The World Speedway Riders' Association
patron lord montaGu of beaulieu

"INTRODUCTION FROM Bert Harkins"

Welcome to the World Speedway Riders' Association website, this is your website to send in letters, photos, stories about your past exploits and hopes for the future. 

Our Association was formed back in 1957/58 by journalist, Peter Arnold, originally as 'The Veteran DIRT TRACK Riders' Association', we later became 'The Veteran SPEEDWAY riders' Association'  then, in 2006, with the idea of encouraging 'younger' ex-riders to join, our members voted at the AGM that we become 'The WORLD Speedway Riders' Association'. 

Our members range from World Champions to Novices and everyone is welcome so, although we are the "WORLD" Speedway Riders' Association, you do not need to have ridden abroad to join us. 

There are many benefits from being a member as we have get-togethers and lunches all around the country from Scotland to Dorset, so there should be one near you. Our big annual Dinner/Dance takes place at The Leicester Marriott Hotel in March and is the highlight of our year. 

Another 'perk' of WSRA membership is that, upon production of your membership card, you get free entry into Paradise Wildlife Park and Speedway Museum at Broxbourne in Hertfordshire, not far from Rye House, so thanks to ex-rider, Peter Sampson, the owner of Paradise Wildlife Park for this kind gesture.  It is a great day out with everything from White Lions and White Tigers in the Wildlife Park, to Wembley Lions and Glasgow Tigers in the Museum. 

The WSRA also present The Jack Parker Trophy to the winner of the British Championship each year so we keep in touch with modern Speedway whilst still remembering "The Good Old Days" of yesteryear. 

The Association would like to thank Jackie & Alan Hodkinson for hosting this website on our behalf, so please feel free to add your comments whether praise or criticism to the Association at thordell@aol.com, we will be pleased to hear from you, or just contact  our Secretary, Vic White or any WSRA Committee member and remember the old Speedway Rider's Motto,................"The Older I Get,..............The Faster I Was!" 

Bert Harkins 

Our Aims

The WSRA was formed with the objectives at all times being purely social and benevolent, helping former colleagues to keep in touch and to re-live their riding past. The Association is open to all riders who have ridden for at least 10 years, or who have retired irrespective of their length of riding experience, and those who have had their career ended by injury. Former Officials are also eligible for membership with the same criteria. Regular social events are organized, with the Annual Dinner & Dance being the flagship event of the year. Regional events are also held during the year along with two Golf Tournaments, one in the spring and one in the autumn.

The association produce a magazine entitled "Opposite Lock" quarterly which keeps members up to date with what is going on within the WSRA and this is provided for each member free of charge.