I was working with Ron and Punch on the track at Swindon yesterday when the telephone call came through bringing the terrible news that Paul Fry had died. I think I speak for all three of us when I say that the temptation to simply pack and go home was immense.
As I write this I still cannot believe the words that are on the screen in front of me.
Paul Fry was a legend both on and off the track - quite simply one of the nicest people that I have ever come across in a sport that features so many "nice" people.
The photograph above shows Paul with my son Dave (aged 6 at the time) back in 2000 when Paul was the Swindon captain and the leader of the Robins on the track and on the terraces. Polite and modest off the track, he was a terrier on it. In his red racing suit he would blast arounded astonished visitors on turns 1 and 2 and disappear off into the distance. At the end of each epic encounter he would ride round waving to the crowd and I always got the impression that he wasn't accepting the praise of the crowd, he was thanking them for their support - he was just that sort of guy.
At the end of the match Paul would walk straight off the track and onto the terraces to sign autographs, pose for photos or just talk to the fans. I can recall many occasions when he was still with "his" fans nearly an hour after the final race had finished. A masure of the man was that he seemed happier priaising the contributions of his team mates rather than talking about his own on-track exploits.
Paul's last competitive appearance at Swindon was on the 31st August 2009 when he rode for Poole. At that time I wrote :
Further down the Poole pits ... I come across a very old friend - the Fryer! Paul Fry was a revelation and a real hero when he rode for Swindon some years ago. But he is still the same friendly, delightful character that he was. I wish him well - you can't help but wish the opposition well when people like Paul Fry, a real stalwart of British speedway, is around.
The speedway fraternity was all the richer for his presence: is all the poorer for his passing. Bless you Fryer!
Our condolensces go out to Paul's family and close friends.
