norbold

What point did I miss?

Well, I can remember What's My Line? very well. It was essential Sunday night viewing. It ran from 1951 to 1963 and was hosted by Eamonn Andrews. The leading panellists were Gilbert Harding, David Nixon, Lady Isobel Barnett and Barbara Kelly. There were a number of comparatively unsuccessful revivals in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Having said all that, I don't remember a speedway rider on it, which is not to say there wasn't. The most famous occupation featured was, of course, the saggar maker's bottom knocker.

Phil Clarke was born on 30 June 1922. Arthur Payne 30 August 1924. Split Waterman 27 July 1923 So that's: 1. Cyril Roger 2. Phil Clarke 3. Split Waterman 4. Arthur Payne Thanks to Matt and Hugh for the information. Everyone should own a copy of "The Complete A-Z of Post-War British League Riders"

Chum Taylor - 4 April 1927 Eric Boothroyd - 26 April 1927 That sorts that one out!

Yes, a good time was had by all, thank you, star ghost. But we did miss you.

I met Ove again last week. Fortunately he spoke English, which was easy to understand.

Ours more than most! I mean this is hardly the first example in the history of the BSF that a topic has gone off subject. is it mick?

Right...some initial findings: 1946: Averages - Eric Langton Champion - Tommy Price* (7th in averages) 1947: Averages - Vic Duggan Champion - Jack Parker* (10th in averages) 1948: Averages - Vic Duggan Champion - Vic Duggan* 1949: Averages - Vic Duggan Champion - Tommy Price (7th in averages) 1950: Averages - Graham Warren Champion - Freddie Williams (13th in averages) 1951: Averages - Aub Lawson Champion - Jack Young (2nd Division rider) 1952: Averages - Ronnie Moore Champion - Jack Young (2nd in averages) 1953: Averages - Jack Young Champion - Freddie Williams (4th in averages) 1954: Averages - Ronnie Moore Champion - Ronnie Moore 1955: Averages - Jack Young Champion - Peter Craven (5th in averages) 1956: Averages - Barry Briggs Champion - Ove Fundin (3rd in averages) 1957: Averages - Peter Craven Champion - Barry Briggs (5th in averages) * - Not the World Championship of course, but its nearest equivalent, the British Riders Championship and the Riders' Championships So, in only two years between 1946 and 1957 did the rider at the top of the averages win the World Championship (or equivalent)

Just from memory, Ove Fundin certainly did it in 1960. Excuse me while I go off and consult the record books for the rest....

Definitely Briggo. Barry: 11.05 Charlie Monk: 10.72

1967: Barry Briggs 1976: John Louis Incidentally... 1936: Jack Parker 1937: Jack Milne 1938: Jack Milne Of those only Milne, in 1937, was World Champion the same year

Exactly what I thought, Rob.

Which post was that then?

Well, of course, this is the real problem. How many riders stand a realistic chance of becoming world champion next year? Probably four at the most - Crump, Pedersen, Gollob and the Russian with the long name. Then you have Hancock and Jonsson with just the very slimmest of outside chances. After that, there's no-one. In some ways it really doesn't matter who you put in after that, so you may as well go for some youngsters who have the chance of progressing to give them experience rather than the old hands who will never ever win a World Championship. I'm not saying Eddie is the right choice, but rather him than Scotty or Richardson for that reason.

They did away with the old system to stop Andy Smith qualifying every year.

Crickey! Has it? That's the trouble with being a speedway historian. I'll catch up with it in about another 10 years.

What about the World Championship?

Not quite true. He has appeared on at least two lists on this thread so far.

Do you mean this Count Strachwitz? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyazinth_Graf...e_und_Camminetz I think you are possibly right if you do. At least I don't remember him riding for New Cross.

Bengt Brannefors also rode for New Cross.

It's simple Derek. All you have to do is remember that a red light means stop!

See what I mean?

Yes, well done, Jason. A great rider and a great ambassador for the sport. Just one more podium finish to equal the record of the great Ove Fundin for consecutive first three finishes. Not even Mauger, Nielsen and Rickardsson managed that. Also well done to all Australians reading this. World Champion, World Under 21 Champion and should have won the World Team Cup but for ridiculous joker rules.

Gollob's action was unforgivable and he should receive a ban, in my opinion. However, what I do find interesting about this thread and the many others like it, is that there are 101 different opinions about who was to blame for a racing incident. It was Pedersen's fault; no it wasn't it was Gollob's fault; no it wasn't it was a racing incident; no it wasn't the track was to blame; the first incident was Pedersen's fault but the second was Gollob's fault; the first incident was Gollob's fault but the second was Pedersen's fault etc. etc. And then you get the people who always blame the referee for making the wrong decision. Well, if we can't agree amongst ourselves what the right decision is after much reflection and reviewing, just imagine how hard it is for the referee having to make a quick decision on the night.

Sprouts Elder was mentioned back on 1 March 2004.....