[2][3] Born in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, Plant gained his early racing experience in grasstrack.
[4] After practising from 1934 at Crayford, he started his speedway career at the Leicester Super track in 1936, winning the (unofficial) Midland Riders Championship, and joining New Cross in 1937.
[4][5] He moved team several times in the late 1930s, joining Wimbledon Dons later in 1937, Leeds in 1938, and Middlesbrough and then Edinburgh in 1939.
[4] With the speedway leagues suspended during World War II, Plant worked in his garage in Asfordby repairing tractors.
[4] He returned to Middlesbrough in 1946, moving on to Fleetwood during the 1948 season, transferring for a record fee (at the time) of £1,000.