Racing community in mourning after Lismore Nissan’s Paul O’Neill, speedway champion, dies aged 64
The racing community and loved ones are in mourning after the sudden loss of North Coast businessman and speedway star Paul O’Neill. Here’s how the “champion” will be remembered.
Regional News
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The racing community is in mourning after the sudden loss of North Coast businessman and speedway champion Paul O’Neill.
Tributes have been pouring in for the Lismore Speedway “legend” described as an “absolute gentleman and champion racer”, who was “one of the most genuine people you’d ever meet”.
Mr O’Neill died aged 64.
He has been remembered as a kind and loving man, who was a fierce advocate for his hometown of Lismore.
Mr O’Neill provided support and sponsorship to the Speedway and other causes via his Lismore Nissan automotive dealership.
Daughter Victoria O’Neill said on behalf of family: “Dad was the most loving father anyone could ask for.”
“His passion for Lismore, local businesses and its community was like no other and he always thought of others before himself,” she said.
“This is a trait I hold dearly and close to my heart as we mourn at this time.”
She said “Dad was our hero” and her mother Wendy’s courage at the sad time was “like no other”.
She said Mr O’Neill was the “father of Paul and myself, soon to be pop to Paul and wife Molly’s baby, and the best husband and best friend of my beautiful Mum”.
“Wendy, Paul, Molly, Nicholas and myself will miss him dearly,” she said.
Nephew Nicholas Flanagan wrote: “Paul was my uncle but a father figure to me, who introduced me to my lifelong passion of speedway.”
“We travelled everywhere to watch speedway together and he encouraged me into my speedway commentating roles at Lismore and Grafton speedways,” he said.
“Paul was a two time Grand National Sedan Champion and featured prominently in the USA vs. Australian test matches at Liverpool and Lismore speedways.
“He was kind, generous and a loving man and I will greatly miss him.”
Lismore Speedway promoter Mick Sauer said racing was in Mr O’Neill’s blood as a driver, sponsor and supporter.
“Between his car dealership and the speedway that was just his life,” he said.
“He’d go over to the (Lismore) Showgrounds and just sit there and look at the track on his day off – he just loved it.”
Known for his positive nature, Mr O’Neill was a quietly spoken man who loved cars on and off the track.
“Paul was very competitive, but very smooth (behind the wheel),” Mr Sauer said.
“Paul was always in control, he wasn’t an aggressive driver. He was just very smooth.”
Former Lismore Speedway promoters David and Carol Lander said their friend was a “lovely man” who devoted his life to the track and his loved ones.
“I met Paul during the late 80s where he put his stamp on the sport of speedway,” Mr Lander said.
“He was a lovely man, happily married with children. He was very close to his nephew, Nick.
“The sport of speedway, football, and the city of Lismore have lost one of its strongest supporters.”
Mr Lander said Mr O’Neill will be remembered for being a “champion driver and a champion person”.
“As a speedway driver he was one of the best of his era,” he said.
“He won two Australian Grand National Championships and was a prominent winning driver for decades at Lismore Speedway, where he started his career in the 70s driving an FC Holden.”
Mr O’Neill was also known for his support of football and other activities and events.
One mate commented: “He was always ready with a smile and a hello and will forever leave an unforgettable legacy in speedway. Our thoughts are with Paul’s family and friends”.
Chris Markham said Mr O’Neill was: “Another one of the Lismore legends” and a truly fierce and fair competitor at a time when Lismore drivers” were impressing.
“Championship winner and well respected gentleman. Jovial, happy, and smiling, very sad loss to those of us that knew him. RIP Paul,” he said.
Beginning his career at Lismore Speedway in the mid-1970s, the-then 16-year-old won a trophy for his victory in the consolation race on his second meeting.
“Right then and there this showed this young fellow was destined for greatness,” Lismore Speedway media manager Dennis Newlyn said.
“In the ‘80s he drove Grand National Sedans and rose to great prominence as a two-time Australian Champion.
“You had to be of a very special calibre to gain selection in the Australian Grand National sedan test team.
“Paul was a regular member of the Australian side which shows his wonderful ability as a driver.”
Mr O’Neill faced off against the Americans in the series both in Lismore and Sydney, at the former Liverpool City Raceway (Speedway).
“At the height of its popularity Paul O’Neill from Lismore was one of the most popular drivers in Sydney,” Mr Newlyn said.
“I think that says everything for the man.”
“He will be very, very sadly missed.”
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