Arnie Hansen
| Born | 2 April 1907 Kalgoorlie, Australia |
|---|---|
| Died | 13 April 1984 (aged 77) Adelaide, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Career history | |
| 1930–1931 | Southampton Saints |
| Individual honours | |
| 1932 | Australian Solo Championship |
Arnold Hans Martin Hansen (2 April 1907 – 13 April 1984) was a motorcycle speedway rider from Australia. He was champion of Australia in 1932 and earned three international caps for the Australia national speedway team.[1][2]
Biography
[edit]Hansen, born in Kalgoorlie, first raced in the United Kingdom during 1930. He won the Finsbury Handicap at Harringay Stadium[3] before commencing his British leagues career riding for Southampton Saints during the 1930 Speedway Southern League season.[4] He enjoyed a good season averaging 8.81[5] and helping Southampton finish runner-up in the league campaign. He also broke several track records and represented Australia in a test match against England.[6]
The following season in 1931, he remained with Southampton but did not perform as well as the previous year.[7] He returned to Australia and won the 1932, 3 lap Australian Solo Championship at Wayville Showgrounds.[8]
He continued to ride for an Adelaide team but despite several instances of British clubs looking to sign him, he did not return to ride in England again.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ "ULTIMATE RIDER INDEX, 1929-2022" (PDF). British Speedway. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ^ "Stars of the Speedway Arnie Hansen". Hampshire Advertiser. 6 June 1931. Retrieved 22 February 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "On the Speedway". Daily News (London). 19 May 1930. Retrieved 22 February 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "1930 season" (PDF). Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ^ "Rider averages 1929 to 2009" (PDF). Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ^ "Arnie the Artist". Hampshire Advertiser. 12 July 1930. Retrieved 22 February 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Year by Year". Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ^ "Individual Australian Championship". Historia Sportu Zuzlowego. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ^ "Speedway Crisis". Western Morning News. 5 June 1934. Retrieved 22 February 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.