Speedway in general lost a great friend when Selwyn Francis Burt passed away on Sunday May 16. Selwyn, a life member of the Christchurch Speedway Association was one of the founding members back in 1958. He was a noted Solo and TQ racer back at the old Aranui Speedway, riding for Canterbury in teams events alongside English legend Norman Parker and hometown heroes Mick Holland and Barry Briggs, before embarking on a very successful TQ career that saw him win two South Island titles. When Templeton Speedway (now known as Ruapuna) was being built he was one of a small group of enthusiasts that never gave up on the dream, when finance and labour became scarce. Once the track was completed he went back to riding Solos and racing the TQ's each night and again was to the fore winning a South Island Solo Championship and being one of the pacesetters in the TQs. Selwyn also worked hard in the background providing riders and drivers with machines to race, and parts to keep them going, often without recompense. Up until last summer Selwyn remained a true supporter of Speedway racing taking to the spectator seats at most meetings until the onset of ill health. Space prohibits a comprehensive run down on his contribution to the sport in Ellesmere , and a career in other forms of Motor Cycle racing that saw him win multiple New Zealand titles on Grass Tracks, Hill Climbs and TT Races but it is needless to say that his place as a true Speedway legend is well deserved for a man who sought no accolades yet loved the sport at all levels Message 001 I am Jack Fisher’s daughter (Jill) whom Dad and Selwyn were very best of mates and rode together in Grand prix’s all over the country in earlier years and Selwyn’s eldest daughter Valerie and I have been very best friends since we were toddlers as we covered all the tracks with motorcycling and speedway events with our parents (ie. Wigram, Waimate, Teratonga, Renwick & Cust etc etc).   Selwyn is certainly a legend and his memories will live on as a identity of not only Southbridge but also in the motor sport scene – I can see him now racing with his tongue hanging out when racing and his white teeth (black) !!  However in later years of course he donned the teeth !! My sympathies go to Shirley, my best girlfriend Val and the rest of the Burt family. RegardsJill Wood (nee Fisher)Wellington Message 002 Dear Shirley & Family, Just heard about Selwyn passing.  Please accept our deepest sympathy, very sorry to hear this news.  When Kevin was in the US last year, we relived some memories of Racing years ago.  Memories of Selwyn going home from the Horse Racing and stopping by our house for a chat, it sure was a pleasure to have known him, an asset to the world!All the Best RegardsRoger, Margaret Gleeson & Family