chunky

That's fine, and that's what used to happen. However, finding a good solution when there is only one heat leader (particularly a Number One away from home) missing is not quite as easy. Steve

That only applies to the Premier League, which is still a relatively short season. Absolutely. That will still only work if the product is attractive and entertaining. Those of us who have spent a lifetime supporting the sport do so partly because of our love for it, and the desire to see speedway thrive. However, that doesn't apply to new or potential supporters. Steve

I've always said, it doesn't matter how cheap something is, if you don't enjoy it. I know that it can be expensive these days, but people will be more inclined to go if they are being entertained. Improving the product is more important than reducing the admission. Steve

Not sure of any details, but sadly, I can confirm that Tony passed away last week. Steve

Getting used to it is one thing, but years ago, guests were NEVER used to replace any/all of a team's riders; it was reserved for heat leaders... Steve

As has been said,, I feel that the vast majority of fans DO dislike the guest system, but again, what are the options? The age-old habit of comparing speedway to football is totally ridiculous, as the loss of a top rider really does impact the team much more than it does in football. Should we grab guests every time a rider is missing? Of course not. Replacing him with a junior is not always good, particularly away from home. A squad is a great idea, but again, what happens if your best two riders are injured or unavailable? You're back to square one... Steve

I will admit that I've often defended Middlo when others have criticised him, but this time, there is no way that I could consider doing so. That he could make such a statement is beyond belief... Steve

I was at West Ham the night Christer made his British debut (against the Dons). What a rider... Steve

Good call with Brian Brett... Steve

Don't forget Jimmy Nilsen or Ian Williams... Steve

Honestly, with clubs like Wimbledon and Belle Vue, it is an impossible task to name a true all-time 1-7. Of course, there is always the question of whether someone like Ivan Mauger should be included, so do we judge by actual greatness, or by the impact a rider had during his time at the club? That would then leave the door open for someone like Vic Duggan to be included... Realistically, if we were going by achievements during their time at the club, then there are just two automatic entries : Ronnie Moore Barry Briggs I think it is fair to say that the next name would likely be : Vic Huxley A short list for the remaining four spots would probably comprise : Edward Jancarz Wilbur Lamoreaux Trevor Hedge Tommy Jansson Ron How Norman Parker Olle Nygren Geoff Mardon Larry Ross Then (also taking into account greatness achieved away from Plough Lane), we have : Malcolm Simmons Dave Jessup Todd Wiltshire Kelvin Tatum Ivan Mauger Vic Duggan Gote Nordin Sverre Harrfeldt Steve

I was there that night! It was certainly amazing the way the scores (and scorers) turned out, but Dean did ride really well. Pity he wasn't as good with directions, as he had to follow me back up to Collier's Wood High Street to pick up the A24 to go home... Steve

That was what Jamie claimed at the time, but he later admitted that it was little more than a publicity stunt. Steve

I have used that list in the past to confirm a number of details, but they have also clearly used some postings direct from my website. There have been some additions since I last used it, though, so I need to go through it once more. Thanks again. Steve

Thanks, but that was where I found the info. I was just hoping that somebody could help with more detail. I assume that they were both solos, but it seems surprising that their names haven't cropped up somewhere before. Steve

I've just stumbled across a couple of Australians who sadly lost their lives on track. However, I am not familiar with their names, and was looking for more information. Don McKinnon was killed at the Brisbane Ekka in 1972. Terry Madden (from Brisbane) was killed at Lismore, NSW, in 1974. If anyone can add details - in particular, confirm that they were solos - I'd very very grateful. Thanks, Steve

Must admit, I haven't seen too many like Finn Jensen! He was a great stylist, but never mastered the art of consistency. Steve

That would be Alan Louth, not Mouth! Steve

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