Bill Longley (speedway rider)
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Born | Dandenong, Victoria | 11 November 1911
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Died | 29 April 2005 | (aged 93)
Nationality | ![]() |
Current club information | |
Career status | Retired |
Career history | |
1937–1939, 1947–1953 | New Cross Rangers |
1946 | Odsal Boomerangs |
1953 | Bradford Tudors |
1953–1954 | Wimbledon Dons |
1955 | Rayleigh Rockets |
1955 | Wembley Lions |
Individual honours | |
1946 | Northern Riders' Champion |
Team honours | |
1938, 1948, 1954 | National League Champion |
1947 | London Cup |
1954 | RAC Cup Winner |
Bill Longley (11 November 1911 in Dandenong, Victoria – 15 April 2005) was an Australian international speedway rider who began his British career with the New Cross Rangers in 1937,[1] where he remained until the outbreak of World War II, winning the National League Championship in 1938.[2]
Career summary[]
In 1946 he rode for Odsal but returned to New Cross in 1947 and was again a member of the team that won the 1948 National League Championship.[1] Longley finished ninth in the Speedway World Championship in 1949[3] and remained with New Cross until they closed in 1953. He joined Bradford for a short spell with the Tudors before returning to London with the Wimbledon Dons.[4]
Longley was a member of the Wimbledon team that won the 1954 National League Championship. In 1955 he had a short spell with the Rayleigh Rockets before riding in one meeting for the Wembley Lions. He then decided to retire.
World Final Appearances[]
- 1949 –
London, Wembley Stadium – 9th – 8pts[3]
References[]
- ^ a b Jacobs, N. (2008) Out of the Frying Pan, The History Press LTD ISBN 978-0-7524-4476-5
- ^ Addison J. (1948). The People Speedway Guide. Odhams Press Limited
- ^ a b Bamford, R. & Shailes, G. (2002). A History of the World Speedway Championship. Stroud: Tempus Publishing. ISBN 0-7524-2402-5
- ^ Jacobs, Norman (2001). Speedway in London. Stroud: Tempus Publishing ISBN 0-7524-2221-9
- 1911 births
- 2005 deaths
- Australian speedway riders
- New Cross Rangers riders
- Wimbledon Dons riders
- Wembley Lions riders
- Rayleigh Rockets riders