Vic Collins

[speedyguy]

Odd happenings of established riders appearing in junior events is nothing new.

 

In 1946, Vic Collins rode in a novices race at Wimbledon. On paper, just a fact. Except that...

 

Collins had started racing in 1928, and after that rode for Southampton in the Southern League, then various National League divisions until 1939. I believe he also had a spell in the mid-1930s with Clapton. More so, Collins also rode in a semi-international event in the sport's early days. It's recorded on Brian Collins' excellent international results forum.

 

So, I just wonder, why did he ride in a post-war novices' race at Plough Lane? It has hallmarks of what happens these days in the Conference League - or did until a couple of seasons ago.

 

What hapened to Collins after that 1946 novice ride at Wimbledon? In 1947, he was back as captain of Southampton - a side who he had briefly captained in 1929 when just 17 years old. In 1948, an injury led to Collins' retirement.

 

Does anyone else remember Vic Collins? I believe he owned a garage in the Southampton area at one time.

[speedyguy]

Here'a the race in question:

 

Novices Scratch Race

Coy, B.Harris, Vic Collins, (Robinson, D.Gray)

 

 

 

It was on August 26 1946 at Plough Lane when visiting Wembley beat the Dons 55-53 in a London Cup match.

 

 

There's quite a piece on Vic Collins pre-war and post-war Southampton career in the late Ron Hoare's excellent book 'Speedway Panorama' (published 1978).

Edited December 13, 2006 by speedyguy

[speedyguy]

Here'a the race in question:

 

Novices Scratch Race

Coy, B.Harris, Vic Collins, (Robinson, D.Gray)

It was on August 26 1946 at Plough Lane when visiting Wembley beat the Dons 55-53 in a London Cup match.

There's quite a piece on Vic Collins pre-war and post-war Southampton career in the late Ron Hoare's excellent book 'Speedway Panorama' (published 1978).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

I understand that Vic was Southampton captain for a while in 1929 when just 17 years old.

 

This is what Ron Hoare wrote about Vic Collins back in 1979:

 

"Memories of the old Southampton Saints are conjured up by the name of Vic Collins. Vic started his motorcycle career on a BSA road bike, joined the Southamptopn & District Motorcycle Club and in October, 1928, was riding at the new Wymering Park racecourse where he won the Scratch race for bikes in the 600cc class

"In the same month Banister Court opened its doors to dirt track racing and in the following year Vic became a member of the original Southampton side, with Jimmy Hayes, Tommy Cullis, Clarrie Eldridge, Ceceil Bounds and many other wll-known southern based riders.

"Despite breaking a leg in the early part of 1930, Vic came back tremendously to win the Golden Gauntlet Championship at his home track's final meeting from a class field including Tiger Stevenson, Roger Frogley, Arthur Warwick, Ron Johnson and Reg Bounds.

"Vic was another of the early riders who bridged the gap between pre-and-post-war speedway and he made a comeback in 1947 to turn out for his old side when they re-entered the league."

 

So, with that reputation, why did Vic Collins ride in a 1946 novice race at Wimbledon?

Edited December 16, 2006 by speedyguy