Condolences

Ian Ging from Newcastlke Upon Tyne wrote on 16th April 2018 at 7:52 pm

I became a fan of Ivan in 1963 when I was 14 and he came to ride for Newcastle Diamonds. He won his first world title as a Diamond in 1968. His style of riding was distinctive and he was a tremendous trapper. He always maintained that if you could ride Brough Park you could ride any track! I think he is arguably the greatest speedway rider ever in an era where there were great riders like Briggs and Fundin following on from Craven and Ronnie Moore and succeeded by riders like Penhall and Peter Collins. Ivan was the ultimate professional and would not suffer fools gladly. He tutored Ole Olsen at Newcastle,probably too well as he came to prominence. He married Raye when they were both only 16 and they were inseparable. Nothing I can say can do the man justice but thank you Ivan for all the enjoyment and excitement you gave me as the King of all Diamonds and an Ace of several Clubs. R.I.P.Legend and thanks for the enduring memories. My sincere condolences to Raye, another ex Diamond Kym, and all his many friends and family.

David Johnson from Holmfirth wrote on 16th April 2018 at 7:47 pm

Ivan was the speedway's first true "professional" racer, with immaculately turned out equipment and he paved the way for others to emulate. Ivan was the gating master with razor sharp reflexes. My best memories of speedway are watching Ivan at the Belle Vue British League Riders Finals, and the Wembley World Championship when speedway still had atmosphere, provided by large crowds, the unsilenced noise of the bikes and the smell of Castrol R. Golden days, crowned by a golden talent. His likes never to be seen again. Thank you for memories Ivan and rest in peace may God Bless you.

Hayley blythe from Newcastle wrote on 16th April 2018 at 7:47 pm

So sorry for his family's loss. I feel so blessed to grow up to admire this man. Not just for what he did on the track but also what he did off the track. Great ambassador for speedway. To my first hero may you rest in the peace so massively deserve

Stephen Partington. from Manchester wrote on 16th April 2018 at 7:42 pm

R.I.P. Ivan. You are a true Speedway Star. When you rode for Belle Vue Aces together with Ove Fundin and Soren Sjosten you were my idols. Sincere condolences to your family and friends. You will never be forgotten and I thank you personally for the joy of supporting The Aces when you entertained thousands of fans who idolized your ability on the track. You were a real Champion of Speedway.

Chris Ball from Leek wrote on 16th April 2018 at 7:37 pm

So saddened to hear of the passing of Ivan. A true hero of mine and a gentleman to talk to. I don't often cry but I shed a tear or two when I read the news today. Ivan Mauger was Mr Speedway for me. R.I.P champion .

Mark lewis from Hull, uk wrote on 16th April 2018 at 7:34 pm

I watched him around the Boulevard of Hull as a kid in the late 70s / early 80s. He was simply the best in my eyes. A hero of mine then and a hero for me now, R.I.P Ivan , never forgotten !!!!

Steve Wilkes from Ellesmere Port wrote on 16th April 2018 at 7:33 pm

RIP Ivan- a true Speedway legend and a man who took speedway professionalism to a completely different level by the end of his racing career. Thanks for memories and the many records he has broken and still holds.

Brian from Ellesmere Port wrote on 16th April 2018 at 7:29 pm

I had the pleasure of meeting Ivan on a few occasions through Point of Ayre grasstrack club as well as the Gunners. A true gentleman and a fantastic advert for speedway

Beng Bealey from Exeter wrote on 16th April 2018 at 7:27 pm

Such sad news. Ivan was a true legend and an inspiration to other riders whether young or old, novice or expert, I had the great privilege to meet him and saw him ride on numerous occasions. He was just the best. RIP Ivan

David hollingsworth from Stoke on trent wrote on 16th April 2018 at 7:26 pm

So sorry to hear of your loss. Ivan bought so much joy to millions of supporters everywhere. Thoughts and prayers are with you all x

Simon from Folkestone wrote on 16th April 2018 at 7:22 pm

Such sad news. My deepest condolences to the family. Rest in peace to a true Legend in sport and life. You were the greatest rider ever. May you ride with the Angels now ?

Neil Smith from Chippenham UK wrote on 16th April 2018 at 7:21 pm

I knew who Ivan was even before I followed speedway, he was a true sporting legend and I feel privileged to have met him. R.I.P Ivan, our sport is the poorer for your passing.

Susan from Bradford wrote on 16th April 2018 at 7:21 pm

Thank you Ivan for the many years of entertainment you gave on the track. A true ambassador for speedway. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to watch a professional at work. Condolences to the Mauger family and friends during this difficult time. RIP Ivan.

Derek Richardson from Newcastle upon Tyne wrote on 16th April 2018 at 7:19 pm

Well, what can I say about my all time Speedway hero? I first saw Ivan ride when he joined the Newcastle Diamonds in 1963, when he returned to Britain, and immediately showed what was to come. There was a certain something that stood Ivan out from all the rest, his professional approach, he set targets and hit them, then set more and hit them too. There will never be anyone to step into Ivans' boots, he was that special. Thank you Ivan, I was lucky enough to see you ride for the Diamonds for 7 years, and also after you moved to new tracks. Thanks for the chats and all the autographs, and thank you for letting me shake your hand. I am not ashamed or embarrassed to say that I cried when I heard the sad news, and had to be comforted by my dear wife Sandra. You will never be forgotten Ivan, you were simply the best, better than all the rest. Condolences to wife Raye, Julie, Debbie and Kym and all the family, and his friends. xxxxx

John Watson from Tyne and Wear wrote on 16th April 2018 at 7:14 pm

Our condolences to Ivan's family. Ivan was competing in my very first visit to a speedway meeting, at Newcastle. I cannot remember what he scored that night. Only that he seemed to win every race. I am glad that was my first experience watching speedway. So many did not get to see him ride. Ivan Mauger = Speedway Speedway = Ivan Mauger

Carol and Tony Wood from London wrote on 16th April 2018 at 7:10 pm

So sorry to hear this very sad news of the passing of Ivan. What a privilege to see Ivan ride at Hackney in the 70s. Such a great legend. Condolences to Ivan's wife and family. All our love the Wood family xxxx

Mick Oldham from Newcastle upon Tyne wrote on 16th April 2018 at 7:00 pm

So sorry for your loss, Ivan the man and legend was my boyhood hero from the sixties. I was lucky enough to meet him a number of times over the years. Even at the house in Manchester after my car broke down, his enthusiasm for the sport we all love was second to none. He may be gone but his name in the sport will live on. RIP

Caroline James from Newport, South Wales, UK wrote on 16th April 2018 at 6:56 pm

So sad to hear this news. Ivan was a legend. He was the person who first made me notice the sport of speedway when I was a kid and I am still a great fan of the sport nearly 50 years later. I remember seeing Ivan ride again at Exeter about 10-15 years ago and he still hadn't lost any of his magic at the age of about 70! RIP Ivan Mauger Speedway Legend. Condolences to family and friends

Steve Hodgkinson from Birmingham wrote on 16th April 2018 at 6:47 pm

So sorry to hear the news of Ivan's passing. Had the pleasure of meeting him and Raye at a book signing in Peterborough last time he was over in the UK. Peace and respect. Steve.

David Gray from New Milton, Hampshire, UK wrote on 16th April 2018 at 6:47 pm

RIP Ivan, the greatest speedway rider ever without doubt. As a young lad watching Wembley Lions and all of the big meetings at Wembley he was the main man. Thank You for all of the entertainment that you gave at the home of speedway.

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