Australian Speedcar Champion Jeffrey Freeman honoured
Published on 13 March 2020
Australian Speedcar Champion Jeffrey Freeman honoured with plaque in Paddington
Australian Speedcar Champion and former Paddington resident Jeffrey Freeman was honoured with a plaque on Friday 6 March, the anniversary of his victory in the Australian Speedcar Grand Prix in Sydney in 1965. The plaque is installed on the footpath outside his former home at 186 Glenmore Road, Paddington.
Hosted by Woollahra Mayor Susan Wynne and members of the Woollahra Plaque Advisory Committee, the unveiling of the plaque was attended by the family of Jeffrey Freeman as well as members of the speedway racing fraternity who brought some special memorabilia from his career.
Rob Sibson, a dedicated fan of Jeffery Freeman, drove from Queensland in his decorated ute to be at the unveiling of the plaque. Dennis Newlyn, speedway historian and long time journalist spoke about his memories of Jeffery Freeman. Rod Bowen brought the since famous #75 speedcar that Jeffrey raced and has since been restored.
Jeffery is recognised as one of Australia's most foremost Australian Speedcar champions and was inducted into the Australian Speedway Hall of Fame in 2008.
Jeffery Freeman was born in Mudgee, moving to 186 Glenmore Road Paddington in the 1950s. 186 Glenmore Road was located within walking distance of one of Sydney’s major speedway venues – the racing track at the Royal Agricultural Society Showground. From 1947 until 1974, the showground speedway was host to the race in which Freeman would establish his national credentials – the annual Australian Speedcar Grand Prix.
On 6 March 1965, Jeffery Freeman attained Australian championship status as a speedcar driver, two months before the sport claimed his life at the Westmead Speedway, Parramatta.
Jeffery Freeman’s performances drew large crowds, which raised the profile of speedcar racing in Australia. He was known for his modest demeanour among competitors, his accessibility to fans and generosity to charitable causes.
The intention of the Woollahra Plaque Scheme is to capture parts of our local history through the use of a plaque, to better inform the community about our people and key events which make an impact on Australian history. The Scheme is driven by community suggestion where the public nominate people or events for commemoration with a plaque.
For more information or to make a nomination visit the Woollahra Plaque Scheme page.
For more information on Jeffrey Freeman visit the Australia Speedway Hall of Fame.