air entering bends then safety becomes a major issue. Couple of decent heats tonight near the end, but overall the racing was dismal.

Well don't vote Tory then!

Zero % chance I'm afraid. 602 flats are incorporated in the site's rebuilding. Speedway never really stood a chance - the other possible developer (which would have kept a dog track) was still going to involve a lesser amount of housing and had no plans to involve motor sport. The money boys won.

You knew spring had moved into summer when Eddie turned up! - Sure Cyril said something to that effect once or twice.

Cradley - Early 70's Top Hat Sam - can't remember his real name - a very vocal supporter who became a sponsor. The open air "toilets" on the second bend. "Scotsmans Bonk" on the 4th bend where dozens used to watch for free. Wimbledon - Early 80's - the old guy who used to open the pit gate - never watched the 4th lap of a race - he used to wear a black beret. Ken Tozer announcing the wrong riders on parade. Getting a free pint off Doris in the bar.

I get Jan Andersson was not renowned for his overtaking skills, but I liked him because of his quiet persona. Going back to the OP - riders who didn't capture the imagination? Spent a lot of time at Plough Lane in the 80's - never took to John Davis or David Jessup.

Zagar £50 more Dudek £50 more. Ta

Couldn't have put it any better. RIP.

Don't fret Gustix. Towns can apply for the 2021 City of Culture as well...... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39129473 Though Ipswich will have to wait for another 4 years.

The UK City of Culture concept seems to be one cherished by nobody other than city councillors. Stroke City was the first four years ago - and whilst there were some nice events such as the All-Ireland Fleadh which drew big crowds, I think the citizens were far less enthusiastic about the results and legacy then the organisers.

Come on Gustix! Click on his author page, then sports, then motor sports. I've even done it for you. https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=sr_nr_n_6?fst=as%3Aoff&rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3ABrian+Belton%2Cn%3A%211025612%2Cn%3A55%2Cn%3A279426&bbn=55&sort=relevancerank&ie=UTF8&qid=1493548685&rnid=55

This link (part of yours) shows he is still active, with a book due to be published soon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Golden-Len-Goulden-Times-Legend/dp/1781555699/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493542721&sr=1-4

Knew that would get you...

Plenty of other recent tomes missing off that list... The Billy Hamill, Sam Ermolenko, Moran Bros biographies by Brian Burford. The original "Confessions" by John Berry (my favourite of the books published in this century) and "Wheels and Deals" by Ian Thomas as well as Reg Fearman's book. The two books on Cradley by Peter Foster, "Clay Country Speedway" and couple of books on Hull. Not to mention "Hammerin' Round"..... Answer to Sid - I've still got the Websters books from the early 70's as well as most of the Yearbooks from the late 70's and early 80's. One I'm missing is the 1977 Speedway Yearbook, so if anyone's looking rid of one PM me!

Lindback £50 more Dudek £50 more. Thanks

Always glad when a rider can walk away from the sport in good health at a time of their own choosing.