stratton

Have to agree in my memory Halifax were often weak travellers away saying that they were always one of my favourite clubs a great track.I think alot of this was because it was slower the variation of tracks were superb and they're certainly was often home track advantage Exeter and Halifax spring to mind.

Great post great memories, Charlie Monk did he ever smile ? Jimmy Mac was a favourite of mine but as you said Paulco Lawson was a legend. The team often took a few battering,s away from home but Steve often carried the ship.

My main point really was the VOLUME of top riders in yesteryear, i think they're were more of them maybe it is a myth.Also i disagree about the second strings i believe in yesteryear they were better alot of them were usually very good home riders alot i know often had home advantage.An example i can remember like yesterday my favourite ever rider Malc Holloway scored 0 at Bradford on the Saturday yet 48 hrs later scored paid 15(paidmax) against the same team beating Carter three times.

Not better but to me they're just seemed more of them someone as an example John Davis ( didnt rate).For a few years when he was on his game he won the manpower got 9 or 10pt averages yet he probably was not in the top 30 riders at any given time the top class riders they're seemed to be a larger volume of them.

. A good post and i can identify with alot of what you have said.In the 90s like yourself i lost alot of interest i still went but i think as soon as Jason Crump started i got alot of my interest back.You are right about the tv coverage the no 1 riders then you might only see them ride once a year then which made it more enjoyable

As an occasion as an (example) Cardiff is not in the same league as Wembley the occasion and atmosphere was electric.Often some of the finals were average but what a day out a day you always remembered.Also in the GPs they're are say at least 8 riders who have zilch chance of winning the WC so is the level any better than the old one off finals? also is the series a closed shop.?

I don't think PC would agree with you.

Good points.

The Ward,s of this world i would agree Vince but my personal opinion is that the sport has got to quick now.The PL what i have seen of it i have enjoyed very much, but our domestic league now for me is not in the same league as the old BL.Every team in those days had an in/out no 1 often supported by 2 in and out heat leaders.As examples Ipswich Louis,Sanders,Davey Belle Vue Mauger,Sjosten,Collins.Now our watered down product of the EL is pretty average in comparison and another point that i think is important there is not the VARIATION of tracks now in the EL.All a bit of a muchness where then you had Sheffield,Exeter,Halifax,WhIte City,Hyde rd, Leicester,Hackney,all different tests.I do agree Vince that it still is a great spectacle when i went away having watched Leigh Adams everyweek you still get that tingle of something special and i have to say the GP series is a great product league racing is not as exciting for me but that is only my personnel opinion.

You are in total Cookoo land,i enjoy the racing still now but at times by about 9.30 i am ready to go home hold ups galore. Maybe we get say 5 good races out of 15 not saying they're was not a load of s.. years ago because they're was the old BL they're is no comparison with this Micky mouse EL now.

Good luck to Joe and the Tigers his enthusiasm could be infectuous i hope they have a good year.

Why stir the sh.. ? did you actually go then? how would you know? same old Witcher trying to get a reaction. People who went in those times i believe would have many happy memories i certainly have i still enjoy the racing now so i am not stuck in the past and i am sure GRW is exactly the same.

i was not a PC supporter i never have been i allways have admired him though top class Lee i was always a big supporter of massive supporter PC he has always been great value,Top class in my book great rider and a decent chap.!

Great news to beat that lot is something to be proud of well done to PC,wouldn't it be nice to hear PC doing a bit of commentating again.

Ricko was never a favourite of mine , Sanders Sigalos and Davey were my favourite ever witches Ricko has to be the best i suppose.

Would not disagree Gorton i really rated Sigalos but for longevity Billy gets the vote.

Lee at aged 16 apart from Ward is by far the most talented youngster ever seen, he competed with Olsen,Mauger, Collins aged17 ( ect) i believe Tai was a conference rider at that age different stage different scenario.On the other hand Mauger did his apprentiship had his struggles and matured alot later in life and did pretty dam well.

Yes but you said PC was a better rider Gorton? no only joking both were great riders in there own right.PC for ten years was mega value. Crump who beat him at the abbey in the golden helmet i think 2.1 was the only bloke who beat PC reasonably comfortably in all my time of watching Peter ride great rider mr excitement.!

Colin i like Chris alot enjoyed watching him as a rider and he was good.Also i enjoy Chris on sky loves his speedway which shows also Tiger was a legend.Berry for me would be in the promoters bracket of Parker,Silver,Thomas,Fearman,(ect) ahead of his time in a way his Ipswich sides ( like sir Bobby footy great to watch).

Have to disagree Berry was a one off,ok he was not everyone's cup of tea but if he was given the reigns ENGLISH speedway would be in better shape now.

Chuffed for them,was he a mascot then went on to ride for the junior? team at Swindon.

God that is unreal, anyway i am disappointed like you and Oldace really feel the series has took a knock.Met Emil once when at Malc Holloway,s pub a nice bloke i have really enjoyed him ride but i don't know the whole story i just presumed Emil,,Darcy,Tai, could be around for a while and give us a vintage GP era.

Have to agree Witcher personnel gain never really entered as a ex) Briggos and Ivan,s minds they just wanted to become world champion.I think they're motto was win it then maybe the financially rewards will follow but essentially being crowned world champion to them was everything.

A great shame really great to watch, certainly with Ward the most exciting rider in the world.Again speedway suffers because the series will be certainly a lot poorer without him.

King arrived in 82, the USA team Penhall certainly didn't ride in the 1983 test match maybe it was a earlier year "nw.? I remember PC and Lee in 83 riding against Shawn Moran in one race Morans bike slowed and aloud the Brits a 5.1 in the second from last race.Then in the final race N Collins i think with Carter? won the match for the Brits great track Owlerton.