Jim Wells (speedway rider)
Edward James Wells (born in Auckland, New Zealand) is a former motorcycle speedway rider in National League (speedway) and British League.[1]
 | |
| Born | 6 March 1951 Auckland, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Career history | |
| 1972-1974 | Sunderland Stars |
| 1973 | Halifax Dukes |
| 1973 | Cradley United |
| 1974 | Berwick Bandits |
| 1975 | Stoke Potters |
| 1976 | Oxford Cheetahs |
Career
Jim Wells is best known as a Sunderland Stars rider, where he rode for three seasons. 1973 saw him pick up some replacement riders with British League teams Cradley United and Halifax but he never did more at that level. In 1974, he very briefly held the track record at Sunderland in a time of 63.4, but it was quickly beaten by Birmingham Brummies John Hart in 63.2. A transfer to Stoke Potters in 1975 saw him have a good season but he was to move on in 1976 with the same promoter, Harry Bastable to the newly reformed Oxford Cheetahs with Stoke teammate, Steve Holden[2][3][4] he had his last race at Oxford before retiring
After Speedway
Jim Wells raced Bangers (a lesser form of stockcar racing) for three years. Before returning to New Zealand, he worked on the North Sea gas pipeline in Scotland. Back home, he worked in a car dealership. Married to Patricia, they have two children and three grandchildren.
References
- "ULTIMATE RIDER INDEX, 1929-2022" (PDF). British Speedway. Retrieved 17 June 2023.
- Lawson,K (2018) “The Cheetahs – The Resurrection”. ISBN 978-0-244-69934-5
- Lawson,K (2018) “Riders, Teams and Stadiums”. ISBN 978-0-244-72538-9
- Bamford,R & Shailes,G (2007). "The Story of Oxford Speedway". ISBN 978-0-7524-4161-0