Nigel Boocock (1937-2015)

Thanks for posting this, John - lovely to see Cynthia Boocock (centre)

Sad news. He was a hero everywhere..

"SPEEDWAY STAR 'BOOEY' FAREWELLED BY HUGE CROWDS" News report from NBN News, including comments from Jason Crump and Cynthia Boocock

from the "Old Time Speedway" message board: Nigel Boocock's memory was honoured by the unveiling of a plaque at the National Speedway Museum memorial gardens at Paradise Park last weekend. Nigel's old rival Colin Pratt performed the unveiling in front of many Coventry Bees supporters, the black and gold added another aspect to a moving tribute to a well loved legend.

Although there is a brief description of Nigel in the 'Famous Coventrians - Earned Coventrian Status' section, there is a facility to add a more detailed biography if someone has the knowledge to do so. Any offers?

Good call! I've now added two links under "More about Nigel Boocock" which give a lot of detail about the man and his career, including a table of statistics which reflect just how great he really was Update: Make that three links - a great tribute compiled by Peter Oakes for www.speedwayfirst.com has been added

TRIBUTE TO BOOEY MONDAY NOVEMBER 30, 2015 SUPPORTERS are invited to Brandon on Saturday January 9, 2016 for a free public event in honour of Coventry legend Nigel Boocock. Nigel's ashes will be committed to the circuit, and his bike and famous blue leathers will be on display. Several stars of past and present have already confirmed their attendance, including: Rick France, Roger Hill, Jim Lightfoot, John Harrhy, Peter Collins, Ray Wilson and Jim McMillan. The event starts at 11am and all are welcome.

Wonderful way to celebrate the life of perhaps our greatest ever rider. RIP.

From another forum: Big signs have been put up on main roads in Rugby town centre about Saturday's event at Brandon, together with the local papers running a large half page article promoting it. Nigel's ashes are to be taken on a final lap of the circuit on a bike ridden by Peter Collins with the ashes carried by Nigel's grandson, Thomas, on the back before three generations of Nigel's family witness their burial under what was gate one of the old circuit before it was altered. Expected to attend are ex riders Rick France, Roger Hill, Tony Lomas, John Harrhy, Frank Smith, Tony Gillias, Doug Wyer, Olle Nygren, Ray Wilson, Eric Broadbelt, Colin Pratt, Jim Lightfoot, Eric Boocock, Jim McMillan amongst others together with a crop of present riders including Chris Harris. May well turn out to be lot bigger attendance than expected so if you can get along to commemorate Nigel's outstanding career, the event starts at 11.00am (stadium open from 10.30am).

I clearly recall Nigel visiting friends or family in Long Lawford, Rugby (mid 1960's), where I lived as a small boy. To a seven or eight year old it was like looking at a speedway god in leathers on his powerful shiny road bike. I was so excited to ask him for his autograph which sadly I no longer have.

BBC website photos from today

Thanks for the link Midland Red. BTW, which route number are you?

It was a very moving ceremony at Brandon this morning as speedway remembered Nigel. There was laughter and there were tears as old comrades, old adversaries, and family members all spoke about Booey. Peter Collins recounted the first time he met Nigel when he (PC) was the latest boy wonder at Belle Vue and Nigel was the established superstar. Apparently before the meeting started Nigel asked young Peter to come over and look at his bike. Nigel then pointed out the front wheel on his bike and told Peter that was the last time he would see it all night! Peter admitted that this proved to be correct - at least on that occasion. Nigel Harrhy admitted that he is named after Booey - I wonder how many other boys born between 1959 and 1976 were also named after him?

Photos now on Bees website

YouTube footage