Peter Sparkes

Friday 20th September 2019 at the age of 92 met forlornly with the passing of this well-known and much respected South Australian stalwart of many motorcycle disciplines. Peter became a Member of the AJS Motorcycle Club of South Australia in 1947 aged 27 years obtaining his Life Membership in 1957 for ‘Outstanding Meritorious Service’ to the Club. Peter become immensely involved in Road Trials, Scrambles, Road Race, Observed Trials and heavily engaged as a highly competent licenced official, holding positions as Steward, Clerk of Course, Machine Examiner, Scrutineer and one of few Official National Engine Measurers in all these disciplines including major Australian Speed Record Attempts. Peter and I amongst several other duties shared the Scrutineering Bay at the first 500GP at Philip Island and continued to Eastern Creek for the next two 500GPs. Through the years, Peter held the office of President of the ACU of South Australia at the time, the AVA Road Racing Association, AJS Motorcycle Club of South Australia and finally the Veteran Motorcycle Competitors Association of South Australia and Parton for a short while. Recognized for his tireless contribution to the Road Racing fraternity, Peter was awarded a high commendation from the South Australian Flag Marshals Association and in 1991 was awarded the ‘Frank Franklin Trophy’ provided by the West End Brewing Company for ‘Exceptional Service to Motorcycle Sport’. 1975 saw the inaugural ‘Peter Sparkes Sidecar Trophy Day’ instigated, and the only known all observed trials sidecar event in Australia, remaining for some 40 years and now known as the Peter Sparkes Trophy Day now includes a full solo program. Peter’s Funeral was held on 30th September in the Heysen Chapel Centennial Park Cemetery attended by an estimated 280 family members, motorcycle enthusiasts and friends. Our heartfelt condolences are graciously extended to Pete’s wife Alison and the three kids Lynette, Carol and Stephen and families at this sorrowful sad time.