Sport
27 June, 2025
Leaders resign from Premier
PREMIER Speedway is now on the hunt for a general manager and Board president following the recent resignations of Michael Parry and Richard Parkinson.
Parry has been at the helm of Premier since 2022 while Parkinson has been involved for over 20 years, 19 of which as club president.
In a public statement issued on Monday, the Board confirmed that both had resigned from their positions – with Parry believed to have given four weeks’ notice, while Parkinson’s resignation was “effective immediately.”
Speaking with the Warrnambool Weekly yesterday, Parry thanked the many club volunteers for their tireless efforts, as well as the club for entrusting him in the role.
“Personally, I have enjoyed my time at Premier and I thank the club for the opportunity and wish it well for the future,” he said.
“I’ve been a long-time speedway fan and was certainly invested in the role here (at Premier) and in the town.
“My wife Danielle and I purchased a family home in Warrnambool but we will now look to move back to Geelong at some stage. I’m also looking at my career options down there.”
Reflecting on his time at the helm, Parry said he was extremely proud of how the club had progressed and of what he had achieved over the last almost three years.
“In particular, the last Classic is something I’m very proud of,” he recalled.
“To have a new event the Sunday prior to the Classic, to kick off Classic Week with Thrill on the Hill, is something I’m extremely proud of and I hope will continue into the future.
“To have a formal opening at Flagstaff Hill (which is an iconic Warrnambool tourist attraction), complete with rolling Sprintcars on the cobblestones and the mayor cutting a ribbon to mark the start of a week-long festival of sorts, was just amazing.
“I’m also proud to have been involved with the new town welcome signage that features a Sprintcar, right on the city limits as you drive into Warrnambool.”
A self-confessed Speedway fan, Parry now looks forward to watching all the action from the crowd.
“No doubt I’ll be among the fans at various tracks; racing certainly gets in the blood.”
* The Premier Speedway Club will hold an extraordinary meeting for club members at the Flying Horse on Wednesday, July 2 from 7.30pm.
The search has begun for a new general manager as the club prepares for its upcoming 2025-26 season, which will launch with opening night on Saturday, November 1.
