WHAT A GREAT LOSS FOR AUSTRALIAN SPEEDWAY

By: Bill Powell, Secretary to Australian Speedway Riders’ Association.

Ash’s Speedway Museum in Bathurst dedicated to solo world Champion, local Bathurst hero, Bluey Wilkinson will cease business at the end of July 2023.terThis is beyond Ash’s control and is due to his lease not being renewed because of the expansion of an adjoining business and no alternative site being available.

It is one of the largest speedway museums in the world and the biggest in the southern hemisphere, comprising 800 square metres of solo, sidecar and dirt track bikes, memorabilia, programs, race jackets, poster boards, kevlars, leathers, trophies, DVDs, pennants, medals, caps – you name it – everything speedway was there.

The magnificent memorabilia display captured the likes of Gordon Guasco, Bob Sharp, John Langfield, Billy Sanders, Glynn McDonald, Bluey Wilkinson, Ivan Mauger and many more.

The self-funded museum has operated for twelve years and has won Tourism awards and Innovation in Business awards.

Ash’s vision created a collage of speedway history.  His selfless approach and generosity for the love of speedway made this museum an outstanding home for visitors to enjoy every aspect of speedway.

He was also instrumental in promoting and sponsoring events and riders.  Ash certainly enriched the speedway scene. 

We will all miss his popular annual “Swap ‘n Show” Days.

Ash was successful in promoting the history of speedway in Australia to overseas, interstate and local visitors, as well as around the world.

Ash, your professional commitment and motivation to the vintage/classic speedway scene deserves the highest of accolades.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and Margaret for the support and promotion of the Australian Speedway Riders’ Association over the past twelve years.