Opening of Plymouth Speedway Stadium

From the collection of

The Box
Established in 1992, the South West Film & Television Archive collection spans from 1893 to the present day containing more than 250,000 items. Formed from a variety of depositors, including broadcast news and programmes material from the Westward and TSW archive. In 2018 the archive collection transferred to The Box in Plymouth.

Opening of Plymouth Speedway Stadium


Plymouth Tiger's victory, as they win the first ever speedway race at Pennycross Stadium on opening day

Dirt Track Racing originated in Australia coming to England in 1928, Plymouth enthusiasts formed the Western Speedway Limited and opened the Plymouth Speedway Stadium at Pennycross in Peverell in 1931, officially opened by Chairman Percy Fletcher's wife seen in this film. The first ever meeting at the stadium was held between Plymouth led by Bert Spencer and Exeter led by Buster Buckland, Plymouth won 32 points to 21.

Each team consists of seven riders and although Plymouth won Exeter were said to have given the better performance. The captain Buster Buckland establishes a record lap time of 20.15 seconds, the roar of the engines and the mass formation riders transport you back to this opening day. A speedway track still exists at Plympton.


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