Bobby Schwartz

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Bobby Schwartz
File:BobbySchwartzandBruceFlanders.jpg
Bobby Schwartz being interviewed by Bruce Flanders in 1981
Born (1956-08-10) August 10, 1956 (age 68)
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]

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

World Team Cup

References

  1. Bamford, R. & Shailes, G. (2002). A History of the World Speedway Championship. Stroud: Tempus Publishing. ISBN 0-7524-2402-5