Johnny Hole
British speedway rider
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Derrick Hole (18 December 1924 – 8 May 2016) was an English motorcycle speedway rider.[1]
Bath, England
| Born | 18 December 1924 Bath, England |
|---|---|
| Died | 8 May 2016 (aged 91) |
| Nationality | British (English) |
| Career history | |
| 1948–1955, 1960 | Bristol Bulldogs |
| 1956–1960 | Southampton Saints |
| Team honours | |
| 1948, 1949, 1954 | League champion (tier 2) |
| 1949, 1956 | National Trophy (tier 2) |
| 1954 | Southern Shield Winner |
Biography
Hole, born in Bath, England, began his speedway career after signing for Bristol Bulldogs in 1947. Hole's brother-in-law Eric Salmon was also a Bristol rider and brothers Billy Hole and Graham Hole also signed for Bristol, despite interest for all three brothers from London clubs.[2]
During his rookie league campaign for Bristol, during the 1948 Speedway National League Division Two season[3] he contributed to a league title success.[4] The following season in 1949, the Bulldogs, which still contained all four family members, sealed a league and National Trophy double.[5] Johnny improved his average that season to 6.31 and rode 60 matches throughout the season.[6]
In 1950, Bristol entered the top division of speedway in Britain, competing in the National League division 1 from 1950 to 1953. Hole was ever-present.[7] A return to division 2 was instantly followed by another league title.[8] The Bulldogs withdrew after starting the 1955 season, leaving Hole without a club[9] but in 1956, he signed for Southampton Saints and won another National Trophy that season.[10] He continued to represent the Saints in division 1 from 1957 to 1959.
Arguably his standout season as a rider was in the 1960 Provincial Speedway League and on his return to Bristol, where he recorded an impressive 10.00 average.[6] He was the first holder of the Provincial League's Silver Sash.[11]