FORMER AUSTRALIAN TEST STAR DIES

Australian speedway recently lost another of its wonderful post-war rider with the sad passing of Dick Seers.

Australian Speedway Riders’ Association representative Bill Powell told ASRA members in a prepared statement:

“You will be saddened to hear of the sad passing of our ASRA member Dick Seers.

“Dick, aged 96, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning, September 10 at the Sienna Grange Aged Care Centre, Port Macquarie, NSW.

“He was a very respected member of our association for many years. Dick commenced his solo racing career in 1947 at the Sydney Sportsground, which at that time was operating under the newly formed International Speedway Club. Lionel Van Praag was  Manager, Max Grosskreutz (Secretary), and Vic Duggan (Treasurer.)

“Dick was a very popular and safe rider on the Sydney speedway scene and played a big roll in Australia’s post-war speedway boom.

“In 1950 and 1953 Dick made appearances in Australia versus England Test matches.  He rode alongside team mates, Jack Young, Aub Lawson, Jack Biggs, Arthur Payne, Graham Warren, Johnny Chamberlain, Jack Geran, Peter Moore, and Keith Gurtner. The 1953 Test was the last between Australia and England in England until the ashes series was revived in 1969. During Dick’s racing days he rode with much success for UK League teams, Fleetwood (1948), Glasgow White City and Halifax (1949), and Bradford Odsal (1950 – 1954.)

“He was a leading figure in Australian speedway during that era. Dick was a truly wonderful man who will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.”