BLAIR SHEPHERD PASSES AWAY AGED 91

Feature photo: Blair (#1) and Bob Morgan compete at the Sydney Showground

By Dennis Newlyn:

Australian speedway lost one of its most colourful and popular identities with the passing of former Australian and state Speedcar Champion Blair Shepherd, 91, in Brisbane on Thursday, April 2.

Blair was such a likeable man who did so much for the betterment of Australian Speedcar racing with his Offys. His magnfiicent contribution led to Brisbane becoming the Offenhauser capital of Australia with more Offy powered cars competing on a weekly basis than anywhere else in the country.

Blair (centre) with Bob Morgan (left) and Bill Goode.

His sleek Performance Cars Offenhasuers were the pride of the fleet with team-mate Bob Morgan who also raced to national title honours.

Blair Shepherd did so much to promote speedway. 

He was a showman and a standout star. 

His sad passing comes only days after one of his greatest wins at the Brisbane Ekka when he retained the “World” quarter-mile Speedcar Championship on March 26, 1966 against star-studded field that contained Americans Bob Tattersall and Sherman Cleveland. I was at the Ekka on that memorable night and it was a brilliant drive.

Preparing for a track testing session in the ex-Tattersall-Kischell Offy in 1968 at Perth’s Claremont Speedway.

His trophy acceptance speech was also equally impressive, matched with colour, charisma and showmanship.

He was a genuine personality of the sport. When he won the “world” crown at the Ekka in 1965, he was the first Queenslander who took out the prestigious race since its inception in 1947.

He will be very sadly missed.

RIP Blair Shepherd.