Geoff Mardon
| Born |
24 November 1927 Christchurch, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Died |
6 August 2015 (aged 87) Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Nationality |
 New Zealand |
| Career history | |
| 1951 | Aldershot Shots |
| 1952–1954 | Wimbledon Dons |
| 1959 | Southampton Saints |
| Individual honours | |
| 1954 | Brandonapolis |
| 1964 | New Zealand Champion |
| Team honours | |
| 1954 | National League Champions |
Geoffrey Cyril "Geoff" Mardon (24 November 1927 – 6 August 2015) was a New Zealand speedway rider.[1] He rode for the Aldershot Shots, the Wimbledon Dons and the Southampton Saints.[2]
Career
Mardon began riding at the Aranui Speedway in Christchurch in 1949, the same track that would later start the career of six time World Champion and fellow Christchurch native Ivan Mauger. He moved to England in 1951 and joined the third division team, Aldershot. He qualified as second reserve for the 1951 World Final. The following year he transferred to the Wimbledon team. He rode in the 1953 World Final and finished in 3rd place.[3] In 1954 Mardon was one of the highest individual points scorers in the National League. He rode in the World final again and he won the Brandonapolis at Coventry. Later in the year he married Valerie Moore, the sister of Ronnie Moore. At the beginning of 1955 he decided to retire and live in New Zealand. After a four-year break Southampton persuaded him to return to British speedway in 1959. He rode the Saints for a year and he qualified for the World final.
Mardon won the 1964 New Zealand Championship. He died on 6 August 2015 in Christchurch.[4]
World final appearances
Mardon had four appearances in world championship finals:[5]
- 1951 -
London, Wembley Stadium - Reserve - Did Not Ride - 1953 - London, Wembley Stadium - 3rd - 12pts
- 1954 - London, Wembley Stadium - 11th - 5pts
- 1959 - London, Wembley Stadium - 10th - 6pts
References
- ↑ Holmes, Tracy (13 August 2009). "Riders to Remember....Geoff Mardon". Retrieved 13 August 2015.
- ↑ Crozier, I. (1975). "The first of the kiwi greats" in Ivan Mauger's Speedway Spectacular. London: Pelham. ISBN 0-7207-0725-0
- ↑ Bamford, R. & Shailes, G. (2002). A History of the World Speedway Championship. Stroud: Tempus Publishing. ISBN 0-7524-2402-5
- ↑ "RIP - Geoff Mardon". Motorcycling New Zealand. Retrieved 15 August 2015.
- ↑ Jones, M. (1979). World Speedway Final : a history from 1929. London: MacDonald & Jane's. ISBN 0-354-08551-4