Arriva has dedicated a local Liverpool bus to 2-time World Speedway champion Peter Craven following a request from First Bus driver and long-time speedway fan John Murphy.
Peter was born in West Derby, in 1934. His debut year in Speedway was with the Liverpool Chads and then the Fleetwood Flyers. But it was in Manchester where he would become a world-renowned star, as a no 1 for the Belle Vue Aces were he went on to win the world individual championship – twice, at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
At only 5 feet tall, Peter was affectionately referred to as ‘The Mighty Atom’ and in not routinely using his left foot to touch the track on corners ‘The Wizard of Balance’.
Peter tragically died aged just 29 in a freak crash in Edinburgh in 1963 when a rider in front suddenly broke down and in taking evasive action Peter could not avoid hitting the perimeter fence at great speed. Peter was a husband to Brenda and a father to Robert and Julie.
Mark Brack, General Manager at Arriva Green Lane Garage, said:
‘We’re proud to be a part of such special recognition of a true local legend. We hope this bus, dedicated to Peter Craven, keeps the memories of his racing achievements alive across Liverpool and the Speedway community’.
Peter is remembered each year at Belle Vue Speedway where riders from throughout Speedway compete in the Peter Craven Memorial meeting, with this year’s race scheduled for 21st March.