The 1977 Gulf British League season was the 43rd season of the top tier of motorcycle speedway in the United Kingdom[1] and the 13th season known as the British League.[2]
Summary
Newport had dropped down to the National League but their riders transferred to the Bristol Bulldogs so the league retained 19 teams. Cradley Heath reverted to their nickname of Heathens after four years of being called United.[3] The league was sponsored by Gulf Oil for a third season.[4]
Kevin Holden of Poole Pirates had started the season in great form for his new club, following his move from Exeter Falcons. He was hitting over a 9 point average but sadly was killed during the home match against Reading on 27 April. After sliding into the fence he ruptured a blood vessel of the heart.[6]
Coventry won the Midland Cup for the second consecutive year. The competition consisted of six teams and was sponsored by the Trustee Savings Bank.[11]
First round
Team one
Team two
Score
Birmingham
Swindon
36–42, 26–52
Leicester
Cradley
38–40, 31–47
Semi final round
Team one
Team two
Score
Coventry
Swindon
54–24, 48–29
Cradley
Wolverhampton
51–27, 38–40
Final
First leg
Coventry Mitch Shirra 11 Ole Olsen 10 Tommy Nilsson 8 Mick Bell 6 Alan Molyneux 5 Frank Smith 4 Alf Busk 3
47–31
Cradley Heath Bruce Cribb 11 Bob Valentine 8 Steve Bastable 5 Larry Ross (guest) 4 Arthur Price 2 Dave Perks 1 Anders Michanek r/r