The best speedway rider ever, Ivan Mauger, sadly passed away this morning in Australia. Ivan, who was 78 years old, had been fighting Alzheimer's disease for the last five years. The legendary New Zealander lived for 23 years in the Manchester area, which was his British base for the most productive years of his career, between 1963 and 1985, before retiring from racing and moving to the Gold Coast in Australia. He rode for Belle Vue Aces when at his peak, from 1969 to 1972, winning three World titles in that spell and leading the Aces to three league title wins and a runners-up slot in his first season. In total, Mauger won a record six World Individual Speedway titles, with another nine gold medals in World team, pairs and long track finals. He was undoubtedly the biggest draw in the sport, with his unprecedented levels of professionalism and innovation, during the sport's golden years of the 1970's. His passing is a sad loss to the sport.
RIP Ivan Mauger, simply the best speedway rider of all time.
RIP Ivan Mauger, simply the best speedway rider of all time.