A Liverpool Speedway rider known as 'The Mighty Atom' due to his height, died a year after becoming world champion in his sport for the second time.
Standing just over five foot tall, Peter Craven was 29 when a freak accident during a race cost him his life.
Born in West Derby in 1934, he was also known as 'The Wizard of Balance' due to his ability to not use his feet to touch the track when taking corners.
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He debuted in Speedway riding at age 16 with the Liverpool Chads and then the Fleetwood Flyers. But it was in Manchester where he would become a world renowned for Belle Vue Aces where he went on to win the world individual championship twice at Wembley Stadium.
It was following his success on the Speedway world stage that a handicap race in Edinburgh in 1963 resulted in a terrible tragedy.
After the race began, a rider who was in front suddenly broke down due to engine failure, causing Peter to take evasive action but he could not avoid hitting the perimeter fence at high speed.
The unconscious star was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where his family remained at his bedside until he died at 9.10pm on Tuesday September 24, 1963.
He was survived by his wife, Brenda, and their two children, Robert and Julie.
In the Coventry Telegraph later the same week, a tribute to the great motor sports star said: "Speedway suffered a tragic blow this week by the death of popular Peter Craven, world champion in 1955 and 1963, and captain of this season's National League champions, Belle Vue.
"He died in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary on Tuesday from head injuries received when he hit the safety fence after swerving to avoid a fallen rider at the Meadowbank track on the Friday before.
"The loss of this great rider is a bitter blow to Speedway. Peter Craven's skill and daring on the track will long be remembered."
The tribute was prophetic in the sense that Peter's prowess on the track is once again being remembered, nearly 60-years since his death, this time by long time Speedway fan and Arriva bus driver, John Murphy.
As First Bus Driver with the company, he has requested a touching tribute to the motor sport icon on the side of his bus.
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 also remembered each year at Belle Vue Speedway where riders from throughout the sport compete in the Peter Craven Memorial meeting, with this year’s race scheduled for 21st March.
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