Queensland Motorcycling lost one of its most loved and respected officials and mentors when Barry Newton passed away this morning, aged 87 years.
Barry accumulated an astonishing 65 years of service across numerous disciplines, although speedway was his true love. His passing will affect many in Queensland and around the country, particularly within speedway circles.
Fittingly, he was honoured at last year’s MQ Centenary Awards Night, with the “MXstore Lifetime Achievement in Motorcycle Sport” award.
Recently Barry had been suffering from ongoing health issues, and just last week Barry had lost his beloved wife Fay.
Level 4 Official Kevin Apps spoke glowingly of Barry’s mentorship.
“I think most of what I’ve learned in my career as an official, he taught me. As a mentor, Barry had probably forgotten more knowledge of the sport than most officials will ever acquire, and he had a truthfulness and an honesty that made him a great communicator. He would always take the time to explain his thoughts to competitors who had a problem or were upset. He used to say, ‘you’ll meet the nicest of people, and the worst of people in racing’
“I consider myself so lucky to have met someone with so much knowledge and experience, who was so prepared to share it.
Kingaroy Bees Official Tracey Tunstall said, “He was such an incredible mentor for so many people, and so willing to help.
When we started Kingaroy, he gave us so much time and help and was always encouraging and supportive, and then later even with the subcommittees.
He was old school, but he moved with the times. He used to say, ‘you have to forget about the old days and get on with the new’.
Recently he realised that he wasn’t really up to doing meetings any more, but he’d still sit in the tower and watch. He wanted to be kept up to date, and he still had his finger on the pulse.
He’d still help with track inspections, and he was chuffed to get his Lifetime Achievement award last year at Awards Night.
He was a charming bugger with a cheeky sense of humour, and he gave the best hugs.
He will be dearly and truly missed.”
MQ Board member Allan Halley – a great personal friend of Barry – said, “He had a great, non-judgemental way, and newer officials would come and talk to Barry to check that what they thought was right, was okay.
“It became a standing joke whenever Barry was seen being asked for his advice by a younger official or a rider, they’d say, ‘the confessional was open’.
“His contribution to this state will take a while to be realised.”
RIP Barry Newton – 11/11/1937 – 29/05/2025
