A page for small items & news about ASRA members welfare, happenings and requests.
Sorry, not for Buying & Selling Items.
Contact Bill Powell or John Walker for small news items and member welfare reports..
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Dave Gifford, a New Zealand and International Solo rider in the 1960s etc has created his own Facebook page for New Zealand Speedway content - please have a look and maybe add some NZ history etc.
it is "The Speed and The Glory" https://www.facebook.com/groups/588419760174848/
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Congratulations John.
At the ASRA Annual General Meeting held on Saturday 23rd November 2024
at Sandringham NSW it was endorsed unopposed the appointment of John Titman as ASRA Patron.
Please find below the initial nomination request.
Dear Committee and Fellow ASRA Members.
With the recent sad passing of our beloved ASRA Patron Trevor Harding,
it is now the solemn time to appoint an ASRA Member as Patron.
I hereby am nominating and proposing John Titman to fill that prestigious role.
I feel John is the worthiest recipient for this position.
John is one of Australia's and Queensland's greatest ever international speedway riders.
He competed in the British Top League from 1972 until1984.
He has won the Queensland State Solo Title seven times, and in 1977 was crowned
Australian Solo Champion. John captained Australia in numerous International Test Matches.
In 1978 and 1979 was a World Solo Finalist. In 1983 - 1984 he was a World Long Track Finalist.
John was the first Australian to ever qualify for the World Long Track Finals.
On a local note, he was the winner of the Ambassador for Tourism in Qld Award, for his services
to the sport on the global stage.
In 2022 he was inducted into the Australian Speedway Hall of Fame.
John has experienced an incredible speedway career.
He may have retired from racing many years ago but has continued to be involved in the speedway movement. John today continues to coach and advise Junior riders. Regularly attending Queensland speedway meetings and show days. He has been a sincere loyal member of the ASRA for years, during which time he has assisted the club in every possible way.
John was a regular attendee at the Annual Reunion Dinners, always providing framed speedway portraits for sale or auction, to assist with ASRA finances. John attended last year's Maitland Centenary of Speedway, once again donating items for auction.
His generosity has always been spontaneous.
John's commitment and motivation to the Vintage/Classic and
modern speedway scene deserves the highest of accolades.
Thanking you.
Bill Powell - ASRA
Welfare Officer.
Our New Patron - Mr. John Titman
Dear ASRA Members and Friends
The ASRA has received the following news from Kevin's beloved wife Chris that Kevin is currently in a Care Facility due to declining health.
Details are: John Wesley Gardens
Residential Care
19 Halsmere St
Geebung Queensland 4034
Reception Telephone: 1800 448 448
Kevin would appreciate visitors and correspondence from his many friends and supporters. Unfortunately, at this time telephone contact is unavailable.
The lovely and memorable photo ( left ) is of gentleman Kevin and his beautiful Middlesborough (UK) born wife Chris in England March 1965.
Our thoughts and best wishes are with Chris and family at this time.
Kind Thoughts
Bill Powell
ASRA
Welfare Officer.
Dear Members
It is with deep sadness and regret that I have to inform you of the passing of former ASRA President and Life Member Edwin Vernon "Chum" Taylor. Chum aged 98, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning 19th April 2025, at Juniper Ella Williams Residential
Aged Care facilities, Noranda WA following a long illness.
Chum was a long-time member of the VSRA/ASRA serving as President from 2004-2005.
He was a regular attendee at our annual Reunion Dinners and always displayed keeness
and passion towards our association, which he eagerly supported enthusiastically.
Chum, the Western Australian Solo Legend and former Australian Solo Champion, survived
a 25-year racing career in Australia and overseas. He has been paid many tributes for his
input and participation in speedway and motorcycling in Australia, some of those being:
In November 2013 he was inducted into Motorcycling WA Hall of Fame.
In June 2023 he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the King's Birthday Honours list.
In June 2024 he was inducted into Speedway Australia Hall of Fame in Melbourne. Unable
to travel because of ill health the Late Trevor Harding received the award on Chum's behalf.
The Chum Taylor Cup is contested annually in his honour at the Pinjar Park Speedway
outside of Perth.
Deepest sympathy is extended to Chum's family and many friends at this sad time.
RIP Chum
Kind thoughts
Bill Powell
ASRA Welfare Officer.
