speedyguy

Just a couple of days left to vote on this topic.

PRESS RELEASE The day for the third California-in-England Speedway Reunion on Sunday 12th October 2008 is fast approaching and the list of personnel is growing by the minute. The latest recruit is Neil Roberts whose Father rode there for the Southern Rovers. He still has his Dads bike and gives it a blast round when he can and he is bringing it along for the display. The full address is: California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, Wokingham, RG40 4HT. This is situated on the B3430 coming from the A322 junction 3 off the M3. There is a large sign at the entrance to the park and car park; then there is a short walk to the display area which will include a selection of machines covering 80 years of speedway. If you have any memorabilia/memories please make your self known to any of the three researchers bearing their name badges. We are also interested in any cine film not only of the racing, but of the park in general that could be loaned to be copied. Also on display will be speedway photographs and team body colours including a reproduction California Poppies one. Here you will be able to talk with riders (please see their name badges) from the 1950s California Poppies team. You are invited to ask questions at any time and all officials will be sporting their name badges. Machines will be started at various times during the day; you will smell the intoxicating aroma of Castrol R and Methanol to bring back memories of those earlier days. Part of the presentation will be a guided walk around the park where you can see the recently unearthed part of the railway track that took clay up to the brickworks which is how the lake was formed. You will be able to stand on the concrete start/finish line with marked out starting boxes; for those interested you can walk the racing line (stout footwear recommended) as it is very overgrown. The park offers a wealth of historic interest in itself, plus a cafeteria with toilets including one for the disabled. The display will be open between 11am ‘till 4pm. For further information please call Stuart Towner on 0208-397 6599 or HYPERLINK "mailto: stuart.towner@blueyonder.co.uk" stuart.towner@blueyonder.co.uk

Thanks for this Norman. I also understand that the American veteran Crocky Wright is in hospital. he's aged somewhere between 89 and 91 years...nobody seems to know for certain. Crocky raced USA East Coast 1938-41 and again 1946-47 before turning to midget car racing.

There are mixed views on the welfare (or otherwise) of Eddie Lack. His brother, Tom. another former rider, died many years ago.

There's still time to cast a vote. The current running is against the GPs.

Other names that have come to light elsewhere include Eddie Lack (England), Putty Miles and Crocky Wright (USA), and Cyril Romaine (Australia). That makes seven pre-war riders still alive? Are there any more?

Tallest rider ever - wasn't it Graham Miles?

PUBLISHERS PRESS RELEASE::::: NEW WIMBLEDON SPEEDWAY BOOK LAUNCHED 'The Pocket Size History of Defunct Speedway Tracks' - WIMBLEDON DONS Special. Speed-Away Promotions has launched the second of its books in the popular Defunct Track series, this time on the legendary Wimbledon Dons. This unique works compiled in the same style of its sister magazine `The Pocket Size History of Defunct Speedway Tracks,' traces the Dons origins back to the late 20s and goes in search of some of the speedway legends that have graced Plough Lane down the years. And there's no bigger Dons icon than the exciting two times World Champion Ronnie Moore, who during the 50s and 60s was almost unbeatable, at least around the tiny SW17 circuit. But Moore is just one of a number of Dons greats to be interviewed in this action packed book. Fifties hero Ron How was a darling on the Dons terraces and throw in the likes of former World Finalist and 10-year service to the Wimbledon cause, Trevor Hedge and the ever colourful Scot, Bert Harkins, and you have a number of Wimbledon favourites who have all been interviewed for this amazing new book. Oh and we almost forgot, we speak too to six times World Champion Ivan Mauger who began his track career cleaning out the toilets at Plough Lane - yes that's right, so check out what he and the others have to say. And we bring you some of the great Dons team photos through the decades and bring you right up-to-date with the modern era too of Buzz Burrows and his amazing track exploits. We look back also at many of the Dons seasons with in-depth coverage of each campaign and dig out some quite incredible Wimbledon stats for you to enjoy! Recent Chairman Ian Perkin rounds off the book with a candid look back at his tenure at Plough Lane in a quite revealing interview and with more than 200 photos crammed inside, there is something for everyone in this great works. Order now in time for your Christmas stocking filler. Softbacks available at £15.99 (POST FREE) from (Cheques/Pos only please - no credit card facility available):  Speed-Away Promotions, 19, Arundel Road, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire FY8 1AF. Tel:01253 733 288 or e-mail at: oriolecy@btinternet.com or at oriolecy@hotmail.com and check out the web site at: wwwspeed-awaypromotions.co.uk

Then cast a vote in their favour. That's the objective of this thread.

