Frederick Timmo | |
Nationality: | New Zealander |
Birth Date: | 27 July 1947 |
Birth Place: | Napier, New Zealand |
Years1: | 1967-1974 |
Career1: | Oxford Cheetahs/Rebels |
Frederick "Rick" Timmo (born 27 July 1947 in Napier, New Zealand) is a former motorcycle speedway rider.[1]
Timmo had his first rides at Napier, where he spent three years before being advised by Colin McKee to try his luck in England. McKee fixed a trial for Timmo at Hackney but promoter Danny Dunton signed him up for Oxford Cheetahs for the 1967 British League season. He stayed at Oxford for a number of years and became a fans favourite.[2] Barry Briggs, another Kiwi, tried to tempt Timmo to ride for Swindon Robins but he declined.[3]
In the season 1968–69, Timmo toured with the British Lions in New Zealand. His performance made him a favourite and he would go on to ride for his home country against England, Australia and Sweden.[4]
His career was prematurely ended when he had a nasty crash at a grasstrack meeting and broke his femur.
Retiring from speedway he returned home to Napier where he set up a business – Timmo Motorcycles. His son, Spencer, became a speedway rider for Mildenhall Fen Tigers and Newcastle Diamonds, and now races cars in the UK.