Francis Owen Dolan (2 April 1915 – 12 July 1988) was an Australian motorcycle speedway rider. He was champion of Australia in 1946 and earned eight international caps for the Australia national speedway team.[1]
| Born | 2 April 1915 Sydney, Australia |
|---|---|
| Died | 12 July 1988 (aged 73) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Career history | |
| 1938–1939, 1947–1948 | Harringay Tigers |
| 1938 | Lea Bridge Cubs |
| 1938 | Southampton Saints |
| Individual honours | |
| 1946 | Australian Solo Championship |
| Team honours | |
| 1948 | Anniversary Cup |
Biography
editDolan, born in Sydney, was noticed by the England captain Jack Parker riding in Australia in early 1938. He persuaded Dolan and fellow Australian Ray Duggan to travel with him to the United Kingdom.[2] He began his British leagues career riding for Harringay Tigers during the 1938 Speedway National League season but was then loaned out to Southampton Saints and Lea Bridge Cubs.[3][4]
In 1939, he rode for Harringay but then lost six years of his career due to World War II. However, in 1946, he returned and gained significant success when he the Australian Solo Championship.[5]
On his return to British speedway in 1947, he was once again a Harringay rider[6] and averaged a respectable 8.05 for the season.[7] His final season in 1948, saw him win the Anniversary Cup with Harringay.[8]
References
edit- ^ "ULTIMATE RIDER INDEX, 1929-2022" (PDF). British Speedway. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ^ "Speed Riders for Harringay". Daily Mirror. 5 February 1938. Retrieved 22 February 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "1938 season" (PDF). Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ^ "World Speedway qualifiers". Daily News (London). 21 July 1938. Retrieved 22 February 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Individual Australian Championship". Historia Sportu Zuzlowego. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ^ "Harringay want Australian Speed aces". Daily Mirror. 8 February 1947. Retrieved 22 February 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Rider averages 1929 to 2009" (PDF). Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ^ "Year by Year". Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 22 February 2024.