10 World Titles, One Local Legend: Peter Collins MBE

This Saturday, Lymm Heritage Centre opens a special new exhibition celebrating the extraordinary career of local speedway legend Peter Collins MBE — the most successful British rider in history and our very own 1976 World Champion.

Making history in a hot summer

While 1976 is remembered for its long, hot British summer, Peter was making headlines on the other side of Europe.

At just 22, the former farmer’s boy from Partington rode to victory in the Individual World Speedway Championship at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzów, Poland, in front of a partisan crowd reported at well over 120,000 (some accounts put it closer to 130,000).

On his Weslake-engined bike — the first world title won on a Weslake — he delivered a near-perfect performance that made front and back pages across the UK.

A record-breaking career

Peter’s achievements go far beyond that single night. Over a glittering 17-year career (1971–1986) spent entirely with Belle Vue Aces, he amassed:

• 10 World Championships in total: one Individual, four Pairs, and five World Team Cups — making him the most decorated British rider in speedway history.
• A record 118 international caps for the England national speedway team, plus 9 caps for Great Britain.

His story is one of grit as well as glory: he battled injuries, pressure, and fierce international rivals, yet remained a firm favourite with fans and a loyal son of Belle Vue.

Inside the Exhibition

The Lymm Heritage Centre exhibition brings Peter’s journey to life with rare memorabilia, photographs, and video. Highlights include:

• Three bikes from his treasured 60-strong collection — including the very Weslake he rode to world glory in 1976.
• 24 trophies from his staggering haul of around 800.
• Leathers, helmets, and personal items that tell the story behind the headlines.

There are plenty of photo opportunities, and visitors can even sit on one of the bikes for a picture — a perfect keepsake for fans of all ages.

Meet Peter at Lymm Heritage Centre

The exhibition opens this Saturday, 29 August, and will run until at least the end of November.

During that time, Peter will make regular appearances at the centre to meet visitors and sign copies of his autobiography, Keeping it on the Tyres — a 506-page, fully illustrated life story packed with unseen images from the family archives.

Visit details

Lymm Heritage Centre is open 12–4, Thursday to Sunday (and also on Monday 31 August). Admission is free, with donations welcome, and there is a car park next door.

For more information and updates, see the centre’s website: Lymm Heritage Centre

This morning it was a pleasure to welcome Peter, along with Rod Davies from Lymm Heritage Centre to the studio.  You can listen again right here.