To anyone who has raced or visited the pits at Valvoline Raceway over many years you would have heard his voice, probably without really knowing the man behind it.
With a hearty laugh, a Santa Clause-esque beard and a legendary sense of humour Kevin Fellows loved to get on the Pit PA System and perform his own unique kind of razzle dazzle to call the troops to arms for Wheel-packing, Hot Laps, Heat Races or main events.
Like many people that are so deeply emeshed in the very fabric of our sport Kevin has been involved in Speedway since working at the back gate of the famous Liverpool Speedway.
His most recent involvement as the Pit Announcer at VR was one of many roles that he served for the sport over many decades.
Today Kevin passed away after a battle with heart complications that finally overcame him and that ultimately robbed our team and our sport of a truly memorable character.
Even last season, in the grip of those medical obstacles Kevin still bravely showed up ‘for duty’ and did his job.
Often with not enough energy to stand he would still maintain his grip on the microphone and the role he cherished.
Steve Raymond OAM – a doyen of Australian Media and Speedway broadcasting – recently referred to Kevin as “the shock jock of Pit Radio”.
Valvoline Raceway Managing Director Steve Green summed up the feeling today in the office as news of Kevin’s passing set in.
“Kevin was one of our sport’s great characters. He loved his job as Pit Announcer and he loved the pure essence of being involved in Speedway. Speedway was a huge part of his life. I know he took great pride in his job with us. The Pits won’t be the same without his voice booming out over the PA system to call the drivers up.”
The race teams, fellow officials and administrative team at Valvoline Raceway wish to extend their deepest sympathies to Kevin’s family and many friends that have a heavy heart today.
We can just imagine Kev getting them all organized in Heaven’s pit area right now.
“Welcome everyone to Heaven Raceway. Rightio you guys, lllllllllllet’s go wheel packing!!”
Rest in peace Kevin Fellows.
Kevin , Terry and Matt, the three Pit Marshall Amigos!