Bobby Schwartz
| File:BobbySchwartzandBruceFlanders.jpg
Bobby Schwartz being interviewed by Bruce Flanders in 1981
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| Born | August 10, 1956 Santa Barbara, California, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Nationality |  United States |
| Career history | |
| 1979 1980–1983 1984–1985 1986 |
Cradley Heath Heathens Reading Racers Eastbourne Eagles King's Lynn Stars |
| Individual honours | |
| 1986, 1989 1979,1982 1979 1980 1985 |
USA National Champion Blue Riband Golden Hammer Geoff Curtis Memorial Trophy Littlechild Trophy |
| Team honours | |
| 1980 1979 1981, 1982 1982 |
British League Champion British League KO Cup winner World Pairs Champion Speedway World Team Cup Winner |
Robert Benjamin 'Bobby' Schwartz (born August 10, 1956 in Santa Barbara, California) is a professional speedway rider in the United States. He became World Pairs Champion with Bruce Penhall in 1981 and Dennis Sigalos in 1982.[1]
Contents
Career
He was introduced to Speedway by the boss of his local bike shop, ex-rider Sonny Nutter. His father bought him a Jawa bike for his 17th birthday and he was soon progressing around the Irwindale Raceway in California. It took a few years before he was persuaded to come to England though, despite many approaches. He came with a sparkling reputation as one of America's brightest young stars, and that was enhanced by the recommendation by none other than Bruce Penhall. When he finally came to ride in England for Cradley Heath after already reaching the Inter-continental final in the UK, Schwartz progressed from novice British league reserve to an out and out heatleader who was regularly competing with and beating the very best. It was all no surprise though, after he scorched to 11 points from 4 rides in his Dudley Wood debut meeting. There followed a fantastic partnership with his friend, Penhall, as the two knew each other's track style almost as well as they knew their own. They Won the 1981 World pairs title together and Bobby repeated this with a different partner, Dennis Sigalos in 1982. He also won the World team Cup with the USA in 1982. He was US team Captain from 1983–1987 and US National Champion in 1986 and 1989.
Bobby 'Boogaloo' Schwartz continues to ride in the US to this day. He has regularly competes on the tiny Californian circuits.
World Final appearances
World Pairs Championship
- 1981 -
Chorzów, Silesian Stadium (with Bruce Penhall) – Winner – 23pts (9) - 1982 -
Sydney, Liverpool City Raceway (with Dennis Sigalos) – Winner – 30pts (12) - 1983 -
Göteborg, Ullevi (with Dennis Sigalos) – 4th – 18pts (8) - 1984 -
Lonigo, Pista Speedway (with Shawn Moran) – 4th – 19pts (11) - 1985 - Rybnik, Rybnik Municipal Stadium (with Shawn Moran) – 3rd – 22pts (11)
World Team Cup
- 1980 - Wrocław, Olympic Stadium (with Bruce Penhall / Scott Autrey / Dennis Sigalos / Ron Preston) – 2nd – 29pts (3)
- 1982 -
London, White City (with Bruce Penhall / Kelly Moran / Shawn Moran / Scott Autrey) – Winner – 37pts (9) - 1983 -
Vojens, Speedway Center (with Dennis Sigalos / Lance King / Kelly Moran / Rick Miller) – 3rd – 27pts (6) - 1984 - Leszno, Alfred Smoczyk Stadium (with Shawn Moran / Kelly Moran / Lance King / John Cook) – 3rd – 20pts (2)
- 1985 - Long Beach, Veterans Memorial Stadium (with Shawn Moran / John Cook / Lance King / Sam Ermolenko) – 2nd – 35pts (11)
- 1986 - Göteborg, Ullevi, Vojens, Speedway Center and Bradford, Odsal Stadium – 2nd – 76pts (5)
References
- ↑ Bamford, R. & Shailes, G. (2002). A History of the World Speedway Championship. Stroud: Tempus Publishing. ISBN 0-7524-2402-5
