Workington Comets Speedway Legend Bob Valentine Dies Aged 85

Bob Valentine, one of the most memorable riders in the history of the Workington Comets, has died at the age of 85 in his native Australia.
Valentine earned a reputation as the original “Mr Excitement” at Derwent Park when the Comets launched in 1970. Having taken up speedway racing in Australia at the relatively late age of 29, he impressed early on and was brought to Britain after being spotted by promoters Ian Thomas and Jeff Brownhut.
Derwent Park’s broad, sweeping bends suited Valentine’s daring racing style, making him an instant favourite with Comets supporters. In the club’s inaugural season, he set the track record and finished with a strong average that led to a berth in the Division Two Riders Championship.
Although he only rode for Workington for one season in 1970, Valentine’s impact was immediate. He quickly moved up to Division One with Sheffield Tigers, where he spent four successful seasons, steadily increasing his average and becoming a British Final runner‑up.
Valentine continued his British speedway career with spells at Coventry Bees, Birmingham Brummies and Cradley Heathens before returning to Australia at the end of the 1977 season. After retiring from racing, he worked as a mechanic and in construction, and lived with his family near Newcastle, New South Wales.
His thrilling style of racing and contributions to British speedway especially in that formative Comets season have ensured he will be fondly remembered by fans on both sides of the world.