On this page we try to track down what happened to the characters of Hastings Speedway, particularly the riders. This page is constantly being researched and constructed. If you have knowledge of any that aren't included below, please let me know.

Updated 16/01/2009

Buddy Fuller passed away peacefully in his sleep in South Africa on May 9th, 2005 at the age of 89. 

Jock Grierson died of a heart attack in Australia in the1970s.

Dan English was reported to be running a paper shop in Peacehaven, near Brighton, during 2000-01 but no further information is available.

Charles Dugard died in 1993, aged 80. Although the maestro has gone, the Dugard name lives on in speedway. His sons, Bob and Eric, all rode for Eastbourne Eagles and continue to be involved in the sport. Martin and Brother Paul  who are the sons of Bob are the third generation to wear Eastbourne's colours.

Ken Middleditch now runs Ken Middleditch Ltd which is a family run business based in the rural heart of Dorset in Southern England. Ken founded the business in 1965 after a prestigious career as an international speedway rider. His son Neil, was also an international speedway rider during the 1970's and 80's. Neil still keeps his involvement by managing Poole Pirates and has also been the manager of Team Great Britain.

On returning for the Australian speedway season after riding the 1949 season in the UK, Harold Tapscott rode speedway for several meetings before going to the Victorian Grand Prix in Ballarat where he had a serious accident on New Years day 1950 , which excluded him from future speedway racing although he had offers from the two companies in England for the 1950 season.

As far as this site is aware, Harold still lives in Australia following new interests after a lifetime in motorcycles.

Harold McNaughton died in his home at Hastings a few years back aged 82. Having seen the website his grandaugther Jill Townley contacted me with some photos of him. I am very grateful to her for the photos.

John Hayles left the team in late 1948. By his own admission he was not a lot of good on the rectangular track, mostly second string and reserve. He accepted a contract to race for Estadio Metrapolitano, Madrid in  1949/50, where he did rather better, but ended up with a broken left kneecap after a spill which finished his racing career. I am very happy to report that John is still fit and well, in his mid-80's and has lived the last 25 years or so in Spain.

I have no photos of Frank, yet I knew him quite well having spent many days playing football and being friends with his son Ross for many childhood years. Although he isn't as mobile as he used to be happily Frank is still alive and well and lives in St.Leonards-On-Sea. If anyone has any photos of Frank, please let me know.