5 April 1994 – 5 October 2025
5 April 1994 – 5 October 2025
The motorcycle speedway community is mourning the loss of iconic racer Ryan Terry-Daley who tragically died in a car crash on Sunday morning aged 31.
Ryan was a two-time North Island solo champion and three-time New Zealand champion and spent some time competing in the lower levels in the UK. Upon returning to New Zealand, he helped and mentored many of the up-and-coming riders and won the Rosebank Speedway club champs last year by a significant margin.
Interim general manager of Speedway New Zealand, Zoe Irons, described Terry-Daley as a “really good human”.
“He really enjoyed his racing,” Irons said. “He enjoyed every part of it from the mechanical aspect of it to the racing part of it.
Ryan Terry-Daley. Photo / Rosebank Speedway
“He got to live his dream out. He was a good human and just such a likeable lad.”
British Speedway also paid its respects to Terry-Daley.
Funeral service held at Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club
I was track photographer at Mildenhall Fen Tigers during that epic 2012 season when the team, of which Ryan was a key part, won every trophy going! Ryan was always very likeable and popular member of the Fen Tigers - and any team he rode for - and it was always good to chat to him at the speedway. Gone far too soon. Thoughts are with all of Ryan's family and friends. More photos of Ryan from his time racing in the UK on my flickr stream (which I will add to as I get time) here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sequella/albums/72157630818123520/
Everytime we met you just brought me to tears of laughter. Promoting for you at Plymouth was an absolute joy. Mate you will be so very sorely missed the speedway community has lost a true character. Sending love to all your family and friends.
Ryan was in my class at primary school and took part in my theatre group's production of The Mikado. I remember him as being such a happy boy with a wonderful smile. I was so very sad to hear of his passing.
rest easy send it hard and fast up there you will be truely missed at rosebank
RTD, The heavens gained one of their brightest stars on Sunday morning. They gained it far too soon though, your time was far too short and you leave a massive hole in so many people's lives. Keep turning left pal, you will be missed. From all of your friends up here in Newcastle x
Even from all the way over in WA, I can feel the weight of the loss today. Ryan wasn’t just another bloke in the crowd — he was the bloke who made the crowd. Always the first to lend a hand, dropping everything to help someone out, grin on his face and all heart. He lived life wide open — full throttle, no fear, no half measures. Whether he was on the bike or in the shed, he gave it everything. That’s what made him Ryan — solid, genuine, and always up for a laugh. He had that knack for wheeling and dealing, spinning a yarn, and somehow making everyone walk away smiling. The life of the party, the energy in the room, and the kind of mate you don’t forget. Or the sight or Noise of that Transit ! I can’t be there today, but I’m with you all — seeing it through the eyes of the friends and Family who loved him. Ryan will be missed by everyone who knew him. Rest easy, mate.
Ryan. You were always such a cheeky bugger, right from day dot of meeting ya and there was always a smile plastered on your face wherever you went. I will forever remember the time you were trying to convince me to do reverse donuts in my little beast, with Sian and Chop on the streets of Pukekohe, after trying to teach me to do them forwards first and failing miserably! It won't be the same not seeing your face around the track, your head flipping out at the tapes, or the quick wit and general chinwags in the pits & club rooms. You really were part of the speedway 'furniture'. Hopefully you continue to sling some dirt and chase them checkers in your eternal resting place. All my love, my friend.
