Ashley Stichbury 1971-2002 The spark has gone for one of New Zealand's brightest motorsport stars. Ashley passed away suddenly on Friday the 17th May 2002 after a brain haemorrhage. We had the privilege of knowing Ashley's family for many years and Freda and I can say that Ashley was the sort of person any Mum and Dad would be proud of. To his wife and son, Anna and Zak, we can only say that we are sorry and we know you have lost a great Mate and a good Dad, although we did not know you well our thoughts are with you. To his Mum and Dad, Susan-Jane and Paul, our heart felt condolences, we know you will be devastated, but on the other hand you can be proud he was a fine son and above all a great race driver. We know he had the skills to challenge the best and would have done so If he had the chance. You did your best for him and he did his best, in life you can't ask for more than that. If there is a racing circuit in the sky he will be there and he will be doing what he loved even if it is in an; Austin 7, a 960 Mini , Humber 80, or better still a V8 (He was a quicker learner than his father):):):):):):):):). Ashley had a distinguished career in NZ motorsport and remains the only driver to have won the Formula Ford Championship in consecutive years as well as winning ; Karting championships, NZ TransAm Championships, and the V8 touring car championship. Ashley also raced at Bathhurst with limited preparation and showed that he knew how to drive and could foot it with the best. You gave us many thrills and we will miss you. Keep the pedal to the metal. Don and Freda