Reg West Explained

Reg West
Nationality:Australian
Birth Date: 24 April 1907
Birth Place:Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
Death Place:Australia
Career1:Manchester (Belle Vue)
Years1:1931
Indivyear1:1930
Indivhonour1:Australian Solo Championship (2 miles)

Reginald Aldgate West also known as Reg Thorne (24 April 1907 – 21 April 1968) was a motorcycle speedway rider from Australia.[1]

Biography

West, born in Launceston, Tasmania and won the 2 miles Australian Solo Championship in 1930.[2]

West travelled to the United Kingdom for the first time in 1931[3] and later began his British leagues career riding for the Manchester Belle Vue team that took over the fixtures of Harringary Canaries following their withdrawal during the 1931 Speedway Southern League season.[4] He averaged 6.00.[5]

As was the bizarre practice by a small number of speedway riders at the time he rode as Reg Thorne in later years, signing for West Ham Hammers in 1933 but not actually appearing for them.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: ULTIMATE RIDER INDEX, 1929-2022 . British Speedway . 2 March 2024.
  2. Web site: Individual Australian Championship. Historia Sportu Zuzlowego. 2 March 2024.
  3. News: Famous Australian's Visit to Sheffield . Sheffield Daily Telegraph . 21 May 1931 . 2 March 2024. British Newspaper Archive. subscription .
  4. Web site: 1931 season . Speedway Researcher . 2 March 2024.
  5. Web site: Rider averages 1929 to 2009 . Speedway Researcher . 2 March 2024.
  6. News: Speedway . Daily Herald . 1 June 1933 . 2 March 2024. British Newspaper Archive. subscription .