09/05/2026
Big night last night. Gloria surprised me with a gathering of my fellow Speedway friends in Townsville to celebrate my 80th birthday - which isn't until the 18th. We have many friends from all sections of Speedway here in Townsville and most of those sections were represented last night. Bernie Koppe, Peter "Grub" Christopher, Jackie and Bob Moon (Aussie Champ, Tyler Moon's grandparents) representing Solos and Sidecars. Bernie and Grub used to consider Gloria and me their good-luck charms. It seemed everywhere their sons, Scotty Christopher and Trent Koppe went racing and won, we were there. And that included their "World" Title on the Isle of Wight in the UK in 2006.
Jacky Freeman, wife of the late, Wayne who raced Solos. Jacky has just returned from a lengthy overseas jaunt.
Dave and Meryline Roderick who were the Promoters of Townsville Speedway in the late 80s to mid-90s were there. Nice people with whom we became good friends.
Ross and Michelle Bullimore and Bob Huston. Ross and I go right back to June 16 1973 when I first raced at Savanna Speedway. Ross, only a kid then was in that very first race.
Jason Haines and his wife, Louise came all the way from the Atherton Tablelands for the gathering. Jason and I had a great relationship, especially when he was President of the Townsville & District Saloon Car Club and I was the Secretary.
John Parry Snr and I go back to the Savanna days. His son John and wife, Aleta who have only recently moved back from Coffs Harbour, and who followed the Acres Team early in our ventures at Grafton and Lismore were there.
Ron, Ros and Daniel Yarrow. Ron used to race a Mini Modified Production in Townsville but we've run into them at other Speedways far and wide at times.
Noel Schell and Colin Windridge, fellow racers in Townsville. Paul and Socorro Marsh, just the nicest people. Brian Stagg, long time friend and brother of Evan, with whom I raced a thousand times at Townsville and other tracks. (Unfortunately, Evan passed away a couple of years ago).
Alan and Judy Iverson. Al drove a mean F500 and their son, Kaydon too, followed suit as well as, more recently racing a Sprintcar.
Ros and Danny Moscardini. Danny lived down the road from Gloria and me and I like to think that it was I who got him into racing. He raced a mean VC Valiant which I later bought from him.
Rhonda and son, Adam. Adam is one of the hottest Modified Sedan drivers in the State. Unfortunately, his dad, Graham wasn't there. We and the Jorgos have been friends since the early day of the Bohle Speedway.
It was such a nice night catching up with everyone at the Bohle Barn with the band Cranky Pants playing.
Besides Speedway friends, there were other friends there too and I must thank everyone VERY MUCH for coming. You made my night.
Oh, and the cake. Have a look below at the photos on top. The collage cover different classes of Speedway - and we love it all.
(In the photo, Adam is on the left, his wife, Tara on my left and Jason Haines at right).
Oh, as a note. Brooklyn will be 20 on the 18th too. She was born on my 60th birthday)