The Sunderland Stars were a motorcycle speedway team who raced at the Sunderland Greyhound Stadium from 1971 until 1974 in the British League Division Two.Bamford, R & Jarvis J.(2001). Homes of British Speedway.
History Speedway arrived in Sunderland for the 1964 Provincial Speedway League season under the promotion of Mike Parker. The team was operational at the venue for part of one season only, when eight meetings were staged in 1964 under the "Saints" nickname. The Saints introduced Aussies Jim Airey and Gordon Guasco to British Speedway during 1964.
In 1971, Len Silver acting as promoter on behalf of Allied Presentations Ltd brought speedway back to Sunderland. The Stars competed in the 1971 British League Division Two season but finished 17th out of 17. This was followed by two seasons with 12th and 11th place finishes.
In 1974, the club came under the ownership of the Felton Speedway Promotions, set up by Mr & Mrs Fell and Alan Chorlton. The team nickname was changed from the Stars to the "Gladiators". It was also their final season before closure. In November 1974, Ian Thomas bought the defunct Sunderland licence and transferred it to re-form the Newcastle Diamonds.
Season summary Year and leaguePositionNotes 1964 Provincial Speedway League N/A Saints, withdrew results expunged 1971 British League Division Two season 17th Stars 1972 British League Division Two season 12th Stars 1973 British League Division Two season 11th Stars 1974 British League Division Two season 18th Gladiators
Notable riders Jim Airey George Barclay Russ Dent Gordon Guasco Brian Havelock Vic Harding Jack Millen
References