norbold

Exactly. The jury let it go…you can hear it now: ."Oh yes, just because it's Zmarzlik. Any other rider…etc.etc…."

Zmarzlik's looking to make up some loss of earnings…

Reported by Jon Stevens in the Dons Den on Facebook: "It is with great sadness that we hear of the news that Gordon William Kennett has sadly passed away at the age of 70. I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear this. "Gordon was our last rider to Don the number 1 race jacket. As he was the last ever rider to take the chequered flag at Wimbledon stadium. World Final Placed 2nd at Empire stadium Wembley in 78’. He was also a true Gent, would always stop to say ‘hello’ and a chat. "The Speedway family has lost a friend, a member of our the speedway family from the heydays of the sport. Our condolences to Barney Kennett Dave, Eddie and the whole of the Kennett family at this very difficult and sad time." Sorry, I see this has already been posted elsewhere, but I thought Years Gone By was the most appropriate place for it.

I hate to mention this, andout, but do you know who "old gusto" is?

I wouldn't say that, BB. Tom died in 1935. There are plenty of people still around in their 90s and even 100s, some of whom may have seen Tom Farndon ride. In fact, I would think it highly likely there are still a few people around who saw him.

I wouldn't at the moment, BOBBATH. The reason I asked Midland Red that question is that I don't think Tom ever did ride in Australia, but I may be wrong, which is why I asked if he knows when Tom rode there. Tom Farndon did spend one winter in New Zealand where he broke lots of records, but never, as far as I know, went to Australia.

When did he ride in Australia?

Hence my comment.

Arthur Payne might have done!

He didn't do any laps after he broke the tapes!

Congratulations to Arthur. Well done that man! Though I don't agree he is older than the sport, as I also don't agree that the "First acknowledged speedway meeting was held on December 15, 1923." But that's another story!

Just thought I should revive this to mark the 88th anniversary.

No, I didn't get a Wartime decoration.

Well, people are wrong.

What do they argue about? He rode for Wimbledon for 18 seasons and then turned out twice for Coventry in 1974.

Bluey Wilkinson - ten years at West Ham. Oh sorry, you said British League.

Mine too.

I tried to offload mine a couple of years ago. No-one was interested, other than wanting the odd one or two they might have missing. No-one wanted a large collection.

No need to rename it. Previous winners of the British Championship: Barry Briggs 1961, 1964-1969; Ivan Mauger 1970-1972; Rory Schlein (who's in it this year) 2020. Other podium places have gone to Ronnie Moore, Bob Valentine and Jason Crump.

Why didn't they give 120%?

There's no doubt about that - as someone once said.

Or Scotty Nicholls…..

Bring in Bewley for Woffy instead of Ellis in the last round.

Well done, Adam.

Where's Chris Harris when you need him?