GoldenGauntlet

He got a couple of third places, one of which was upgraded to second due to an issue with Martin Knuckey's bike. Knuckey looked to have improved since I saw him last season and James Shanes also rode well for the Mercia-Vikings.

No.

Just a hunch, but I suspect that Alan Jones might be called on next time there's a spot to do on the radio.

Any idea what era he raced in?

In 1983 after Belle Vue Colts were denied entry into the National League, Stuart Bamforth and other promoters announced in December 1983 that there would be a new 'Provincial League' in 1984 operating as a third tier. These were to be full matches rather than second-half competitions. Did this ever happen? I can't find much on the internet about it or in the Star from 1984 - did it run under a different name? There appears to have been a National Junior League/Junior National League knock-out competition in 1984, which may be related? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Trevor Charley rode under the name Trevor Vincent in 1975 - one ride for Stoke and failed to score. He rode in 7 matches in 1977 under his own name, averaging 3.368 (15 + 1 from 19).

You might be able to work it out from this if you can work out the rider numbers in each heat: http://www.internationalspeedway.co.uk/polvgb.htm

According to my sources: Born in Bow, London. 1912 seems about right. Started his career with Lea Bridge aged 17. Captained High Beech. Rode for England against Australia in tour matches in Winter 1931-2. Top scored for England at Sydney despite five broken ribs and a fractured ankle.

Hoskins raced once on the trotting track at the West Maitland showground in 1923 (before the 15 December event that is sometimes classed as the first speedway meeting), but appears that it was a one-off. To quote him "I was first on the ground and heading the pack of lunatics in a long-cherished chance to race. I was out in front when a monstrous motor-cycle drew level, then another and another. I was surrounded by a mass of speed-mad youngsters. They passed me, they crowded me in, and they scared me so much that I swore to heaven that if I ever got out of this lark alive I would never race again" - from 'Speedway Walkabout'. I very much doubt that he ever rode in a genuine speedway race.

Simon Nielsen completes the Leicester Lions team - details on the Lions website.

Simon Lambert to Leicester - announced on the Lions website.

Kauko Nieminen and Lasse Bjerre confirmed for Leicester Lions for 2012.