AUSTRALIAN SPEEDWAY RIDERS ASSOCIATION FORMER PRESIDENT RALPH WARNE DIES

Media release by: Bill Powell

It is with deep sadness and regret that I have to inform you of the sad passing of former ASRA President and Life Member Ralph Warne. Ralph aged 76, passed away in hospital early Tuesday evening 19th November 2024, following a long illness of pain and suffering only a man of Ralph’s strength and courage could endure.

In October 2017 Ralph was elected ASRA President and served in that capacity from 2018 until 2020, unfortunately having to retire early due to ill health. Ralph has always displayed great support to our Association, prior to his becoming President, right up until his tragic passing.  He was a vital part of the team in gaining Incorporation and Affiliation for the ASRA.  Over the past years he has worked hard in successfully securing financial sponsorships to assist our Association.  He and his lovely and devoted Robyn were regular attendees at ASRA social functions and displays.  Ralph always passionately displayed with pride his beautifully restored solo bikes, especially his treasured John Langfield machine.

For the last two years Ralph, assisted by the devoted Robyn, organised the very successful Speedway Show Day at the Toukley Golf Club (NSW) catering for all Speedway Divisions.

Ralph’s speedway involvement and love commenced when he was a member of John Langfield’s pit crew.  He later purchased a solo and became a regular and popular NSW soloist appearing at the Sydney Showground and Kembla Grange tracks between 1970 and 1972.  The many friendships that the remarkable Ralph made during that time lasted his lifetime.  John Langfield, Jim Crowhurst, Grahame Gardiner, Peter White just to name a few.  He was a good, kind and wonderful friend who will be dearly missed by all.  I, like we all feel, lucky and honored to have known Ralph as well as we did.

A true and loyal friend, mate, never to be forgotten.

Deepest sympathy is extended to Ralph’s loving Robyn, family and friends at this sad time.

RIP Ralph