Meningie residents rally behind much-loved speedway star Smiley Woolger

A Coorong community is mourning the loss of a larrikin demolition driver who made national news for a hilarious Google Maps stunt.

The late Smiley Woolger made national news for pulling a Google Maps prank in 2023.

A speedway driver who made his name for a Google Maps stunt that made national news has been remembered by his tight-knit community.

Smiley Woolger died on February 18, after suffering some health issues over the years.

Mr Woolger was well known for his speedway skills in the local Murray Bridge demolition derby scene and his generous spirit.

His friend Christopher Thompson set up a GoFundMe page to support Mr Woolger’s family.

He remembered Mr Woolger as someone who was quick to support family, friends and strangers alike.

Smiley Woolger. Picture: GoFundMe

Smiley Woolger in action during a demolition derby. Picture: Paris A. Charles

“He would help strangers that got bogged anywhere he went,” Mr Thompson wrote.

“He fixed people’s cars at home, their houses or even on the side of the road.

“He wasn’t just a great father, brother, son, cousin, but a very helpful member of the community.”

Friends of Mr Woolger described him on Facebook as a “true blue Aussie” and who was “right into” the local four-wheel-driving and demolition derby scene.

Mr Woolger described the Google Maps stunt as a spur of the moment prank. Picture: Google

It can still be found on Falkner St in Meningie. Picture: Google

The “legendary” memory brought up by friends was Mr Woolger’s Google Maps stunt which made national news.

Captured in September, 2023 on the streets of Meningie, the Google Street View scene depicted Mr Woolger chasing his mate Bruce down the street wielding an axe.

Months later in January 2024, Mr Woolger told Yahoo News Australia the stunt was a spur of the moment opportunity when he saw an approaching Google Street View car.

“The chances of it happening are pretty slim,” Mr Woolger said.

The prankster seized the opportunity and the result is etched into the history books of Google Street View at Falkner St in Meningie, South Australia.

“He certainly will be missed but not forgotten,” a friend posted to Facebook.

Originally published as Meningie residents rally behind much-loved speedway star Smiley Woolger