Fundin5

There are a number of issues involving this topic. 1. Personally,I think that doing this would contravene European Law by restricting the number of countries any rider could race in. However, should a rider decide to sign a Poland contract with this fact written into it, I would imagine by waiving the right, he would be agreeing to abide by this. Therefore, Poland would not then be breaking any EU Laws. 2. I have always assumed that it is Poland and Sweden where a rider can reap the greatest rewards for his services. One fact I am not aware of the answer to, is whether it is mandatory for a rider to race in his own national leagues. Lets assume it is a Dane we are talking about. If he HAS to race in his countries leagues, he would then have to choose between Poland, Sweden and the UK (perhaps)for his other country to ply his trade. More than likely, he would opt for Poland above Sweden. By doing this, he would diminish his earnings, whereas as Swede would benefit by this arrangement. 3. We have seen two clubs, Poole and Wolverhampton, sign riders coming up to the Play Off stages of our Elite League. Whilst I don't agree with this, it was done legally within the existing framework of rules, so fine. Come next August, it would not be as easy to pull the same trick if a rider is riding under Poland's no more than two leagues contract restriction. 4. British leagues (Elite & Premier), have suffered from the lack of riders racing in the UK. This has resulted in riders racing in both leagues to make enough meetings available to justify the outlay for machinery. A Polish restriction could well reduce the number of riders available to both leagues . It would not surprise me if someone like Bomber Harris tried his hand at both leagues. British speedway is not strong enough to start waving the big stick at Poland, if they did, I doubt much notice would be taken of it. The SGP, of which they get 3 rounds is a great coup for them. It would be nice if BSI took 2 of them away from Poland and awarded them elsewhere. Would they do that, NOT A CHANCE; and the FIM say they can do nothing about it. We may well have to rely on our old friends from the Commonwealth and nurture our own talent. Do you agree or not?

As Aces51 states, Belle Vue is effectively owned by Manchester City Council, until such time the "mortgage" is repaid to them over a 60 year period.

Charlie "Warren Edric" Monk, to give him his full title, was a complex character to say the least. The first time I saw him was when Glasgow arrived at Belle Vue in 1965 and left with both league points. As it has been said, winning the Internationale at Wimbledon was his greatest achievement. Personally, I don't think Charlie fully believed in his ability, unlike Ivan Mauger and Briggo; he could, and should, have achieved much more than he did. Although most of his early career was with Glasgow, during his spell with Sheffield, Charlie was nigh on unbeatable around Owlerton. However, I seem to recollect he had some sort of illness in the early 70's, resulting in his form dropping off a little. When with the Halifax Dukes, he was a steady, consistent performer until he returned to Australia. Nowadays, he has still been spotted at various motorcycle events down-under and remains very much in the mode we all remember Charlie; quiet and stand offish. Great rider though.

The Peter Thompson you saw at Crayford in 1968 would have been riding for Belle Vue Colts in their D2 visit. He had been riding since the late 50's around the northern tracks, but did not progress much beyond reserve level.

You can also add Droylsden to the non-league listing. Only 2 meetings ran there in April 1929, before land owner, George Dodd closed the track. There was a previous meeting there in June 1927, although some dispute as to whether this was a Dirt Track/Speedway event. Plans to hold a Long Track meeting at the then Trotting Track were made in 1972 and that was as far as it got.

My first meeting was Belle Vue v Sheffield 3rd April 1965. My first hero's were Sandor Levai and Cyril Maidment. Mum & Dad took me as a one off treat;.been going ever since. Dad often joked it was the costliest mistake he ever made! Wonder how many more parents thought the same.