DAN McCORMICK WE are sad to report that legendary Cradley promoter, Dan McCormick passed away on Wednesday, 12th November 2014. Aged 85, he died in hospital at noon, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with liver cancer. Dan is credited by many as the catalyst who transformed the fortunes of the Heathens when arriving in 1977. As one of the sport’s greatest promoters, he was the man who first brought the likes of Bruce Penhall, Erik Gundersen and Bobby Schwartz to England as Cradley riders, as well as capturing the signatures of Alan Grahame, Phil Collins and Anders Michanek, amongst many others. Always a flamboyant showman, Dan created a whirlwind of publicity during his time at Dudley Wood which propelled Cradley into both the headlines and the history books. Famous for his wily transfer wheeling and dealing, as much as his fabulously entertaining ‘Straight Talking’ programme notes, he knew exactly how to make sure supporters were involved and entertained. Frequently outspoken, articulate and enthusiastic, he had a wonderful way with words that could inspire and delight those around him. It could equally land him in trouble with the sport’s authorities, when he decided to tell things exactly as he saw them! If Cradley found themselves out of the limelight, Dan would find a way to bring back the attention. He knew how to manage and manipulate the press, which brought column inches as well as getting the turnstiles clicking. Commenting in his typical style on a 1978 victory, he boasted that the match had ‘everything that could be asked for – skills, thrills, great excitement and the kind of result that boosted production in every Black Country workshop!’ In later years, he spoke eloquently about his enduring love for Cradley supporters and was passionate about his years at Dudley Wood being his favourite time in speedway. Although he departed to take over at Birmingham in 1980, his three and a half years at the helm for the Heathens left an incredible legacy. Climbing up the league table and achieving cup success under Dan’s stewardship, the bulk of his riders formed the league winning side of 1981, whilst Penhall and Gundersen went on to recommend and nurture Cradley’s future stars such as Greg Hancock, Billy Hamill and Jan O Pedersen. Following his retirement, he spent many hours on the golf course but always loved to talk about his time in speedway and reminisce about the good old days with his favourite riders and supporters. He leaves behind two loving children, Barry and Angela, as well as the five grandchildren upon whom he doted: Ellie, Josh, William, Nicholas and Alexander. Fighting illness in his final months with his usual determination and courage, Dan had remarkably won his last golf tournament only a year ago, aged 84. He will be mourned by family and friends, as well as an appreciative legion of adoring Heathens fans, who will always remember his crucial lasting influence on Cradley Heath Speedway. The club will remember Dan with a minutess applause at the start of their presentation evening on Saturday.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 23:20:26 +0000
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