A SPEEDWAY rider and promoter dubbed an “integral” part of the sport in Bradford has died.
Alan Knapkin, 76, who hailed from Eccles, Greater Manchester, started speedway in 1968.
Formerly a motorcycle dealer, Knapkin arrived at Odsal in 1970, the year of speedway’s revival in Bradford, when the Nelson Admirals were transferred. He became captain of Bradford Northern the following year and remained one of the Second Division’s leading riders until he retired to become promoter in 1973.
A Telegraph & Argus article from June 1973 said: “Knapkin, who is in his early 30s, retires from the saddle at a time when he is riding better than ever before, and it was only last week that he was chosen to captain England.”
He resigned as co-promoter in 1975 in order to concentrate on his motorcycle business. Paying tribute, speedway fan John Murphy said: “He was a credit to Bradford sport.”
Mr Knapkin’s funeral will be held at 10.30am ay Lytham Crematorium on Wednesday, March 21.
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