Frank Arthur
Page updated 01-Jan-2011
Born in Lismore, New South Wales, on 12 December 1908, Frank Arthur went on to become speedway's leading rider/promoter and was one of the three real superstars in England during 1928/29 - the others being Vic Huxley and Sprouts Elder. Even when aged just 20, he was an astute businessman, being responsible for bringing Max Grosskreutz to England in 1929, and then fielding a team of six in 1930, including Dicky Case and Ray Tauser.

Dubbed 'The Wizard', he represented Stamford Bridge between 1930-32, but his riding ability declined after the closure of his tricky, narrow home circuit. He then missed a year of British racing for, after taking an English party to his homeland for the 1932/33 season, he linked up with Johnnie Hoskins on a failed mission to interest Canadians and New Yorkers in the sport.

He represented Australia against England in the Test match series of 1930-32 and 1934. He enjoyed quite a run in the Star Championship too, the high spot being crowned Champion in the overseas section of 1929. The following season saw him finish as overall runner-up in the re-vamped competition, while he also appeared in the finals of 1931, 1932 and 1934.

Frank was a reliable scorer for Harringay in 1934, but nothing more, and a single appearance in 1935 convinced him that his riding days were over. He died on 11 September 1972 in Sydney.

To read more of his career, click here.

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