Ben Wilson (speedway rider)
Ben Ryan Wilson (born 15 March 1986 in Sheffield, England) is a former professional motorcycle speedway rider.[1][2]
| Born | 15 March 1986 Sheffield, England |
|---|---|
| Nationality | British (English) |
| Career history | |
| 2001–2008, 2014 | Sheffield Tigers |
| 2003, 2018 | Buxton Hitmen |
| 2004 | Carmarthen Dragons |
| 2006 | Wolverhampton Wolves |
| 2007 | Belle Vue Aces |
| 2009–2010 | Redcar Bears |
| 2009 | Poole Pirates |
| 2010, 2014, 2016 | Stoke Potters |
| 2011, 2015 | Scunthorpe Scorpions |
| 2017 | Isle of Wight Warriors |
| 2019 | Plymouth Gladiators |
| Individual honours | |
| 2006 | British Under-21 Champion |
| Team honours | |
| 2014 | National League Pairs Championship |
Career edit
Wilson started his career with the Sheffield Prowlers on his 15th birthday in the Conference League.[3] He was selected as the Sheffield Tigers reserve for the 2003 season, and after a slow start he continued into 2004, where he showed more promise. In 2005, Wilson moved up to second string in which he partnered Sean Wilson, and continued to improve his average throughout the year.
In 2006, his form from 2005 was noticed and he was signed to double up with Wolverhampton Wolves in the Elite League, as well as riding for Sheffield. He also won the British Under-21 Championship at the Norfolk Arena, by beating Danny King and Lewis Bridger. This result earned Wilson a reserve position at the British Grand Prix that year. He also came second in the Premier League Pairs Championship with team-mate Ricky Ashworth, only beaten by the holders Glasgow Tigers. In 2007, Wilson was once again re-signed by the Sheffield Tigers to fill the third heat leader role.[4]
After two seasons out of the sport he signed to ride for Stoke Potters in the National League in 2014.[5] He won the National League Pairs Championship with Jon Amstrong, held at Mildenhall Stadium, on 15 June 2014.[6]
His last season before retirement was in the 2019 National Development League speedway season (the third tier of British speedway) riding for Plymouth Gladiators.
References edit
- ^ Oakes, P.(2004). British Speedway Who's Who. ISBN 0-948882-81-6
- ^ "ULTIMATE RIDER INDEX, 1929-2022" (PDF). British Speedway. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
- ^ "2008 Rider index" (PDF). British Speedway. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
- ^ "WILSON MISSES BANDITS TRIP". Sheffield Speedway. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
- ^ "Wilson Back in Speedway", speedwaygb.co, 26 December 2013. Retrieved 26 December 2013
- ^ "National League Pairs" (PDF). British Speedway. Retrieved 2 July 2023.