|
He was signed by Liverpool as were many other novices who were hopeful of becoming speedway stars of the future, only to be discarded before being given a chance to race at the start of the 1949 season. Full of determination the rejected Reg took himself off to the continent and raced for 4 months before returning and becoming one of Liverpool's leading riders. Reg Duval first rode for Liverpool in 1949 and remained there, loyal despite the treatment of him and others, until 1952. Other teams he has ridden for are Coventry (1953-1957) Oxford 1958 Poole 1959 back to Oxford for the 1961 season and then on to Bradford for 1962. He retired from riding in the UK in 1962 but then continued to ride on occasions for various teams and tracks in South Africa until 1974. Ron had a successful life in speedway and lists his achievements as being a member of 'Overseas' team to tour south Africa in 1951/52 and the British Team in 1953/54. He was also the winner of highest scorers cheque in the World Championship Round at Swindon in the early 1950's. Reg's is most proud or hearing the British National Anthem played at the packed Feyemord Stadium in Rotterdam, Holland as I was the only English rider at the meeting, it seemed so personal and made me very proud. The worse thing that Reg remembers is hearing the ligaments holding his knee together snap when it was dislocated in a crash caused by his bike frame breaking at the Leicester track in 1954. Reg Duval still feels very much connected to speedway and and speedway riders, he enjoys attending functions with the World Riders Association in the U,K, Australia and New Zealand. Would be pleased if anyone has photos of Reg that I can add to his profile. jh (wEBMASTER) |