Caerphilly Speedway

Courtesy of John Spoor

The Stadium, Virginia Park, Caerphilly, Mid Glam., Wales

This track was massive, measuring 587 yards and operated during 1931 and 1932

Bothwell & Caerphilly Article

Courtesy of Graham Gleave

Hi John: My name is Tony Stephens and I am interested in the local history of Cwmavon near Port Talbot. In the early part of this century, the local Reverent was David Bankes-Williams. He had a son Gildas  Bankes-Williams. Gildas was an official of Caerphilly speedway  in 1932. He also held a record for a motorcycle jump off a plank. Do you hold any information on Gildas  Bankes-Williams, or even better any photos? On the 16th June 1932 on the way back from a Caerphilly speedway meeting he was killed on his motorcycle.  I hope you did not mind me contacting you and any information would be appreciated.  Best Wishes Tony Stephens

John says: A sad story of a Caerphilly Speedway official Mr, Gildas Bankes-Williams who died in 1932 on the way back from his local speedway track.  If anyone fancies a delve into the local newspapers archive I am sure his fatal crash will be documented.  If you can help with this request from Tony Stephens then please send me an email John

Tony Stephens has forwarded local newspaper accouts

Courtesy of Tony Stephens

Early 1930s Dirtrack Rudge

Courtesy of John Spoor

There would have been a number of different machines used at Caerphilly like the Rudge shown above

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