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The man who died in a single-vehicle crash in Aka Aka, Waikato, earlier this month was a much-loved member of Auckland’s speedway community.
Police today named the man as 31-year-old Ryan George Terry-Daley of Waiuku, Auckland.
Emergency services were called to the single-vehicle crash on Aka Aka Road just before 5.30am on Sunday, October 5.
Police say enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
“Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time,” a police spokesperson said.
Terry-Daley’s death has deeply affected New Zealand’s speedway community.
In his obituary it was revealed he was a two-time North Island solo champion and three-time New Zealand champion, he also raced in the United Kingdom where he became a mentor for younger riders.
In a tribute posted to Facebook, Avondale’s Rosebank Speedway described Terry-Daley as “the heart of our club”.
The club said he was not only a fierce competitor, taking out multiple North Island titles and earning 3NZ three times, but also a mentor who gave his time, patience, and knowledge to help young riders grow and thrive.
“He was loved by everyone, always smiling, always ready to lend a hand, and always part of our Speedway family.”
Speedway New Zealand interim general manager Zoe Irons described him as “a really good human” who lived and breathed the sport. She said he enjoyed every part of racing, from the mechanical side to the competition itself, and had been able to live out his dream.
British Speedway also paid tribute, recognising Terry-Daley’s talent and the respect he earned while competing abroad.
“Ryan was a regular in the UK for around a decade, racing predominantly in the NDL for the likes of Mildenhall, Coventry, Stoke, Plymouth and Leicester,” a tribute by British Speedway said.
“His spell with the Lion Cubs in 2019 saw him part of the team which lifted the NDL title, and although he was no longer racing in the UK he continued to compete in New Zealand.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”
His funeral service was held on Monday, October 14, where family, friends, and members of the speedway community gathered to celebrate his life.
This weekend, Rosebank Speedway will host a memorial event on Sunday, 19 October, with a large field of solo riders competing for the inaugural RTD Memorial Trophies in his honour.
