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Wally Kilmister

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wally Kilmister
Born30 April 1907 (1907-04-30)
Wellington, New Zealand
Died18 March 1973 (aged 65)
Rotorua, New Zealand
NationalityNew Zealander
Career history
1930–1938Wembley Lions
1939Southampton Saints
Individual honours
1936New Zealand Champion
Team honours
1930,1931Southern League Champion
1932National League Champion
1930, 1932, 1933London Cup Winner
1931, 1932National Trophy Winner

Wallace Stewart Kilmister (30 April 1907 – 18 March 1973), better known as Wally Kilmister, was an international speedway rider.[1]

Career summary

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Kilmister first rode in grasstrack in 1925, before taking up speedway.[2] He began riding at the Kilbirnie track in Wellington in 1929 before travelling to England and joining the Wembley Lions in 1930.[2][3] After he spent the English winter in Australia he returned to Wembley[4] and would continue to ride for them until 1938.

In 1935 he rode in the Star Riders' Championship and in 1936 he won the New Zealand Championship. He was also a member of New Zealand and Colonies teams in the 1930s. At one time he also held the New Zealand land speed record with an average of 107 mph.[5]

Players cigarette cards

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Kilmister is listed as number 23 of 50 in the 1930s Player's cigarette card collection.[6]

Personal life

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Kilmister opened a model and adjoining sports shop in Neeld Parade, near to Wembley Stadium during the 1930s which he was involved in until his death in 1973.[7]

After retiring from speedway, Kilmister also lived in Taupō, New Zealand where he had a motorcycle, lawnmower and chainsaw shop.

References

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  1. ^ "Ultimate rider index, 1929-2022" (PDF). British Speedway. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  2. ^ a b Sandys, Leonard (1948) Broadside to Fame! The Drama of the Speedways, Findon, p. 21
  3. ^ Batt, A.(2001) The Speedway Kings of Kilbirnie. Allan Batt ISBN 0-473-07866-X
  4. ^ "Famous Speedway Rivals". Daily News (London). 18 May 1931. Retrieved 27 August 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  5. ^ Batt, A.(1998) The Cindershifters : pre War speedway in New Zealand. Allan Batt
  6. ^ "Speedway Riders". Speedway Museum Online. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  7. ^ "Famous Speedway Rivals". Harrow Observer. 12 April 1974. Retrieved 27 August 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
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