Congratulations to Billy Wright! Inducted into the British BMX Hall of Fame Class of 2024, David Maw Lifetime Achievement Award

Billy’s involvement in British BMX dates back to the very beginning in 1980/81. He would hang out with his brother, Winnie Wright, and all the other guys from Westway Track. He even did some racing at Westway and could hold his own against the locals.

You could often find him helping kids fix their bikes and offering words of encouragement at the start hill to new, young riders.

Billy found his way into photography and began taking pictures at the early races. Over the years, this led to him traveling all over the world.

He started photographing Regionals and Nationals in the UK, and soon after, he could be seen at European races and even the Grands in the USA.

Billy would make his own way, covering his costs by train, plane, and automobile. He didn’t drive himself, but he often received offers of rides from other BMXers and BMX parents.

He later began selling photos and posters of the pictures he took, which everyone loved.

Billy was always smiling, just like his brother Winnie. He would arrive at races with all his bags, sometimes walking or taking a bus from the local station.

Billy has also done a lot of charity work. As long as I have known him, he’s been involved in numerous summer camps as a support leader, a role that started during his time in the Sea Cadets. Recently, he was awarded recognition for his charity work, ranking in the top 5 Units in Greater London. He also received a Long Service Medal. He joined the Sea Cadets at the age of 11, and he turned 60 this year.

Matt Allen, of the BMX Talk website, began using many of Billy’s photos from various events, which provided great content. This also helped spread Billy’s name. To this day, he still sends Matt photos to post on the BMX Talk Facebook page and never charges a penny – he’s just happy that people enjoy and use them.

Billy has been an integral part of the UK BMX scene for over 40 years, and it wouldn’t feel right if he weren’t there in the middle of the track taking pictures.

Photo – BMX.Photos / Words – Scott Dick