Legtrailers

The new sport rapidly became the rage in Australia.  Enthusiastic visitors from England were also impressed.  They urged Hoskins and other Australian promoters to try their luck in Britain.  So in 1928 an intrepid band of pioneers set out for Europe. 

Their arrival caused a sensation.  Huge crowds flocked to see this new ‘dirt track racing’ as it was called.  Riders became household names overnight.  Fortunes were made. Of all the dirt track stars none shone brighter than the American – Sprouts Elder.  The lanky Californian was a supreme showman as well as a brilliant, spectacular rider.  Everyone wanted to see him ride and he was able to collect huge fees in appearance money alone.

For two seasons Elder and his Douglas dominated the British scene.  Then the novelty of the new sport began to wear off.  Speedway racing needed a shot in the arm.  This came in the form of league racing.  The sport was saved.  However the discipline of team riding did not appeal to the devil-may-care Elder.  To the dismay of his fans Sprouts packed his bags, pocketed his money and returned to the USA.

Back home Elder ran into trouble.  Poor financial speculation cost him his fortune.  He became a speedcop in his native Fresno.  There, he was seriously injured in a crash and became disabled.  When his wife died, he took his own life.  It was a sad end for a man who for two years thrilled the fans who crowded the speedways of Britain.