| Mike Erskine | |
| Nationality: | British (English) |
| Birth Date: | 22 August 1914 |
| Birth Place: | Westbury, Wiltshire, England |
| Death Place: | East Tytherley, Hampshire, England |
| Career1: | New Cross Lambs/Tamers |
| Years1: | 1935–1936 |
| Career2: | Bristol Bulldogs |
| Years2: | 1936 |
| Career3: | Southampton Saints |
| Years3: | 1938–1939 |
| Career4: | Wimbledon Dons |
| Years4: | 1946–1951 |
| Teamyear1: | 1950, 1951 |
| Teamhonour1: | National Trophy |
Michael Gratney Erskine (22 August 1914 – 19 November 1985) was a motorcycle speedway rider from England.[1]
Erskine, born in Westbury, Wiltshire, first rode for the Coventry junior team in 1933 and was involved in a crash that saw him hit the safety fence so hard that it pulled a supporting post out of the ground. It was reported that he was leading the race by a distance, indicating that his riding style was one of full commitment.[2] The following season in 1934, he signed for New Cross Rangers but continued to ride for Coventry on loan.[3]
He made British leagues debut riding for New Cross during the 1935 Speedway National League season[4] and was loaned out to Bristol Bulldogs in the Provincial League for the 1936 season.
In 1937, he concentrated on grasstrack racing and even designed a course at Farleigh Hungerford,[5] before returning to conventional speedway in 1938 after signing for Southampton Saints.[6]
After World War II, Erskine blossomed as a rider and spent six years with Wimbledon Dons in the top division from 1946 to 1951,[7] winning the 1950 and 1951 National Trophy.[8] However, the highlight of his career was reaching the Championship round of the 1950 Individual Speedway World Championship and standing as a reserve for the World final at Wembley Stadium, where he participated in a heat.[9]