Wally Kilmister
 | |
| Born | 30 April 1907 Wellington, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Died | 18 March 1973 (aged 65) Rotorua, New Zealand |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Career history | |
| 1930–1938 | Wembley Lions |
| 1939 | Southampton Saints |
| Individual honours | |
| 1936 | New Zealand Champion |
| Team honours | |
| 1930,1931 | Southern League Champion |
| 1932 | National League Champion |
| 1930, 1932, 1933 | London Cup Winner |
| 1931, 1932 | National Trophy Winner |
Wallace Stewart Kilmister (30 April 1907 – 18 March 1973), better known as Wally Kilmister, was an international speedway rider.[1]
Career summary
[edit]Kilmister first rode in grasstrack in 1925, before taking up speedway.[2] He began riding at the Kilbirnie track in Wellington in 1929 before travelling to England and joining the Wembley Lions in 1930.[2][3] After he spent the English winter in Australia he returned to Wembley[4] and would continue to ride for them until 1938.
In 1935 he rode in the Star Riders' Championship and in 1936 he won the New Zealand Championship. He was also a member of New Zealand and Colonies teams in the 1930s. At one time he also held the New Zealand land speed record with an average of 107 mph.[5]
Players cigarette cards
[edit]Kilmister is listed as number 23 of 50 in the 1930s Player's cigarette card collection.[6]
Personal life
[edit]Kilmister opened a model and adjoining sports shop in Neeld Parade, near to Wembley Stadium during the 1930s which he was involved in until his death in 1973.[7]
After retiring from speedway, Kilmister also lived in Taupō, New Zealand where he had a motorcycle, lawnmower and chainsaw shop.
References
[edit]- ^ "Ultimate rider index, 1929-2022" (PDF). British Speedway. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
- ^ a b Sandys, Leonard (1948) Broadside to Fame! The Drama of the Speedways, Findon, p. 21
- ^ Batt, A.(2001) The Speedway Kings of Kilbirnie. Allan Batt ISBN 0-473-07866-X
- ^ "Famous Speedway Rivals". Daily News (London). 18 May 1931. Retrieved 27 August 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ Batt, A.(1998) The Cindershifters : pre War speedway in New Zealand. Allan Batt
- ^ "Speedway Riders". Speedway Museum Online. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- ^ "Famous Speedway Rivals". Harrow Observer. 12 April 1974. Retrieved 27 August 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.