Condolences

dave burton from leicester uk wrote on 21st April 2018 at 5:38 pm

I bought a shirt from Ivan and he and a few others signed it for me. I'll treasure this forever. I will be wearing it at the British GP 2018

Ben Wilcox from Dudley wrote on 21st April 2018 at 5:04 pm

I only got to meet Ivan and watch him ride at the Per Jonson benefit meeting. He was a true gentleman. My late father was a big fan of yours. I remember the stories told about you that day they lived up RIP Ivan. You set the benchmark for future riders. May your legend live on

stephen gibson from Basingstoke wrote on 21st April 2018 at 4:47 pm

Outstanding talent RIP

Gary Marson from Rugby wrote on 21st April 2018 at 4:39 pm

I was only a young boy when I became hooked on speedway and Belle Vue Aces. Ivan was our man. Didn’t understand then how someone could go through a season with an 11 point plus average. Super rider incredible human. May you rest in peace and may the new stadium be renamed in your honour.

Brian Bateman from Oxford wrote on 21st April 2018 at 4:39 pm

Will be sadly missed. Lots of happy speedway memories

Dave Brooks from Coventry wrote on 21st April 2018 at 4:37 pm

So sorry to hear the sad news of Ivan’s passing. My condolences to Rae and Ivan’s family. I will never forget Ivan’s races against Ole when they were both in their prime. Thank you for the great thrills and entertainment Ivan. God bless you.

Edward Hearn from Newcastle,Staffordshire wrote on 21st April 2018 at 4:22 pm

We are very sorry to hear Ivan had passed away. My wife and I watched him at Wimbledon when he first came over and followed his progress later. He always gave his best and was a gentleman to all his fans. RIP Ivan. Phyllis and Edward

brian frederick taylor from Seaford wrote on 21st April 2018 at 4:20 pm

Best rider I have ever watched. Gave so much pleasure. R.I.P.

JOHN HILL from READING BERKS wrote on 21st April 2018 at 4:19 pm

I became a speedway fan watching the "Racers" in 1970 and so remember Ivan's visits with his various teams at our place, always sporting that trademark chequered helmet of his and couldn't wait to see him ride. In August 2010 whilst working in Scotland, I visited Armadale one Friday night and there was Ivan in the pits chatting away and so glad my camera was handy to take the piccies. A true legend of my era. My condolences to his family, RIP Ivan.

dave anderson from rockingham western australia wrote on 21st April 2018 at 3:54 pm

We all love you Ivan. I worked in the pits at Long Eaton, England and I was helmet colour marshall. checked helmet needed to be covered. RIP

Nigel McMurray from Jedburgh, Scottish Borders wrote on 21st April 2018 at 3:49 pm

A Diamond forever.

Geoff Brookes from Rugeley wrote on 21st April 2018 at 3:30 pm

Ivan was the ultimate professional, he changed the face of Speedway forever. He knew his worth and rightly stuck out to be rewarded for it. He had that rare ability to perform at his best when it mattered most, something we are all in awe of. I did a sponsored cycle ride a few years ago for a Children's Hospital and was allowed to do a collection, Ivan emptied his pockets for me. R.I.P.

Allan McInnes from Wishaw wrote on 21st April 2018 at 3:28 pm

I remember Ivan coming up to the White City not long after winning a big title in Newcastle (I forget which to be honest) and he was the only rider I ever asked for an autograph. He was just special. Wonderful speedway man through and through.

Ian Kirke from Bracknell wrote on 21st April 2018 at 3:28 pm

Ivan you were the greatest! I can still remember you racing at Oxford and team riding Kevin Holden round for a 5-1, an art that sadly seems to have faded from the modern sport. Thank you for adding your magic to our beloved sport! RIP

David Howarth from Stockport wrote on 21st April 2018 at 3:25 pm

Ivan, thanks for all of the fantastic Belle Vue Saturday nights. Our family has lasting memories of Hyde Road which you are a massive part of.

Steve Cook from Lincolnshire wrote on 21st April 2018 at 3:20 pm

Will always be The Greatest in my opinion. Simply made it look so easy, the like of which we will never see again. RIP Ivan, a Star in Heaven as you were on Earth.

Tony Harris from Oldbury, West Midlands wrote on 21st April 2018 at 3:16 pm

I saw Ivan ride for most of his teams, from Newcastle through to Hull, and I can honestly say that Ivan was the best I have ever seen. He put the 'pro' in professional. Sincere condolences to all his family. RIP Ivan.

David Pickles from London wrote on 21st April 2018 at 2:56 pm

What can be said, that hasn't already been said? I first saw Ivan in 1965 at West Ham, and it was obvious then there was a multi world champion in the making. The heady days at Newcastle when Ivan, Ole Olsen, and Anders Michanek were the three heat leaders is mind-boggling today. The sheer professionalism of the guy stands out above all else. Yes, we enjoyed booing you when you came to West Ham and Hackney and went away with yet another faultless maximum, and usually the Rider of the Night final, but your talent was always held in awe. Thanks for the great memories Ivan, may you rest deservedly in peace for providing millions of fans worldwide with entertainment de luxe for so many many years.

Ken Fisher from Truro wrote on 21st April 2018 at 2:56 pm

Spoke with him many times. A Gentleman who had time for the fans always even with his busy schedule. Will be sadly missed. Ride in Peace

Soren Keller Thomsen from Denmark wrote on 21st April 2018 at 2:25 pm

Thank you for so many fantastic speedway memories from my childhood both on tv as well as speedway races in Denmark. R.I.P

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