The Past To Honour The Future
| 12 March 2015 |
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Speedway identity Graeme Gillespie will donate some of his trophies to up-and-coming speedway drivers in the Junior Super Series, the next round of which is at Gosford on March 22.
press release
The Past to honour the Future: History Being Passed On...
Although it has been over four decades ago Graeme Gillespie remembers the days when him and three mates built a race ready Hot Rod. It started as a bit of fun racing at Heddon Greta and Jerilderie Park, later was renamed the Motordrome but through the passion of the sport and the promotion Hot Rods become a division that was well known far and wide, racing in Liverpool, Parramatta right up to Lismore and Archerfield.
Graeme was a well respected member of the Hunter District Club and saw many changes including becoming v8 Dirt Modifieds as they are known today but the one thing that didn't change was the treasurer of the club, from start to finish Graeme held the position.
Above: Graeme Gillespie
He had many achievements over the years both on the track and the acknowledgement of the club members in turn the trophy cabinet just became bigger and bigger. In the nearly 30 years of racing Graeme had collected trophies from winning State Titles to Club Championships, something he was proud of and collected quiet a few was never missed a meeting trophies and becoming a life member of the club was something very special. "We went racing week in and week out, we did everything ourselves often getting parts for our race cars at the local wreckers, until it all changed to the gremlin style cars of today." Graeme recalls.
This last year there has been lots of changes in Graeme's life after suffering a stroke, with his wife Denise they are moving into a retirement village. The downsizing of the house has seen Graeme's extensive trophy collection being culled to only the "really" special ones so in turn Graeme has donated some of his history to the Cool Drive Junior Super Series.
"The young ones coming through are the future of the sport I still love and follow so I know they are going to a really great event." Graeme also has his two grandsons, David and Zak Blanch, racing in the series so who knows if these little pieces of history will remain in the family or if the boys might have their eye on the bigger trophies!!
The trophies that Graeme has kindly donated are trophies he won throughout his fabulous career and will be rebadged to be know as “ The Graeme Gillespie Encouragement Award” and will be awarded to the B main winner each meeting or in the event there is no B main the organisers will chose the winner of this special award.
Next meeting for the Cool Drive Junior Super Series will be held at Gosford Showgrounds March 22nd where we hope to see Graeme up on the hill as a spectator.
If you love speedway come and see “The future Stars Racing Today” .
Above: Gillespie and his V8 Dirt Modified
