Farewell to John Louis
Latest News Sunday 7th April 2024, 3:35pm
Everyone involved with the Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund sends sincere condolences to the family and friends of the great John Louis who has recently passed away, at the age of 82. John was one of the most significant figures in British Speedway over more than half a century, as a World Class rider and a successful promoter.
John famously started his speedway career late, in 1969, after a successful period in other branches of motorcycle racing. He wasted no time in becoming one of the most talked about riders, making the rostrum of the World Championship in 1975, British Champion in the same year, being part of the strongest-ever England squad and lifting the whole operation of the Ipswich Witches to incredible heights.
He also rode for Halifax and King's Lynn at the end of his career, before switching to the management side of things and promoting the Witches.
Of course his son Chris was almost equally successful on track and is still heavily involved as Witches' boss. There can be few greater contributions at any club than the Louis family have made at Ipswich, and we join them in remembering and celebrating the achievements of John Louis.
