Remembering Johnny “Jukebox” Grey

Berwick speedway co-owner Scott Courtney has led the heartfelt tributes to Johnny “Jukebox” Grey following his death in Australia, aged 32.

“The news broke as I was watching our young Academy riders and Bullets putting in some laps and I remembered Johnny blasting around the same track, having a great time in the pits and just being the lovely lad he was,” Scott said.

“At one point in the early 2000s Kirknewton on the outskirts of Wooler was the place to ride motorbikes and barbecue the night away.

“Johnny, his sister Leigh and younger brother Jack stayed at the same place I had spent a good chunk of my early teens under the watchful guidance of Sue and Bob Dunn.

“Johnny and the crew were ripping around the fields and trying to get the bike sideways like their Bandits’ heroes.

“After deciding to give speedway a go Johnny progressed quickly and went from being a shy kid to the life and soul of any party, a proper laugh.

“But when it came to being in a team I think speedway was much too serious for Johnny and travelling the world a far more attractive pursuit.

“We were watching the World Team Cup Final at Alan Ferrow’s house when Johnny announced he was moving to Australia and he settled quickly into the lifestyle Down Under.

“The last time we met was at the 2019 Berwick Speedway Christmas party. Johnny turned up unannounced and received a massive welcome from everyone in the room.

“We hugged, laughed, drank … and drank a bit more!

“My thoughts are with Bob, Leigh, Jack and all of Johnny’s family at this difficult time.”

Alan Ferrow first got to know Johnny after Bob Dunn asked him to help build a 125cc for the fledgling star to learn sliding on the local beaches.

Alan said: “Over the years I formed a close bond with the family and it was great to watch Johnny progress and become the fun-loving outgoing lad we all loved so dearly.

“Later in life Johnny settled in Australia and never looked back. Every couple of years he would make the trip home to visit family and friends and it was like he had never been away.

“The only thing was Johnny’s new Irish accent – I mean who goes to Australia and gets an Irish accent?

“Until the day we meet again at that race track in the sky, rest in peace my friend.”

Berwick promoter and team manager,  Gary Flint, added: “Before he moved to Australia Johnny and I were both friends and neighbours and used to enjoy a beer or two on a Monday night watching the speedway on TV or playing darts.

“In fact it was after a few beers we decided we would have another crack at the speedway, just for a bit of fun.

“The truth is Johnny never rode again but did become my biggest fan that year, travelling with me to every meeting and rushing us home so we could make it to Bedrocks before closing.

“Johnny my friend life has taken you way too soon and my thoughts go out to all your family.”