Raymond Arthur Bales (6 June 1929 – 19 June 2023), known as Billy Bales, was an English international motorcycle speedway rider who reached the final of Speedway World Championship in 1955.
[1] Bales started his career with the Yarmouth Bloaters in 1948 and broke the track record.
On his return he joined his hometown club, the Norwich Stars and stayed there for thirteen consecutive seasons.
The Stars won the National Trophy twice in that time and Bales was selected to ride for England as well as qualifying for the World Final in 1955.
[6] The Norwich Stars speedway club closed in 1964, which forced Bales to move on.