Ove Fundin
| Born |
23 May 1933 Tranås, Sweden |
|---|---|
| Nickname | The Fox or The Flying Fox |
| Nationality |
 Sweden
|
| Current club information | |
| Career status | Retired |
| Career history | |
| 1951-1957 | Filbyterna (SWE) |
| 1955-1964 | Norwich Stars |
| 1958-1971 | Kaparna (SWE) |
| 1966 | Long Eaton Archers |
| 1967 | Belle Vue Aces |
| 1970 | Wembley Lions |
| Individual honours | |
| 1956, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1967 | World Champion |
| 1956, 1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1970 |
Swedish Champion |
| 1960 | Southern Riders Champion |
| 1960/61 | SA State Champion (Aust) |
| 1969 | WA State Champion (Aust) |
| 1967 | Golden Helmet of Pardubice (CZE) |
| Team honours | |
| 1960, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1970 |
World Team Cup |
| 1968 | World Pairs Champion |
Ove Fundin (born 23 May 1933 in Tranås, Sweden) is a former speedway rider who won the Speedway World Championship Final five times (1956, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1967), only bettered by Ivan Mauger and fellow Swede Tony Rickardsson who each won six World Championships. He finished runner-up in the championship 3 times (1957–59) and was third in 1962, 1964 and 1965 meaning that from his first win in 1956 until his last in 1967, Ove Fundin did not finish lower than a podium place in a record eleven World Finals. He was known by the nickname of the "Flying Fox" or just "the Fox" because of his red hair.
It was suggested to him by Australian champion Aub Lawson that he ride in Britain and he joined the Norwich Stars, riding for them from 1955 until 1964 when the Firs stadium closed. Then he rode for Long Eaton 1966, Belle Vue 1967, Wembley 1970 but will always be remembered for the glory days at Norwich Stars where he was worshiped by the home fans.
He made a total of 15 World Final appearances coming runner-up three times and third three times as well as his five wins. He also helped Sweden win the World Team Cup in 1960, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967 and 1970 as well as the Speedway World Pairs Championship in 1968. He is considered by many to be the greatest rider of all time and this is reflected by the Speedway World Cup being named after him. Fundin went through the World Team Cup (including qualifying rounds and the final in Gothenburg) undefeated in 1960, a feat not matched until Australia's Jason Crump went through the 2001 Speedway World Cup undefeated.
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Wikipedia