Ivan Mauger dies, aged 79

Updated: 30 April 2018

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Ivan Mauger, the Speedway star from New Zealand who won six World Championships in the 1960s and 70s has died aged 79.

Born in Christchurch, Mauger made his way to England when he was 17, first riding for Wimbledon while earning his keep assisting the groundsman. He next raced for Newcastle Diamonds and in 1966 he qualified for his first World Final, finishing fourth. He returned in 1968, when he won his first World title.

After his win he moved to Manchester in 1969 to race with the Belle Vue Aces and it was here he would achieve his greatest success winning the 1970, 71 and 72 world titles. In 1973 he moved to the Exeter Falcons, claiming his record-equalling fifth title in 1977, before moving to the Hull Vikings in 1978, winning his final title the following year.

Mauger retired in 1985, with an unbroken record of six World Championships, and moved to Australia’s Gold Coast. He is survived by his wife Raye and their children Julie, Kym and Debbie.

By Jon Urry

MCN contributor, original 916 & R1-owner, human Labrador, thoroughly nice bloke. Working for over 20 years in the motorcycle industry, Jon not only has an encyclopaedic knowledge of bikes, but has also interviewed many key players in the motorcycle industry, including designers, factory bosses and legendary racers. Still a passionate motorcyclist with child-like enthusiasm for two-wheels, Jon has a collection of both modern and classic bikes that he maintains himself and he writes a weekly column in MCN (newspaper) about used bikes and the state of the motorcycle market.