Bill Longley (speedway rider)

Longley noted as being only 5 ft 1 inch in height, began his British career with the New Cross Rangers in 1937,^[1][2] where he remained until the outbreak of World War II, winning the National League Championship in 1938.^[3][4]

In 1946 he rode for Odsal but returned to New Cross in 1947 and was again a member of the team that won the 1948 National League Championship.^[2] Longley finished ninth in the Speedway World Championship in 1949^[5] and remained with New Cross until they closed in 1953. He joined Bradford for a short spell with the Tudors before returning to London with the Wimbledon Dons.^[6]

In 1950, he finished runner up in the Australian Championship.^[7]

Longley was a member of the Wimbledon team that won the 1954 National League Championship. In 1955 he had a short spell with the Rayleigh Rockets before riding in one meeting for the Wembley Lions. He then decided to retire.

• 1949 – London, Wembley Stadium – 9th – 8pts^[5]