[1][2] Mawdsley, born in Salford, Greater Manchester, was a despatch rider during World War II.
[5] The following season in 1950, Plymouth Devils signed Mawdsley on a free transfer from Norwich Stars, who held his contract.
His first major venture was with Exeter Falcons at the County Ground Stadium in 1960, where he promoted the team with Pete Lansdale.
[8] The pair introduced the Romford Bombers to British speedway in 1969 and then Mawdsley helped revive the Bristol Bulldogs in 1977.
Ventures followed at Hull (with Ian Thomas), Mildenhall, West Ham, Plymouth, Weymouth, Swindon and Cantebury.