Billy Sanders

Infobox Speedway rider
ridername= Billy Sanders


nationality = flagicon|AUS Australia
dateofbirth = August 9 1955
dateofdeath = death date and age|1985|4|23|1955|8|9|df=y
cityofbirth = Sydney
countryofbirth = Australia
website =
retired = Retired
polishleague =
swedishleague =
career = Ipswich Witches
Birmingham Brummies
Hull Vikings
King's Lynn Stars
years = 1972-1980, 1983-1985
1979
1981
1982
indivhonour = Australian National Champion
indivyear = 1979, 1980
teamhonour = World Team Cup
teamyear = 1976

Billy Sanders (9 August 1955 – April 23 1985 in Sydney, Australia) was an international Speedway rider who rode for the primarily for the Ipswich Witches in the 1970s.

Career

He finished on the rostrum twice in the Speedway World Championship. In 1980 he finished in third place after a run-off for second place with Dave Jessup. In 1983 he went one better, finishing in second place behind home track specialist Egon Muller. [Bamford, R. & Shailes, G. (2002). "A History of the World Speedway Championship". Stroud: Tempus Publishing. ISBN 0-7524-2402-5]

Sanders was also the Australian champion six times. [http://www.speedwayworld.tv/en/news/a7221?SID=d3bc90494ea6c48c8267ed2ca5149503 "Riders chase Sanders trophy"] , "Speedway World"]

Death

Following the breakdown of his marriage, Sanders committed suicide. The lesson at his funeral was read by former world champion Bruce Penhall. [http://www.ipswich-witches.com/history1985.htm History 1985] , Ipswitch Witches website, URL retrieved 30th December 2006]

The Australian national under-23s speedway championship is named the Bill Sanders Trophy in his memory.

World Final Appearances

* 1977 - Flag|SWE Gothenburg - 9th - 6pts
* 1979 - Flag|POL Chorzów - 5th - 11pts + 1pt
* 1980 - Flag|SWE Gothenburg - 3rd - 12pts + 2pts
* 1983 - Flag|GER Norden - 2nd - 12pts
* 1984 - Flag|SWE Gothenburg - 11th - 5pts

References