SPORT AT SPEEDWAY

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 46, 24 February 1930, Page 16

SPORT AT SPEEDWAY

PEARCE BREAKS RECORD KEEN RACING * : "Four laps of ilic track at the Kilbirnio Stadium' Speedway were covered by Frank Pearce, on Saturday uiglit iv the sensational time of lmiu IS 3-Dsee, aud itn- ■ mediately after this exceptional performance, Wally Kilmister, the New Zealand champion "cinder-shifter improved upon his own previous best time by recording Imin 20seo for. the four laps. -: It was at tbe outset of the meeting that each of these riders was given an opportunity of J ■breaking the existing record (Imin 20sec, made by Charlie Spinks and equalled by Pcarce), aud their brilliant achievements set the evening's proceedings moving to a tune which thrilled the largo crowd of spectators. Peurce's machine took a little time to warm up to the state required for record-breaking, but the rider ■was able to flash away to a Hying start, and, handling his mount with great skill, especially; on the bends, he gave a daring display of speed on the cinders- "It was obvious to all that the record was within his grasp, and a great cheer went up when the time for four laps was announced as Imin 18 3-oscc. This was only five seconds outside the best time made by Pearce on Davies Park. Brisbane, which stood as q, world's record until-a few weeks ago. In the course of his successful at tempt on Saturday night, Pearce also set up a new record for one lap—l 9 l-ssec. The previous best for a lap during the course of an event covering four laps was 19 3-5 sec, by Spinks and Pearce. That Kilmister is rising to great heights on the "dirt track" was shown by his fine attempt, and he, too, received an ovation from the crowd. The lap times for the two riders ■were: — * Pearce. Kilmister. First lan , 19 1-asec 20 2-ssec-Scconu lap> 19 3-ssec 20sec Third lap " IDo-osec 19 4-ssee Fourth lap. 20 l-ssec 194-ssec I'ull distance imiu IS 3-ssec Imin 20sec During the meeting there were numerous other outstanding performances, with' plenty of thrills, some of the latter being provided by spills, none of which, however, was of a serious nature. L. van Praag,'of Australia, made his best showing to date, winning each of two heats of the Hig Three International, Scratch contest in Imiu 21scc. Ho was opposed by Kilmister and Pearce in three races, and by winning two he carried off principal honours. Jn the first heat of this event a. thrilling duel resulted in favour of Kilmister by. half a wheel. In other events there were finishes for places equally _as close, and quite a number of thrilling battles took place on the'bends. Spectacular broadsiding displays were frequent, and iv these Max Graham and Eric Whittle were conspicuous. These two Australians-appeared in a challenge match, in which Whittle took two heats and Graham one. Whittle also showed up prominently in the first division handicap, and filled second place to T. Wilkinson, ■who was in fine form and did exceedingly well to succeed with his 29i h.p. engine. P: M'Ghee was third in the handicap. But for ,a spill JE. .Naylor would1, have played a. prominent part, as he had been riding better than ever. Naylor won the Kilbirrde Special Six event, and in heat and final his times were better than he had previously registered on the track. K. Ranby, ■who was second in the Special Six, with P. Phillips third; improved upon his previous best /time, from a standing start in the op^ri handicap.' Performances all through were excellent. By way of variety a turn was provided by a "tired" rider on a machine with uneven wheels, and this •was greatly appreciated. , Early arrivals at-the'Stadium were also-entertained by an aeroplane flying low over the ground before landing at the aerodrome on returning from Blenheim. DETAILED RESULTS. The following are the results of racing In detail:—.. : SPEEDWAY SPECIAL SIX. , ._:' ;. (Four;*'laps, . Rolling start.). , I'lrst heat.—E. Naylor 1, P. JU'Ghee 2. Also started: .'I. Wilkinson. Naylor gained the lead at the first bend, but over the second and third laps Wilkinson made up leeway and was almost on terms with the leader at the northern bend In tho fourth lap when he fell. Naylor iron by 60 yards from M'Ghee and recorded liis best time for the track—lmin 23 2-sseo. Xaylor's'lap times were: First, 20 3-ssec; second, 20 4-ssec; third, 21sec; Fourth, 21sec. Second heat.