Mr Overall, who died this week, was the engine behind upgrades to the club’s Buninyong complex, Redline Raceway president Mick Purdie said.

In a post to the Redline Raceway’s Facebook page on Tuesday, Mr Purdie said Mr Overall was a major benefactor of the club, and had supported upgrades to track lights and clubrooms.

“The complex wouldn’t be what it is without his input. He was an absolute gentlemen,” Mr Purdie, who met Mr Overall at the Redline Raceway 37 years ago, said.

“Ern loved his speedway, loved his family and he loved travelling and visiting people and has raced all around the countryside.

“He’d go anywhere for a race.”

Mr Overall, who raced cars himself, ran a used car business on Howitt Street, Wendouree for 51 years.

“He taught me a lot about friendship, how to look after people, help each other out, make the most of everything you’ve got,” Mr Purdie said.

“When I was learning (racing) I wasn’t that bad but I wasn’t that good either. He’d give everyone tips and what to do and how to go about it.”

The Facebook post remembered Mr Overall as “an inspiration”.

“Ern will be sadly missed, he was an inspiration to many and a great friend to a hell of a lot of people in the speedway family. R.I.P. Ern, another legend at the great big race track in the sky.”