Summary
Robert Paulson (27 March 1942 – 3 November 1982) was an international motorcycle speedway rider from England. He earned three international caps for the England national speedway team.[1]
| Born | 27 March 1942 Basford, Nottingham, England |
|---|---|
| Died | 3 November 1982 (aged 40) South Leverton, England |
| Nationality | British (English) |
| Career history | |
| 1965–1974 | Sheffield Tigers |
| Team honours | |
| 1974 | Knockout Cup |
| 1973, 1974 | Northern Trophy |
Biography edit
Paulson, born in Basford, Nottingham, began his British leagues career riding for Sheffield Tigers during the 1965 British League season, which was the inaugural season of the new British league.[2] He made a significant impact, averaging 4.54 and becoming a Sheffield regular in his first season.[3]
In just his second season he was called up by the England team to represent them against Scotland in an international fixture[4] and finished the season second in the Sheffield team averages.
He remained a Sheffield rider for his entire career from 1965 to 1974, spending ten seasons with them and becoming the club captain.[5][6] During his last season with Sheffield he finally won a trophy, helping his team to the 1974 Knockout Cup win.[7]
On 3 November 1982, Paulson died by suicide (carbon monoxide poisoning). This followed depression caused by the bankruptcy of a company that owed him money for a contract.[8]
References edit
- ^ "ULTIMATE RIDER INDEX, 1929-2022" (PDF). British Speedway. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
- ^ "1965 season" (PDF). Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
- ^ "Rider averages 1929 to 2009" (PDF). Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
- ^ "Boocock rides for England on May 11". Coventry Evening Telegraph. 27 April 1966. Retrieved 28 December 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Bob Paulson". WWOS backup. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
- ^ "Year by Year". Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
- ^ Oakes, Peter (1981). 1981 Speedway Yearbook. Studio Publications (Ipswich) Ltd. ISBN 0-86215-017-5.
- ^ "Bousiness worries led to suicide". Retford, Gainsborough & Worksop Times. 26 November 1982. Retrieved 28 December 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.