LISMORE’S PAUL O’NEILL, 64, DIES

Feature photo: Paul O’Neill shows the style that took him to two Australian Grand National Sedan Championships. He is pictured here at Lismore Speedway in 1988 following his second national title crown.

The Lismore Speedway community is reeling following the sudden death of former driver and high profile local businessman Paul O’Neill on Tuesday, March 12.

Paul, 64, was Lismore Speedway through and through with not only his love of the sport but his incredibly generous sponsorship backing over many years via his Lismore Nissan automotive dealership.

His dealership was also a proud backer of Lismore Wingless Sprint star Jacob Jolley.

Paul had recently undergone medical treatment and therapy but continued his daily work routine from his office at his automotive dealership in down town Lismore.

He was a part of the Lismore Speedway scene going back to the days when his dad was one of the loyal workers who helped build the original safety fence at the venue while ten year-old Paul looked on proudly.

Paul started his career at Lismore Speedway aged 16 driving an FC Holden in sedan events in the mid-‘seventies before he later sat behind the wheel of a Holden Torana in the days when Lismore sedans were categorised as A, B and C grade.

He later travelled to Sydney to race on the pavement at the former Liverpool City Raceway.

He won his very first trophy in only his second appearance at Lismore Speedway when he took out a consolation race. 

He rose through the Sedan ranks and then gained considerable momentum during the ‘eighties after strong performances at the Liverpool venue. He enjoyed some wonderful Grand National Sedan years driving for local car dealer John Chant.

Paul became one of Australia’s biggest names on the Grand National Sedan scene at Australian Championship level of success.

He won the Australian Grand National Sedan Championship twice.

His initial victory in the Grand National Sedan Australian title in 1986 was at Brisbane’s Archerfield Speedway.

He repeated the performance two years later when the title was held over two rounds.

The first leg was conducted at Sydney’s Liverpool City Raceway, while the second and deciding round was the next night at the former Newcastle Motordrome.

It was during this part of his career he gained selection in the Australian Grand National Sedan Test team for the memorable clashes against the Americans not only at Sydney’s Liverpool City Raceway, but also his Lismore home track.

Victory in Lismore Speedway’s East Coast Sedan Grand National ranks as one of his highest achievements at the venue.

Castrol Lismore Speedway extends its condolences and deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the late Paul O’Neill.