chunky

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...

You still here, BWitcher? Or did you "go away" as politely requested?

Judging by his contributions on the BSF, there's bugger all he does like! He makes the real Arthur Rudge look pleasant and joyful... Steve

Is that what he said? NO!!! He said that the sport "is littered with pretty poor riders who were good at one track". That doesn't mean "all" riders, and that doesn't mean they were "crap". You really don't help yourself by constantly accusing others of saying things they didn't...

Stop talking sense! We don't need that (or at least, SOME don't understand that) kind of stuff on here... Steve

It's okay; there are a few posters on the BSF who make me want to do that!!! Steve

What? It takes four hours, you keep changing the rules, people headbutt each other, and others just have it on in the background??? Sorry, I've been biting my tongue for hours...

Um, it is Sir JACKIE Stewart, not Jocky... There have been many Scottish footballers and managers called Jock, most notably Jock Stein and Jock Wallace. Don't forget World Sidecar Champion, the late Jock Taylor. Steve

As highly as I rate Woffinden, I agree that he is not at the Rickardsson/Mauger/Nielsen level - yet. Needs another win or two... I would also put Gundersen and Olsen in that elite group. Michanek's peak was 10-15 years after the group mentioned. Steve

Joseph Cotten. Oh sorry, he was the Third Man...

As a manager?

Dangerous question to ask on the BSF!!! I think some of the people here have a list of answers on the fridge...

We've actually covered comparisons with PC in more depth on other threads; this one just seemed to devolve into Lee vs Woffinden... Funny thing, when we look back to the '70's and early '80's, we've discussed previously how there were just a small handful of riders (PC, Mauger, Olsen etc) way ahead of the rest. With a GP system, that would just have increased the gulf between the elite and the rest.

As much as I hate to, sometimes we have to generalise. As I have said before, Lee could - and SHOULD - have done more with his career, in which case he could be considered the best-ever Brit - even now. It's scary to think how young he still was when his career at the very top level finished. Even worse, he could have already had a couple more World Titles by that time. Fact is, he didn't...

It is crazy. Most of us who reckon Tai is better are happy to concede that Lee was more talented. Those who reckon Lee was better will concede nothing, because they "know". I stated that Lee was perhaps the most talented rider in speedway history, yet I was accused of considering him an "also-ran"! See the difference in the two camps? It's true that people can't (or won't) differentiate between BEST and FAVOURITE, or simply want to rewrite the dictionary... Steve

More fool you! Never say they can't get any worse; some people will take that as a challenge... Steve

You know, I like Vaculik too. He seems to be the "forgotten man" when talking about title contenders, but the guy can ride. Showing some good consistency too. Zmarzlik is brilliant, but he is always riding "on the edge", and you always get the feeling that he could come a cropper at any minute. Steve

Well, you learn more from your defeats than you do from your victories, so Bomber should come out of the meeting a genius!!! Did I say that???

Rosco???????????????????????????????????

No??? REALLY??? Not in British speedway...

Don't forget, he was on a "bike that doesn't have brakes", so apparently once the bike has started moving, it won't slow down or stop until it hits something...

That's why I said "most". You and I are a little more accepting, and of course, all of those you mention I do rate among the all-time greats. Along with Cordy Milne.... Unfortunately, people get too bogged down in two things : 1) "I didn't see him, so I can't include him!" 2) "It was a lot better in my day!" Um, that's why we have records and results so we CAN make comparisons. Clouting was good, but I think Richard Pettman was better. Well, his hair was, anyway! Steve

Just checked the history pages at the excellent speedway.org, and that confirms it. Sam was on 12 after 4, and Havvy was third in his fourth ride, putting him on 8 alongside Gollob, Nielsen, and Louis. Steve