coldace

Agree with this. We have to build again from a realistic base. We can't ignore three important facts. The centre of the speedway world is in Poland. Geographically we are an island off the mainland of Europe. Politically no longer being in the EU makes travelling to and working in the UK a whole lot more difficult. We should build our leagues predominantly around UK riders and those from Australia and New Zealand who might feel the UK is a better place to be based in when Europe. RE. growth; incremental growth is always more sustainable and easier to adjust to. Much more desirable than boom and bust.

The crowds were not so bad but there were a lot of meetings that year and some 'fillers'. I'd imagine the problem was the costs. It would have cost a bit to get Ron How and I believe they were after Briggs at one time. A very enjoyable year though after the problems of 61, 62 and 63.

I totally agree with this. In fact, there have been many fascinating pieces in the Star since lockdown. I'd love to see more such articles. How about a piece on Hevingham the track that staged one meeting in the mid 70s and then got 'buried' apparently. Or something about the Mike Parker attempt to get speedway going near Rimini in Italy in the mid to late 60s. On an entirely personal note, I'd love to hear the story of the Melville/Rycroft promotion at Oxford in1964. Lasted a year and I think a lot happened. Keep up the good work.

That's a real pity as he really is one for the future. Wonder if Anders Rowe is a possibility or whether Joe Jacobs would have another go? Joe was well liked in 2016.

I remember the car going around the track, must have been around 1973. It wasn't Osborne, I think it was a guy called Tombs? Not sure they raced side by side, might have gone around separately. The incident was not a great success but was entertaining. Those were the days!

Found this, seems that Billy, George and Peter were the same height

I'd certainly agree with that. Oxford win the last National League to a thrilling Wembley World Final.

I tend to agree with this. It is folly to be constantly dependant on the demands of the Polish leagues. I think we need to get ahead of the game and organise a self-sustaining league system. There ought to be a cut-off date for riders who want to take part to confirm this and then we plan from there. Reading the recent book 'Saving Speedway' seems strangely appropriate for today. It's about how they built the Provincial League in the 60s which led the British League in 1965 and the most successful and stable period of the sport in this country. Of course times have changed and everything is different, but it shows how you have to go back and organise before you can go forward and grow. Also those involved with the organisation have to work together for the good of the whole. I don't think this principal has changed but do we have someone who can lead such a movement?

So many great calls here. Generally speedway riders tend to be on the average to shorter side. But what prompted me to post was the photo on page 91 of Philip Dalling's excellent book which shows Sonny Dewhurst in relation to all of the others. May have had a bigger impact if he had been stood next to Reg Fearman that night!

Thanks Chunky

Didn't realise Chamberlin was as short as that. Do you know the height of Peter Craven and Billy Bales?

Just reading Philip Dalling's excellent book 'Saving Speedway'. Highly recommended but I was intrigued by a photo on page 91, of the Stoke vs. Liverpool line ups. Number 7 for Liverpool is Sonny Dewhurst who was so much smaller than everyone else. Been digging and found he was only 4 foot 9 inches tall. Was he the shortest rider? And how tall were Peter Craven, Billy Bales, Georgie White and Johnny Chamberlin, all who I remember as being vertically challenged. At only 5 foot 6 myself I have an morbid interest in this.

Thanks compost, I now know where to look. It's well hidden though!

Thanks for that Moxey, much appreciated. What a fantastic impact he had in 1949-50 in the top league. Must have been a real sensation.

Anybody know where I can find the Graham's career stats for his time at Birmingham, Coventry and Wolves? Been looking but can't find the number of meetings and averages at all.

Really hope that we can get to see Fricke and Lidsey before they go back to Aus.

Thanks for the information Youngy

I think it is different in the UK, almost certainly as there is a shortage of available riders, hence the number who double-up. Despite that, with more meetings, riders get the opportunity to ride themselves into form and so are given longer. Some clubs have less patience, Poole maybe, and others leave it longer, like my own club Belle Vue. Like all things its high risk - high reward. It is certainly more risky to commit to Poland if you are not at the top. Would imagine the UK is much less of a risk for them and they get more meetings.. I make no value judgement just recognise that it's not the same.

OK, thanks for that. So it seems he's scored just 10 points in all this Polish season. Poor reward for his dedication and effort.

Has he ridden for Lodz yet? I couldn't see any reports. He won't have had many meetings at all since he arrived in Poland which can't be good for him practically or mentally..

Thanks for the info. If Kurtz rides in the 1st Division is it that his rate per point drops? I'd imagine it must do. As stated, they don't muck about in Poland.

There is a general belief that Polish speedway threatens the existence of speedway in Britain. As a BV supporter I was concerned that thee of our 2020 team went over to Poland and I have tried to follow their scores. Lidsey has done very well and must have made good money. However, Bewley had three meetings scoring 1 point and Kurtz seems only to have had one meeting scoring 5 points. How can Bewley and Kurtz make it pay? Do they have their accommodation and food paid for by their Polish clubs? I think that these riders will need more than one meeting a week both to make it pay and to get enough rides to improve. So possibly they are going to be very keen to race over here. Indeed, Lidsey said as much in the Star. Anybody know why Kurtz isn't getting the rides and how those who aren't scoring regularly make it pay?

Wouldn't be surprised if there isn't an official British Championship with a couple of preliminary rounds and the final at BV. Maybe even televised.