Danny Ayres tribute

SCUNTHORPE Speedway has lost a true showman and character with the shock and untimely passing of Danny Ayres.

Danny was 33 and had been making preparations for the new season with Scorpions plus with his new club Ipswich in the Premiership.

Danny, who started his speedway career with Kent in 2014, was signed by Scunthorpe in the early weeks of the 2019 season. He quickly proved a huge hit with Scorpions’ supporters due to a combination of his on-track heroics and his trade-mark post-race celebrations.

Scunthorpe owner Rob Godfrey became aware of the news a short time before it was announced on Saturday.

Speaking not only for Scorpions but also in his role as Chairman of the British Speedway Promoters’ Association, Godfrey said: “It’s tough to take in, it’s hard to accept and it’s left us distraught.

“I can’t begin to imagine what Danny’s family are going through at this time. We’ve grown to love him and his family and we feel his loss greatly already.

“He was everything good about the sport. He was an entertainer, had time for every fan, never walked away from a photograph or autograph and I was so looking forward to having him at Scunthorpe this year, as was Chris Louis at Ipswich.

“He would put bums on seats. He was in contention for a reserve spot at the British Grand Prix in Cardiff last year after his British Final heroics, I’ve made no secret of that.

“This puts life in perspective. Life is precious and we need to make the most of it.

“British Speedway is a sadder place for the loss of Danny. I couldn’t get my head around the news and am still struggling to do so.

“I send my love to his young family. It’s truly heartbreaking.

“On behalf of both the BSPA and Scunthorpe Speedway, we all send our sincere condolences at what is the most tragic and difficult of times.”

RIP Danny. We loved you.