Vic Harding Explained

Vic Harding
Nationality:british (English)
Birth Date:5 July 1952
Birth Place:East Ham, London, England
Years1:1974
Career1:Sunderland Gladiators
Years2:1975-1977
Career2:Weymouth Wizards
Years3:1975
Career3:Hull Vikings
Years4:1975
Career4:Exeter Falcons
Years5:1976
Career5:Poole Pirates
Years6:1976
Career6:Leicester Lions
Years7:1977-1979
Career7:Hackney Hawks
Years8:1977
Career8:Crayford Kestrels

Victor John Harding (5 July 1952 in East Ham, London – 8 June 1979 Whipps Cross, London) was a motorcycle speedway rider.[1] [2]

Career

Harding began at the Rye House training school in 1970 run by Len Silver and spent several seasons trying to break into a league team.[3]

In 1974 the Sunderland Gladiators handed him the chance. In 1975, he moved to Weymouth Wizards.[4]

In 1977 Len Silver signed him for the Hackney Hawks from Weymouth and spent most of that season as reserve. In 1978 he began improving so much that by 1979, he was a heat leader.[3]

Death

Tragedy struck on 8 June 1979 when Harding was killed whilst riding for Hackney at Hackney Wick Stadium, Waterden Road. He was in a heat as a replacement for Bo Petersen but during the race he was involved in a terrible crash with Steve Weatherley. Harding was killed and Weatherley was left with a broken back and paraplegia.[3] [5]

Following this tragic accident, the Hawks hosted a Vic Harding Memorial Trophy every season in Harding's honour. It was in fact the last ever meeting hosted by the Hackney Hawks.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://www.hackneyhawks.co.uk Hackney Hawks Website
  2. Web site: Ultimate Rider Index, 1929-2022 . British Speedway . 13 May 2024.
  3. Fenn, C.(2003). Hackney Speedway, Friday at Eight.
  4. Lawson,K (2018) “Riders, Teams and Stadiums”.
  5. Jacobs, Norman (2001). Speedway in London.