—P. Phillips 1, It. Ranby 2, W. B. Harvie 3. At the outset Phillips,.from No. 3. position, made a big effort to gain the lead and succeeded in heading oil Ranby, ■ while Harvie's chances were affected through his way being blocked at the first bend. In the third lap Harvie recovered well from some big Skids and then set out to overhaul Ranby, Phillips then having a commanding lead. Phillips won easily, but there was a' great finish for second place, Ranby-beating Harvio by only half a ■wheel. Times: Phillips, Imin 25 lrosec; Kanby, lmln 27 3-ssec: Harvie, Imin 27 4-ssec. Final. . £. Kaylor (Oouglcs) 1 K. Kanby (8.5.A.) 2 P. Phillips (VVallis) 3 ■At the, first attempt the riders failed to get away, Ranby having machine trouble. The second effort resulted In a great start. Naylor quickly, gained the lead, with the other two competitors having a keen tussle. At halfway Is'aylor was still going well, with Ranby moving up. Naylor maintained his advantage and won by 30 yards. Ranby and Phillips provided an exciting finish for second place, the former being half a length to the good at the post. Times: Naylor, lmln 23 3-ssee; Ranby, Imin' 25 l-ssec; Phillips, Imin 25 2-ssec. Naylor's lap times were: First, 21sec; second, 20 3-ssec; third, 21sec; fourth, 21sec. SPECIAL CHALLENGE RACE. (Four laps. Rolling start.) First heat.—M. Graham (Australia), 1; B. Whittle (Australia), 2. At the first attempt the riders did not get away together, but the next start was good, and Graham made the most of his advantage in having the inside running. At each bend showers of cinders were sent up, and these appeared to affect Whittle, who, however, repeatedly made spirited endeavours to overtake his opponent. Graham was hot to be caught and won by about 25 yards. Times: Graham, liuiin; 24 4-ssec; Whittle, Imin 2Gsec. " . Second heat.—E. Whitto, 1; M. Graham, 2. Trom the inside position, Whittle was soon in front, and with each lap his lead was increased. The riding was every bit1 as specUcular as in the first heat. Whittle had a long lead in the fourth lap, and it was well for h/m that ha had this advantage, as the chain of his motor-cycle came off at the last bend. He had enough in hand to win comfortably. Times: Whittle, Imin 24 l-ssec; Graham, Imin 27sec. Third heat.—E. Whittle (Douglas), 1; M. Graham (Douglas), 2. For the deciding heat Whittle wns on Iho outside. The pair had a. thrilling encounter at the first bend, and the result gave Graham the lead. Whittle subsequently niad« strong endeavours to pass Graham, and the chance came in the thirdlap when Graham made a wido sweep in negotiating a bend. Whittle then established a good lead and won by about 30 yards. The contest between I he two ridera was spectacular and thrilling Times: Whittle, Imin 24 2-ssec: Graham, Imin 26 l-ssoc. BIG THREE IN-TEKNATIQNAL. . (Four laps. Rolling sta#.). .. Tirst heat.—W. Kilmister {New Zealand), i; 1,, van Praag (Australia),. 2. Also started: F. Pearce (Australia). .From the luslde posU tion, van Praag tool:' the lead from Kilmister, Pearce (on the other) getting the worst of the.battle oh the Srst beuJ.. Attar a lap had been covered Pearee dropped 'jut. The othsr two ro(!e on in prrs:. style, van Prang maintaining his Uv.j ';vcr :he nexi' two lape. Tho last lap was Mnillins. KllmlsUr entered a strong eha'kiigi'. ».'i'i vlien the .Australian went Into a big sli-.ie »v the last b«;;ci KilmistcT broadsided rom.d him ami. gaining the .lend, he shot through in the iusMe running in the straight. A final iwrft ny run Praag accounted for a stirriiij r.nlsli, in wbicli Kilmistsr won bj hsif a wiict-l. Tlmta: 'iilmisiar, Imin 22 2-Osec; j van Prate, '.ml" 2i Ti-risec. I 3«cond !;e»t.' -U. r.m Prass, 1: W. Kiimtsler. 2; V. Viiirt, s. J'or this heat Kilmister wns en tije i!is!<;o, mio v&n Praajt ie No. 3 position. After <!•><• falss start, t.hij trio flashed awsy in On*, uuu k r;rsat efTort by van Praag U*»e aim Ihe luti i'roio Kilmlsier on uegoUntiag vJif fljat 'tnni. Faatco »»as well beliind, .ißd did nat appear to set tl-.o best from his mtthlxe M »n» :))ajt of thu race. Great ridiu? •iy »'Bii Pr/!'? Z»»« Kilmlstat oc chnnca of iwul'i1! ';''J iivi-vl'im «uccc?3; in fact, over th» !»«i ■«!' '"'•"" •■'rsig fncraased iil» lead and wja br a^oji i<> vprds. putting up hia best Jtae (or 'lie iradt.' The times wee«: Van IV1«E. -'Till! Slsw: Kllmlslsi", Jm!n 22 2-osec;: Peary, i-c!a 2.1 t-l<ic. Tf.jrrl '.it*i.—L. t:m Vra.ii. ' I «"• Pe«rce, i. X\k .•: !'-:<;ii. \V. Kilmifier. On tills occasion Tansy.-; i.sil r!io (nslflc with Kilmistcr on the I cute1: "n't ajrn.'n ihcre wean great strugKifc for t!ir >?.>:. in tliis Tan Praag prevailed gt«c irif rs."\'.'Ou:;'aif.". lOimiatur had X hard' i-er/ to ::■-■■.■ ?.i.d in il;e mcond lap he was com- ! fit V.iii :o drop oat owinii t:i his chain coming off. i'.-.iice i.Ttjs'f! v»c Praag botly, but Iho latUr. -.■•hf.-.rjrg utatLl ?orro, kept to the front tluough<.-ui liie atirrln;,' encounter and won

