Robert Dugard facts for kids
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| Born | 12 July 1942 Hove, England |
|---|---|
| Died | 5 August 2018 (aged 76) |
| Nationality |  England |
| Career history | |
| 1959 | Eastbourne Eagles |
| 1960 | Oxford Cheetahs |
| 1962 | Ipswich Witches |
| 1963 | New Cross Rangers |
| 1964–1965 | West Ham Hammers |
| 1965–1970 | Wimbledon Dons |
| 1971 | Eastbourne Eagles |
| Team honours | |
| 1968, 1969 | British League KO Cup Winner |
| 1968, 1969 | London Cup |
| 1959 | Southern Area League |
Robert “Bob” Dugard (born July 3, 1942 – died August 5, 2018) was an English motorcycle speedway star. He was well-known as both a rider and a promoter. Speedway is an exciting sport where motorcycles race around an oval track.
Contents
Bob Dugard's Speedway Journey
Early Riding Days
Bob Dugard started his speedway career in 1959. He rode for several teams during his time as a racer. Some of these teams included the Eastbourne Eagles and the Oxford Cheetahs. He also rode for the Ipswich Witches and the New Cross Rangers. Later, he joined the West Ham Hammers and the Wimbledon Dons.
Becoming a Speedway Promoter
After he stopped racing, Bob Dugard stayed in speedway. He became a promoter, which means he helped organize and run speedway events. He teamed up with Danny Dunton to form a company called Oxspeed Ltd. They promoted the Oxford Rebels team. A famous jazz musician, Acker Bilk, was also part of this company.
Moving Stadiums
Bob and Danny worked hard to promote speedway in Oxford. However, their stadium faced threats from new building plans. They looked for a new home for the sport. They first considered Harringay before finally moving to White City.
A Lifetime in Speedway
Bob Dugard was closely connected with the Eastbourne Eagles for many years. He loved being hands-on at the track. He was often seen driving the tractor, making sure the track was perfect for races. Even while doing this, he was still involved in managing the team. He worked alongside his son, Martin Dugard, and other family members.
Owning Arlington Stadium
Bob Dugard eventually became the owner of Arlington Stadium. This showed his deep commitment to the sport. Away from speedway, he was also a very successful businessman. He was a director at Machine Tools in Hove.
Later Life and Legacy
In his later years, Bob Dugard faced some health challenges. He passed away on August 5, 2018. Bob is remembered by his wife Margaret, his three children, a stepdaughter, and eight grandchildren. He left a lasting mark on the world of speedway.
