Russ Dent

Russ  was a popular second string who raced for northern teams in the 60s and early 70s. he made his Newcastle debut in 1961 at Stoke in Diamonds first season in the Provincial League. He was in the second halves during 1961 and 1962 with occasional team appearances before establishing himself in 1963. He was a strong second string during his time at Brough Park before moving to Glasgow midway through the 1967 season. He stayed with the Tigers through their troubled final year at The White City before moving to Hampden in 1969. He took to the Mount Florida circuit particularly in the early months of the season when the track was deep and a bit rough, scoring a paid maximum in the opening meeting against Kings Lynn.   He moved back to Newcastle for 1970 which proved to be the Diamonds final year in the BL and when their licence was bought by Reading he joined the newly formed Sunderland Stars in the Second Division where he captained the side until the club folded at the end of 1974 where upon he retired.

He was always good value as a second string and was a virtual ever present in most seasons in which he rode. Was capped for England  against New Zealand at Newcastle in 1969 and in a number of test matches of the time against Scotland at both First and Second Division level.  Remembered for his wide bars and flowing white scarf. His favorite tracks were Newcastle and Glasgow White City but he also scored well at non league Cowdenbeath where he won a preliminary World Championship Qualifying round in 1965.