Sunderland Stars
| Sunderland Stars | |
|---|---|
 Sunderland Stars Speedway Badge | |
| Club information | |
| Track address | Sunderland Greyhound Stadium Newcastle Road East Boldon Durham |
| Country | England |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Closed | 1974 |
| Club facts | |
| Colours | Red, white and gold |
| Track size | 310 yards (280 m) |
The Sunderland Stars were a motorcycle speedway team who raced at the Sunderland Greyhound Stadium from 1971 until 1974 in the Britrish League Division Two when Len Silver acted as promoter on behalf of Allied Presentations Ltd.[1][2]
History[edit]
Speedway was operational at the venue for part of one season when eight meetings were staged in 1964 under the "Saints" nickname. The Saints introduced Aussies Jim Airey and Gordon Guasco to British Speedway during 1964.[3]
The inaugural season of league speedway took place during the 1971 British League Division Two season but unfortunately the team finished 17th out of 17.[4] This was followed by two seasons with 12th and 11th place finishes.[5]
In 1974, the club came under new ownership and were nicknamed the "Gladiators". It was also their final season before closure.[6] In November 1974, Ian Thomas bought the defunct Sunderland licence and transferred it to re-form the Newcastle Diamonds.[7]
Season summary[edit]
| Year and league | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 Provincial Speedway League | N/A | Saints, withdrew results expunged |
| 1971 British League Division Two season | 17th | Stars |
| 1972 British League Division Two season | 12th | Stars |
| 1973 British League Division Two season | 11th | Stars |
| 1974 British League Division Two season | 18th | Gladiators |
Notable riders[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Bamford, R & Jarvis J.(2001). Homes of British Speedway. ISBN 0-7524-2210-3
- ^ "Sunderland Speedway". Defunct Speedway. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
- ^ "Jim Airey". wwosbackup. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
- ^ Rogers, Martin (1978). The Illustrated History of Speedway. Studio Publications (Ipswich) Ltd. p. 129. ISBN 0-904584-45-3.
- ^ "British League Tables - British League Era (1965-1990)". Official British Speedway website. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
- ^ "Year by Year". Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
- ^ "Ian Thomas buys out Sunderland". Hull Daily Mail. 28 November 1974. Retrieved 4 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
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