FORMER world speedway and long track champion Ivan Mauger OBE MBE is being treated for cognitive aphasia, a communication disorder.

The New Zealand-born, Australia-based Mauger, 75, who won six speedway titles between 1968 and 1979, and long track crowns in 1971, 1972 and 1976, announced his retirement from public life two years ago.

He is receiving daily treatment at a Gold Coast nursing home, but still manages to enjoy time with wife Raye, their three children, Julie, Kym and Debbie, and longstanding friends and associates from within motorcycling and the wider community.

The Mauger family will be making no further statement.

*IVAN enjoyed a long and successful British career in addition to his achievements on the World stage.He represented Wimbledon, Rye House, Eastbourne, Newcastle, Belle Vue, Exeter and Hull over a combined period of 27 years, and was also a double winner of the British League Riders’ Championship (1971 and 1973).All at the BSPA send our very best wishes to Ivan and his family.