The 1976 Intercontinental Final was the second running of the Intercontinental Final as part of the qualification for the 1976 Speedway World Championship. From 1976 it replaced the European Final as the last qualifying stage for riders from Scandinavia, the USA and from the Commonwealth nationsSpeedway World Championship History - 1976
The Final took place at the famous Wembley Stadium in London. England's "Golden Boy" Peter Collins defeated then four-time World Champion Ivan Mauger in a runoff to claim the Final and go into the World Final at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzów, Poland as the clear favourite. Collins' form would continue in Chorzów as he would go on to win his only individual World Championship. After both riders finished the Intercontinental Final on 11 points, Australia's Phil Crump defeated England's Malcolm Simmons in a runoff for third place.
The surprise of the meeting was reigning World Champion Ole Olsen who sensationally failed to qualify for the World Final. Nearly always a strong performer at Wembley, on this occasion Olsen could only score 6 points from his five rides to finish in 12th place. The other surprise was 1974 World Champion Anders Michanek who had finished runner-up to Olsen in the World Final at Wembley in 1975. Michanek was defeated in a runoff by England's John Louis for 8th place and the last spot in the World Final. As a result, the Swede would only be a reserve in Poland.
1976 Intercontinental Final 26 June London, Wembley Stadium Referee: Qualification: Top 8 plus 1 reserve to the World Final in Chorzów, Poland.
Pos. Rider Total1 Peter Collins 12+32 Ivan Mauger 12+23 Phil Crump 11+34 Malcolm Simmons 11+25 Chris Morton 106 Doug Wyer 107 Scott Autrey 98 John Louis 8+39 Anders Michanek 8+210 John Boulger 711 Billy Sanders 712 Ole Olsen 613 Bengt Jansson 414 Bernt Persson 315 Dag Lovaas 116 Soren Sjosten 17 Trevor Geer (Res) 018 Barry Thomas (Res) 0
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See also Motorcycle Speedway