Post by percy on May 28, 2024 16:04:20 GMT 12
From the Ruapuna Speedway Facebook Page
Stan started his racing career in Stockcars during the sixties in Auckland, but in the mid seventies Stan, his wife Shirley and the family shifted to Ashburton. Stan raced TQs at Ruapuna starting during the 1977-78 season and quickly became a part of the Christchurch Speedway Associations management. He went on to be the club president, and by virtue of that role he was the 'Club Promoter'.
There is no doubt that Stan had a real 'promotional flair' and that period of 82-84 saw very big crowds. Stan was able to draw on many of his old Auckland mates to venture south to race in Christchurch. He had a particularly strong bond with the legendary Barry Butterworth, and another old stockcar mate Owen Shaw. When the club turned the promotional duties over to its first 'private' promoters Roger Gleeson and Brent Beadle, Stan remained heavily involved in the sport, creating a Speedway magazine, promoting a NZ Midget Grand Prix at Blenheim and helping Barry Butterworth run some events at the Kumeu Showgrounds.
For a number of seasons Stan was the infield announcer, a role now filled by his grand daughter Louise. Stan was passionate about Speedway racing, and never afraid to challenge the authorities, especially when they interfered with 'putting on a show'.
Hopefully some of our contributors can add to the above summary
Stan started his racing career in Stockcars during the sixties in Auckland, but in the mid seventies Stan, his wife Shirley and the family shifted to Ashburton. Stan raced TQs at Ruapuna starting during the 1977-78 season and quickly became a part of the Christchurch Speedway Associations management. He went on to be the club president, and by virtue of that role he was the 'Club Promoter'.
There is no doubt that Stan had a real 'promotional flair' and that period of 82-84 saw very big crowds. Stan was able to draw on many of his old Auckland mates to venture south to race in Christchurch. He had a particularly strong bond with the legendary Barry Butterworth, and another old stockcar mate Owen Shaw. When the club turned the promotional duties over to its first 'private' promoters Roger Gleeson and Brent Beadle, Stan remained heavily involved in the sport, creating a Speedway magazine, promoting a NZ Midget Grand Prix at Blenheim and helping Barry Butterworth run some events at the Kumeu Showgrounds.
For a number of seasons Stan was the infield announcer, a role now filled by his grand daughter Louise. Stan was passionate about Speedway racing, and never afraid to challenge the authorities, especially when they interfered with 'putting on a show'.
Hopefully some of our contributors can add to the above summary
