Martin Ashby, the former longtime captain of the famed Swindon Robins Speedway team, has passed away. He was 82.
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"With great sadness we share the news that Martin Ashby has passed away peacefully at home on 16th September 2026," Jon Ashby shared on Facebook.
"Martin was a much-loved husband to Brenda, dad to Elaine and Jon, and also well-known Swindon Speedway Captain for many years."
Swindon has lost one of its true sporting greats!
A local lad made good - an England international a World Championship finalist a World Cup Winner and Swindon Robins' 2nd highest point-scorer
Martin Ashby truly was a Swindon LEGEND
Thoughts are with Brenda and family pic.twitter.com/ymfpqvU1sA
— Swindon Needs Speedway (@SNSactiongroup) September 18, 2026
Born in February 1944, Ashby competed in motorcycle speedway racing and achieved success while riding with multiple teams.
He began his career in 1961 with the Swindon Robins, and he remained with the team through 1967. Although he returned in 1971 for a second stint lasting through 1979.
Ashby rode for the Exeter Falcons in 1968-1970. He closed out his professional riding career with the Reading Racers in 1980. Once Ashby retired, he opened a motorcycle shop in his hometown.
The Englishman helped his country twice win the Speedway World Team Cup. He first achieved this in 1968. The team then won again in 1975. The team finished second in 1969.
He and the Swindon Robins won the British League championship in 1967. He and the Reading Racers then won the British League championship in 1980, his final year competing.
He also achieved success as an individual, which included becoming a finalist in the World Championships in Sweden in 1968.
"Very sorry to read of the passing of Swindon legend Martin Ashby," one person wrote on social media. "A true legend who there are no words to describe. Thoughts and prayers to his family."
Many others shared their tributes to the longtime racer on social media. This includes one person, who wrote, "Such desperately sad news. Martin Ashby was a true Swindon sporting icon and one of my first sporting heroes.
"He won the 1st race I ever saw. A glittering career, but always such a humble, polite and generous man with fans. Sleep well Martin, and thank you!"
