Crystal Palace Glaziers were a British speedway team that existed from 1928 to 1939.[1]
History
The speedway stadium is located on this pre-war mapThe national athletics stadium is the exact site of the former speedway circuit
Speedway at Crystal Palace was first held on 19 May 1928 during the pioneers days of the sport which had been brought over from Australia that year.[2] The track was constructed around the former football pitch, which was located in the grounds of The Crystal Palace in Sydenham and was famous for hosting FA Cup finals.[3] Organised by the London Motor Sports Ltd, speedway fixtures were held throughout 1928 at Crystal Palace before the Southern League and Northern Leagues were inaugurated the following year in 1929.
A team known as the Glaziers (because of the glass buildings) were formed and they competed in the 1929 Speedway Southern League, which was the first season conssiting of a league system.[4] The Glaziers star riders included Joe Francis and Triss Sharp and the first home fixture took place on 4 May 1929 against Wimbledon Dons.[5]
The Glaziers continued to compete in the Southern League for the three seasons and won their first and only honours when winning the London Cup in 1931, beating Wembley Lions in the final.[6] Other rider to beome stars at the track were Roger Frogley, Ron Johnson, Nobby Key and Tom Farndon.
In 1932, the league changed its format, becoming the National League following the merger with the Northern league. The Glaziers performed well and finished as the league runner-up behind Wembley.[7]
At the end of the 1933 season under the promotion of Fred Mockford, the entire team relocated to New Cross speedway, with the reason being that Mockford believed attendances would be larger.[8][9]
Crystal Palace open meetings were staged at various times in subsequent years until the Glaziers returned for the 1939 Speedway National League Division Two. However the team withdrew mid-season and had their records expunged.[10][11]
The last speedway meeting at Crystal Palace was on Sunday, 13 May 1940 but did not involve the Glaziers.[4]
