Jump to content
British Speedway Forum

Handicapped Riders


Recommended Posts

Just trawling through some old programmes & found out about an Aussie rider, Stephen Barr, who was deaf & dumb. Stephen rode second-halfs at Stoke in 1977, with compatriot Robert Dole. Not sure how he faired, but can't remember him. Initially I was quite surprised, but I guess this is no real handicap in Motorsport.

 

Just wondered if anyone knew of any other riders with handicaps

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Jim Beaton of Glasgow sustained dreadful injuries to his right arm which rendered it practically useless. He switched the throttle controls to the left side where he employed a thumb-operated lever system. He simply tied his right arm to the handlebars.

 

I'm sure there was a junior at Swindon about a decade ago who was deaf but to my eternal discredit I can't recall his name.

 

Both Michael Holding and Paul McHale rode in the 80's after each losing an eye.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was practically an alchy at the time and my memory is maybe playing tricks on me so i may be wrong, but didn't Tom Brown of Newport have some kind of disability ?

Yes, he's Welsh. :lol:

 

I think as a kid he had one leg shorter than the other due to some kind of childhood arthritis disease and had an operation to lengthen it.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Whatever Tom's disability was it didnt seem to affect his riding everytime i saw him he was top entertainment

Quite agree. He was a vey enthusiastic rider.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I believe there was also a Workington rider (Steve Watson?) who only had one eye.

Yes, correct. I seem to remember him holding a record for consecutive appearances in the National League which was overtaken by a Crayford stalwart (Alan Sage?).

A very small claim to fame; I came across a stranded motorist many years back and gave him a lift into Workington on the back of my little 125cc bike and it turned out, of course, to be Mr Watson himself.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. Privacy Policy