Brian Havelock, a popular rider for Workington Comets at Derwent Park in the late 1970s, has died at the age of 83.
A late starter in the sport he was 29 when he took up speedway, having formerly contested scrambles and grasstrack events with some success.
He went on to have an 11-year riding career from 1972 to 1983 and spent four of those years with the Comets.
He had started with a handful of matches for Teesside before joining Sunderland in 1973.
He stayed with Sunderland in 1974 but once their fixtures were over he controversially joined Berwick and rode in their last six matches.
In 1975 he joined the new Newcastle promotion under ex-Comets promoter Ian Thomas and also rode up to 10 meetings for Hull – also under the Thomas promotion – in the First Division when they were short due to injury.
In 1976 he started the season with Newcastle but couldn’t get on with the track and in May was brought to Workington by then promoter George Graham.
He was with the Comets from 1976 to 1979 and in official matches scored 1,064 points plus 76 bonus points.
He had proved an inspired signing for the Comets, joining on the day of Workington’s famous Inter-League Cup clash with Ipswich Witches.
Havelock had become unsettled at Newcastle having become a target for some sections of the crowd because of his dissatisfaction with the Brough Park track.
However, there were no such problems at Derwent Park where he settled in immediately.
With the Comets he blossomed into a genuine heat leader and was appointed skipper following the departure of Lou Sansom, a role which he fulfilled magnificently, spending much time helping the juniors at Derwent Park.
He left Workington after the 1979 season as the cash crisis worsened and he finished with spells at Middlesbrough Tigers and Stoke Potters but later went on to be team manager of both Newcastle and more latterly Redcar, where he also spent time as owner and promoter.
Current Bears co-owner Ben Duffill paid tribute. He said: “Brian was a huge character – the kind of person who always leaves an impression on you. I have lots of fond memories of our time together.
“This is a very sad day for our club. His legacy will remain a lasting part of our history.”
Havelock, whose son Gary followed him into the sport and was world champion in 1992, was regarded as a character and a very popular rider with the Comets which made him always particularly welcomed on returns to Derwent Park.
Comets stalwart Tony Jackson said: “I was very sorry to hear of Brian’s passing as, having first been a fan of his when he rode for the Comets in the 1970s, I then got to know him quite well during my time as team manager and co-promoter with the Comets through my various dealings with him.
“He was always good to deal with and, with his many years of experience in the sport he had an opinion on most things, which was always good to listen to.
“He always liked to chat and, because of his past association with the Comets, he always had a bit of a soft spot for Workington and its people, and he often said how much he had enjoyed his years racing for Workington.”
