steve roberts

...both Ronnie Moore and Hans Nielsen are examples of that in that they thought nothing but nurse a colleague round for the better of the team. It wasn't always about getting over the line first which is what the team aspect should be about unlike individual meetings whereby winning is more important.

When Oxford conquered all in 1964 (National League & Trophy) they only used eight riders. Ron How, Jimmy Gooch, Arne Pander, Colin Gooddy and Eddie Reeves were ever present while Jack Geran and Jon Bishop missed only one match and Ronnie Genz three.

...I forgot Trevor Geer! Colin Richardson was another who "escaped" us. Rode as a fifteen year old at Cowley (I recall an "exhibition" match race between him and Michael Lee which Colin won). However he was snapped up by Reading whilst an "Eagle" and eventually ended up at Plough Lane.

...I certainly didn't as Oxford/White City benefitted hugely from "doubling up" whereby riders from its sister promotions eventually became full time assets. The likes of Malcolm Ballard, Gordon Kennett, John Davis, Richard Greer, Paul Gachet and Steve Weatherley (Bobby McNeil and Roger Johns escaped us!) but of course that was the original concept of the old Second Division to develop British talent and it was a way to gently introduce riders to the harsher environment of the upper league. Belle Vue, King's Lynn and Ipswich, amongst others, also benefitted with the old "doubling up" formula. Unfortunately that concept changed by the early eighties and it's no accident that the national team began to dry up when the National League as it became began to take its own identity. The "doubling up" scenario appears to be a very different animal nowadays.

...and David Kennett. Of course in those days there was often a promotional tie in. White City/Oxford - Eastbourne/Peterborough and King's Lynn - Boston for example.

...bit different to Oxford in 2005 who used 23 riders (14 of which who rode in six or more matches).

I was thinking the other day about one club riders and they are very few and far between...Pete only rode for Teesside. A good servant and what club speedway is all about in my opinion. We had Rick Timmo at Oxford. Wouldn't happen nowadays!

...my mother, who is her late eighties, lived thru' the fifties when rationing was still in place and her generation helped get the country back on its feet again after the war.

...me, too, at King's Lynn!

Great stuff...although I was never a great fan of indoor racing (went to two meetings at Wembley and the NEC) but it did add an extra dimension. Never bothered with Telford however.

As a mattter of interest and as a comparison The National Trust doesn't do concessions/discounts either whereas English Heritage does.

...the link was posted to me so I was able to read the message. Unfortunately I am unable to forward links/photos etc as I don't know how to although I've tried! Perhaps somebody who has access to social media (I don't do Twitter or Facebook) outlets may well come across the link if they so desire or are indeed even interested? I only brought the subject up again as it seemed relevant to this particular thread's "heading" but if it causes offence then I apologise.

I remember two Workington riders (?) back in the early seventies who were both excluded for not making a "bona fida attempt to race" when the only two riders in the race after the oppostion riders had been excluded for one reason or another.

I recall that for one season at least it was decided to introduce a "Home" & "Away" average so that the choice of a guest would represent a truer reflection of the rider he was due to replace? Personally I though it a good initiative but I guess there were some who found it frought with difficulties as regards administering same.

...I'm sure many a rider past and present after the first couple of bends just sit back and consolidate their postion. Some are referred to as just "gaters" and some just don't have the natural ability to make a pass successfully. That's why the fans generally appreciate a "trier" and riders who give the impression of giving it a go.

...did he refer to it on social media as I was reliably informed? If true a daft admission to make as it wouldn't actually adhere him to the fans.

I'm guessing that the "Official " average (do "Green Sheet" averages still exist?) does include bonus points (but excluded when declaring a team under whatever the points limit may be) otherwise you'd have the scenario whereby riders who put emphasis on their average (and there have been plenty of examples over the years) would view things very different if bonus points weren't included?

The rider in question apparently mentioned it on social media. Both my brothers have witnessed him ride on separate occasions this season.

We had Nicki Pedersen at Cowley for a handful of matches until he "fell out" with Nigel Wagstaff in the pits at Peterborough? Personally I was glad to see the back of him!

...that would involve looking into how averages are calculated. Many riders deem that their individual average is important hence why bonus points were introduced to stop same team riders racing against each other. However whether bonus points should be included when declaring a team under a points limit is another question (I think it was tried on one occasion)?

Certainly not!

Different scenario I know but wasn't there a rider for Oxford this year who went public and stated that if he missed the gate he would just ride round not making an effort to pass the rider in front?

An interesting one. I remember on more than one occasion where the rider running a last has pulled up only for one of the others to either fall or suffer an engine failure thereby losing a point and grief on the terraces.

Sad news...Brian rode briefy for Oxford in 1982 before injury curtailed his appearances. RIP

...was one of the things that grabbed me when I first attended speedway. I used to stand overlooking the pits taking it in!