Sport · Swindon
Swindon Robins owner Terry Russell dies aged 75
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Tributes have been paid to Terry Russell, the influential Swindon Robins owner who played a pivotal role in British speedway and spent years campaigning for a future home for the sport in Swindon.
The speedway community is mourning the loss of Terry Russell, a highly influential figure in the sport who has passed away suddenly at the age of 75. Mr Russell was a major driving force behind the Swindon Robins and served as a former chairman and president of British Speedway, leaving behind a legacy that spanned over four decades.
His career in speedway was extensive, moving from his early days as a spectator to becoming a successful promoter at several UK tracks. Beyond his work in Swindon, he was instrumental in the growth of the sport on a national scale. He played a key role in negotiating the first television deal for British Speedway with Sky Sports in 1999 and was the architect behind bringing the Speedway Grand Prix to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff in 2001, an event that became a staple of the sport for more than 20 years.
A Legacy for Swindon
While his influence was felt across the country, Mr Russell held a specific and enduring passion for the future of the sport in Wiltshire. Following the permanent closure of the Abbey Stadium in 2022, which brought an end to 73 years of racing at the venue, he remained a vocal advocate for the development of a new stadium.
In the years leading up to his passing, he consistently pushed for the creation of a new home for the Swindon Robins, expressing a strong desire to maintain the sport in the local area. As the site of the former Abbey Stadium continues to face uncertainty and ongoing debates regarding its demolition and future use, Mr Russell’s commitment to finding a path forward for local speedway fans remains a significant part of his connection to the town.
Four Decades of Dedication
Mr Russell’s involvement in the sport began in his childhood, attending race meetings with his father and brother, Ronnie. In 1981, he took his first steps into promotion with the Crayford Kestrels, subsequently taking charge at tracks including Hackney, Exeter, and Lakeside. Alongside his sporting career, he managed a successful tenure as the owner and director of Sabre Cleaning.
Reflecting on his life in an interview with the Swindon Advertiser in 2009, Mr Russell spoke of his deep affection for the sport and his regret that his father, who introduced him to speedway, passed away before witnessing his son’s professional achievements. He noted that he was often moved when seeing families enjoying the sport together, a tradition he had worked tirelessly to protect for future generations.
A spokesperson for British Speedway said: We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our former Chairman and President Terry Russell. Terry spent the majority of his working life involved in speedway. He was the driving force behind British Speedway’s long-running television deal with Sky Sports which commenced in 1999, along with bringing the British Grand Prix to Cardiff in 2001. British Speedway sends our sincere condolences to Terry’s family and friends at this very sad time.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Speedway · View original