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4 unusual facts about Dave Lanning


1973 Individual Speedway World Championship

British television commentator Dave Lanning called the ruling "The craziest piece of speedway regulations in the history of World Championship racing", before adding that "It seems to me that the authorities here in Katowice are making up the rules to suit themselves to get their boys a world title."

Dave Lanning

As part of ITV's World of Sport's original roster of commentators, he commentated on the first ever televised nine dart finish hit by John Lowe against Keith Deller on 13 October 1984.

He also commentated on speedway, a sport he knew well having been installed as the promoter of the West Ham team in 1966.

West Ham Hammers

It did not re-open until 1964, with Dave Lanning becoming promoter in 1966, and ran a further eight seasons until 1971 when they were informed that the stadium was being sold by the Greyhound Racing Association to make way for building development.



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