EMOTIONS RUN HIGH AT AUSTRALIAN SPEEDWAY AWARD NIGHT

Feature photo: 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees L-R – Wayne Meyer on behalf of his dad Bill Meyer, Wally Kermond, Howard Revell, Ron Krikke, Dennis Newlyn… courtesy of Aidan Freeman Photography

Legends and emerging stars graced the stage of the Melbourne Showgrounds Victoria Pavilion function centre last night for the annual Australian Speedway Awards and Hall of Fame Induction.

Over 200 guests attended the gala dinner event that was also livestreamed free on Clayperview, opening with the induction of five new Australian Speedway Hall of Fame inductees, before announcing seven Industry Awards and six Competitor of the Year Awards.

Speedway Australia CEO Darren Tindal labelled the event a resounding success, applauding the efforts of those who travelled extensive distances to champion their family and colleagues.

“One of our Hall of Famers’ sons flew in from Indianapolis to be here for his dad, and dozens of others have travelled from all over the nation to be present with their family and friends who were receiving awards which is a testament to just how much these awards mean.”

“Our staff have worked extremely hard to lift the bar again this year and the feedback from attendees has been outstanding, but there was a common thread in the feedback, where a lot of people felt a sense of unity in the room which is a positive sign for the future as we continue to build this sport together.”

The dates and location for the 2024 Awards will be announced in the near future.

2023 Australian Speedway Awards Recipients

2023 Hall of Fame Inductees:                          

Bill Meyer, Dennis Newlyn, Wally Kermond, Howard Revell, Ron Krikke

Innovation/Promotional Item of the Year:         Electronic Flag Board – Perth Motorplex

Photographer of the Year                                 Nakita Pollock (NT)

Marshal/Volunteer of the Year                         Josh Macalpine (Esperance, WA)

Media Person/Group/Outlet of the Year          Dean Neal – Night Thunder, (WA)

Most Improved Track of the Year                    Lismore Speedway (NSW)

Track of the Year                                              Perth Motorplex (WA)

Outstanding Contribution to the Sport             Tim Hodges (VIC)     

Junior Competitor of the Year                          Aidan Rigby (QLD) – SSA Junior Sedans                                                            

Karting Competitor of the Year                        Liam Niblock  (QLD) – SKAA

Modified Competitor of the Year                      Tim Reidy (VIC) – AMCA Nationals  

Open Wheel Competitor of Year                      Jock Goodyer (TAS) – Sprintcars

Sedan Competitor of the Year                         Joel Berkley (QLD) – SSA Modified/Production Sedans

Sportsperson of the Year                                 Brock Hallett (VIC) – Sprintcars