BROADSIDING.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20093, 24 November 1930, Page 8

BROADSIDING.

opening of season. THRILLING races. Although marred by an unfortunate accident,, which resulted in s.erious injuries being sustained by ono of the riders,' G. Chambers, the commencement of the broadsiding season iu Christcliurch on Saturday 4 evening showed that dirt track racing has made considerable .strides since last year, and over 30 riders are now taking part in the spore, arrangements having also been made for the appearance here of many riders from other centres and countries. Stadiums (Christchurch) Ltd. were accorded a largo and enthusiastic puulic support at Monica Park, when they provided close and exciting racing. Spills were numerous, but except for one, were of a minor character and should decrease in numbers as the season advances. Broadsiding made an appeal to the public last year, which promises to be eclipsed in all respects this season, for the seating accommodation at the park was fully taxed at the opening meeting, when there were about 4000 people present, and generous applauso greeted commendable performances when they were recorded. If Saturday's racing improves, as is promised, it seems that there will Ixs no lack of continued support, and the assurance of the promoters is given that attractions for tho next few months will be of the highest standard. Local riders showed that they have improved on their last year's times and will in all probability be the equals of most of those who visit the country from outside. They were that, and more, on Saturday. Two Australian riders, H. Durkin and E. Hamberger, added to the attractions of the first meeting, but they were dogged by bad luck for the greater part' of the evening, and failed to reach tho finals in any events. Their riding, however, in the heats showed their' capabilities, and had spills and engine trouble not attended them, they would have given spectators all tho thrills tliev wanted in both handicap and scratch races. They travelled round the bends without relaxing their speed, and sending a shower of cinders behind tliem, raced ahead of their opponents On several occasions. But a few of the local riders, although taking less risks, managed to hold the Australians off, and. by avoiding unnecessary trouble, put np good performances which won for them tho leading places. E. 11 Marsh, I'. Lunn, and N. Jl. Gray impressed most, and before tho season is far advanced will prove strong opponents for any men who race at Monica Park. Lunn won the final of the scratch race alone, but even if no :■ accidents had attended the other competitors, would have taken a lot of beating. Me also gained third placo m Hie first division handicap whero good riding by Marsh was spoiled by his crashing in tho second lap when he was catching the lenders rapidly. A popular win ras that of C. Kennedy in the second division handicap. Kennedy rode in those races last season, but frequently met with mishaps. On Saturday he took care to keep out of trouble on tho bends and was tho ectti.il of Anyone in the straights, whero he held his ground like tho best of the first-grado riders, finishing with a great' burst in final to win by less than the length of his motor-eycle. The ricing will be continued next. Saturday, when the Australians will again lie appearing and keen racing is anticipated.

TTcaiiltß vera as .follo'.vs: I'IKST DIVISION' HANDICAP. (four La i»a. Ono Mile.) First Heat— E. G. Tyke (6nw) i, J. Carter (7aoc) 2. Time, Imin 3S l-Bsco., N. Uttj featf " trouble ".fitb 1)3 machine ana retired early." Second Heat —E. R. ■ Marsh (4aec) 1, H. Dnrkin (scr) 2. Time, lrotn 29 3-6sco. Third Heat—l*. Lucn (Isec) 1, II J. Hor* (Tepc) 2. Tirae, lroin KOsec. E. Hamberger (scr) failed to get n»ar the leaders.. Semi-final—Marsh 1, Carter 2. Time. Itr.in 28 2 oe.xr. "Won l>y thirty yards. Second Semi-final—Hore 1, Lunn 2. Time, lmin 31 4-sr<ec. Won by ten yards. Durkin »<c.rto(l slowly,' and could isot maic up the leeway. Final. Hore .. 1 Hartor .. .. □ Lunn .. .. 3 ■ -Time,' lmin '2O S-.ise?., Marsh, on the game mark as Lunn, werfc away fast and ww ditching Horo and Carter when he fell in the second lap and retired. Hore went to the front- and von by tho len-gth of the stiaight, with Lunn well bacV. SECOND DIVISION* HANDICAP. Kour Laps. Ono Mile.

First Heat—G. Wicks (lsec) 1, K. ii. Stow l4tec) 2. 'Piute, lmin 38 l-s»ec. Second Heat—R. E. Russell (Isoc) 1, G. CI ambers (ecr) 2. Time, lmin 39 4-seec. I Third Heat—C. Kennedy (6sec) 1, E. Brown ' N lsee) 2. Time, lmin 48 3-ssec. First Semi-final—Wicks 1, Stow 2. Time, , lmin 37 l-58ec. Won &y twenty yards. Second Semi-final—Kennedy 1. Time, lmin SO l-ssec Chambers, turning into tho back straight in the last lap, hit against , tho side of the etadium, and fell limp on \ his machine, which continued for 75 yards ! before the rider fell off. Chambers was j badly injured, and was taken off the track . unconscious. | Final. Kennedy .. .. ..1 Wicka !. .. 2 Time, lmin 41 l-ssec. Kennedy's -was a popular win. Ho led all the way, though Wicks drew almost level in the third' lap. In a great finish, Kennedy won by less than a length. BIG NINE INVITATION SCRATCH RACE. . (One mile, rolling ©tart.) First - Heat—P. Lunn 1, N. E. Neill 2. Tune, lmin - 25 4-ssec. .H. Durkin etarted in this heat, but • after taking the lead J •at the start he fell entering the straight I after the first lap and retired. ! Second Heat—N. R. Grav 1, E. G. Pyke 2 Time, lmin 27 4-sseo. , Third Heat —C. Blacklock 1, 'E. Hnmberger 2. Time, lmin 26 2-ssec. E. Marsh fell at the firßt bend. Final. Lunn .. .. .. ..1 Time, Imm 25 3-Ssec. Gray fell badly on tho first bend, leaving Lunn and Blacklock. The latter had a apill in the third Tap and Lunn finished alone. WELLINGTON RESULTS. ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM .. ; WELLINGTON. November 23. ■ The results ot the - speedway racing, at Kilbirnie Stadium on Saturday were as follows: Miramar Handicap, for first division riders—W. Viggars 1,-' P. McGhee 2. Time, 90 3-ssec. Australia and New Zealand Big Nine Invitation . Scratch' Race^—J. Bishop (Australia) 1, R. McGhee 2. Time, S2eeo. • Wellington Handicap, three lap 3. only—J.Richards 1, J. Leslie* 2. Time, 75sec.