Brother of the late Mike Raymond, Steve was a highly accomplished journalist who earned Walkley and Logie awards for his work on radio and television.
His radio career included two decades at 2WS/WSFM, while stints at Ten and Nine featured reporting and presenting roles.
Sydney-based Raymond combined those feats with a love of speedway and was the long-time voice of the sport at various venues.
Current speedway caller Wade Aunger hailed Raymond as a gentleman, a wordsmith and a visionary, paying tribute to his multi-faceted accomplishments.
Aunger noted Raymond “moved seamlessly between the white collar world of first class journalism… and that of the blue collar values of speedway.
“He was as much at home interviewing Premiers and Prime Ministers as he was interviewing a sweaty A-Main winner at PCR,” wrote Aunger on social media.
“His audiences on TV and radio totalled in the millions, yet he was just as satisfied announcing to thousands at the Sydney Showground, Parramatta City Raceway or Newcastle Speedway to name a few.”
Speedway author Tony Loxley declared Raymond “the greatest speedway commentator this country has known. Along with his brother Mike, the two changed the face of the sport.”
Long-time friend and colleague Pete Graham said Raymond “adored speedway” and that the sport reflected his personality.
“He wasn’t just a spectator – he was involved, part of that gritty, roaring world where engines shake the ground and characters are larger than life. It suited him,” wrote Graham.
“Speedway people are passionate, loyal, and fiercely proud of their community. Just like Steve.”
Enjoy a snippet of Raymond’s work from the Steve Raymond Show in 1979, reporting on the final night of racing at Adelaide’s Rowley Park.
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