Ivan Mauger 1965

 

 

I was born – in Christchurch, New Zealand on October 10, 1939

Educated – Opawa School, Christchurch, NZ

Personal Details – 5ft 7 ins; 10st 3lbs; eyes – blue; hair - black

First Rode Speedway – in 1956 at Christchurch. I didn’t do too well at first. I ws 16 years old when I started

I have ridden for – Wimbledon and Newcastle. Never any team in New Zealand

Favourite track – treat them all the same. Don’t believe in getting favourites… you find you develop a complex about them

Favourite starting position – varies from track to track.

I have ridden in – New Zealand, Australia, England, Scotland, Wales, Holland and I had bookings in Denmark which I couldn’t make through injury

I live – now in Whalley Range, Manchester

My off track occupation – haven’t got one. Im a fulltime speedway rider though I did work in a foundry during last winter

Married – yes. Three children

I drive – a 1958 Ford Consul

I like – fresh air, quiet roads, doctors who re reasonable about speedway riders

I dislike- traffic jams, fog, referees who hold the tapes too long, broken bones

Favourite Television – The Beverley Hillbillies

Favourite Star – Elvis Presley

Favourite food- steak cooked medium and curries

I like drinking – South Australian beer, which is funny because I am not keen on British beer

Best moment in Speedway – winning the 1961 Victorian Championship. Had to beat Jack Young for the title and this was quite a thrill as Youngie had always been my idol.

And worst moment – quite a few of them unfortunately. Possibly the worst was my crash at Wimbledon because I knew then my chances of reaching the World Final had vanished.

Ambitions – like anyone else – just to get to the World Championship Final. And may be win it.