Arthur Payne, born 28/08/23, becomes 100 years today. The only remaining rider who is older than the sport itself! First acknowledged speedway meeting was held on December 15, 1923.
According to this site, Johnson amassed a fortune during his speedway career and the film âOnce a Jolly Swagman,â starring Dirk Bogarde, was based on his life.
https://wais.org.au/hallofchampions/ron-johnson/
Never heard about that before, true or not?
According to this article by Peter White, Ron Johnson's last race was at Sheffield in the second half towards the end of 1963.
https://www.speedwaypast.com/stories/larger-than-life-ron-johnson
Where's Gunnar Malmqvist? Scored 7 points to finish tenth in the 1968 world final. Gunnar is alive and well, lives at Vetlanda and celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary in February.
Born 25/12/1940 and should be number 18 on the list.
https://www.merinfo.se/person/Vetlanda/Bo-Erik-Gunnar-Malmqvist-1940/bju2x-nhch
Peo is definitely dead. Well before Wikipedia even existed. Was a referee for many years, but died suddenly in July, 1992, some 3 months before his 60th birthday.
Two fo the Swedish riders on the list passed away several years ago. Per Tage Svensson died on May 26, 2008 and Leif Enecrona as early as April 11, 2003.