SHEFFIELD Speedway are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Peter Currie who died unexpectedly this morning following surgery on Tuesday.

Paying tribute to Peter, Club Owner Neil Machin said: "Peter has been the backbone of Sheffield Speedway since I took over the insolvent business 18 years ago.

"He has always been at the heart of the club taking care of business matters in the most professional way, I am shocked and really lost for words.”

Co-Promoter, David Hoggart added: “I am really choked, Peter hasn’t enjoyed the best of health over the last 18 months but he has remained jolly and as caring as ever for us all at the club. If ever we have been in a jam Peter’s words of wisdom have always been there for us, we will miss him dearly."

Team Manger and Co-Promoter, Eric Boocock was equally complimentary, : "Such a lovely, lovely man it’s so upsetting."

Currie, a retired solicitor, leaves; wife Jan, daughter Kate, son Matt and grandchildren. Everyone at Sheffield Speedway sends their heartfelt condolences, Peter would have been 68 next week.