13 Facts About Barry Briggs

Barry Briggs was born on 30 December 1934 and is a New Zealand former speedway rider.

Barry Briggs won the World Individual Championship title four times: in 1957,1958,1964 and 1966.

Barry Briggs appeared in a record 17 consecutive World Individual finals, and a record 18 in all, during which he scored a record 201 points.

Barry Briggs won the London Riders' Championship in 1955 whilst riding for the Wimbledon Dons.

Barry Briggs is a six-time winner of the British Championship.

Barry Briggs won the first final in 1961 and then dominated the sixties titles by winning in 1964,1965,1966,1967, and 1969.

Barry Briggs created a domestic record by winning the British League Riders Championship for six consecutive years from 1965 to 1970, representing the Swindon Robins.

Barry Briggs retired from British league racing in 1972 after an accident during Heat 5 of the World Final at Wembley Stadium with Swedish rider Bernt Persson.

In 1973 Barry Briggs was awarded an MBE for his services to sport and in 1990 he was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame.

From 17 March 2010 Barry Briggs took part in a John o' Groats to Land's End bike ride to raise money for the BBC's Sport Relief.

In retirement, Barry Briggs became the mentor to many young riders who went on to race in World Finals including fellow Kiwi Mitch Shirra.

Barry Briggs lent his voice to television, becoming a speedway commentator in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States of America.

Note: Barry Briggs rode for Great Britain in the World Team Cup from 1962.