One of Australian Speedway’s last remaining showmen, “The General” John Day has died peacefully in Western Australia at the age of 79.
Day had suffered over the last few years through complications of diabetes which stymied much of his flamboyant activity that had become staples of the defunct Claremont Speedway and the Perth Motorplex.
Recently, he was diagnosed with an inoperable cancer and a fluid buildup saw him admitted to St John of God Hospital in Murdoch, WA last week.
Day saw Speedway as a great way of promoting his Welshpool auto body business and the immaculate fleet of 10 orange John Day Utes would perform push car duties at every major event in WA, with the General forming up the field in the pace vehicle – often with fireworks emanating from the flags in his hands.
He was an institution of the sport for nearly 55 years, through the halcyon times of Claremont Speedway, which, under the watchful eye of master promoter, Con Migro, was only rivalled by the Sydney Royale and the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds.
As a lasting legacy to the master showman, Perth Motorplex Speedway Manager, Gavin Migro and the Day family have ensured the John Day Utes will be a fixture of WA speedway at the Motorplex for many years into the future.
Survived by wife Janet and daughters Kylie, Nadine, Justine and Lisa – sadly – The General, John Day has conducted his 20,000 horsepower orchestra for the very last time.
Discussion about this post