Shining Lights of The Speedways

NZ Truth, Issue 1262, 6 February 1930, Page 16

Shining Lights of The Speedways

Broadsiding

(Prom "Truth's" Speedway Rep.) Glancing back .over the speedway meetings held In Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch during the past few weeks, the outstanding Impression Is the phenomenal Improvement In the "local" men In both the first and second divisions. When the season opened, most of the local men were mere tyros who s were lucky to finish the distance Inside the 110 mark. THIS state of affairs has passed, especially at Kilbirnie, where the second division men are finishing well under the hundred second mark. It was essential for the sport if it were to continue that the "fans" should have the thrill, and there •is certainly none when the mile occupies over^JLOO/ seconds. Realising this the respective managements m the three speedway centres saw to it that 'backbone was put into their meetings by "star" performers from overseas. While some of the Imported riders have not come up to full expecta--tlons, enough has been seen of the "stars" to show that the • manage-

merits' policy of the best available was the only policy to pursue to keep the sport "on side" with the public. .The competition from overseas has proved an excellent thing for the local riders, who without exception, go "all out" for the big money. And they have to move when m the company of such riders as Charlie , Splnks, 9yd. Perkins, Frank Pearce, Billy Stipcewich, L.es. , Lawrence, Van Praag Arthur Mann, Frank Bennish and other flrst-olaßß performers. Spinks's visit to Wellington was an eye-opener for patrons and opponents alike. Nothing to equal his riding has been seen m New Zealand. His final appearance at Kilbirnie was a triumph. His Initial appearance m Christchurch gave the "fans a taste of what this rider can do when once he gets set. Kllblrnle holds the record for the best average times, and it Is a rare thing for the mile to exceed 100 sees. The same cannot be said for Auckland and Christchurch, where times, generally' speaking, are much slower. Local records fell beneath the wheels of Frank Pearce's machine at Western

Springs, Auckland, on Saturday, Wally '4 Kllmister's time being shortened by 2 3-5 ii sees, to 1.25, while the Australian also s; set' a new lap record of 20 4-5. . i Inspired by his example, Perkins, the other Australian, and the local lad, Matt- r son, also rode as though possessed, and ' they, too, beat the old record, only to ■ ',- see their times shattered by Pearce. { Spinks's first appearance m the third /• I heat of the Open Handicap In Christchurch had the Tvhole nine thousand spectators on their feet ovar the last half-mile. With two laps gona he seemed to be hopelessly out of it, but he : joined the three other riders m front of him at fehs last bend, and came homa iike a whirlwind. It was the finest finish ever seen on Monica Park and showed Spinks up as a great match rider. Ernie Marsh, Christchurch rider, who is back on the two seconds mark, put up the fastest time ever recorded by a local man when he won the final heat of the \ gold sash race from Eric Pyke. ' Miss Fay Taylour (England) made a ■ welcome reappearance, and .' beat Peter McGhee In two out of three heats, her time being 88 3-5 and 87 sees, respective- : \ ly. .