- Joe Abbott (speedway rider)
Infobox Speedway rider
ridername= Joe Abbott
nationality = flagicon|ENG England
dateofbirth = birth date|1902|4|12
dateofdeath = death date and age|1950|7|1|1902|4|12|df=y
cityofbirth =Burnley
countryofbirth =England
retired = Retired
career = Burnley
PrestonBelle Vue Aces
Harringay RacersOdsal Boomerangs
years = 1929
1930-1931
1932-1939
1947
1948-1950
indivhonour = None
indivyear =
teamhonour = National League Champions
National Trophy Winners
teamyear = 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936
1933, 1934, 1935, 1936John Patrick 'Joe' Abbott (born 12 April 1902
Burnley ,England Addison J. (1948). "The People Speedway Guide". Odhams Press Limited ] - died 1 July 1950) was a former internationalmotorcycle speedway rider who rode in the World Championship final in 1937.Bamford, R. & Shailes, G. (2002). "A History of the World Speedway Championship". Stroud: Tempus Publishing. ISBN 0-7524-2402-5]Career summary
Joe began his career with local track Burnley in 1929 before moving onto Preston for two seasons. He then joined the
Belle Vue Aces and stayed there until the outbreak ofWorld War II . At Belle Vue he formed a formidable partnership with Frank Charles which they utilised internationally.Belton, Brian (2003). "Hammerin' Round". Stroud: Tempus Publishing ISBN 0-7524-2438-6] He made fifteen appearances for England betewen 1930 and 1939 and qualified for a World Final.After the war he became captain of the Harringay Racers in 1947 and transferred to the
Odsal Boomerangs inBradford in 1948.On 21 June 1949 Joe was riding in live televised meeting at
West Ham Stadium against theWest Ham Hammers . Joe crashed and suffered serious injury, but in the crowd were dozens of ambulance men fromPoplar hospital who rushed him there immediately.Belton, Brian (2003). "Hammerin' Round". Stroud: Tempus Publishing ISBN 0-7524-2438-6] The quick actions saved his life.World Final appearances
* 1937 - Flag|GBR Wembley - 13th - 14ptsBamford, R. & Shailes, G. (2002). "A History of the World Speedway Championship". Stroud: Tempus Publishing. ISBN 0-7524-2402-5]
Death
On 1st July 1950 in the National League match for the Boomerangs against the West Ham, Joe, who was now 48 years old fell in his second race and was hit by a following rider and was instantly killed. The riders and promoters decided to carry on with the meeting, as they believed Joe would have wished it. Fans left
Odsal unaware that Joe, nicknamed the 'India-rubber Man'Addison J. (1948). "The People Speedway Guide". Odhams Press Limited ] , had died.References
External links
* [http://www.ausm.info/aus_history/1930-40/xmas34.htm The Adventures of Dick Case, 'Dusty' Haigh, and Joe Abbott - Christmas 1934]
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