BOBBY CROOMBS 1931-2018

POOLE SPEEDWAY is saddened to learn of the death of one-time Pirate Bobby Croombs.

As preparations continue for the Pirates' platinum anniversary season, club historian Gordon Day reflects on the fact that Croombs was a member of the Pirates side that won the Provincial League championship in 1962. 

Born in 1931, the son of the legendary pre war international star Tommy Croombs, Bobby started his career in the late 1950’s riding for Rye House in the Southern Area League.

   He signed to ride in the First Division for New Cross in 1960, followed by a short spell with South London rivals, Wimbledon.  He then turned down an offer to join Belle Vue, preferring to accept an offer from the Knott brothers to join the Poole side for their 1962 league campaign.

   An ever present in the Poole side, he spent most of the season riding at number six or seven, scoring over 100 points from his 86 League and Knockout Cup rides.  A great trier, he always gave of his best but could never find the consistency to break through into the big time.

Croombs was retained by the promotion for the 1963 campaign but after making just two appearances in the Poole colours he chose to retire from racing to concentrate on his increasing business interests.

   A member of the World Speedway Riders Association for many years, Bobby enjoyed meeting up with old friends and fans on his visits to Poole before ill health stopped him from coming back to Wimborne Road..

The management and riders of Poole Speedway extend their sincere condolences to the Croombs family at this time.