Jonathan G. Erskine (born 9 February 1942) is a former international motorcycle speedway rider from England. He earned one international cap for the England national speedway team and two caps for the Great Britain team.[1][2]
| Born | 9 February 1942 (age 82) Salisbury, England |
|---|---|
| Nationality | British (English) |
| Career history | |
| 1962 | Neath Welsh Dragons |
| 1963 | Long Eaton Archers |
| 1964–1970 | Newport Wasps |
| 1970–1973 | Wolverhampton Wolves |
| Team honours | |
| 1964 | Provincial League KO Cup |
| 1973 | Midland Cup |
Biography
editErskine, born in Salisbury began his British leagues career riding for Neath Welsh Dragons during the 1962 Provincial Speedway League, recording a solid 6.73 average.[3] He helped the team finish second in the league standings,[4] but the team would then fold, forcing Erskine to find a new club for 1963, which was the Long Eaton Archers who were returning to league speedway after a 12-year absence.[5]
In 1964, he found his true home, signing for the Newport Wasps, who raced at Somerton Park, in time for the 1964 Provincial Speedway League.[6] He also made his international debut for England in 1964 and would become a fan's favourite. He became the team captain and rode for the club for seven years from 1964 to 1970.[7] He also introduced a training School.[8]
His career at Newport finished on a sour note during 1970, after he had been sacked but he joined the Wolverhampton Wolves midway through the season.[9]
In 1972, partnering world champion Ole Olsen the pair won the Midland Best Pairs. During his fourth season for Wolverhampton in 1973, he was involved in a crash and his heart stopped. Doctors managed to revive him but it spelled the end of his career. He did however pick up a winners medal when Wolves went on to win the Midland Cup.[10]
Family
editHis father Mike Erskine (1914–1985) was a professional speedway rider.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b "ULTIMATE RIDER INDEX, 1929-2022" (PDF). British Speedway. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
- ^ "The fascinating story of Newport speedway and how vivid memories of its heyday live on in new magazine". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
- ^ "1962 season results" (PDF). Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "Speedway Dragons second in P.L. Championship". Porthcawl Guardian. 19 October 1962. Retrieved 16 November 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Speedway back after 12 years". Nottingham Evening Post. 2 March 1963. Retrieved 16 November 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Year by Year". Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "Jon Erskine". WWOS backup. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "Bristol riders making the grade". Bristol Evening Post. 27 September 1969. Retrieved 16 November 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Rider averages 1929 to 2009" (PDF). Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
- ^ "Wolves beaten in cup final". Birmingham Daily Post. 12 October 1974. Retrieved 21 October 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.