28/09/2026
Vale Neil Podger
Written by John Verhoeven
Neil first became involved in speedway when his brother bought a Super Modified and he crewed on the car.
He then built a number of Sprintcars that were driven by a number of drivers.
He first became involved with Super Rods when a number of local racers used his wrecking yard as the main supply of parts to build their cars, quite often doing a deal to have Podger's Auto Wreckers displayed on the vehicles for a discount on the parts.
In 1987, the Simpson Car Club changed the Trevor Podger Memorial race from Sprintcars to Super Rods as there were only a few local Sprintcar racers at that time. Neil was a great supporter of the event which will have its fiftieth running this coming season, Neil was really looking forward to making this a spectacular event and I ask all involved to make sure that we make his wish come true by making it a great event as a tribute not only Trevor but also to Neil for his longstanding support of the race.
The Podger family first raced Super Rods in the 1996 season with Leigh behind the wheel, the following season Neil joined the Super Rod Association committee and has been involved since then spending five years as President and one as Vice President. Many years were also served on the general committee and was always there with valued input to improve or promote the class.
The Podger family raced for many of those seasons, even running two cars for quite a few, they have been one of the front running teams winning State Titles and many feature races, the highlight was Leigh’s first place in the 2016 Trevor Podger Memorial.
The members of the Association will miss Neil’s guidance and thank him for his commitment over the last thirty years.
Farewell Podge and good luck at the great speedway in the sky.
