Born Robert John Coles in Exeter on the 12th Feb, 1944,Bob Coles first got his chance riding at Plymouth in 1968 as a 24 year old when he had beaten reserve Chris Roynon in a second half event.

Bob first joined Exeter in 1970 and from 36 matches he averaged 4.10pts. In 1971 he turned out in 24 matches and averaged 4.10 and only appeared in 16 meetings during the 1972 season but upped hisaverage to 6.30, whilst in 1973 he was to average 4,48 from 27 matches. Reappeared in 1977 for just 5 matches and rejoined on loan late in 1981 to average over 9pts. No wonder then that Bob was in the side during the 1982 and 83 seasons.

During his long connection with the "Falcons", Bob doubled up with several clubs that included Romford in 1971, and on their closure in 1972, he was to appear at West Ham and Barrow. It was during the 1972 season that Bob was to finish third in the Second Division Rider's Championship, and in the early seventies he was to make several appearances for his country at International meetings.

Bob had returned full time to Exeter in 1973, the year that he was to win the Speedway Mail's Best Pairs Trophy along with Ray Wilson, who was then at Leciester.

Bob was to then switch to Newport in 1974 where he was to double up as both rider and coach at the Mildenhall track. Bristol was to be the next stop for Bob where he could be found during the 1977/78 seasons while in 1979 and 1980 he was riding for the Weymouth outfit. He finally returned to the County Ground in 1981 and he was to appear in the Green and White many times.

Bob also appeared in one match for Exeter in 1984 when he scored three points from three rides, and it was in those early 1980's that his son Michael joined him at the County Ground.