Speedway community rallies around Tony Powell with fundraiser as he recovers from a stroke

THE Lismore Speedway community is rallying around track curator and local racing stalwart Tony Powell after he suffered heart attack and stroke.

Powell has been a big part of speedway for more than 20 years and is recovering in Lismore Base Hospital after multiple surgeries.

The team at Lismore Speedway have launched a fundraising link to assist in his recovery.

“Our speedway and Lismore showground community has always been built on hardworking people who give everything they have to the sport we love,” a spokesperson said.

“For decades, Tony has been a cornerstone of Lismore Speedway, our long-time track curator and dedicated showground groundsman.

“He’s the guy who worked quietly behind the scenes, in the heat, the mud, the rain and the dust, making sure the place was ready for all of us drivers, fans, families, and officials.

“With Tony unable to work and bills beginning to pile up, we’re asking our amazing speedway community to come together and support him during this tough time.

After his initial heart attack, Powell suffered a stroke and was rushed to the Gold Coast Hospital for another emergency operation.

He missed his first Lismore speedway event for the first time in 20 years and was sorely missed by the track team and racing community

Powell not only looks after the speedway track but is instrumental in the general running of the entire showground.

He also has a keen eye photography and has taken hundreds of photos of local and national champions.

Friend and speedway journalist Dennis Newlyn said Powell has a long history and passion for the sport.

“Tony is a great bloke; I have known him for close to 50 years,” Newlyn said.

“His long-time love of speedway is admirable and his dedication to the job as track curator and photographer at Lismore Speedway over so many years, really makes him a special person.”

Donations to support Powell in his recovery can be made me at https://square.link/u/3yFFtqBl