Billy Hole (speedway rider)

Hole, born in Bath, began riding for the Bristol Bulldogs junior team in 1946,^[2] one year before making his British leagues debut riding for the first team during the 1947 Speedway National League Division Two season.^[3]

The following season in 1948, he helped Bristol win the league title^[4] and one year later he was averaging an impressive 10.11 on his way to helping Bristol achieve the 1949 league and National Trophy double.^[5] Additionally, Hole reached the Championship rounds of the 1950 Individual Speedway World Championship and the 1951 Individual Speedway World Championship, and in the latter just missing out on a place in the World final.

The Bulldogs moved up to Britain's top league in 1950, finishing 7th, before a 6th-place finish in 1951.^[6] Hole remained as one of Bristol's main riders, became the club captain and a fan's favourite.^[7]

On the team's return to the second division, for the 1954 Speedway National League Division Two season, he captained the team to league success again and even in his eighth season with them he was still averaging 8.28.^[5]

Mid-way through the 1955 season Bristol withdrew from the league forcing Hole to ride for another club. He finished the season with Exeter Falcons and that proved to be his last season in speedway.^[8]