OUT FOR SPEED

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 5, 28 March 1927, Page 9

OUT FOR SPEED

CYCLISTS AT TAKAPUNA CONDITIONS AGAINST RECORDS Unfortunately for riders and spectators the conditions at Takapuna racecourse on Saturday afternoon were not favourable for records by motor cyclists, and the Auckland Motor Racing Club which was in contro l of the race meeting decided to abandon the record events. This was a disappointment, particularly as Percy Coleman, who was riding extremely well, appeared to have a very good chance of reducing the heavy-weight record for a grass track. As it was Coleman did not have his engine on full throttle once during the afternoon. There was, however, some very fine racing, though Mr. J. C. Kay, the handicapper found that he had an almost impossible task to re-adjust his starting to meet the altered conditions. The track was suffering from the rains of the week and was heavy and corrugated. The machines wquld not pick up when opened out because of the rear wheels skidding. Spectators were however presented with several thrills, one of which they would willingly have foregone. This was when J. A. Davidson, in the second lap of the Glasgow Handicap, skidded badly, going out of the straight, hit the fence, removed a section of railing and shifted two posts, smashed his machine into a wreck and suffered very severe injuries. He was immediately conveyed by ambulance to hospital in a

critical condition. The riders were flagged to stop, and the race was started again. At the starting post one big machine burst into flames, but these were quickly extinguished with a small fire-extinguisher. The rider suffered severe burns. E. Brier sustained a sprained wrist while riding. The heavy nature of the track caused a lot of trouble to riders, and several machines were either put out of action or had to have minor repairs effected. A band was in attendance and played during the short intervals* between races. The meeting, under the supervision of Mr. T. W. Maben. secretary, and his committee, was extremely well run. Results: TAKAPUNA HANDICAP (5 miles).— Morgan (Harley Davidson), scr, 1; J. Ratcliffe (Velosette), lOsec., 2: R. J. Keeling (A.J.S.), 20sees., 3. Fourteen starters. Won by a chain. Time, 4mins 53£secs. AUCKLAND HANDICAP (5 miles). —W. Allen (Norton), 20secs, 1: W. H. Herbert (Indian), ssecs, 2; E. Hall (Norton), 20 secs, 3. Ten starters. Time, smins 3secs. ALISON HANDICAP (7 miles). —L. G Curtis, 20secs, 1; Arnott, ITisecs, 2; F. Coleman, scr., 3. All Harley Davidsons. Seven starters. Won by a length of the straight. A-quarter of a wheel separated second and third riders. Time, 6mins 30sec. SPORTS HANDICAP (5 miles).—W. White (Rex Acme), 25sec., 1; P. A. Barker (8.5. A.), bsec., 2; L. Coulthart (8.5. A.), scr., 3. Five starters. Won by two chains. Time, 7.5. GLASGOW HANDICAP (8 miles).— D. Managh (Norton), 40sec., 1; W. Allen (Norton), 45sec., 2; P. Coleman (HarleyDavidson), scr., 3. Eighteen starters. Won by 200 yards. Fifty yards separated second and third riders. Time, 7.31 2-5. Coleman’s best time for a round was 50sec., which is considerably over his

best performance at the last meeting, owing to the heavy condition of the course.’ DEVONPORT HANDICAP (5 miles). —R. J. Keeling (A.J.S.), 45sec., 1; O. Goodwin (0.E.C.), losec., 2; W. White (Rex. Acme;. 25sec., 3. There were 11 starters. Won by 30yds. Time, smin. RENOWN HANDICAP (7 miles). — B. T. O’Brien (A.J.S.), 17isec., 1; C. Goodwin 10.E.C.), 37£sec., 2; C. Walker (A.J.S.), 37Jsec., 3. Fifteen starters. Won by a length in a great finish. Time. 6min STisec. BIRKENHEAD HANDICAP (7 miles). —R. Ranby (Indian), 35sec., 1; W. H. Herbert (Indian). 25sec, 2; P. Colemaji (Harley-Davidson), scr.. 3. Nine starters. Won by 100 yards. CHELTENHAM HANDICAP (6 miles). —L S . Coleman (Harley-Davidson;, scr., 1; W. H. Herbert (Indian). lTisec., 2; Arnott (Harley-Davidson), 10 sec., 3. Six teen starters. Won by 40 yards. Time, 6min. 32sec. FINAL HANDICAP (6 miles). —Arnott (A.J.S.), 1: D. Managh (Norton), 2; T. Morgan (Harley-Davidson), 3. Eight starters. Won by twenty yards. Time, smin. 40sec.