Thomas Stanley Dell (31 October 1912 – 24 November 1950)[1] was a speedway rider.[2]
| Born | 31 October 1912 Coventry, England |
|---|---|
| Died | 24 November 1950 (aged 38) |
| Nationality | British (English) |
| Career history | |
| 1932-1933 | Coventry |
| 1934-1936 | West Ham Hammers |
| 1936 | Cardiff Dragons |
| 1936-1939 | Hackney Wick Wolves |
| 1946-1949 | Birmingham Brummies |
| Team honours | |
| 1938 | National Div II Champions |
| 1936 | London Cup Winner |
| 1948 | Anniversary Cup (Div 2) winner |
| 1948 | National Trophy (Div 2) winner |
Career edit
Dell started his career at his local track at Coventry in 1932. When track close he moved to the West Ham Hammers and spent three seasons at the Custom House track. During 1936, he rode for Cardiff in the Provincial League and then moved onto the Hackney Wick Wolves, where he stayed until the outbreak of World War II, winning the National League Division II Championship in 1938.[3] Whilst riding for a Hackney at West Ham he was involved in a crash that left him with a badly broken leg.[4] Doctors thought an amputation would be needed, but Dell refused and his leg was saved.
After the war he joined the Birmingham Brummies where he was awarded the captaincy. However, on 7 May 1949, Dell was involved in big crash with Vic Duggan and Arthur Payne. Dell was left with terrible injuries. Despite attempting a comeback in July 1949, he was clearly suffering from the effects of the crash.
He retired from racing at the end of that season and started a training school. The effects from the crash were still causing him health problems and further surgery was required. He did not reagin his health and died on 24 November 1950 aged just thirty eight.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b Buck, B (2007) Brummies Legends, Pendragon Books. ISBN 0-9541671-2-0
- ^ "ULTIMATE RIDER INDEX, 1929-2022" (PDF). British Speedway. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
- ^ Addison J. (1948). The People Speedway Guide. Odhams Press Limited
- ^ Fenn, C.(2003). Hackney Speedway, Friday at Eight. Stroud: Tempus Publishing. ISBN 0-7524-2737-7