steve roberts

Never heard that one but if true good old Jimmy I say!

For reasons I've given elsewhere on the forum.

Not an option for me...as I don't subscribe to Sky TV!

I've never really understood the concept of showing a 'live' league match on the TV. Edited highlights without all the waffle and replays in my opinion would be far better. A friend of mine would rather stay indoors and watch a live broadcast than walk half a mile to see the same meeting live (Oxford). No wonder attendances started a downward spiral! Much preferred the days of Screensport when one enjoyed 'Match of the Week' and Rob Mac's weekly news programme.

A full British Team! How times have changed and not for the better. One of my main gripes regarding modern speedway is the number of foreigners that now fill team places. When my team (Oxford) won the league in 1985 we started the season with four Englishman, two Danes and an Australian (with the occasional help of a West German) In 1986 five Englishman and two Danes. In 1989 five Englishman, a Dane and an Australian. However in 2001 we had one Englishman, three Australians, one Dane and two Czechs. How times had changed and a reflection in the direction that British Speedway was heading.

I would be interested in reading an interview with Jimmy Nilsen (Swindon, Oxford & Belle Vue etc) I think that he emigrated to the States? He appeared to be a very talented rider but, personally, I felt he didn't achieve all that he could have although his international record made for impressive reading.

Harlan Bast Sr and Bart Bast & Harlan Bast Jr. Can't remember exactly but I think that brothers Mike & Steve Bast were also related...Bart was a nephew?

I'll give it a go! 1. Middlesborough 2. Newcastle 3. Edinburgh 4. Rye House 5. Canterbury 6. Stoke 7. Peterborough 8. Scunthorpe 9. Berwick 10. Milton Keynes 11. Oxford 12. Crayford Not confident!

All very formal Mr.Peasley! Yes forgot about Frederick and Spencer! I assume that Spencer still runs his car business in Sandford?

The team I supported (Oxford) appeared regularly in either league (in whatever guise) during the period I use to follow speedway so I had a good incite as regard the then different disciplines. 1972-75 (British League One) 1976-83 (National League) 1984-1992 (British League) 1993-94 (Premier League) 1995-1996 (One combined League) 1997 (Premier League) 1998 -2003 (Elite League) Also the Oxford Cubs occasionally ran in the 'Junior' League....think I got that little lot right? Personally I always preferred the 'upper' league until later when the GP came along and decimated it! However we did have some good seasons in the 'lower' league and the racing was exceptional on occasions. If I chose to go back to speedway (which is unlikely) my chosen league would be the second tier...but with less foreigners!

Bengt and Pierre Brannefors

I think that Ivan and Kym Mauger may have rode together during some of Ivan's Farewell Meetings?

Strewth! I think I'll stick to riding a speedway bike!

I had a go many years ago and have nothing but admiration for anybody who dares ride a bike with no gears and breaks!

Enjoyed reading your post! I agree with much of what you say.

Charlie & Richard May Derek & Nigel Close

I recall that when dirt deflectors were first introduced it was thought that meetings would be less prone to postponements and/or cancellations due to adverse weather. The case for their introduction was that they would ease visibility and that meetings that would normally be cancelled would take place. That scenario never really did happen in my opinion (just another cost passed onto the riders) and it seems that postponements are even more prevalent nowadays judging by the comments. I'm sure there's a statistician out there who could either confirm or deny the ratio of meetings postponed prior to dirt deflectors being introduced and meetings postponed after their intervention? Personally I wouldn't be very surprised if the figure worked out about even.

Wilf and Graham Plant

Just had a look at your photos...greats great stuff!!

How about 'Kiwi' Cribb (who rode under the name 'Kiwi' during the 50s and 60s in New Zealand) and son Bruce. Les and Ronnie Moore.

Bo (Tommy's brother) and Jimmy Jansson.

Len and Ken Eyre...just read it in the latest 'Speedway Classic' magazine!

Not sure what the present criteria is but tracks had to conform to FIM track measurements (width in particular) of which there were/are just a few in Britain.

Shall have to have a look at that!

Recall the incident and Bernard got the then track presenter, Mike Bennett, to make a 'comment' over the PA regarding Thorp's actions who had 're-joined' the race and managed to re-pass at least one rider if I remember correctly. If I recall Bernard resigned as Team Manager.