Ray Stadia

But they brought in oil catchers a long time ago!

I didn't know that. Is that due to the engineering tolerances being tighter? It's been a while since I have seen a speedway piston, but I am not sure if they used to have an oil ring? Or not one like you would see in a car engine, as I recall. Maybe the rings used are different today?

To be fair, most of the above still exists, but not the smell of castor oil! The burger bars smell more than the fumes of burning castor oil! Now, some people on the forum will say, 'castor oil doesn't protect the modern speedway engine nowadays', That is odd, as the engines, mechanically, are virtually the same as when speedway began. Would it be logical to suggest then, that the reason we have lost the widespread use of castor oil, is due to the riders and the tuners. So once again, bugger the paying punters and what they want.

I have mentioned it before and been shot down in flames (not by you TWK), but the lack of/reduction of, the smell of castor oil in the air, hasn't done speedway any favours in the modern era, IMO. The last time I mentioned it I got crass comments, such as 'I think I have a can of Castrol 'R' in my garage somewhere, perhaps I can soak a rag and set fire to it'. Just another nail in the.......

Let's hope it's not like the Don McLean song......'The Day Swindon Speedway Died'!

Regarding Wimbledon.....I once saw John Davis fall off during the pre-meeting rider parade and no helmet on! What's this got to do with anything? Nothing really!

Sad news. RIP Bryn.

That kind of thing normally happens to me Mike! On this occasion, I started watching in the 60s, Rayleigh. However, I would say the last 2 seasons Rayleigh raced, 72/73, the crowds were often poor.

Best wishes Bryn. Speedy recovery. Clive

I am currently reading Simon Wigg's book, which is an eyeopener. By the way Steve, is the highlighted sentence above a euphemism?

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Dave Lanning. In my opinion a great speedway presenter. I know there were many 'Lanningisms' on 'World of Sport', but that made it even more entertaining.

I only went to Sheffield once (so far), in 1985 while on a business trip. Martin Hagon was riding in the team then. Great banked track as I remember! If Ken was one of the track guys then, thanks Ken. I had a great evening!

Ouch!

Trouble is, it won't be long before they are the only people watching speedway!

I think ex-Grasstrack riders should get in for free!

I blame it on the EU referendum....people are getting very tetchy and sensitive!

However,as we know, in this country, sexual activity by an adult with a young person under 16 is treated very severely and does not allow for special circumstances. Although it's not black or white, in terms of whether it is an offence, it is. If you are a male age 16 to say 21, I can see how you could easily fall into a bad situation, if you are either told lies or just assume. But over 21, I am sure you have a good idea yourself. Mind you, a lot of young men these days go for the cougars and MILFS! (so I am told!)

Very true TWK, but you are virtually treated as though you are guilty. But I take your point.

Not strictly true.....in certain cases you are jailed until your court trial, i.e. on remand.

In this country, aren't they both treated the same? Might be different in Sweden?

I notice on Facebook and perhaps it has already been mentioned, but Trevor Hedge is a distributor of the Gerhard engine. Trevor Hedge is also a tuner. Does it mean this engine is no more 'out of the box/crate' than a GM?

With the backwheel virtually spinning all the way round the track, I can imagine with modern machinery it would be hazardous. However, what about a hardstanding starting platform that is removed on tapes up?

Well 'Windy' is not me, even though people who know me, might claim to the contrary!

Email done!

The BSF and the red highlight, doesn't mix.....like oil and water.