Stan Greatrex

Stanley James Greatrex (26 January 1911 – 9 October 1986), sometimes spelt Greatorex, was a professional motorcycle speedway rider in the 1930s who went on to become managing director of West Ham Hammers. He rode under the name Stan Greatrex.

Speedway career Greatrex was born in Coventry In 1931, he had a brief spell on loan with the Leicester Stadium team. He was a successful rider in the years leading up to World War II for New Cross Rangers, and captained them in 1939.

Greatrex was part of the England national speedway team in the 1936, 1938, and 1939 Test series against Australia and the 1937 series against an 'overseas' team.

During World War II he gave up his two motor cycle showrooms to join the Royal Air Force, where he was an air gunner. He later joined the 287 Fighter Squadron, where he flew spitfires and then became a flight commander.