Mieczysław Połukard


Mieczysław Połukard was a Polish speedway rider and coach, the first Polish rider to ride in the Individual World Championship Final in 1959 and won the World Team Cup in 1961.

Career

He began his racing career with Sparta Wrocław. In 1955 he moved to Polonia Bydgoszcz.
He was the first Polish rider to ride in the Individual World Championship Final where he finished 12th with 5 points. He also represented Poland in the World Team Cup three times, in 1960, 1961 and 1962.
He was Individual Polish Champion once in 1954. He also rode in Golden Helmet Finals, but he never finished high enough to win a medal.

Accident

In 1968 he decided to retire. In his last match, he was involved in an accident on track, which resulted hospital treatment which required amputating his leg.

Death

He became a coach for Polonia Bydgoszcz. During track training sessions on the track he stood on the centre green coaching the riders. However on 25 October 1985, a rider from Gorzów Wielkopolski lost control of his motorcycle and ran into Połukard, killing him.

Memorial

Since 1986 Criterium of Polish Speedway Leagues Aces, speedway meeting in Bydgoszcz who official opening of the new season, have a Mieczysław Połukard name.

Honours

Individual World Championship