SPRINTCAR CHASSIS BUILDER, JSR (OTR) FOUNDER JOHN SIDNEY, 81, DIES

Feature photo courtesy of Auto Action

By Andrew Clarke (Auto Action)

Victorian John Sidney, a pioneering force in Australian motorsport whose engineering brilliance and strategic acumen reshaped the landscape of speedway and stock car racing, passed away today aged 81. His legacy is etched into the very fabric of the sport he loved, leaving behind a trail of innovation, championship triumphs, and a generation of racers who owe their success to his vision.

Born in 1944, Sidney’s journey into motorsport began humbly as an apprentice motor mechanic under the tutelage of renowned race engineer Jack Godbehear. This foundational experience ignited a passion that would see him transition from a successful driver—securing the Victorian Production Car Title in 1967—to an even more influential role behind the scenes as an engineer and team owner.

In the 1980s, Sidney founded John Sidney Racing (JSR), a team that would become synonymous with excellence in both speedway and NASCAR disciplines. His collaboration with Sprintcar legend Max Dumesny yielded remarkable results, including three World Series Sprintcars titles, two Australian Sprintcar Championships, and two Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic victories between 1991 and 1998.

Sidney’s impact extended beyond the dirt tracks. Embracing the challenge of the Calder Park Thunderdome, he introduced sophisticated pit stop strategies—such as undercuts, overcuts, and refuelling under safety car conditions—that were revolutionary in Australian oval racing. Under his leadership, JSR dominated the Australian NASCAR scene, clinching six national titles with drivers like Barry Graham and Kim Jane.

Despite his numerous accolades, Sidney remained a humble figure. Upon his induction into the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2025, he expressed surprise at the recognition, stating, “I didn’t realise how big a deal this was!” His modesty belied a career that had a profound and lasting influence on motorsport in Australia.

Sidney officially closed JSR in 2024, citing that he was “out of fuel,” yet his passion never waned. He continued to lend his expertise, building engines for friends and mentoring up-and-coming talent, ensuring that his knowledge and spirit would endure.

John Sidney’s contributions were formally recognised with his induction into the Australian Speedway Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2025. He is survived by his family, a legion of racers he mentored, and a sport that his ingenuity and dedication have indelibly shaped.

Rest in peace, John Sidney.