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Looking back, it does seem that they were the first two to really advertise on their leathers in 1969, although Ivan still often wore black (as he did in that year's World Final). Referring to the main point of this thread, another one who stood out was Alan Knapkin, with his yellow leathers. Garry Middleton and Jimmy Gooch also had light blue and white leathers. Steve

That's right, Iris, and it would have to have been around that time, as Maido retired at the end of '71. Again, I'm pretty sure that Ivan and Briggo would have been two of the first with sponsorship (Jawa amongst others) on their leathers. I'll have a look through some old books and magazines and see what I can find. Interesting question! Steve

Leathers were predominantly black until about 1971/72. Of course, there had been odd riders such as Nigel Boocock (blue), Mike Broadbanks and Greg Kentwell (red), Alan Cowland and (much earlier) Ken Le Breton (white) who deviated from the norm. Mauger and Briggs were two of the first riders to sport multi-coloured leathers. As mentioned, Leicester were among the first to have "team" leathers, back in 1969. Wimbledon had a sort of team outfit in 1970 or 71 (can't remember which), with leathers which were black, with yellow and red stripes on the arms and legs. Then there were other teams (West Ham, for example) who kitted the team out in football jerseys. There were a number of individuals also who often wore these, including Charlie Monk, and Bernt Persson. Other "individual" tastes included Olle Nygren's white boots, Sture Lindblom's bow tie, and Ken 'Casper' Cameron's unique body colour! Oh, and talking of fashions, don't forget those riders who wore scarves. I think Neil Collins was probably the last of that breed. Steve

Sorry, but time to put the record straight - again. Cliff Anderson WAS ridng in 1975, appearing in 24 matches for Crewe. Steve

You are indeed correct. He rode for Ringwood in 1954 and 1955, with some appearances for Eastbourne in '55 also. Steve

Oxford 2 71-1, is Ronnie Genz, I think, if someone can confirm? The Oxford rider on the inside of Ken McKinlay is defintely Colin Gooddy. The Wimbledon unknown would appear to be Reg Luckhurst. It was posted earlier, and probably missed, but the Mildenhall unknowns 1976 are Bob Coles leading (definitely), and I believe Fred Mills. Steve

Hull 1 71-1 Reg Wilson Reading 1 71-1 Josef Angermuller Oxford 1 71-1 Oyvind S Berg Oxford 3 -71-1 Colin Gooddy Sunderland 1 Russ Dent nearest camera, looks like George Barclay on left Eastbourne - It is Reg Trott leading Graeme Smith One other thing Wolverhampton's Mick Powell is actually BILL Powell. Steve

I saw Roger's mechanic, Ron, at Wimbledon a couple of years ago. He said he hadn't heard from Roger in years; seems he became something of a recluse. Steve

For any music fans out there interested in picking up some of Reg Luckhurst's old recordings should check out http://blog.wfmu.org/. Posted on August 17, the songs are listed under 365 Days #229. WFMU is a radio station that plays (and posts online) strange and obscure music. I honestly couldn't believe they have Reg's stuff though... Steve

Have fun, and good luck! Steve Give us a D...

Yes, he did. Steve

Yeah, Yorkie was too good for Canterbury... Steve

But what about you, Yorkie; you still having a go? Steve

Absolutely. To rise from the status of a raw novice to a near 7-point average (in the BL) isn't exactly what I call "appalling". Oh, and if he was that "appalling", how come Birmingham gave him an invite for the Second City Trophy? Steve

Same as Les McGillivray. Steve

Exactly what I said earlier, Steve. Yes, what happened was tragic, but WE don't know the full situation, so therefore, we should not judge. Sometimes people just "snap". I'm not saying it was right because it wasn't, but these events should not be allowed to take away from his ability or career. Whatever you may think, his life and death, and life away from the track, are, or should be, totally separate from his career. Ron, do you think I am wrong or immoral in possessing a fairly large library of true crime books? Just because things are bad, horrific, or tragic, should we forget them? Should we not write about them? Should we not make TV documentaries or movies about them? Should we forget the Moors Murders and Jack the Ripper? Should we forget 9/11? Should we forget the holocaust? Kenny Carter deserves to be remembered, and whatever you may think, the majority of people who will buy or read the book will do so in order to learn, or to simply remember, not just to show their insensitivities or to gloat over a tasteless and tacky publication. By the way, I am not, and never was, a Kenny Carter fan... Steve

Exactly what I was thinking, Iris. Steve

Which is what I said a few posts back... Steve

Yes, on all counts. Mildenhall Unknowns 76 is Bob Coles leading, and I'm pretty sure that's Fred Mills behind. Steve

I thought it might have been Trevor, but no idea on the others. As far as the Hackney ones, 85-2 looks like Mike Fitzpatrick, and I'm sure that 85-3 is Gary Rolls. I'm thinking you will find that the other two (84-1 and 85-4) will be more Paul Whittaker. Steve

Sorry Tony, you got me stumped with the Kestrels there... Steve

Thing is Bob, JB has always been one for telling it like it is! Yeah, I've been over here 16 years, all in the St. Louis area. I've been to the Toronto area many times; I have a friend who lives in Oshawa, and I've stayed with him quite a bit. Steve

Like Bob, I know where you're coming from, but do we know that the "whole concept of the book" is insensitive to the family? Things happen, sometimes terrible things, but they are a part of life. Was the Carter family approached? Did they give their blessing, even supply information? Did they suggest that some things were best omitted? I'm sure that the answer to most, if not all of the above questions would be "yes". Had this been written soon after his death, maybe it would have been very tacky, tasteless, and insensitive, but it wasn't. Obviously, neither of us know the full content of the book, but I certainly wouldn't think it simply dwells on the tragedies and other unsavoury aspects of his life and death. This is a biography of one of the best speedway riders of all time, and, love him or hate him, one of the greatest characters the sport has ever seen. Why shouldn't he have a biography written about him? Why should today's generation, and indeed, future generations, be deprived of Kenny Carter's life and achievements? Steve

OK Tony, I'll be waiting... Steve

I think you are being a little premature there, Brian. There are a number of photos and programmes from the 60's also. I'm sure the site will expand to cover earlier years, but you have to remember that information from the 60's and later is far more readily accessible tha the older stuff. Steve