sandman

I don't think anyone really knows. I do know his real or nickname was Demond. :?

I was speaking of when you and Shirra got into it. Always remember,... the parties are better in California. How is your Bro? 8)

Hey Barney, remember when you and Mitch got into it a Eastbourne? :roll:

Rumour has it he and Middlo were quite chummy. I even heard that Middlo offered him a years contract to hang loose with him for a year, and after that he could go back to PC.

Can anyone shed any light on what happened to PC's number one supporter Soldier Boy? I remember him following PC everwhere. He used to travel to away meetings on a Vespa at times, and calling all the other riders Rubbish, while giving the two fingered salute to them.

Hey Steve, I know her name is Rita,but wasn't her nickname Princess? Glad to hear she is still going strong. I remember a documentary on Ivan about ten years ago where he broke the 1000 meter longtrack flying lap in NZ, and it was great. Real impressive under the lights, limestone track. Say, can you introduce me to him sometime? Sandman

Is he blonde and have arms like Popeye?

I know a lot of the problem lays in the cost, but who wants to see racers staying in the blue groove smoking their tyres? It seems to be a problem with the Sprint Cars in Aussie and USA. I dare say there a whole legion of fans who have never seen a top notch match with loads of dirt on the track, but in my opinion, That is Speedway. I would think the top GP riders would love it. It does up the ante in the danger department because a mistake can send you into the wall. Just some standards please, especially for the sake of the telly, so we can garner more fans. If I hear the phrase " The problem with speedway is first one out of the gate wins", one more time I may throw up! This is the greatest sport in the world, and the world needs to know it. More fans equals better facilities, more prize money for the riders and more respectability. Everyone deserves better. I try to not be critical, as I love this sport, I just want to see it reach its potential, I want better facilities and see the riders make good money, esp. considering the risks involved. Ahhhh, I think the air just deflated outta my head and it hurts Brian. Sandman ;-)

I hate to come back to the subject of track surface preparation concerning the GPs, but feel that since Speedway could be on the brink of mass acceptance throughout the world, thanks to television, I have a suggestion, and wonder what others think. I feel the FIM should set a standard for track surfaces, with a certain amount of dirt on the tracks to encourage more passing. How many times have you seen someone take a huge gamble going around the outside, only to be rewarded by getting passed? I know that in construction they have a meter that one can stick into the ground to judge moisture and tightness of the soil. It isnt rocket science, so many meetings that have been televised over the years have been ruined by slick racetracks. Television is the one big chance to capture mass appeal, and I think not enough thought has been put into this. Weather is something that can't be controlled of course, but please lets have tracks that reward the risk takers. Sandman :!:

In reply to Falcase, I am trying to be objective from my own humble opinion. There isn't anything that anyone could take away from PC. However, really not everything comes down to numbers. Tommy didn't have the chance to fulfill his potential, PC did. Admittedly, it is a bit of comparing apples to oranges, there is such an unknown here, so really it is all speculation on my part. My point is I have seen a few special ones come along, and he was even a bit above that. As I said, just my humble opinion.Tommy had the natural talent of Kelly Moran, but an incredible work ethic. At the time of his death, he was up to par with PC.None of my comments are meant to make light of PC's record, just to illuminate what might have been.

Cant remember too much either, although I remember the winged wheel in the garage? Maybe not fair, but seem to remember it covered in dust, however was a bit young so could be wrong. Anyway, he was and always be a great man. Would have been top of his profession no matter what he chose to do. Very focused, determined, and intelligent man. If only the sport could produce just one more........

Steve, do you remember his cabana bar in his house in Manchester? Complete with thatch..... My telephone got... ah forget it... Sandman

Can anyone relate any good stories on Ivan? I remember one where he was in a last heat decider at Poole back in the 70's, and everyone was booing him as he came to the gates. A man came running across the centre green and ran past two PC's who tried to grab him, he got to Ivan and was getting ready to clock him, and Ivan calmly leaned his bike over on the footrest, and hit him with a right cross before the coppers grabbed the guy. Ivan promptly went out and won the race. It really was pretty funny...... Sandman :twisted:

everyone knows Tony still has a few Titles yet to come? :!:

I do think Television slows things up, even F1. However, put stripes on the fences, so one could get a perspective of distance covered. Also still believe inside camera angles going into corners would help. Also, so many of the racers look the same, a bio in their hometowns, where they live etc would help, to show how different they all are. Good point Lioness, but wonder since I am here in the God forsaken Bahamas, how accesible are the riders now? :?

I think for the long run yes absolutely right. But for the young guns in the here and now, really doesnt make much difference. Its youthful exhuberence and talent, for the older ones on the way out, it is experience and treachary. :twisted:

Yeah, Kelly Moran shot that theory down. I used to think the same way, Sandman

Have you seen those cool cameras used for track and field on the outside of the fence that moves with them? Problem, with speedway they would have to hit 80 to keep up. I always thought a good angle was on the infield just going into the corner. Shows more what it is really like. Am I a legend in my own mind or what? Sandman :roll:

Although the coverage is really good for Speedway, I still think it could be made a bit better. For some reason, television seems to not show the true speed. I dont know if different angles would help or what but it is always better in person. I think they should do clips on the contenders in their hometowns, show the race times, and have the brand of the bikes under the names. Just a couple of thoughts, any others? I've gone past my four lines again. Sandman :?:

I think it is called common sense!

You would know more about this than me, having raced yourself, but maybe the demands of Speedway are so great, so many matches, that the burn out rate is just that much higher than Ice Racing, since their schedule and season is small comparatively. :?

Krissie, We are talking about Speedway, that is the point.... Sandman :?

Dont know if they wanted him to quit, but think he went in the last round this year as reserve and won it. Cant imagine the shape he must be in at his age to be competitive, as Ice Racing is extremely demanding physically. I hope someone sooner or later will recognise this great man, his accomplishments will certainly never be repeated. I guess it takes a Swede to do this. EVERGREEN is the word for him. However, at his age maybe after one more year, he may think of retirement as he has nothing else to prove. Lessons learned for the wise... you are only as old as you feel... Cheers.. Sandman

Can anyone match the success of Per-Olov Serenius, Ice Racer. Not only is he 2 times World Champ, 3 times World Team Champion, 8 times Nordic Champion and 14 times Swedish Champion, he is also 54 freakin' years old. I challenge anyone to put someone up against this man. And how much publicity has he received? Very little. He is the Russkies worst nightmare. Watch him fly next year at 55 years old. Boof,... score one for the old guys! 25 consequetive World Ice Fials... Everyone is welcome to try and beat that record, especially the precious young uns on the upswing... Good luck Posa! The Sandman {Soon to retire, as I have had my say} !!!

I concur Jez, although this horse has been beat to death, no matter how things turned out, horrible as it was, this is about Kenny the Racer. No excuse at all for the terrible thing he did, but he was a determined racer who put his whole being at the time into his racing. He was a hard little man with true grit. He was a tough a speedway racer who ever came down the pike. No one can forget the terrible things that happened, and no forgiveness expected, but man what a racers heart. Sandman