Large Crowd Attended Opening Of Opotiki Motor Cycle Club’s New Track

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 35, 6 April 1948, Page 6

Large Crowd Attended Opening Of Opotiki Motor Cycle Club’s New Track

A crowd of approximately 400 attended the Tiki Motor Cycle Club’s new track at Opotiki on Easter Saturday for the official opening. The weather, though overcast, remained fine, except for a light shower which did not affect the track.

There was some very good racing and speeds, considering the slope and surface of the track, were surprisingly good. Fastest time of the day was gained by J. Marsh of Whakatane, riding his 3£- Triumph. He lapped the 0-8 mile circuit in lmin. 40secs.

The most exciting race was the Second Open Handicap where the back-markers J. Marsh of Whakatane, and D. Benson (Matchless) and A. Sneddon (Norton) both of Gisborne, threaded their way through a big field to take the places. The Norton did not have quite enough sting to stay with the Matchless and Triumph but finished a close third. The Triumph and Matchless staged a great duel as both riders fell and remounted and although the Matchless had better acceleration than the Triumph the Whakatane rider made up the leeway by superior cornering. In the run to the judge the Matchless won by a length with the Norton three lengths away third. In the miniature T.T. Handicap it appeared at one stage as if D. Henry on his Levis would out-dis-tance the Triumph, but in an exciting finish was placed third to J. Marsh and A. Marsh. Another Whakatane rider to do well was F. Cameron, who rode excellently in the 2f handicap to take first place—a good example of an experienced rider, outwitting the more experienced competitors. Results: —

2-4- h.p. Handicap: B. Woods B.S.A. (Whakatane) 1; Brown B.S.A. (Gisborne) 2; J. Hudson Velocette (Gisborne) 3. 2f h.p. Handicap: F. Cameron Triumph (Whakatane) 1; T. Parkinson B.S.A. (Opotiki) 2; McKay B.S.A. (Opotiki) 3. First Open Handicap: D. Henry Levis (Whakatane) 1; Hendrick Rudge (Auckland) 2; D. Griffiths Royal Enfield (Opotiki) 3. Second Open Handicap: D. Benson Matchless (Gisborne) 1; J. Marsh Triumph (Whakatane) 2; A. Sneddon Norton (Gisborne) 3. Miniature T.T. Handicap: J. Marsh 1, A. Marsh 2, D. Henry. 3. 3J h.p. Handicap:' J. Marsh 1; Hendrick 2; the only finishers. Consolation Handicap: G. Dunlop B.S.A. ("Opotiki) 1; D. Griffiths 2; A. Marsh 3. Long Jump: J. Marsh 22ft. 9ins. 1; F. Cameron 20ft. Bins. 2; D. Henry and A. Marsh 18ft. 7ins. 3.