AUSTRALIAN SPEEDWAY: PASSING OF CHUM TAYLOR, 98.

Feature photo: Chum in his heyday at the World Speedway Championship 1960 at Wembley (England) wearing his Australian flag breast plate.

All photos courtesy: Old Bike Australia

Media release by Bill Powell, (Australian Speedway Riders’ Association Welfare Officer)

It is with deep sadness and regret that I have to inform you of the passing of former Australian Speedway Riders’ Association (ASRA) President and Life member Edwin Vernon “Chum” Taylor.

Chum, aged 98, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning April 19, 2025, at Juniper Ella Williams Residential Aged Care, Noranda, WA, following a long illness.

Chum was a long-time member of the Veteran Speedway Riders Association (VSRA/ASRA) serving as President 2004-2005. He was a regular attendee at the annual reunion dinners and always displayed a keenness and passion toward the ASRA which he eagerly supported enthusiastically.

With English Team Members Dick Bradley (left) and Brian Crutcher (right) at Test Match – Southampton.

Chum, the Western Australian Solo legend and former Australian Solo Champion, survived a 25 year racing career in Australia and overseas. He has been paid many tributes for his input and participation in speedway and motorcycling in Australia, some being:

In November 2013 he was inducted into Motorcycling WA Hall of Fame.

In June 2023 he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

In June 2024 he was inducted into the Speedway Australia Hall of Fame in Melbourne. Unable to travel because of ill health, the late Trevor Harding received the award of Chum’s behalf.

                               Riding this time for Crudleigh Heath.                           

The Chum Taylor Cup is contested annually in his honour at the Pinjar Park Speedway outside of Perth.

Deepest sympathy is extended to Chum’s family and his many friends at this sad time.

RIP Chum Taylor.