by fifteen yards. The times wero:__ Van Praag, lrain 21sec; I'carcc, lmin 22 l-ssec. Final Result. Points were awarded for cadi beat as follows: First s,'second 3, third 1. The final result was:— L. van Praag (llarlcy), 13 points J. W. Kilmister (IJracec Bougies), 8 points .. j. 1)'. I'oarco (Norton), 4 points >> FIRST DIVISION UANDICAP. (Four laps. Standing t>tart.) First Heat.—P. M'Ghee (3sec), 1; E. Whittle. Australia <:2soc), 2: A. Blair Msec), 3. Also started: \V. Viggars (oscc). liy tlio tlmo Whittle was properly under way Vlggars had covered half a lap. Tho latter, however, experienced machine trouble An the second lap and dropped, out, M'Ghee then takiug the lead, with' Whlttlu making up ground. Blair had engine trouble iv the last lap. M'Ghce won !by twenty-five yards from the Australian. !Times: M'Ghee. lmiu 32 2-ssee; Whittle, lmin |33sec; Blair, lmin 3!) 2-ssec. ■ ' Secoud Heat. —P. Phillips (<lseci, 1; E. Naylor. (3sec). 2, W. B. Harvlo (2sec), 3. Also started: L. Van l'raag (Australia), scr. All moved off well. Phillips setting a solid pace and maiciug the most of Ills start. Into the third lap van Prang's progress was checked and tho''Australian subsequently dropped out. Harvie lost ground through a big skid when lie looked like gaining second place to Phillips, who won by six lengths from Naylor, with Harvie four lengths away third. Times: Phillips, lmin 30'3-ssec; Naylor, lmiu 31 2-ssee; Harvie, lmin 31scc. Third..Heat.—C. .Tonka (3sec), 1; T. Wilkinson (2sec), 2; V. Grove (3scc), 3. Also started:, .W. Kilmister (scr). Neither Wilkinson nor Kilmister wero quick to begin, but Grove displayed good form and acted as pilot for threo laps. Kilmister dropped out In the second lap, after which Tonks set out to pass Grovo, and Wilkinson also mado a spirited bid over the last lap. A keen finish resulted in Tonks winning by two lengths from Wilkinson, who was four lengths clear of Grove. Times: Tonks, lmin 30 2-ssec; Wilkinson, lmin SOsec; Grovo, lmin 34sec. Fourth Heat. —It. Ranby (3sec), 1; J?. Pearce, (Australia) (scr), 2; 11. Graham, Australia (2sec), 3. Also started: 3. Young (4aec). All got away well, and over tho first lap Young was passed by tho other three competitors. Ranby stalled off early challenges from Graham, who was later passed by Pearce. The riding was good and the competition keen, Ranby winning a fine race by 15 yards from Pearce, who made a fine recovery from a big bump in the third lap. Graham was about 25 yards behind Pearce. Times: Rauby. lmin 29 3-sscc (his fastest to date from a standing start); Fearce, lmin 2Ssec; Graham, lmin 32 sec. First Semi-final.— E. Whittle (2sec), 1; P. M'Ghee'(3sec), 2. Also started: E. Naylor (3sec), and P. Phillips (4sec). Naylor and Whittle were slow In starting, but the former was soon in front and there, ha remained until the last lap. Meanwhile M"Ghee and Phillips were having a kceu tusslo with Whittle coming fast. Half-way round tho last lap M'Ghee fell, and then, at the last bend, Naylor, who was leading, and Phillips both fell heavily, though well clear of each other. Whittle evaded all the fallen riders and won casing up without opposition, M'Gheo finishing some, time later. Whittle's time was lmin 37sec. None of the riders wag seriously hurt, though Naylor was badly shaken. Second Semi-final.—T. Wilkinson (2sec), 1; R. Ranby (3sec). 2; C. Tonks (3sec), 3. Also started: F. Pearce (scr). Tho Australian was slow to get under way and did not go far before dropping nut. Wilkinson rode well, and in the third lap took the lead .from Tonks. The latter experienced a big slide in tho last lap and Kanby passed him as he was recovering. Wilkinson won by 40 yards, but there was little between second and third. Times: Wilkinson, lmiu 29sec.: Ranby, lmin 32sec; Tonks, lraln 32 3—ssec. ; ■'.. ■ 1.-'..,, ■...'.. ; FINAL. ■' •■ '•■ ''" T. Wilkinson, 2sec (Harley) 1 E. Whittle, 2scc (Douglas) 2 P. M'Ghee, 3sec (Harley) 3 Also started: K. Ilanby, 3scc (8.5.A.). Whittle was slowest In moving off, and Eanby's prospects were affected by a fall.. Wilkinson led from Whittle al half-way, and kept riding In good style during the remainder of a keenly-contested race. Whittle, could not catch Wilkinson, who won by 20 yards and put up a splendid performance considering 'that he was on a 2% machine. The times were: Wilkinson, lmin 28 3-ssec; Whittle, lmin 30 sec; M'Ghee, lmin 38sec. Ranby did not waste any, time in remounting after his fall and ho filled fourth place.