nw42

Track looking good, shame the camera work isn't doing it justice so far, early days, hopefully they'll get the hang of it.

Freesports

It's on the border of Woodford & Bramhall but definitely Woodford, it's less than 50 yards from this, https://www.google.com/maps/place/446+Chester+Rd,+Woodford,+Stockport+SK7+1QS/@53.3421522,-2.1614612,3a,75y,183.67h,62.96t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sso0PF5pPonPTdUA6DUACCQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x487a4c909023d741:0x5dce23781b502002!8m2!3d53.3421429!4d-2.1630481 Woodford, Bramhall & Hazel Grove where I'm from, all fall within Stockport Borough. I grew up 3 miles from that house, my dad used to work at AVRO and would often see Ivan in his distinctive bike car, Citroen I think. As an aside, George Best lived just around the corner from Ivan, George's house was often likened to a public toilet, also used to often see him in a yellow Lotus. Anyway, great news about the plaque, I'll be swerving by for a look next time I'm over home.

Nice idea, the area has changed a fair bit since Ivan lived there, right opposite his house was British Aerospace Woodford, then known as AVRO, it's now a housing estate, although there is still a visitor centre/museum of sorts dedicated to the former industry giants. Ivan's old house is still there, so a plaque would have a home.

Thanks, it's been that long I had forgotten you update the first page, I'll go check it now

Will you be updating this thread again Tim? It was invaluable to me, probably plenty of others too, last year, I know you'll be busy in other threads but if you do have the time it will be appreciated.

Nice one thanks, winner winner...

Will let my brother know for future reference, is it English commentary?

Maybe I'll give it another go, I know his accent is strong and I'm ok with that, I think it was the position of his phone, anyway I will revisit, I like Sean, no nonsense, typical of those from the wrong side of the Pennines.

Really enjoyed listening to the Stoney one and was looking forward to the one with Sean Wilson but unfortunately Sean's phone was crap and I could hardly tell a word he was saying, gave up after about 10 minutes. Will definitely look in again though, Hoping the line was better with Garry.

100%, great ride from him to work his way through the field but he just pushed too far.

Thanks for the link Rusky, enjoyed that, although Suzi could've been better prepared with her questions it's good to get an insight into the sport and it's stars.

Gollob getting Gollobed, a rarity. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNnTwkXWRPQ

I know these gustix threads are ridiculous but I find they are becoming one of my early ports of call each morning when I have my first brew, just to see what depths he has plunged to and how he has been found out again.

Your memory is much better than mine Sid, I think a general rule was that the Scandinavians didn't fare well at Belle Vue, obviously Ole was the exception but even he had bad nights there, Hans just came across as another who excelled on smaller tracks but struggled on the wide open spaces of Hyde Rd. I supposed once he learned that you just had to let the bike go and keep the revs on there was no stopping him, I'm sure Erik took to it quicker, such an electric starter though, I can't think of anyone who gated like Gundersen could.

Southern softiness Sid Seriously though you are right, he could be so good at Hyde Rd but you just never knew which Michael was going to turn up, I was always excited when he was coming to town though, just lived in hope that he would be in the mood. Michael was probably the most exciting visitor to Hyde Rd when on song, could generate so much speed off the bends. Although as you said, Gundersen was a sight to behold on that track.

Yes Sid, probably saw them all, he just seemed to have a hold over that title, won it in both wet and dry conditions. Can't recall specifics but I'm sure I saw him have stinkers in league matches there, although they were probably in the twilight of his career. BLRC was such an occasion, all the coaches from every single track, even 2nd division clubs were represented, I think the capacity was 25,000 and you couldn't move in the place, we always had seats on the entrance to the pit bend but one year my dad forgot to get seats and we stood on the steps in same area, I didn't get to see as much of that meeting but the atmosphere was enthralling.

I suppose we form these views and they stick with us, Kennett I always saw as a dirty rider, couldn't pin it down to a particular incident, just became the way I viewed him. If I think about Jessup I think of engine failure, Davis was a nancy boy, Carter, although he was the enemy I was always pleased if he was representing the national team, a bit like I viewed Bryan Robson when he played for England (I'm a Mancunian blue). Gundersen was always good value, Nielsen less so, although as you say he did master it eventually. John Louis could get round Hyde Rd well, can't remember Wiggy ever doing much. Arnie Haley was a regular guest rider for the Aces, so he must have enjoyed racing there.

Davis was never very popular up north, certainly not at Hyde Rd anyway, southern softy was how my dad referred to him. Someone mentioned he was good on big fast tracks abroad but I can't remember him ever doing anything at the Zoo.

Also managed Manchester City and was very well thought of at Maine Road.

Jim Airey, Soren Sjosten, Terry Betts, Dag Lovaas, whether or not underrated they are ones that don't often get recognition in these type of discussions. Peter Ravn could be unbeatable on his night but often gets overlooked, no surprise when you consider the list of Danes around in his time.

Glen Hornby is another, I think he rode for Middlesborough but I'm sure he was a product of the BV training school. Early 70's Paul Callaghan was a Colts/Rochdale rider, his mum had a pub in Stockport, The Touchstone. The Meredith brothers, Duncan was one, can't remember the other's first name, they lived in Bredbury, Stockport, Duncan rode for Ellesmere Port and was a regular 2nd halfer at Hyde Road, I think he may have rode for the Aces an odd time or two.

Brilliant, cabin fever is starting to bite.

You could be right, his name alone suggests he would have been a tough nut.

Taffy was a good entertainer and was always a regular at Hyde Rd, another one I just remembered from Rochdale was Ken Moss, similar in stature to Taffy.Me and my dad used to go to Rochdale on Sundays, saw PC's first meeting there, I think he got double figures from reserve, we had already seen him plenty of times throughout the winter at the Saturday training schools and knew he was going to be good.