Warren Barrington Crapp

WARREN CRAPP “The Silver Fox” passed away suddenly at home after a short illness. He had not enjoyed great health for the last few years but carried on as if he hadn’t a care in the world. A battle with prostate cancer he had overcome, and was his normal cheery self, but he was unfortunately diagnosed with lung cancer only a few weeks prior to his passing. He was well known in the speedway, dirt-track scene as he had been part of our great sport for many years. Warren raced on all the tracks that were close to Cootamundra (where he lived most of his life) and there were meetings almost every second weekend somewhere to attend, in the days when short circuit racing was very popular. He started off on a Norton single in the ‘60s and then onto a Yamaha DT1. That engine was soon grafted into a Hagon frame and then he bought a Hagon JAP which he rode for many years. Then came 2 valve Jawas and his love with 4 stroke machines grew. After his racing days were over, Warren began collecting anything he could and began restorations of some nice examples. His knowledge of classic bikes was vast and he enjoyed researching various makes. Two bikes that Warren restored are on display at Ash Suttor’s Speedway museum in Bathurst. Warren always cut a fine figure in his white Hagon overalls and Godden race jacket at tracks. His proudest moment came in 2016, when he provided a Classic Long-track machine for James Dimmock from Canberra to ride at the Longtrack Masters at Bathurst. James was undefeated and secured the trophy for a proud owner to brag about. Some of his closest mates still say he had won the Melbourne Cup that night. I was fortunate to have known Warren for 47 years and our friendship started and continued with racing motorcycles, right up until his passing. We spent many days at events as competitors in the early days and later on as spectators. Warren enjoyed the company of his mates at race meetings wherever he went, and revelled in the atmosphere that they provided, both on and off the track. He was a great family man and father to his sons Paul and John who both enjoy motorcycles but never raced. He was a character and enjoyed a laugh, and practical jokes were always in the back of his mind. We shared many great times at events all over Australia and the 2 SGP events in Melbourne in 2015/16 that we attended were highlights. The Broadford Bonanza was another he only missed once in the 10 years it has run. Dirt-track and speedway was in his blood and he enjoyed all classes. Warren was a proud member of the Canberra Bulls Speedway Club and the Australian Speedway Riders Association and supported their open exhibition days and was always proud to be a part of those events. That familiar grin and happy demeanour he shared wherever he went will be missed by many. RIP little Mate.