Bruce Forrester (speedway rider)
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2016}}
{{Infobox Speedway rider
| name = Bruce Forrester
| image =
| caption =
| nationality = British (English)
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1940|10|12|df=y}}
| birth_place = Leicester, England
| Country =
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2006|11|09|1940|10|12|df=y}}
| death_place =
| years1 = 1969-1975
| career1 = Middlesbrough/Teesside Teessiders/Tigers
| years2 = 1970-1974
| career2 = Leicester Lions
| years3 = 1975
| career3 = Boston Barracudas
}}
Bruce John Forrester (12 October 1940 – 9 November 2006) was a British motorcycle speedway rider.{{cite web |url=https://britishspeedway.co.uk/docs/Ultimate_Index_1929-2022.pdf |title=ULTIMATE RIDER INDEX, 1929-2022 |website=British Speedway |access-date=17 June 2023}}
Biography
Born in Leicester, Forrester initially pursued a career as a footballer, and was on the books of Leeds United F.C. (where he played in the 'A' team alongside Jack Charlton) and Hinckley Athletic F.C. before being forced to retire due to a series of knee injuries.Oakes, Peter & Mauger, Ivan (1976) Who's Who of World Speedway, Studio Publications, {{ISBN|0-904584-04-6}}, p. 44-5Oakes, Peter (1991) The Complete History of the British League, Front Page Books, {{ISBN|0-948882-07-7}}, p. 41 He took up grasstrack and then speedway in 1967 at the training school at King's Lynn and rode in second half races at Leicester Stadium in 1969, leading to a team place with Middlesbrough Teessiders, reaching heat leader status the following year and becoming team captain.Jones, Alan (2010) Speedway in Leicester: The Lions Roar, Automedia, p. 165 In 1970 he made his Division One debut for Leicester Lions and made occasional appearances in the top flight until 1974, riding in eight matches for the Lions in 1973 at an average of 4.21. He represented the 'Young England' Division Two representative team in 1971, later going on to captain the team, and receiving 28 caps in total. Also in 1971, he won the Silver Helmet competition."[http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/972567.print/ Silver Helmet speedway bonanza]", Northern Echo, 17 October 2006, retrieved 2012-03-17
In 1975, with his motorcycle shop in Leicester taking up more of his time, and after a dispute with the Teesside management, he switched from Teesside to Boston Barracudas, where he continued to score well, but he retired from speedway at the end of the season."[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=aiw-AAAAIBAJ&sjid=6UoMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4845,4598502&dq=bruce-forrester+speedway&hl=en Improved Lions Can Win Well]", Evening Times, 24 July 1975, retrieved 2012-03-17
Forrester competed in three Second Division Riders Championship finals, in 1971, 1973, and 1974, his best result being fourth place in 1973.
Bruce Forrester died on 9 November 2006 after suffering from Alzheimer's disease for several years."[http://www.meltontimes.co.uk/community/obituaries/09_11_06_bruce_forrester_1_464088 09/11/06 - Bruce Forrester]", Melton Times, 21 November 2006, retrieved 2012-03-17
Redcar Bears award the Bruce Forrester Memorial Trophy each year in recognition of his contribution to speedway in Middlesbrough.Neal, Martin (2008) "[http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/north-east-sport/motorsport-news/redcar-bears/2008/09/18/havelock-rallies-redcar-bears-for-speedway-season-finale-84229-21846132/ Havelock rallies Redcar Bears for speedway season finale]", Evening Gazette, 18 September 2008, retrieved 2012-03-17