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Post by Administrator on May 24, 2009 8:45:30 GMT
A REMINDER: with acknowlegments to Wikipedia:
Per Tommy Jansson (2 October 1952 - 20 May 1976) was a motorcycle speedway rider. He was one of Sweden's most exciting speedway prospects in the 1970s but was tragically killed in a world championship qualifying meeting. He was born Eskilstuna, Sweden. He initially rode for the Wembley Lions in the UK but only for a few meetings. He returned to Sweden to complete his National Service and later returned to England to ride for the Wimbledon Dons from 1971 until his death in 1976. In Sweden he rode for Smederna. At the time of his death aged only twenty-three, he had already appeared in four World finals. He also won the World Pairs Championship with Anders Michanek in 1973 and 1975. He was the last rider to hold the British Speedways Golden Helmet, the original Golden Helmet was given to his family after his death.
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Post by mrsgustix on May 25, 2009 12:04:10 GMT
It's amazing that so many years, it's 33, have passed since we last saw the great Tommy Jansson in Wimbledon's colours. Weren't his father and brother riders as well?
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Post by tungate on May 25, 2009 15:26:38 GMT
You are right, it doesn't seem that long ago. I do not know about Tommy's brother but Tommy's dad Joel Jansson qualified for a World Final (1958) at the same time as Ove Fundin, Rune Sormander & Olle Nygren (Sweden) and Josef Hofmeister (W Germany). The European Final was held in Warsaw with the World Final being held at Wembley Stadium on 20 Sept. I think this was the first World Final sponsored by the Sunday Pictorial and using the "Winged Wheel" Trophy. Ove finished 2nd on 13pts behind Briggs (15), Olle 6th (9), Rune 13th (4), Josef 15th (2) and Joel 16th with 0 pts. The Continental Reserve was Swede PeO Soderman and it was the first year a Reserve was at Wembley from the European Final. The great Aub Lawson won a decider for 3rd place to wrap up the proceedings that night when both Craven & McKinley failed to last the 4 laps.
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