May 7, 2021
The Kingaroy Bees junior motorcycle speedway club received many pats on the back from parents after its recent Barry Stead Memorial Race Day held recently in Kingaroy.
Barry, who died in 2018, was a long-time supporter and volunteer with the club.
The first Barry Stead Memorial Race Day was held in 2019.
This year’s event was the Bee’s third Club Day of the year, with points going towards the Bees’ overall club points. There were also handsome trophies to be won.
After a number of heats, Jordy Loftus and Corey Van Elswyk both finished on 14 points.
Jordy went into Semi-Final 1 and Corey into Semi-Final 2 – with first and second placegetters in each race going into the final.
After some spirited racing, Jordy Loftus came out on top (47.49 seconds) followed by Sonny Spurgin, Corey Van Elswyk and Anika Loftus.
All other riders taking part in the competition received a memorial medallion.
“We had some great comments from the parents of riders on how much hard work is done by our volunteers and how well the day was run,” club secretary Tracey Tunstall said.
“They also appreciated the help and advice each of us are willing to give to help the juniors progress.
“That was lovely to hear.”
Tracey said it was a very special day for the club.
“We remembered our friend and club member Barry Stead,” she said.
“Barry loved coming down to the track to watch the riders and encouraged and praised them for their efforts both on and off the track.
“He loved speedway and he loved this club. He kept a scrapbook of every paper clipping, news article and program about the club and race days. We are sure Barry was with us in spirit – cheering the kids on as he always did.”
After the Barry Stead Memorial Race Day was run and won, the Bees held their McDonalds Club Day 2 program of races, which had been washed out earlier in the year.
Jordy Loftus won this event, too; ahead of Jai Bainbridge, Corey Van Elswyk and Sonny Spurgin.
“Jordy had a great day taking out both events,” Tracey said.
“He was keen from the get-go, only dropping one point in each event.
“Saturday was the first time Sonny, who hails from Kempsey, has raced at Kingaroy.
“He has just turned nine and absolutely tore up the track.
“He was unlucky in the final of Club Day 2 having a fall while in first place. He did however podium in both events which was great.”
The Kingaroy Bees will be holding their next practice day on Saturday, May 15.
Massive thanks from the club to you for your support in publishing stories. It was a great day of racing. Cheers