Crystal Palace Speedway

Crystal Palace Exhibition Grounds Sydenham South London 1928 to 1940

Courtesy of John Chaplin

Courtesy Ted Hearn

1931 Team Tom Farndon, Alf Sawford, Skid Pitcher, Joe Francis, Harry Shepherd, F E Mockford (managing director), Triss Sharp, Roger Frogley, Nobby Key, Ron Johnson

Hi John:  I have just been on to your site showing old pictures of Crystal Palace, in the team photo of 1931 the mascot sitting in the front holding the cup was my Dad, Arthur Lancaster who was born in 1918. and would have been 13 years old at that time. That picture was on the wall in his office when we had a guest house in Westgate, I still have the original card with my Dad's signature on it. Thank you for rekindling the memory. Regards Phil Lancaster
 

1932: Les Gregory

Courtesy of Niall Strudwick

Courtesy of Niall Strudwick

Courtesy of Niall Strudwick

The above picture shows, I think, Tom Farndon on the left and Norman (Pansy) Evans. possibly 1931. 

This blow up shows a star on the track staffs jersey and Tom Farndon appears to be the home rider  So what's the track, year and teams?  John
Keith Green has been in touch he says: Hi John, The photo you have on your website of Tom Farndon and Pansy Evans? is wrong. It's Tom and Fred Mockford his promoter taken at Crystal Palace in 1933 as a publicity stunt. I have the original photo as I am Tom Farndon fan and collect all his programmes, by the way Tom gave his promoter 3 laps start
Thanks Keith (it did look like Norman Evans)
Keith has been back in touch adding: -Did some research last night and the picture in question appeared in speedway news edition on 13.10.1933 so the picture and race took place on the 7th Oct 1933.The caption says it is Tom and Fred Mockford  Regarding the track staff jerseys John I've checked 1931/1933 Crystal Palace and the riders had the same star on their bibs. The only explanation I can think of is the Crystal Palace stars had 6 prongs on the star and Wimbledon had 5.

Courtesy of Niall Strudwick

Courtesy of Niall Strudwick

Courtesy of Niall Strudwick