|
ARTHUR FRANKLYN
1929-1931
|
|
|
|
Arthur was as much at home
riding in the Manx TT as sliding around a dirt Track. Coming over from White
City as an instructor, he soon made a name for himself, and heated rivalry grew
between himself and the other top rider at the time, Frank Varey. The rivalry on
track and off was so great that more often than not it spilled onto the packed
terraces as scuffles broke out between opposing fans. And you must remember,
they BOTH rode for the Aces. Bad for the local constabulary... but it did swell
the crowds as Speedway was born at Hyde Road, and Arthur's name being one of the
first great riders of the time.
|
|
|
READ FULL ARTICLE
|
|
|
|
FRANK VAREY
1929-1945
|
|
|
|
A fearless racer and one of a select band to use the famous water-cooled
“Scott”engine. Frank Varey captained the Aces during their domination of the
30`s and as a rider never knew the meaning of Defeat. An England International
many times, he toured Australia in the early test matches between England and
Australia. Retired from riding in 1945 Varey took up promotion at Sheffield
before returning to Belle Vue as manager in 1974. Frank died in 1988 a few weeks
before he was due to open the present home of the Belle Vue Aces.
|
|
|
READ FULL ARTICLE
|
|
|
|
MAX GROSSKREUTZ
1930-1936
|
|
|
|
Started racing in the early
20's, Max's first stint in Manchester was at White City, before transferring to
Belle Vue to ride for the second team. Of course it didn't take long before he
moved up with the big boys. Was considered Belle Vue's backbone from 1933 - 36,
but then dropped a bombshell by saying he was to quit; going on to set up his
own speedway in Norwich. An Icon of his time.
|
|
|
READ FULL ARTICLE
|
|
|
|
ERIC LANGTON 1930-1947
|
|
|
|
Started his racing career in
1928 at Leeds Stadium, prior to moving to Belle Vue. A member of the all
conquering 30`s team. Eric was involved in the first ever World Championship
Final at Wembley finishing second to Lionel Van Praag after a run off. Eric
retired from racing in 1945 after a spell as team manager at Sheffield before
moving to Australia.
|
|
|
READ FULL ARTICLE
|
|
|
|
BILL
KITCHEN
1933-1945
|
|
|
|
Again a successful grass track rider, Bill Kitchen was brought
to Belle Vue to fill the gap left by Max Grosskrutz. His natural ability on the
speedways impressed all who saw him ride, and it wasn't long before he was
representing his country. His tally of trophy wins is quite impressive, and many
believed he could beat the best of them. But his best chance of lifting the
world championship crown was stopped with the outbreak of war.
|
|
|
READ FULL ARTICLE
|
|
|
|
LOUIS LAWSON 1945-1954
|
|
|
|
Louis came out of the Speedway training school, and although only scoring 12
points in his first 12 league meetings, Alice Hart thought he showed much
promise. He developed a crouching style to his riding, almost laying the bike on
the track as he went into the corners., which more often than not astounded the
on looking crowds. The World Championship Final at Wembley saw him come 3rd to
Tommy Price and team mate Jack Parker, but he would always be remembered for
being a great team rider.
|
|
|
READ FULL ARTICLE
|
|
|
|
PETER CRAVEN
1952-1963
|
|
|
|
Peter Craven arrived at Belle Vue in 1952 after starting his racing at
Liverpool and Fleetwood. Peter’s talent was obvious although in his early days
he spent more time picking himself up. Peter quickly made his World Final debut
in 1954, winning the title in 1955, but having to wait until 1962 for his second
title. A popular rider throughout the World, he has the distinction of scoring a
21 point maximum for England in an international against Poland in Poland, a
great achievement as at that time Poland were virtually unbeatable in their own
Country. Tragically, Peter was fatally injured in a racing accident in 1963.
|
|
|
READ FULL ARTICLE
|
|
|
|
DICK FISHER
1953-1966
|
|
|
|
Dick Fisher rode competitively for Belle Vue for fourteen consecutive
seasons. He rode in 264 National League matches and scored 1797 points. His
career match average was 6.8 in the national League. He reached three World
Finals in 1956, 1963 and 1964. He was captain of Belle Vue for three seasons
from 1964 to 1966, following on from the death of his close friend, Peter
Craven.
|
|
|
READ FULL ARTICLE
|
|
|
|
SOREN SJOSTEN
1962-1975
|
|
|
|
Also
an accomplished wrestler, Sören's impact on the team when joining was immediate,
scoring a 15 point maximum on his debut ride for the Aces. Known for stalking
his opponents before going for the killer pass, inches from the boards, he knew
how to please the crowds. A firm favourite with the supporters at Hyde Road and
an unforgettable rider... a true Belle Vue
Ace.
|
|
|
READ FULL ARTICLE
|
|
|
|
OVE FUNDIN 1967
|
|
|
|
5 times
world champion, and arguably still the best Swedish rider to date, the one
quality that people still remember is ' he didn't like defeat'. Ove's ability
to play mind games with his opponents earned him the nickname "The Fox".
Showing a lack of enthusiasm for the upcoming race, or complaining of lack of
power with his machinery, put competing teams into a false sense of security.
Ove would then come out and just Blow Them Away.
|
|
|
READ FULL ARTICLE
|
|
|
|
IVAN
MAUGER
1969-1972
|
|
|
|
Ivan arrived at Belle Vue in 1969 and soon made his presence felt, in demanding
100% from his team mates not only on the track but also off it. Ivan had a
single-minded outlook on racing, and nothing could deflect his thoughts. Led the
Aces to three Championships and a KO Cup win in the early 70`s Ivan became the
only rider to win three consecutive FIM Championship of the World titles before
going on to win a further World Championship in 1972. After leaving Belle Vue
Ivan had two further World Championship successes in 1977 & 1979 to become one
of speedways all time greats.
|
|
|
READ FULL ARTICLE
|
|
|
|
ALAN WILKINSON 1971-1978
|
|
|
|
|
READ FULL ARTICLE
|
|
|
|
PETER COLLINS
1971-1986
|
|
|
|
The most entertaining racer at
Belle Vue and one of England’s most successful riders, despite his inability to
make consistent starts. A product along with many more of the Belle Vue Aces
training school. Peter holds the record for an England International of 136
caps. Despite winning many World Championships his only individual win was in
Katowice, Poland.
|
|
|
READ FULL ARTICLE
|
|
|
|
CHRIS MORTON
MBE 1973-1990
|
|
|
|
From a 7 year old fan on terraces to an 18 year
career as a Belle Vue Ace, Chris Morton is arguably one of the greatest riders
Belle Vue have had. He has ridden and won against the best riders of his time
and collected many a trophy for his efforts. But was unable to collect the one
he wanted... the world championship.
Loved and respected by the fans still.... Chris is now the
Operations & Team Manager and can be seen regularly around Kirkmanshulme Lane on
race nights.
|
|
|
READ FULL ARTICLE
|
|
|