DAVE HAVILL - R.I.P
The funeral for Dave Havill was a very sad and emotional one for all who attended. The speedway community was there in good numbers, to bid their farewell to a man who had such a hand in building the sport to what it is today in Canada.
The track that was built inside the Paris Fairgrounds over twenty years ago, was a vision of Dave's to have a permanent track where up and coming riders could try the sport and enter into the racing scene.
His weekly practice night every Tuesday during the racing season, and then to Sunday afternoons as the season commenced, proved to be one of the biggest successes of ridership to the Paris Track. Many present day riders went to those practice sessions not knowing what to expect? They have progressed to the top of their levels, ie: Current Canadian Speedway Champion, Aaron Hesmer, Terry Rideout, Mike Hammond, Joe Heye are a few names that have seen dramatic increases in their personal best at the track.
Little did Dave know, when he sat down and planned the track with other speedway enthusiasts over the years, that the track would be centre stage for some of the best racing including ATV, Flat Track, Go-Kart, Baja and speedway bikes in North America as seen weekly on Friday nights!
As the time progresses and we all sit and reflect upon certain individuals who really have made a difference in other people's lives, Dave Havill was definitely one of those people. His drive and determination to keep the Paris track going despite a few ups and downs over the years is very commendable and we owe him and carol alot of thanks for all they have done. Dave has gone from our sight forever, however his memory will be embedded in every single rider, volunteer and spectator who visits the Paris Speedway track!
This Saturday September 4th 2010 at 2:00pm, the speedway and racing world will celebrate the life of David Brian Havill, in the "Dave Havill Memorial Race" and we encourage all our website visitors to join us at the Paris Speedway track to enjoy the racing and the hugely successful Paris Fair, we know that the "Guvner" will be watching over us all and let's make him proud! |
