Cycle Speedway

Dalcassian

I am researching the sport of Cycle Speedway racing in Dublin in the early 1950s.


At the moment I am interested in “Croydon Rockets” who races on a track in the space behind the houses of Croydon Terrace. The photograph attached was taken on the track. I think the houses shown in the background are on Croydon Green. I know the area where the track was situated was divided up and became part of the gardens that backed onto it.
I would be interested if there is anybody that can shed any light on it. If there are any photos, memorabilia or records that are still in existence that I could have copies of would be appreciated. Anything loaned to me would be treated with the utmost care and respect and returned as received.
Is there anyone who has any memories or a father (or even grandfather!) who can remember anything? Even the smallest detail would be welcome. I am also interested in anything to do with the sport in other areas of Dublin.
To jog memories here is a list of some teams that raced in Dublin in the 1950s.
Croydon Rockets. Sackville Saints. Whitehall Pirates. Drumcondra Dukes. Shelbourne Tigers. Dublin Eagles. Phibsboro Aces. Kildare Devils. Lindsay Lions. Penrose Flyers.

Cycle speedway was normally raced by teams. Each race was contested by up to four riders, two from each team and a match normally consists of eighteen to 24 races. Points were awarded for placing in each race. There were three points for first place, two points for second and one point for third. In a team event, the winning team was the one with most points at the end of the day. A race day fixture might take in up to two hours per matches

Races involve up to four riders racing anticlockwise round four laps of the track, the winner being the first across the line. Competitors used lightweight single-speed bicycles equipped with a freewheel but no brakes. Old stripped-down bike frames were often used by beginners although specialist machines made by J. A. Phillips were used by the top racers. Riders slide their left foot along the track as they race round the sharp turns. Helmets were optional until they became compulsory in 1999. Despite this there has never been an accident in cycle speedway resulting in serious injury or death.
I can be contacted at this email address: joedalcassian@gmail.com.