1939-2018
Inducted into MNZ Hall of Fame: 2004

Ivan Mauger was born in Christchurch on 4 October 1939. He is considered by many internationally to be the best speedway rider ever, winning six individual Speedway World Championship titles in 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1977 and 1979, finishing runner-up in 1971, 1973 and 1974 and coming in third in 1967.

Alongside his individual titles, Mauger was World Pairs Champion in 1969 with Bob Andrews and 1970 with Ronnie Moore. He would finish runner up in 1971, 1972, 1978 and 1981 and finally third in 1984, partnering Mitch Shirra.

Three World Long Track Championships in 1971, 1972 and 1976 and four Speedway World Teams Championships (1968, 1969, 1971, and 1979) took his tally to 15 world titles.

Mauger was awarded an MBE in 1976 and an OBE in 1989. He was voted Halberg New Zealand Sportsman of the Year in 1977 and 1979, the only motorcycle sportsman to receive that award.

He won the New Zealand Speedway Championship on two occasions (1974 and 1981), and scored his first podium, a second, in the championship in 1959 behind then dual World Champion Barry Briggs. Surprisingly, considering his successful career, Mauger didn’t ride in the NZ Championship again until 1974. His only other podium in the championship was in 1979 when he placed third behind Larry Ross and Mitch Shirra.

There is no doubt that Ivan Mauger is the most successful motorcycle racer to come out of New Zealand. Ivan retired from racing in 1985, but went on to promote several high profile speedway events around the world and at home in New Zealand. He retired to live on Australia’s Gold Coast.

Ivan Mauger’s Career History.

World Champion 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1977, 1979
World Long Track Champion 1971, 1972, 1976
British Champion 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972
British League Riders Champion 1971, 1973
Provincial League Riders’ Champion 1963, 1964
Northern Riders’ Champion 1964, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1972, 1980
New Zealand Champion 1974, 1981
New Zealand Long track Champion 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986
Australasian Grand Prix winner 1970, 1971, 1972
Australasian Champion 1977, 1981
Victorian State Champion(Aust) 1962, 1963
Qld State Champion(Aust) 1962
WA State Champion(Aust) 1973
European Champion 1966, 1970, 1971, 1975
Intercontinental Champion 1975
Scottish Open Champion 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973
Australian Long Track Champion 1962
World Pairs Champion 1969, 1970
World Team Cup Winner 1968, 1971, 1972, 1979
British League Champion 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974
Provincial League Champion 1964

Prepared for the MNZ Hall of Fame by Ian Dawson, Fast Kiwi Media