Keith Gurtner

Gurtner, born in Wagga Wagga, was a junior speedskater and amateur boxer before racing on the grasstracks in 1939. He served during World War II, before racing speedway in 1946. He suffered a major injury breaking his arm, ankle and several ribs. However, he came to the notice of British clubs in 1947 and the Exeter Falcons manager Frank Buckland signed him in January 1948.^[2] However, he was exchanged with Bonny Waddell of Newcastle Diamonds shortly afterwards.^[3]

The following season in 1949, he joined Ashfield Giants in Glasgow.^[4] In 1950, he won the first of his seven Queensland Solo Championship wins.^[5]

In 1951, he left Ashfield for fellow Scottish club Motherwell Eagles and recorded a respectable 8.37 average.^[6] In the late August 1952, Gurtner transferred to Edinburgh Monarchs.^[7]

Gurtner finished his British leagues career in London, with West Ham Hammers from 1953 to 1954^[8] but he continued to ride in Australia and was made captain of the Australian side in 1960.

He won the bronze medal at the Australian Solo Championship in 1962 and the silver medal the following year, both times at the Rockhampton Showgrounds.^[9][10]

He went on to win his seventh State title in 1967 and raced for the final time on 5 June 1971, shortly before his 50th birthday and having broken 52 bones throughout his 30-year career.