IVAN TIGHE RIP Well known engineer and motor sport identity, Ivan James Tighe, passed away in Brisbane QLD on 29-11-2014 he was 83. Ivan changed the face of speedway forever with the development of the SR4 in October 1974. It was to Ivan that Neil Street turned when he arrived in brisbane with his ideas for the 4V. Neil and Ivan were old friends from Melbourne. Ivan’s a skill as an engineer came to prominence. The engine was off the drawing board and into manufacture in just four weeks. The engine was taken to Newcastle for a meeting there the night before the Australian championships, but the meeting was rained off, so the engine was yet to complete one lap. Phil Crump used the engine in the Australian Championships at Sydney and, with the increased power, took nearly 3 seconds off the track record held by Jim Airey immediately. This was considered more remarkable feat considering the fact that the engine was straight from the workshop and used in a top class speedway meeting. Crump had been given the option of his normal 2-valve engine, but after trying the 4-valve refused to get off the motorcycle as confirmed by Ivan. In later years ivan always gave credit to neil for his foresight and ideas. The funeral is to be private. Ivan who was born in Melbourne is survived by his wife Joan, sons Dean and Peter and grandfather to Charlize.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Dec 2014 07:06:26 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015