The only riders with a surname King that I can recall are the unrelated Benny King and Buddy King - both around West Ham circa 1946. Buddy King also rode for a team in the late 1940s Dutch League.

Could also be the voices of experience! See the voting under POLLS now on: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/oldtimespeedway

Early results appear to be anti-GPs.

I fully agree that there was an exceptional magic about attending a Wembley world final. It was indeed a unique speedway experience to attend one. Sadly, I don't think the FIM will ever turn back the clock to the old formula - bodies like that never admit defeat. Elsewhere a Poll is being run on what is favoured by supporters - the old type of world championship or the GPs. At the early count, the old style world championship is way out in front. There's details about it on http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/oldtimespeedway It's also a Topic in this section of the BSF.

New poll for oldtimespeedway: Enter your vote today! A new poll has been created for the oldtimespeedway group: Was the original world championship formula (qualifying rounds to a one-off final) preferable to the present Grand Prix format. To vote, please visit the following web page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/oldtimespeed...veys?id=2091179

The GP Series of events work in other forms of motorcycle sport - look at the publicity they get. Why do they not work for speedway? The GP format is also the mainstream of Formula One car racing with each round building up tremendous interest.

But you will never ever again see a world championship on the old format. GPs are here to stay - the FIM are adamant on that IMO.

The following oldtimespeedway poll is now closed. Here are the final results: POLL QUESTION: Who was the greatest rider in the period 1928-39? CHOICES AND RESULTS - Bluey Wilkinson (Australia), 2 votes, 10.53% - Jack Milne (USA), 4 votes, 21.05% - Jack Parker (England), 1 votes, 5.26% - Vic Huxley (Australia), 0 votes, 0.00% - Eric Langton (England), 3 votes, 15.79% - Sprouts Elder (USA), 2 votes, 10.53% - Wilbur Lamoreaux (USA), 0 votes, 0.00% - Lionel van Praag (Australia), 0 votes, 0.00% - Jack Ormston (England), 0 votes, 0.00% - Tommy Farndon (England), 7 votes, 36.84% For more information about this group, please visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/oldtimespeedway

Wal Morton finished his career (started 1932) in this league. Offhand I think for Ipswich and Weymouth - but, as always I stand to be corrected.

I was under the impression that the title Metropolitan League was dropped before the start of the 1954 season, with the junior competition then retitled as the Southern Area League? Brafield were a good strong side - I especially remember the talented Vic Hall whose career was later ended through injury.

The Poll closes on August 31 2008. Still time to vote by going to http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/oldtimespeedway then registering to vote, then going into Polls in the home box. At the moment, the Poll stands as: Tommy Farndon 36% Jack Milne 21% Eric Langton 15% Bluey Wilkinson, Sprouts Elder 10% each Jack Parker 5% No votes yet for Wilbur Lamoreaux, Lionel van Praag, Jack Ormston, Vic Huxley.

For those interested in how votes are going, Tommy Farndon still ahead, Jack Milne and Eric Langton joint second, then Bluey Wilkinson and Spouts Elder in joint fourth. Still no votes for Jack Parker, Vic Huxley, Wilbur Lamoreaux, Lionel van Praag and Jack Ormston. Plenty of time to get votes in for your favourite.

The current edition of 'Speedway Star' (August 23 2008) carries an informative story on Russell Paine's continuing problems with Spanish officialdom and how he sees things at the moment in regard to his venture.

By basing your verdict on the results and details available in a variety of books dealing with this era. It's what is known as 'a calculated analysis'. And I saw Jack Parker, Eric Langtion, Lionel van Praag and Wilbur Lamoreaux in post-war seasons.

Voting is still taking place.

Tommy Farndon now leads Jack Milne, with Eric Langton and Sprouts Elder joint-third, followed by Bluey Wilkinson. Voting closes August 31 2008.