Hackney Speedway

Hackney Wick Greyhound Stadium, Waterden Road, London E15 2EQ  Speedway operated between 1935-1996


Courtesy of Steve Cummins

Hackney Wick track under construction

Three photos of Hackney supplied by Norman Jacobs

Track Staff

Hi, I found your website devoted to Hackney Speedway Stadium and was fascinated.
I myself worked there in the mid 80s - early 90s with my family (mostly covering the greyhound track with sheets in preparation for the Friday night meetings).
My dad ran the training school on Saturdays, and I spent most of my childhood there.
I was there the night Vic Harding lost his life in '79, I saw it happen.
 
The site was later used to host car-boot sales, by which time the magic of the place had long gone.
Just wanted to say thanks for posting some wonderful photos, which brings back the memory very vividly.
There was one picture in particular that completely sums up my Hackney experiences in amongst that lot.
Looking from the second bend over towards the starting line from the steps where the kiosk used to be.  That is where I used to watch the meetings from.
And behind there was the toilets that STANK.
 
Anyway,
regards,
Dave

 

Hackney 1988


Courtesy of Phil Small


Courtesy of Phil Small


Courtesy of Phil Small


Courtesy of Phil Small

4 pictures of Hackney Stadium taken in 1988

All I know about the above picture is the riders and approximate year. Possibly 1931 one rider is Tom Farndon, probably in the lead.  The other rider's name is Wilks.  So can you help with the track, riders, teams and year?  John

Update: Hi John
This looks like Tom Farndon leading George Wilks at Hackney Wick.
On 22 July 1935 they met in heat 6 of a League Match and Tom suffered engine failure in that race. This is shown on Speedway Researcher 1935 results. I cannot find them in another meeting together during that season.
This was not long before the crash which cost Tom his life.
All the best
Bryan Tungate

Thanks Bryan you have come to my rescue again, the cheques in the post!

 

Hackney Speedway had only one base: Hackney Greyhound Stadium, Waterden Road, London.

Colin Pratt

When you think of Hackney Colin Pratt comes to mind.  Was he the greatest ever hackney rider?


Courtesy Ted Hearn

Jack Biggs and Newcastle's Ole Olsen


Courtesy Ted Hearn


Courtesy Ted Hearn

Graeme Smith


Courtesy of Dave Jones
1969 Graeme Smith
 


Courtesy of Graeme Smith


Garry Middleton 1969 – 1971


Zenon Plech  1976 – 1981


Finn Thomsen 1978-1983


Dave Morton 1973-78

Geoff Maloney 1972

Jim Blanchard has answered my request for Hackney pictures.  The 3 photos shown below are of Jim at a Len Silver / Gary Middleton training school held at Waterden Road in 1972

These pics were chosen because they show the stadium as well as Jim

Wal Morton and Colin McKee

1969 Great action shot of Garry Middleton

The site is looking for more pics, programmes etc from the Hawks history email John

 
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