Learning from the past

The Cardiff GP had the unusual problem of no fewer than four riders (Dan Bewley, Maciej Janowski, Robert Lambert, Martin Vaculik) all tied on nine points with only three semi final places left to be filled, a situation that had never arisen before. After some toing and froing it was decided on GP positions from the previous year, a rather unsatisfactory way of breaking the deadlock

Going back in time to 1963 when the Provincial League Riders Championship was staged at Belle Vue and a similar situation also arose. In a departure from the normal 16 riders and 20 heats, no fewer than 24 riders were taking part, all having 4 rides. Initially the plan was to have two semi finals and a final but it was felt that 27 heats were too many and the semis were dropped.

While Jack Kitchen (12) and Ivan Mauger (11) were in the final the other two places were undecided with George Hunter, Ross Gilbertson, Ray Cresp, Maury Mattingley and Clive Featherby all tied on 9. It is not clear how this was whittled down to just two – Hunter and Gilbertson - getting the nod, but all hell broke loose when they attempted to go out for the final. Cresp, Mattingley and Featherby staged a sit down strike on the track and were joined by other riders who supported their cause, with Jimmy Squibb being quite vocal in support. With the crowd getting restless, it was announced that there was to be a five man run off for the two remaining placed. As it turned out Hunter won from Gilbertson, the two initial selections!

The strain of the extra ride possibly cost Hunter the title as his bike failed when leading Mauger in the final.