Wilbur Lamoreaux

Background

Lamoreaux became a motorcycle enthusiast and he finally convinced his mother to allow him to buy an Indian Scout in 1923, when he was only 16 years old.

Career

At an early age his family moved to Pasadena, California. He became a motorcycle messenger for Western Union. While working at Western Union that he met fellow Pasadenans, brothers Jack and Cordy Milne.

Nicknamed "Lammy", he rode for the Wimbledon Dons from 1937 until the outbreak of World World War World War II After the war, he was persuaded by Sir Arthur Elvin not to retire and rode for them Wembley Lions in 1948.

In 1949 he spent a season with the Birmingham Brummies, and also qualified for the Speedway World Championship, ten years after his last appearance and forty two years of age, was the oldest competitor. He finished in fifth place, although an engine failure cost him his third rostrum finish in three finals.

Wilbur Lamoreaux also rode in Australia during his career, finishing second to 1938 World Champion Bluey Wilkinson in both the 1938 Three and Four Lap Australian Championships at the Sydney Showground Speedway. He also represented the United States of America in test matches against the Australians at other tracks around the country including the Sydney Sports Ground and Olympic Park in Melbourne.

1937 - London, Wembley Stadium - 2nd - 25pts

1938 - London, Wembley Stadium - 3rd - 20pts

1949 - London, Wembley Stadium - 5th - 9pts.

Achievements

• He won the Scottish Championship in 1939. During World World War II he promoted speedway in the United States, and in 1946 won the American National Championship in Los Los Angeles In 1938, Lamoreaux also won the NSW State Championship at the Sydney Showground.