Tommy Bateman

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Tommy Bateman (30 December 1908 – 4 February 1993) was an English motorcycle speedway rider from Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. He began as a popular grasstrack rider before moving to speedway in Britain. Bateman started his league career with Nottingham in 1937, helping them win the Provincial Speedway League and the Provincial Trophy. That same year he rode in Australia and drew interest from clubs such as Wimbledon, Norwich and Belle Vue. He later signed for Hackney Wick Wolves, winning the league title again. His 1939 season began with Middlesbrough in the top division, but the club withdrew after eight matches; he then rode for Belle Vue’s reserves as World War II interrupted racing. After the war, Bateman joined the Sheffield Tigers, posting an 8.00 average and helping them to second place as they won the British Speedway Cup in 1947, with his average rising to 9.11. His final season was 1950 with the Newcastle Diamonds in Division Two, where he averaged 9.67. His honours include the 1937 Provincial Trophy, the 1937 Provincial League Coronation Cup, the 1938 National League Division 2 title, and the 1947 British Speedway Cup (Division 2).