THE COVENTRY Speedway community is mourning the loss of a cherished figure, John Clarke, who passed away at the age of 69.
John, a long-term sponsor of the Coventry Bees, leaves behind a legacy of unwavering support and dedication to the sport.
As the public face of the Bees’ primary team sponsorship deal with Buildbase, John played a pivotal role in the club’s success for 13 consecutive years, from 2004 to 2016.
Despite holding various senior positions within the company, he never missed a home meeting at Brandon Stadium.
During the golden era of Coventry Speedway in the mid-to-late 2000s, where the Bees clinched three Elite League titles, John’s influence was instrumental in fostering a successful and vibrant atmosphere at the club.
Following his retirement from Buildbase, he continued to contribute to the speedway community and facilitated a sponsorship deal for the Peterborough Panthers with Crendon Timber Engineering, culminating in the team’s title victory in 2021.
John’s passing comes after a period of illness, which began around Easter and despite his health challenges, he remained a steadfast advocate for Coventry Speedway until the end.
The Coventry Speedway community extends its deepest condolences to John’s wife, Jan, and the rest of his family during this difficult time.
The funeral is scheduled to take place at Canley Crematorium on Wednesday, May 15, at 11.15 am.
“Rest in peace, Big John.”
