Killer Cat from Mars

Nice to see Simon get the nod, I hope it acts as a boost for him and can kick start his season. In all honesty Simon has struggled this year, and the two injuries he's sustained have meant that he hasn't been 100% for any period of time. Brandon is a happy hunting ground for him normally, so fingers crossed he'll do well. I would probably have put Howe in, with Kennett at reserve, but Middlo's the man who has to make the tough decisions, so I'll back the GB Squad 100%. Be interesting to see how the squad would change for Poland, if at all?

I think it would be a popular decision if Kennett got the GP nod next year. If Scott doesn't qualify, I think a years sabbatical would do him good. He looks all out on his feet at the mo, and at Cardiff his riding at times seemed desperate.

Nothing wrong with constructive criticism. Steady will be disappointed that he went out, and hand on heart as an Aces fan, I believe Simon will struggle at World Level. I see him being a good second or third heat leader at EL level. Some people just seem to enjoy putting the boot in, that's all.

Steady will be back next year, at Belle Vue and in the World Championships - it was a tough ask for him to qualify this time, coming so close after an injury. Nice to see comments of support from fellow forumites.

This was my second Cardiff GP, and it was definitely the best. As someone said earlier in the thread though, I'm amazed that we can't fill the stadium. Was last night's crowd the biggest ever? Seemed to be more there than last year.

What a night!! Well done Bomber for putting the Great back into Britain. I'm still hoarse this morning after all the shouting last night. But more people should go to Cardiff - the noise created last night was incredible - Can you imagine what it would be like with a full stadium. Well done to the other Brits for battling away, but this was Bomber's night, and boy did he deserve it

Apparently the site of the stadium is at the rear of Regent Grove and is covered by housing Speedway first took place there on 1st September 1929, but the details have been lost. Any programme from this period would be worth a small fortune!

I seem to remember that the meetings were called the 'Craven A' Series and weren't they raced in Kuwait? I have a programme for one of them, but I don't know how successful they were.

How about the Belle Vue Babes? - a nickname only used for two matches for the Aces reserve side in 1968. They became the Colts shortly after. I believe the Babes nickname was voted for by the fans, but BV were forced to change it. And nobody seems to have mentioned the Forest Flyers.

Shelbourne Tigers rode in Dublin from 1950-54, 1961 and 1970-71. They rode open meetings at the Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium, still sometimes seen on Sky TV when the greyhounds are running.

Here's a few more: HARRINGAY RACERS / TIGERS / CANARIES. FLEETWOOD FLYERS / KNIGHTS. LEEDS LIONS ELLESMERE PORT GUNNERS WIGAN WARRIORS / PANTHERS. HASTINGS SAXONS CARDIFF DRAGONS NEWTON HEATH HEATHENS NOTTINGHAM LACEMEN SHELBOURNE TIGERS ROCHDALE HORNETS RINGWOOD TURFS LEA BRIDGE SAINTS / CUBS Those are a few off the top of my head, so to speak, hope they help.

Absolutely . Well done Jason. Now equal with the late, great Peter Craven as an Aces double World Champ, it would be great if Crumpy could now push on towards Ivan's record, and I believe he has the time and the ability to do it.

I remember going to Thornton Road in the early eighties when Belle Vue were racing there. Louis Carr came out on a bike that sounded like a bag of spanners, and then proceeded to break the track record!! I returned to Thornton Road in the nineties when my football team Droylsden were playing there against Colwyn Bay - Colwyn Bay were using it as their home during their exile from the Welsh League. I looked around the stadium and could see no trace of the old track - I felt quite sad about that. Is the old stadium still there now?

Oops, the secrets out

Could someone put the details of the book on here please, as I'd love to buy a copy - all books about the pioneer years are great reading.

Thanks Speedyguy - if anyone can remember the issue number I'd be most grateful as I'd really like to have a copy of this issue. I would be intrigued to see if it has a picture of the Holy Grail of speedway in Manchester, the actual race sheet from the first meeting at Droylsden.

I can't answer your question regarding why certain promoters don't want defunct teams racing in second halves, but I can tell you that I have seen a team representing the Crewe Kings race at Buxton. So maybe you should approach promoters who are happy to allow defunct teams to race in second halves.

Just wondered if there had ever been an article in VSM regarding Droylsden Dirt Track - the eightieth Anniversary of the first meeting at Droylsden is creeping up, on 25th June 2007, and as a resident of Tameside(where Droylsden is situated), I would really appreciate some recognition for this forgotten track.

There are plenty of pubs in the city centre with Sky TV - there's a Sports Bar on Quay Street with loads of screens, and many other pubs with the Sky sign outside. You should have no problem finding at least one that could show the speedway. You're biggest problem could be getting them to actually show it - as I wouldn't imagine any will be specifically showing the speedway.

I don't like the format for these World Team Cup matches - once Poland got behind they seemed to just rotate Gollob, Hampel and Ulamek in every race. They've got to scrap the double point joker and the Tactical Substitute and give each team a reserve that they can use in case of injuries. Then, with each rider taking his prgrammed rides, the best TEAM would win.

I wish I could find things like this when I go to antique fairs!! Agewise, my best guestimate would be 40/50's - as pre-war we had a red ace as our emblem. The black ace came in after the war - but there may be older Aces fans who can pin it down more accurately. Hope this helps

Great GP last night and well done Crumpy. As for him being lucky, well you make your own luck!! I am frankly amazed at the anti-Crump sentiment on this Forum from certain members. Just admit it, he's a class rider who gets people through the turnstiles. He gives his all at Elite League level and at GP level, which can't be said for certain other riders!!

Hi, try e-mailing the guy on Ebay called MattyMattBadges - he has loads of programmes when I've been to speedway memorabilia fayres. He may have some stored away that he can sort for you. Leisurespeed is also good for programmes.

Cheers Moxey, I could remember the event, but was a bit vague to where it took place. Ah, 1984 was a great season for Belle Vue until right at the end when we came second in everything!!

I don't know whether this is the right category for this - but I remember Peter Collins and Peter Carr being on a 5-1 at the old Hyde Road stadium in the mid-1980's, and Peter Carr lost control of his bike, and looked like he was going to come off. Pete Collins rode alongside him, steadied him, and they duly completed the 5-1. Any other fans remember this?