Jack Young (speedway rider)

Jack Ellis Young (born 31 January 1925, Australia [Addison J. (1948). "The People Speedway Guide". Odhams Press Limited ] - died 28 August 1987) was a Speedway who won the Speedway World Championship in 1951 and 1952. [Bamford, R. & Shailes, G. (2002). "A History of the World Speedway Championship". Stroud: Tempus Publishing. ISBN 0-7524-2402-5] He also won the London Riders' Championship 1953 and 1954. Belton, Brian (2003). "Hammerin' Round". ISBN 0-7524-2438-6]

Career

He was signed by the Edinburgh Monarchs in 1949 after they paid his fare to come over for a trial. He scored a full maxiumum on his debuts, winning all six of his rides. In 1951 he made history by becoming the first second division rider to become World Champion. [Henry, J. & Moultray, I. (2001). "Speedway in Scotland". Stroud: Tempus Publishing ISBN 0-7524-2229-4] From 1950 onwards Jack was a regular member of the Australian Test Match team. He was a prolific scorer and collected many track records.

In 1952 Young moved up a division by joining the West Ham Hammers and retained his World title. He stayed with the Hammers until the end of the 1955 season.Belton, Brian (2003). "Hammerin' Round". ISBN 0-7524-2438-6] He stayed in Australia for the next two seasons, but in 1958 he returned to the UK to ride for the Coventry Bees. After returning home to Australia in 1959 he rode for the Bees again in 1960 and 1961.

He finally retired in 1963. Jack died of a lung disorder at the age of sixty-two in 1987.

World Final Appearances

* 1950 - Flag|GBR Wembley - 8th - 7pts
* 1951 - Flag|GBR Wembley Winner - 12pts+3pts
* 1952 - Flag|GBR Wembley Winner - 14pts
* 1953 - Flag|GBR Wembley - 5th - 10pts
* 1954 - Flag|GBR Wembley - 4th - 11pts
* 1955 - Flag|GBR Wembley - 7th - 10pts
* 1960 - Flag|GBR Wembley - 10th - 6pts
* 1961 - Flag|SWE Malmö - Reserve - Did not Ride

External links

* [http://www.ausm.info/aus_history/past_era/jyoung.htm Jack Young Bio]

References