Derick Close
British speedway rider (1927–2021)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Derick Tallentire Close (13 May 1927 – 4 October 2021) was a British motorcycle speedway rider, who reached the final of Speedway World Championship in 1952.[1]
Bowes, County Durham, England
| Born | 13 May 1927 Bowes, County Durham, England |
|---|---|
| Died | 4 October 2021 (aged 94) |
| Nationality | British (English) |
| Career history | |
| 1947–1948 | Middlesbrough Bears |
| 1948, 1949–1951 | Newcastle Diamonds |
| 1951–1954 | Motherwell/Lanarkshire Eagles |
| 1955 | Leicester Hunters |
Career
Close was born in Bowes, County Durham. He started his career with the Middlesbrough Bears in 1947 followed by a short spell on loan with the Newcastle Diamonds at the start of 1948. He returned to the Bears and established himself in the team.[2] In 1949, he rejoined Newcastle where he spent the next three seasons[3] before joining the Lanarkshire Eagles mid season in 1951.[4]
The 1952 season proved to be the best of his career after receiving a call up to ride for England, despite riding in National League Division Two, having never ridden in the top flight.[5] He also reached the final of the Speedway World Championship. In 1953, he suffered a fractured skull and although he rode well again in 1954 he suffered a drop in form after joining the Leicester Hunters in 1955 and retired at the end of the season.[6]
At retirement he had earned 2 international caps for the England national speedway team.[2]
World final appearances
- 1952 –
London, Wembley Stadium – 14th – 4pts[1]
