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Cycle Speedway Teams Down the Ages

London North West: Hendon Pirates

About the team

Team was formed around 1946 by Ron Cooper, with the help of Jimmy Howes and Peter Richardson.

They built a track on a old bomb site on a farm at the back of the houses in Sturgess Avenue, Hendon.

Another track was at the back of Brent Bridge Hotel, Golders Green(awaiting confirmation on this).

Raced in the Wembley & District Winter League Section 'B'(1948).

Raced in the First Round of the "World" Cup in 1949, losing 61 - 35 to Verney Lions(London South East) in the 1st leg. Top Scorer: Peter Richardson 10.

Club Manager/Secretary: J.S. Johnson, 57 Galsworthy Road, Cricklewood.

Interesting Facts:

Ron Cooper, like many of the riders, made his handlebars from old gas piping, this being bent to shape by wedging the pipe in a road drain. His crash helmet was a cut down British Army helmet, and under his left shoe he wore an aluminium shoe sole, very much like the Speedway Riders of the day.

Riders

  • Bill Bratby
  • Ron Cooper
  • Jimmy Howes
  • Sonny Howes
  • Bob Lawrence
  • Johnny Pamplin
  • Peter Richardson
  • David Simana