"You have young British riders who have not ridden for a couple of years, and who might want to come back into the NDL or NDT but can't because their average is too high. We need to have as many British riders as possible here and development is basic. Some of the rules and regulations are too complicated, they've been rewritten over the years and it has all got a bit confusing." Kent duo Michael Gray and David Graveling on their baptism of fire as new promoters.
MY YEAR
"Dad got out this white emulsion paint and wrote 'Welcome Home British Champ' on our green garage doors. When we got home late after all the celebrations, I thought, 'My dad is going to kill me.' But then I found it he'd done it!" Andy Grahame looks back on his 1982 national title win in what was a season to remember.
RITCH PICKINGS
"I've had a great season, but there's also that side of the sport about which you don't really talk. He's seen me have a good year and win a lot of trophies, but he hasn't seen the side where you can get hurt." Darryl Ritchings has made an enjoyable return to racing both grasstrack and speedway after years away – but is not keen on the idea of his son following in his tyre tracks.
ALSO IN THIS WEEK'S MAGAZINE
Track review: Oxford Spires • Snapshot: 1985 World Final • Off the Beaten Track • Official Line: Laurence Rogers • Sixty Seconds: Oliver Allen.
