Cliff Watson (speedway rider) explained

Cliff Watson
Nationality:	Australian
Birth Date:	28 August 1916
Birth Place:	Christchurch, New Zealand
Years1:	1947-1950, 1952-1953
Career1:	West Ham Hammers
Years2:	1950–1951
Career2:	Harringay Racers

Clifford Grant Watson (28 August 1916 – 23 April 1989) was a New Zealand born Australian international motorcycle speedway rider,^[1] who qualified for the Speedway World Championship final in 1949.^{[2] [3]}

Career summary

Watson was born in Christchurch, New Zealand,^[4] but moved to Australia and represented the Australian national team at test level.^{[5] [6]}

He joined the West Ham Hammers in 1947,^[7] progressing to heat leader status in 1949 and qualifying for the World final the same year. In 1950, after a poor start to the season with West Ham he joined the Harringay Racers^[8] and remained with them until the end of the following season. He rejoined the Hammers in 1952 but after a poor start to the 1953 season he decided to retire^[9] and return to Australia.^[7]

World Final appearances

• 1949 - London, Wembley Stadium - 15th - 1pt^[2]

Notes and References

1. News: Away from the dirt he gets a clean start . Daily Mirror . 24 March 1950 . British Newspaper Archive. subscription . 23 August 2024.
2. Bamford, R. & Shailes, G. (2002). A History of the World Speedway Championship. Stroud: Tempus Publishing.
3. Web site: ULTIMATE RIDER INDEX, 1929-2022 . British Speedway . 20 July 2023.
4. Addison J. (1948). The People Speedway Guide. Odhams Press Limited
5. Foster, P. (2005) History of the Speedway Ashes, The History Press Ltd.
6. News: Vic Duggan out. Evening Despatch . 7 July 1949 . British Newspaper Archive. subscription . 23 August 2024.
7. Belton, Brian (2003). Hammerin' Round. Stroud: Tempus Publishing
8. Jacobs, Norman (2001). Speedway in London. Stroud: Tempus Publishing
9. News: Watson to quit . Sunday Mirror . 19 July 1953 . British Newspaper Archive. subscription . 23 August 2024.