About the World Speedway Riders’ Association
Today WSRA has hundreds of members and a busy calendar of social events, reunions and awards, plus regular news and updates from across the speedway world.
Our History
- Foundation (1957):The organisation was originally founded as the Veteran Speedway Riders’ Association (VSRA) by journalist and broadcaster Peter Arnold. His primary goal was to provide retired riders with a platform to maintain contact with former teammates and peers.
- Rebranding (2006):In March 2006, the association officially changed its name to the World Speedway Riders’ Association. This shift was intended to modernise its image and broaden its appeal to a younger demographic of members and supporters.
- Charitable Status:It operates as a registered charity (No. 1114501), with a constitution formally adopted in 2006 to support its mission of maintaining speedway history and providing financial relief to those within the sport.
- Expansion & Museum: A significant milestone in its creation as a historical body was the 2007 opening of the National Speedway Museum at Hertfordshire Zoo (formerly Paradise Wildlife Park). The project was spearheaded by Peter Sampson and former rider Terry Stone to showcase memorabilia donated by the sport’s stars.
Today, the WSRA continues to honour the sport’s legacy by automatically enrolling every individual World Champion as an honorary life member.
What we do
The World Speedway Riders’ Association (WSRA) is the longest-running association for former riders, officials and speedway supporters. We bring people together to celebrate the sport we love, look after its history and support the National Speedway Museum.
Today WSRA has an increasing membership and a busy calendar of social events, reunions and awards, plus regular news and updates from across the speedway world.
As the sport grew and new generations came through, the association evolved we have become the WSRA Charity, reflecting a wider membership (including riders/officials/fans) and a more modern image in supporting modern speedway while keeping he same friendly, welcoming spirit.
Bring people together – through lunches, reunions, our annual Awards Dinner and other social events.
Celebrate riders and officials – with our Hall of Fame, Steel Shoe Awards and other honours.
Protect the sport’s history – by supporting and running the National Speedway Museum.
Promote and support speedway today – including sponsorship of the National Development League in recent seasons.
We are a registered charity (no. 1114501) and much of our work is done by volunteers who give their time, memories and memorabilia to keep speedway’s story alive.
Who can join?
WSRA is open to:
- Former and current riders
- Officials and people working within the sport
- Fans and supporters who want to stay close to speedway and its history
Members receive news and updates, access to our events, and the chance to meet friends old and new who share a love of the shale. World Champions are also honoured as life members of the association.
Our home at the National Speedway Museum
WSRA is closely linked with the National Speedway Museum at Hertfordshire Zoo in Broxbourne. The museum is the “flagship” of our charity, with bikes, trophies, programmes and memorabilia donated or loaned by many of the sport’s biggest names.