RAY CRESP DIES

Photo: Ray Cresp at Malmo Sweden 1961

By Dennis Newlyn:

Former world finalist Ray Cresp has died only days before his ninety-fourth birthday.

 Ray carried our flag onto the world stage when he rode in the 1961 World Speedway Championship at Malmo, Sweden.

It marked the first time the World Final was held away from London’s Wembley Stadium since its inception in 1936.

Ray’s tenure in British speedway was over ten years and expansive after he rode for a number of clubs.

He started off in 1956 at Eastbourne and stints with Wembley Lions, Oxford Cheetahs, Ipswich Witches, Poole Pirates, Norwich Stars, St Austell Gulls, West Ham Hammers and Long Eaton Archers followed.

After joining Long Eaton in 1965, he again rode for the Archers in 1966 – the year he ended his British speedway career. 

He was one of the best Aussies who plied his trade in British Speedway and his most successful year was 1961, highlighted with World Speedway Championship qualification.

He just scraped through from the British Final title qualifier that year at London’s Wembley Stadium with a point to spare.

The top eight from the British Final, with seven points the obvious cut-off, qualified for Malmo. Ray’s eight point haul gave him a seventh placing overall and his progression to the World Speedway Championship.

He scored three points in the decider after two falls from his five rides denied him of a further total points haul.

He made only one appearance at this level but proudly takes his place amongst a select number of Australian riders who represented their nation in the one-off world final and in later years the Speedway GP series.

Ray Cresp’s ability as international speedway riding star for Australia in Tests and major events can never be doubted.

RIP: Ray Cresp.