Brian Hamilton

Hi Bobbath, Yes Jackie did later ride for Wasps and he did/should ahve won the World Title but he actually slid off. On one of my trips to Wembley, he was knocked off by Chris Pusey in the 2nd half and broke his hip/thigh which really finished his career. Best wishes Brian

Hi Bobbath again, I recall reading Howdy Byford's war experiences in the Star as well (He rode g=for the Cheetahs) and if I recall correctly the article said that he nearly got shot but for a twig jamming the trigger of an enemy rifle. Have i got the right article? Best wishes Brian

If I recall the British League started Mid - 60s. It was calle The National League in early 60s + Provincial League and then amalgamation ish.

I am sure that some of you remember Jackie Biggs that Great Aussie who rode for the Cheetahs and Coventry etc in the early 1960s. He and his wife Sheila used to save programmes for me when was a lad when he was riding in the UK and when he toured the World. A short man but such a brave and great rider who sadly died many years ago. I understand that Sheil may still be alive and living back in Aus and it would be great to hear that she is well if anyone has contact.

He had looks like a film star. Ron's first wife died very early on and he remarried Alf's daughter. I am at the office now, but if my memory serves me correctly, the year you are on a bout, he actually finished 2nd overall in the Qualifying rounds of the UK rounds. In 1961 he qualified as reserve for Gothenberg but could not go as he needed more surgery on his eyes which had been a problem for a few years previous. I think 3 or 4 riders tied in the BritishFinal at Wembley on 7 points and he missed out on a Final 16 place as heat winners took preference. Thje year Briggo won the title in Poland in 1964 Briggo was riding for Swindon and Oxford tied 45 all at Swindon in the KO Cup and Genno beat Briggo twice that night by at least 25 yards. Sorry, you have got me going now.

I will get into my loft and dig them out. Give me a few days Brian

They are a bit of a come down 2nd rate act after Bonnie Tyler, Bjorn Again and Tony Hadley aren't they? Brian

Harris Nicholls Kennett Howe Bridger/Screen With these we would have 4 out and out racers, 1 In-Form gater and 1 experienced reserve.

Star Ghost, The handicapping system was brought in to address the imbalance of standards in the League if I remmebre correctly. There were 5 riders who were head and shoulders above everyone else: Ove Fundin, Peter Crave, Ronnie Moore, Barry Briggs and Bjorn Knutsson and weer allocated 20 yard handicaps. The next grade were the run of the mill heat leaders and 2nd strings who were to start on 10 yards. The reserves were on scratch. Regards Brian

Hi Bobath, you have made my day asking about Genno! I first saw him in 1959 for Cheetahs and I was 11. From then I went to watch him at every track in Britain. He was my idol. I could not believe it about 3 years ago on a bank holiday Monday at Reading I was looking down towrds the pits and saw Alf Weedon (Gennos Father in Law) taking apicture of Todd Wiltshire with this grey haired guy and just wondered? When he came closer I just knew it was Genno and asked him just to be certain and he said " Dont know why Alf keeps introducing these riders to me because they will have never heard of me". When he moved on, I ran around to the main stand, climbed the stairs to the Announcers box and told them they had a 'Legend' at the track. They announced it and when Genno walked around the Greyhound track so many Oxford supporters came over to shake his hand. Very moving and tahnk you for bringing his name to this Forum. Brian Hamilton

I have some Californie Speedway programmes at home somewhere that were given to me by a former rider there George Major when I was a lad in the 1960s. Brian

I really feel that Lewis Bridger woukld be worth a try at reserve. Joe Screen is just not up to it these days and David Howe has been out of form for a few seasons now. I realsie that Lewis is still extremely young, but hey, he is a real tryer!