Frank Dolan Explained

Frank Dolan
Nationality:Australian
Birth Date: 2 April 1915
Birth Place:Sydney, Australia
Career1:Harringay Tigers
Years1:1938–1939, 1947–1948
Career2:Lea Bridge Cubs
Years2:1938
Career3:Southampton Saints
Years3:1938
Indivyear1:1946
Indivhonour1:Australian Solo Championship
Teamyear1:1948
Teamhonour1:Anniversary Cup

Francis Owen Dolan (2 April 1915 – 12 July 1988) was an Australian motorcycle speedway rider. He was champion of Australia in 1946 and earned eight international caps for the Australia national speedway team.[1]

Biography

Dolan, born in Sydney, was noticed by the England captain Jack Parker riding in Australia in early 1938. He persuaded Dolan and fellow Australian Ray Duggan to travel with him to the United Kingdom.[2] He began his British leagues career riding for Harringay Tigers during the 1938 Speedway National League season but was then loaned out to Southampton Saints and Lea Bridge Cubs.[3] [4]

In 1939, he rode for Harringay but then lost six years of his career due to World War II. However, in 1946, he returned and gained significant success when he the Australian Solo Championship.[5]

On his return to British speedway in 1947, he was once again a Harringay rider[6] and averaged a respectable 8.05 for the season.[7] His final season in 1948, saw him win the Anniversary Cup with Harringay.[8]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: ULTIMATE RIDER INDEX, 1929-2022 . British Speedway . 22 February 2024.
  2. News: Speed Riders for Harringay . Daily Mirror . 5 February 1938 . 22 February 2024. British Newspaper Archive. subscription .
  3. Web site: 1938 season . Speedway Researcher . 22 February 2024.
  4. News: World Speedway qualifiers . Daily News (London) . 21 July 1938 . 22 February 2024. British Newspaper Archive. subscription .
  5. Web site: Individual Australian Championship. Historia Sportu Zuzlowego . 22 February 2024.
  6. News: Harringay want Australian Speed aces . Daily Mirror . 8 February 1947 . 22 February 2024. British Newspaper Archive. subscription .
  7. Web site: Rider averages 1929 to 2009 . Speedway Researcher . 22 February 2024.
  8. Web site: Year by Year . Speedway Researcher . 22 February 2024.