HOPPING/WILDER These names are synonymous with Speedway and Sprintcars not only in Sydney but throughout Australia. In 1977, Sid Hopping and Bert Wilder between them created and built (assisted by the Sprintcar Association of NSW) the best clay based speedway in Australia being Parramatta City Raceway (now known as Sydney Speedway). During this time Tony Hopping met and married Joanne (Wilder). Over the years, Tony became a valued member, competitor and official of the Sprintcar Association of NSW Ltd. When the speedway was sold to Brian Healey and Bob Spence, Tony also became the right hand man to Steven Green (Manager of Parramatta Raceway) as a confidant and track curator. He had a very special bond with both Steven Green and Jenni Heinrickson and they became firm and loyal friends. Tony still continued in his capacity with the Sprintcar club as chief scrutineer until he met with a “freak” accident in 2008 which almost took his life. Tony, after a long and painful stint in hospital followed by an even longer rehabilitation left the speedway fraternity. The Hopping family have always and still are involved as members/officials for the sprintcar club. Vickie was a pit marshal, Alana sells our 50/50 tickets and her husband Wayne is our chief scrutineer and Club Chief Steward, Steve is our Pit Administrator, his wife Sharyn is our timekeeper and David crews and has had a stint at driving a sprintcar and Sid still attends the speedway as a spectator on a regular basis. It is and always has been a “family” affair. To Tony, Joanne, Andrew and all of the Hopping/Wilder family we share your pain and grief in the tragic loss of your daughter, sister, grand-daughter, niece and cousin. The Committee and Members Sprintcar Association of NSW Ltd
Posted on: Fri, 12 Jul 2013 08:30:25 +0000
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