Ben Wilson (speedway rider)

Ben Ryan Wilson (born 15 March 1986 in Sheffield, England) is a former professional motorcycle speedway rider.^[1][2]

Ben Wilson

Born	(1986-03-15) 15 March 1986 (age 39) Sheffield, England
Nationality	British (English)
Career history
2001–2008, 2014	Sheffield Tigers
2003, 2018	Buxton Hitmen
2004	Carmarthen Dragons
2006	Wolverhampton Wolves
2007	Belle Vue Aces
2009–2010	Redcar Bears
2009	Poole Pirates
2010, 2014, 2016	Stoke Potters
2011, 2015	Scunthorpe Scorpions
2017	Isle of Wight Warriors
2019	Plymouth Gladiators
Individual honours
2006	British Under-21 Champion
Team honours
2014	National League Pairs Championship

Career

Wilson started his career with the Sheffield Prowlers on his 15th birthday in the Conference League.^[3] He was selected as the Sheffield Tigers reserve for the 2003 season, and after a slow start he continued into 2004, where he showed more promise. In 2005, Wilson moved up to second string in which he partnered Sean Wilson, and continued to improve his average throughout the year.

In 2006, his form from 2005 was noticed and he was signed to double up with Wolverhampton Wolves in the Elite League, as well as riding for Sheffield. He also won the British Under-21 Championship at the Norfolk Arena, by beating Danny King and Lewis Bridger. This result earned Wilson a reserve position at the British Grand Prix that year. He also came second in the Premier League Pairs Championship with team-mate Ricky Ashworth, only beaten by the holders Glasgow Tigers. In 2007, Wilson was once again re-signed by the Sheffield Tigers to fill the third heat leader role.^[4] In 2009 he was voted Redcar Bears rider of the year.^[5]

After two seasons out of the sport he signed to ride for Stoke Potters in the National League in 2014.^[6] He won the National League Pairs Championship with Jon Armstrong, held at Mildenhall Stadium, on 15 June 2014.^[7]

In 2017, Wilson signed for the Isle of Wight Warriors.^[8] His last season before retirement was in the 2019 National Development League speedway season (the third tier of British speedway) riding for Plymouth Gladiators.