chunky

Still think you'd be better posting a bunch of names instead of one every few weeks... Steve

Patrick was a New Zealander (from Christchurch) who came over to Plough Lane in 1979 to join Larry Ross, and also made a couple of appearances for Exeter the following year, I believe. He was there alongside Dave Brewer (Tatum didn't appear until 1983). Born April 20, 1957, I suppose the highlight of Pat's career was scoring a couple of points in our huge win at Hackney (56-22, I think). Funny you should mention Graham Knowler; I was at Ipswich the night we fielded Alan Johns at No 1, and Graham at No 2. Obviously a very weakened team, were were holding the Witches until Roger Johns blew his engine while leading in his third ride - after two wins. Steve

Lee wasn't doing it as a 14-year-old, though. There have been many kids with potential who never made it to top class, it's true, but two who deserve a mention are Dugard and Havelock. Steve

Not according to this : http://wwosbackup.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=mriders&action=display&thread=1883 Steve

This is news to me! Is this something that has only just happened? There I was, labouring under the misapprehension that Scotland has ALWAYS been smaller, with less facilities and less people... Never stopped McKinlay, Hunter, McMillan etc from becoming stars, did it? There is absolutely NO REASON for us not to see a Scot in Team GB, except that there don't seem to be any with the desire and determination at the moment. Sure, population and facilities help, but it didn't stop riders like Ole Olsen, Rune Holta, or Armando Castagna from making the grade, did it? Steve

The more I look at the more I think it's Rayleigh. Go to http://www.defunctspeedway.co.uk/Rayleigh.htm, and check out the 1960 team pic. The track lighting in particular looks identical, and the surroundings seem rural enough. Even the individual pics above this (Johnny Fitzpatrick and Alan Smith) showing the pits area looks the same. See what you think... Steve

Sad thing is, I remember them all too... Anyway, I think I'd put Dandy Nichols in instead of Irene Handl... Steve

I've been noticing the proliferation of comments regarding tonight's start tarts. Not sure if that is reflection on modern speedway (and a lack of excitement) or a reflection on the frustrated old saddos on this forum!!! Steve

That has to be one of the best races I have ever seen. If only every race was like that... Good performance from the Russians. Steve

There was another thread on here before, asking the same question, and speedyguy even suggested Aldershot, which was another I had considered. Steve

Not sure, but I wonder if it is Rayleigh? There was a trial at an "Essex" track, and Rayleigh would seem the logical choice. Steve

What about Bruce Hughes, then??? Steve

I'm sure that Bob Hughes was Welsh, and thinking about, so was Ivor Hughes. As I said, Bob, I never knew that Howard Cole was Welsh, but he was born in Cardiff. Steve PS Just thought of another Welshman - Phil Vance.

I can't disagree with either statement, but I do feel that Sanders had really come of age. I honestly never knew that Howard Cole was Welsh! In that case, he should slot in there with Leo McAulliffe. Of course, there have been other Welsh riders over the years (including Bob Hughes and Tom Brown), but without wishing to be disrespectful, there have been surprisingly few top-liners. Steve

I would definitely put Phil between Cyril and Leo, Bob. Steve

I always held Billy Sanders in the highest esteem (he was very popular at Plough Lane), but in 1983, I too felt that he really was one of the men to beat. He was always very good, obviously, but he seemed to develop into the complete rider. Steve

Legend... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Morris_(speedway_rider) Steve

Phil Morris... Steve

As an individual who only became a naturalized New Zealander toward the end of his career (after a long and successful career as an Englishman), I find it difficult to include Bob on such a list. Steve

With the greatest of respect, I would put many other Kiwis ahead of Bunyan, including Bruce Abernethy, Dave Gifford, Bryce Subritzky, David Bargh, and even Wayne Briggs. All great choices... Steve

Can't argue with that, and would even say that other than Briggo and Mauger, we could stretch that to 40 years... Looking back at the list of Swedes, I think that Bengt Jansson and Torbjorn Harrysson should both be ahead of Henka, and perhaps some of the others. Steve

Don't forget names like Peter Moore, Ron Johnson, Frank Arthur, and Lionel Van Praag... Steve

I sat down and compared the modern layout directly against an old map I had. It appears that the stretch of road past the stadium is pretty much the same, but they may have messed with the area where it joins the A106. Also, with much of Carpenters Rd gone (where the aquatic centre is), the bottom end is a little different, but the old shape of Waterden Rd remains as it joins the road that rings the Olympic Stadium. Steve

First leg (at Plough Lane), the Aces lined up (1-7) : Mauger, Pusey, Roper, Eyre, Sjosten, Waplington, Hiftle. Second leg (at Hyde Rd), the Aces lined up (1-7) : Mauger, Pusey, Roper, Hemus, Sjosten, Eyre, Hiftle. Steve

Very much so. Same as when we won the KOC up there in 1970! Steve