Yet another of the pioneer men in 1928 was Colin Watson, who went on to represent London's White City in the following season's inaugural Southern League competition, before really making his reputation with Wembley from 1930 to '34.

All told, he made five appearances in the Star Championship final, as well as regularly representing England in Test match series against Australia from 1930 to '34, captaining the side on five occasions.

A fractured leg in 1935 was to keep him out of the saddle until he returned to the Wembley line-up for just one league match in 1937. Colin started the following season with Wembley, but after appearing for them in only two league matches, he was to have spells with both West Ham and Division 2 side Sheffield.

The final season of pre-war activity saw Colin back at West Ham and he recommenced his career with them in 1946. He astounded everyone by revealing brilliant form, only for his career to end abruptly following a crash at Odsal in July that year. Thankfully, he made a full recovery, but his racing days were over.

Thanks to 'Speedway - The Pre-war Years' by Robert Bamford [ISBN 0 7524 27490]