norbold Posted January 17 Report Share Posted January 17 Sad news. George Barclay has died at the age of 90. He began his speedway career quite late in life at the age of 31 in 1967, making his debut for my team, West Ham. I got to know him very well after he had retired when I worked with him in the early days of the Speedway Museum in Paradise Wildlife Park. He put a tremendous amount of work into it and it was due to him and his wife Linda, along with Pete Sampson, that it happened at all, going on to become the success it has undoubtedly become today. In addition, as his nickname said, he was a true gentleman. R.I.P. George and thank you. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted January 18 Report Share Posted January 18 Sad news indeed...such a good servant to the sport. RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigdave Posted January 18 Report Share Posted January 18 Taken from the Speedway Riders Index 1929-2022: George A. BARCLAY Born: 1 April 1935, Elephant & Castle, London, England. Career record: (1967-68) West Ham; (1969) West Ham, King's Lynn II; (1970) Exeter, Rayleigh, Wembley; (1971) Hackney, Sunderland; (1972-73) Sunderland; (1974) Sunderland, Canterbury, Rye House; (1975) Crayford. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E I Addio Posted January 20 Report Share Posted January 20 On 1/17/2026 at 11:09 PM, norbold said: Sad news. George Barclay has died at the age of 90. He began his speedway career quite late in life at the age of 31 in 1967, making his debut for my team, West Ham. I got to know him very well after he had retired when I worked with him in the early days of the Speedway Museum in Paradise Wildlife Park. He put a tremendous amount of work into it and it was due to him and his wife Linda, along with Pete Sampson, that it happened at all, going on to become the success it has undoubtedly become today. In addition, as his nickname said, he was a true gentleman. R.I.P. George and thank you. That really is sad news . George was a lovely man and as you say an unsung hero both on and off the track.Always cheerful and always asked how I was. He and Linda ran a training school at Lakeside, not to make money but for the love of the sport, and was shabbily treated by Jon Cook. I think he suffered from ill health and dementia in recent years. Len Silvers book describes how he got his nickname. I can’t remember all the details but it was something like Len Silver had offered him a better deal than West Ham but he had already given his word to West Ham and wouldn’t break it. That’s the sort of person George was, although in later years he rode for Len and Len held him in high regard . He was by any standard though, one of natures gentlemen. I endorse your words Norbold - thank you George. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salty Posted January 20 Report Share Posted January 20 Sad news. Saw him ride at the end of the 1968 season for the Hammers. First rider’s autograph I ever got! RIP George Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FAST GATER Posted January 21 Report Share Posted January 21 RIP George good solid rider always happy to have a word with you . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LesR Posted January 21 Report Share Posted January 21 RIP George, such a nice guy and a true gentleman of speedway and always greeted you with a smile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinmauger Posted January 22 Report Share Posted January 22 Only just seen this, always sad when speedway loses someone, or anyone suffering a loss myself having just had to deal with a close family member pass away. George rode in the very first Hull Vikings match at The Boulevard for Sunderland Stars in 1971 I didn't go, parents not interested & apprently too young to go alone. Is it true George achived his 'Gentleman George' nickname as he was well-mannered & spoken & never deliberately did any untoward on the track ?. RIP George..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinmauger Posted January 22 Report Share Posted January 22 (edited) Double post, oops..... Edited January 22 by martinmauger deleted, double post Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted January 22 Report Share Posted January 22 (edited) George Barclay, a true gentleman. I knew him from his days riding for Sunderland 'Stars' from 1971 to 1974, when Sunderland closed. I can never remember George doing anything out of order on the Track. He was a very good and fair rider. I got to know him better through our Sunderland Speedway Reunions. He would talk about the old days with a sense of fun, and enthusiasm. His finest achievement must have been the work, effort and fundraising that he, and his wife Linda, put in to the Speedway Museum. It is undoubtedly true that without their stirling efforts, there would be no Speedway Museum in existence. I always thoought that he never seemed to get the recognition that he deserved. My condolences go to his wife, Linda, and to his many friends both inside and outside Speedway. I will always remember him with a smile. R.I.P. + George. Edited January 22 by The White Knight Forgot something 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.