Ryan, Thank you for being an amazing person and such a great friend❤️ We really have lost one of the great ones but it has been such a pleasure to know you. Forever grateful for your kindness, laugh and cheeky self🫶🏼 Will miss you lots x Sending so much love, Ash Kenny xxx
Ryan, thank you for being an awesome team mate and an even better friend. You will forever be remembered as the happy go lucky lad who could bring smile and laughter to any room or pit bay. Thank you for being you and living life to the fullest! Love Mitchell and Donna
Ryan, we always looked up to you as a big brother figure in our lives. Although we only saw you during your racing seasons of each year growing up, we cherished those moments with you more than you know. Adventurous, brave, fun and full of life, you always filled a room with laughter. You always said how you would do anything for us and protect us always. We wish we could have been there to do the same for you. We will miss you greatly and think of you always. Love your little cousins, Amber and Hannah ❤️❤️❤️
Ryan I’m deeply saddened that life was cut so short for you. I will always cherish the memories we shared when we were younger moments filled with laughter, warmth and love. To my aunty and uncle my heart breaks for you both, I’m so sorry I can’t be there in person to pay my respects but please know that I’m with you in spirit. My son reminds me of you in so many ways at that age cheeky, full of life, chubby cheeks and even the same white hair. It’s a comforting reminder of the wonderful person you were and the light you brought into the lives around you. You will always hold a special place in my heart and your presence will be truly missed. Love you always Hannah, Michael & Reign Xxx
Ryan We can’t believe you have left this world. But you will always be in our hearts. You were such a lovely person who would do anything for anybody. They say the good go first it’s so true about you. Thankyou for letting us know you a truly special person Rest in peace Ryan Jackie,Len, Tracie,Andrew, Sarah and Olivia xx
It’s hard to find the words to say goodbye to someone who brought so much laughter and light into the world. Ryan, you had a way of making every moment brighter — your humour, your quick wit, and that mischievous grin could lift anyone’s spirits. You never failed to make me laugh, even when I didn’t want to, and I’ll always treasure the times you called me “Jenna” with that teasing tone only you could pull off. You were taken far too soon, in a way that none of us can make sense of. But your warmth, your laughter, and your incredible spirit will never fade. You left behind so many memories that will keep you alive in our hearts forever. Thank you for the joy you gave so freely, for the friendship you shared, and for being unapologetically you. Rest easy, Ryan — the world is quieter without you, but heaven’s a lot funnier now.
I had the pleasure of being Ryan's Team Manager when rode for Coventry Storm Ryan was such a lovely happy and funny lad he was a pleasure to be a round Ryan's will be sadly missed RIP Mate
Couldn't believe the news of your passing. Was a great privilege to have spannered for you in your time with Plymouth Devils speedway. You were a great character on and off track. RIP mate and fly high.
Ryan, This is so hard. You always called me ‘cuz’, at the end of everything, that’s how I knew it was always you. Your little signature, something I’ll always hold close. And of course, you can’t forget those gorgeous blonde locks - so unmistakably you, and I’ll always be jealous of them. Your passion for speedway was unmatched. I’ll admit, I never really understood what all the excitement was all about… but now, I’ll give it a proper go - for you. I wish more than anything that we had more time together and it breaks my heart we couldn’t be a cheeky duo together! That cheeky smile of yours, will stay with us all, always. I love you cuz. I’ll miss you forever x
Dearest Ryan, This is the hardest thing I've ever had to write. The tragedy of losing someone so young, so full of promise, is something no words can truly hold. It’s silence that echoes. But in that silence, we remember who Ryan was: Strong, passionate, brave, and beautiful inside and out. Ride in peace Ryan. Forever 31, Forever Loved, Forever remembered. Love Karen & Mark x
Ryan, you were such a great person, a great racer loving what you did. We had some great times together, speedway and working together. You will be missed by so many that Loved you. R.I.P Rye, until we meet again, keep it pinned up there, and make the start.
Elaine and Martin, I was sad to hear of your tragic loss and pray you find a comfort. Thinking of you both..
Ry, Rhino You touched the hearts of so many people and you have been taken far to soon… Always will be part of our family, my kids were very lucky to have you in their lives if only for short bursts throughout your speedway seasons in the UK.. You drove Gaz and I mad at times and you were the only one who got away with breaking many of our house rules…but that’s what we loved about you…. We are filled with magical memories of you so….. Rest easy Sweet Cheeks! Love always and forever Gaz, Lorraine, Callum, Zara-Skye & Arabella xxx
Funeral service held at Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club

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