Tsunami 10,219 Posted January 2, 2009 (edited) Sad to report that Gordon Byers of Newcastle died a couple of weeks ago aged 97 years. He was the winner of the very first race at Brough Park in 1929 and went on to have a rewarding career representing his country. Ironically, Gordon has attended all the anniversary meetings including the 50th, 60th, and the 70th(I picked him up) and his death means that he will not be joining us in 2009 for the 80th anniversary celebrations. Gordon RIP The full article is the main story on www.newcastlespeedway.net Edited January 2, 2009 by Tsunami Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
norbold 7,110 Posted January 2, 2009 I'm really sad to hear that, Tsunami. I spoke to him a couple of times while I was researching my Wembley book and I also published the results of one of the interviews in the Vintage Speedway Magazine. He was extremely courteous and helpful and a true gentleman. I found him to be very modest about his achievements and seemed to wonder what all the fuss was about and why I should want to interview someone like him! But he was a great rider and an integral part of the Wembley team that included such stars as Jack Ormston, Ginger Lees, Colin Watson, Frank Charles, Wally Kilmister and Lionel Van Praag. Yet he was never outclassed or overawed by them. He was their equal and one of them. He will be sadly missed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
