chunky

So true, and not just a case of "entertainment". Chucking youngsters in at the deep end - whether it's at the highest level, or even like when we had the compulsory junior in the BL - is a very dangerous game to play. It can actually destroy a career before it has started, by knocking all the confidence out of a person. It's okay saying that you need "experience", and that the only way to gain that experience is by competing, but if you are not avtually competitive, that can be very counter-productive. Remember, you can get "good" overnight, but you can't gain experience overnight... Steve

Bobby was another one who had a weird mask (when he was at Swindon); I don;t recall anyone else having something similar. I think it had rigid cheek protection with a large nose vent/flap, but as you say, it did have large spots on it. He may have had a spotted scarf as well, but I certainly remember the mask. Steve

I think that the most unusual thing about Martin's mask was the colour - it was white (or at least a light cream colour). This style - more form-fitting than the monkey mask - was used by several riders, including - as you say - Hedgehopper. Nigel Boocock was another one...

You mean he's a crazy, psycho, axe-wielding homicidal maniac???

Okay... Does anyone REALLY know what the role of "Team Manager" entails these days? I know it includes a generic, "be there for the riders, support them, and fight for them" ideal, but what else? Back in the day, it was the team manager's job to select riders for the World Team Cup, World Pairs, and numerous test matches. Now, we have just one event with three riders, and a couple of subs. Woffinden is a given. A fit Lambert is a given. Even though I am not a Cook fan, he is pretty much a given. So, we only have to worry about a couple of others, none of whom really stand out above the competition. Of course, there are the tactical decisions to be made during the meetings, but even then, these are minimal as the riders have their input. I'm not knocking anyone or anything, but it does seem that a manager's role is far removed from what it used to be. Sad... Steve

Please feel free to discuss - until Sid gets back...

I always find this an unanswerable question when you are friends with different riders; whoever you say, you feel guilty about not saying somebody else... So, to pick someone who isn't a friend, it's tough to choose between Mirac and Tommy. I never personally knew Ronnie, but my mum did. Steve

Not Olsen?????????????

You were working in a full-time speedway publicity capacity? Sounds like you also had a part-time job as a meteorologist!!! Steve

I think it's new to a lot of us! Ironically, looking at a map, it would have only been about four miles from Matchams Park! Steve

I don't like confrontation (not "serious" confrontation, anyway). I have told you why I react the way I do; I do not appreciate being accused of saying things I didn't. You are doing it to others too. I am still a pleasure to engage with - as you will see from many threads on here - and I am always one of the first to help with information if I can. You just need to stop making ridiculous claims and accusations, and there won't be any issues. Sorry, but there IS right and wrong. It is called FACT.

From what little I have found (and I hadn't heard of it either), it seems that it was generally called the New Forest Training Track. It was on St. Ive's Rd in Ferndown. Steve

Yep. Again, a Swede... Nordin and Holmqvist too. Still, when did the monkey masks become popular?

Aabsolutely he did; good call!

There were a number of rigid masks worn by odd riders, including those you mentioned above. Alan Grahame and Castagna were two of the most notable riders to wear these, but Scott Autrey, Andy Grahame, Mitch Shirra, and Ray Morton (amongst others) were also known for their masks. Google for their pics, and you will see. Steve

If you look back at my original post, you will see that I did clarify that. They are indeed the one piece goggles/face mask, with nose protector. As I said, there were several different styles, but I consider them all to be "monkey masks". That is why I named certain riders, as most of us are familiar with what they worem The simple one-piece leather ones (again various styles) were something different.

Pretty sure he just wore a scarf at Wembley in 1969, as did Sjosten. I can't think of any others who were just using a scarf after that time - other than Michanek. Seemed to be popular in Sweden... Steve

Of course not, but that's nothing unusual on here...

That is definitely the earliest pic I have seen of one! I believe that would have been from Tuesday, April 28, 1959... Cool! Funny thing is, that has jogged my memory. I have seen another photo of Ronnie wearing a monkey mask during (what I believe to be) a World Championship round. I don't know the date of that, but I would say it has to be early 60's before he broke his leg. Just wondering why they never really caught on until over a decade later, and of course, on his return to the UK, Ronnie reverted back to a simple leather mask.

Be careful, or you may have to go away too!

This has got nothing to do with Auty, and is nothing to do with trolling. You just keep claiming that people say things that they didnt, and then you get butthurt when we respond with the truth.

We all could! There were so many different masks (and goggles) that riders wore. Wasn't just Mich who wore a scarf; Fundin, Sjosten, Crutcher etc were a lot earlier.

Hmmmm... That's fascinating, and I have never seen that photo!

Okay, if I can squeeze in here between gustix's many memories, I would like to ask a question. We all miss the old face masks - in particular, the good ol' monkey masks - but thinking about it, they really weren't around for long. Obviously, there were several different models; the standard one with the small vent in the middle, the style worn by Mauger, Collins, and Olsen, the Gordon Kennett one, the Joe Owen one etc... So, does anyone know when they were introduced? The American racing driver Dan Gurney made one around 1958, but they were never used in speedway that early. Even around 1969 and 70, the majority of the face masks were simple leather ones with slits in them. Trying to think back, I can't actually remember when they took over, or who were the first riders to use them. I know Ronnie Moore wore one around 1971 or 72... Anyone? Steve

Neither did you mention home track advantage. There were quite a few riders who struggled to get three or points on their own shale, but then they would go to certain tracks and ride like a world-beater...