Retired Too Soon in the 50s

[steve roberts 9,246]

2 hours ago, iris123 said:

Talking Wimbledon. You could also add Dennis Gray, who retired both young and in the 50s. Bit of a sensation but injury curtailed his career. So maybe doesn't quite fit

If I recall he was in the RAF?

[iris123 20,986]

28 minutes ago, steve roberts said:

If I recall he was in the RAF?

It is an absolute interesting point. Wasn't it his years military service ? And did all speedway riders have to do it? Because I can't really recall others having to put their career on hold . Or was it because he hadn't reached a certain level before he was due ? Or maybe he was of such a mind that he actually wanted to do the year

Of course I remember Tommy Janson having the break in his career for his military service in Sweden. But that was later and another nation

Edited December 12, 2023 by iris123

[BOBBATH 467]

6 hours ago, Beirao said:

Missed a few then! I was basing this on  age and looking at those who stopped before they were 27/28. Miller was well into his 30s when he retired - born 1924. Forrest was a miss by me though! Agree some didn't retire until the 60s - Knutson being a glaring example. The file I used was riders who started riding iin the 50s. A better title might have been "Retired too earky from the 50s" Not my finest moment though hope it was interesting none the less. Off to look out the dunces cap! 

No problem Beirao, I just enjoyed reading your list and comments. Regarding Tommy Miller, didn't he lose his edge after  Glasgow closed and he went to Coventry (I think) or maybe Leicester. Was it rumoured that he liked his booze too much. He certainly rocketed to fame in his Glasgow years. Anybody know when he passed?

[steve roberts 9,246]

55 minutes ago, iris123 said:

It is an absolute interesting point. Wasn't it his years military service ? And did all speedway riders have to do it? Because I can't really recall others having to put their career on hold . Or was it because he hadn't reached a certain level before he was due ? Or maybe he was of such a mind that he actually wanted to do the year

Of course I remember Tommy Janson having the break in his career for his military service in Sweden. But that was later and another nation

I seem to remember my mother saying that he was serving in the RAF when he rode for Oxford?

I've just checked and apparently his RAF posting was cancelled so he could continue to ride for Oxford?

Edited December 12, 2023 by steve roberts

[Beirao 202]

9 hours ago, BOBBATH said:

No problem Beirao, I just enjoyed reading your list and comments. Regarding Tommy Miller, didn't he lose his edge after  Glasgow closed and he went to Coventry (I think) or maybe Leicester. Was it rumoured that he liked his booze too much. He certainly rocketed to fame in his Glasgow years. Anybody know when he passed?

He was sold to  Motherwell in 1954 as Glasgow tried to balance their books to allow them to start the season.- they folded after a few weeks. He was never accepted by the Motherwell fans and moved to Coventry after just a few months. He rode for the Bees until mid 1956 when he joined Oxford for the last couple of months of the season before retiring.. He died in 1975, just 51. Have heard the rumours too. 

[iris123 20,986]

I see that Dennis went to work in a copper mine in Africa, also lived in New Zealand as well as working in the oil field at Wytch farm

Edited December 13, 2023 by iris123

[Historian 39]

Freddie Williams and Arthur Payne

[BOBBATH 467]

When did Arthur Payne retire? Our oldest surviving World Finalist!!

[Historian 39]

48 minutes ago, BOBBATH said:

When did Arthur Payne retire? Our oldest surviving World Finalist!!

End of 1954 I think ?

[BOBBATH 467]

Then that would make him 33 I reckon

[Historian 39]

Arthur 31 yrs, I believe Freddie Williams was 31

Edited December 15, 2023 by Historian

[Beirao 202]

A few more from the early 70s, mainly northern based.

https://classicspeedwaymemories.webador.co.uk/february-2024/retired-too-soon-part-2