salty

Lars Hultberg rode in 1973 on Bernie's recommendation. As I recall he had a really tough start to the season, not helped by the team being very weak and injury hit. I think he'd just started to show a bit of form, scoring 9 at the Shay, when he got injured and was out for a couple of months. When he returned the struggle continued and I think he got released and replaced, eventually, by Mal Corradine. Maybe with a bit more time and not getting injured at the height of the summer, he would have made it? We'll never know..... Klinge was introduced for a few meetings at the end of 1980 I think. Danish junior champion as I recall. Don't know why he never came over more permanantly, I think he had a decent career in Denmark.

The Tresarrieu brothers at Isle of Wight? I'm sure at some point 2 of the 3 must have ridden in the same line-up.

Went to the last few Speedway meetings at White City in the early 80's. Racing could be processional, but there was usually a good race or three. Also went to the last Greyhound Derby there in 1984? Very good atmosphere. To be honest it was amazing the place stayed open so long, given it's size and location.

Sounds similar to my decision making process when it came to Uni. The 5 choices owed more to their proximity to Speedway tracks than the quality of the education they would provide. Was close to going to Leicester or Queen Mary's (for Hackney) but ended up plumping for Kingston and weekly visits to Plough Lane. As for the tracks I wish I'd been to.....West Ham, Trelawny, Glasgow White City, New Cross, Norwich.

And we miss out on Pearson telling us every point matters countless times each GP. So not all bad.

Cradley, Wimbledon, Hackney, Belle Vue (Hyde Road), Somerset

Niemi and Koponen for Wimbledon.

On a Cradley day....Bernie Persson, Arthur Price, John Boulger, Jan O Pedersen, Billy Hamill On another day....Jim McMillan, Mark Fiora, Martin Dixon, Nathan Simpson, Rune Holta

Really poor effort. You' would like to think a more in depth tribute will follow.

Really sad news. As others have said, a great advocate for the sport who will be sadly missed. RIP.

Well done ref. Lindgren has been riding on the edge far too much in the past couple of years.

If I remember correctly they interviewed every promoter. Also I seem to recall a general air of complacency and feeling that the product was fine. Keyboard warriors and their negative views were largely condemned. Whilst there was some acceptance of problems, the general vibe was one where people needed to show more positivity and everything would be fine!

Stands out for me. Which is why I mentioned him on page 1!! As for Middleton, I'd say he was well on the wane by the time he packed it in. The rider I saw for Birmingham and Leicester ( and Kings Lynn before that) was nowhere near the one who led the Hawks and the Rebels.

Woffinden £50 more Zagar £50 more. Ta

Roy Trigg, Colin Pratt and Bob Andrew’s are close at Cradley. But Bob moved to Hackney when Colin moved to Dudley Wood so they never rode together. Troy rode for Cradley at Stoke and Bobs grandson rode at Monmore for the Hearhens. Think Triggys son rode some second halves? As I said close….,

Lambert £100 more Thomsen £50 more Ta

Vaculik £50 more Fricke £50 more Ta

Good call with Jim Brett.

Eric Boocock could fit the bill for someone who retired too early ? Further to Falcace's point, you could argue no one who walks away fit and healthy from Speedway has retired too soon.

Two more who left British Speedway too early? Kristian Praestbro and Phil Collins.

Penhall the obvious one as is the aforementioned Dag. In terms of his English career what about Ulf Lovaas? Others to consider....Jim Airey (again in terms of his British career), Dave Shields, Wayne Brown, David Biles, Dave Tyler.

But not quite so professional to night. Did she not call Broc Nicol, Nicol Broc?

Fingers crossed for a full recovery. Get well soon Dicko.

Sad,sad news, RIP.

Aye, Gledhill was a reserve at the start of the season but struggled and was replaced by Verner half way through. The other reserve at the beginning was Reid but he got injured early on and was covered by the aforementioned Jackson, Barratt etc until he recovered. Joe Owen (the declared number 8) was used just once to replace Penhall early in the season. Checked what few programmes I have after Penhall's leaving and you're correct re him being covered by R/R - if I remember right Cradley had a bit of a battle to get the facility. I'm guessing Wigg was only used sparingly as they didn't want him to jigger his average for 1983?