Bob Andrews, a standout motorcycle speedway rider who competed internationally during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s and later became a respected figure in New Zealand speedway history, has died at age 90.
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Andrews died May 22, according to tributes shared by members of the speedway community and published obituary notices.
Born in England, Andrews built a successful speedway career across Europe and the Southern Hemisphere. He was best known internationally for winning the 1969 World Pairs Championship alongside legendary rider Ivan Mauger in Stockholm.
Andrews also qualified for four individual World Finals during his career and became one of the sport's most respected competitors on dirt tracks throughout Britain, Australia and New Zealand.
After relocating to New Zealand, Andrews became a major figure in the country's speedway scene. He won the New Zealand Championship in 1966 and earned 27 appearances representing the Kiwi national team. In 2014, he was inducted into the New Zealand Speedway Hall of Fame.
Tributes poured in throughout the weekend from former riders, historians and longtime fans.
Speedway historian Tracy Holmes described Andrews as both an important figure in the sport and a generous mentor to younger fans and historians.
"Bob taught me a lot about Speedway," Holmes wrote in a personal tribute. "His willingness to help a young fan was something I never forgot."
Holmes recalled Andrews taking time decades ago to mail him a rare photograph from the 1969 World Pairs Final, as well as helping preserve historical memorabilia connected to the sport.
Others remembered Andrews not only for his accomplishments on the track, but for his personality away from it.
"A life well lived," one longtime supporter wrote in a tribute shared online.
Andrews remained closely connected to speedway history and its fan community long after his retirement from competition.
