LEN SILVER 1932-2024

IT is with deep sadness that British Speedway reports the passing of legendary former promoter, rider and manager Len Silver.

Len, who was 92, died at home in the early hours of Sunday morning after a lifetime’s involvement in the sport.

His racing career was mainly spent with Ipswich and Exeter, before he retired due to injury following a crash at Hackney in 1964, his biggest victory having come in the 1962 Provincial League Riders’ Championship – the equivalent of the modern day CLRC.

He then embarked on a lengthy and hugely successful promoting career which included two decades at Hackney as well as involvement in several associated clubs.

The 1970s saw him complete the first of two stints as Great Britain/England manager in a golden era of success in the World Team Cup competition

Len was also a skilled track curator and prepared the surface for the last ever World Final to take place at Wembley in 1981, which produced one of the sport’s most memorable meetings.

He subsequently bought Rye House Stadium and revived the Rockets in 1999, winning the Premier League (now Championship) title in both 2005 and 2007.

In 2013, he launched the Kent Kings at Central Park Stadium, continuing as promoter of the club through to his retirement at the end of the 2021 season.

Len, who became the second inductee to British Speedway’s Hall of Fame in 2021, continued to attend the sport regularly following the successful revival of Oxford in 2022 – where was previously team manager for a single season in 1984.

Fittingly he was in attendance at Cowley last Saturday for the first leg of the Championship Grand Final between the Cheetahs and Poole.

All at British Speedway wish to send our sincere condolences to Len’s family and friends, and place on record our gratitude for his outstanding service to the sport.