Eric Francis Collins (5 October 1910 – 23 February 1954) was an Australian international motorcycle speedway rider who rode in the early days of speedway in the United Kingdom.[1][2]
 | |
| Born | 5 October 1910 Brisbane, Australia |
|---|---|
| Died | 23 February 1954 (aged 43) Brisbane, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Career history | |
| 1931 | Lea Bridge |
| 1932 | Plymouth Tigers |
| 1935–1939 | Wimbledon Dons |
| 1936 | Bristol Bulldogs |
| Team honours | |
| 1938 | National Trophy |
| 1938, 1939 | London Cup |
Career
editCollins rode for Lea Bridge during the 1931 Speedway Southern League. In 1932, he then switched to Plymouth Tigers, after the formation of the National League.[3]
It was during the 1932 season that he also reached the final of the 1932 Star Riders' Championship, which was considered at the time to be the World Championship of speedway.[4]
After staying in Australia for two seasons he joined Wimbledon Dons[5] and rode for them from 1935 to 1939. He also doubled up for Bristol Bulldogs in 1936.[3][1] He won the National Trophy with Wimbledon during the 1938 Speedway National League, where he top scored during the home leg of the final.[6]
Players cigarette cards
editCollins is listed as number 9 of 50 in the 1930s Player's cigarette card collection.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b "ULTIMATE RIDER INDEX, 1929-2022, Eric Collins" (PDF). British Speedway. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
- ^ "Plymouth Speedway". Western Morning News. 11 March 1932. Retrieved 29 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ a b "Rider averages 1929 to 2009" (PDF). Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
- ^ Bamford, R. & Stallworthy, D. (2003) Speedway – The Pre War Years, Stroud: Tempus Publishing. ISBN 0-7524-2749-0
- ^ "Wimbledon's New Men". Daily Herald. 3 April 1935. Retrieved 29 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "National Trophy for Wimbledon". South London Observer. 23 September 1938. Retrieved 29 July 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Speedway Riders". Speedway Museum Online. Retrieved 29 July 2023.