NO RECORDS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 6, 29 March 1927, Page 11

NO RECORDS

TAKAPUNA TRACK HEAVY INTERESTING SPEED EVENTS Fortune did not favour the Auckland Motor Racing - Club on Saturday afternoon, when it provided a meeting at the Takapuna racecourse for motorcyclists who had an inclination for speed. This was the second and final meeting of the season, the course from now on not being in suitable condition. Even on Saturday, though the weather was fine and several riders were prepared to contest the existing grass track records, the attempts had to be abandoned. The course was heavy after rain during the previous week, and fast speeds were impossible. Even when lapping at five seconds a lap slower than usual the experienced riders were having difficulty in keeping, his injuries resulting in death on thrilling “wobbling” on the bend going out of the straight. It was here that J. A. Davidson, a comparative newcomer to motor-cycle racing, lost control and crashed into the inside railing, his injuries resultinb in death on Sunday. Davidson had been passed in a test prior to the meeting and was considered a competent rider, but on appearances his experience was not sufficient to give him the control of older riders, under the conditions on Saturday. He kept too near the rails, and a tragedy occurred which has cast a gloom over public and riders. Percy Coleman, New Zealand’s crack rider and a racing public idol, told me he had not been able to give his machine a full throttle all day. When he attempted a quick pick-up his back wheel spun. Coleman’s best lap was under 50 seconds for the mile, a speed approaching 80 miles an hour, but this was not nearly so good as his performances at the first meeting of the season. On a hard course the handicapper can judge the speed possibilities to a second or so, but on Saturday’s heavj r track Mr. J. C. Kay, and his assistant, Mr. T. J. Regan, found themselves with the whole job to do over again after each race, and the results showed that anyone might win. The heavy going took its toll of the machines, and the d-cage after the first few races saw c much more serious congregation of riders and mechanics than is usually the case. Their time was fully occupied. On the subject of the birdcage let me remark that there were far too many casual spectators allowed to wander round, including ladies. With 30 or so machines, their riders and mechanics, and officials, the birdcage has a sufficient population. H. H. Moller, who recently returned to New Zealand, did not put his machine on the track. He dismantled the engine at the course, and did not put it together again. H. Mangham, in the third race, blew off his cylinder head, his Harley being laid up for the rest of the day. B. Bray broke a sprocket in his Douglas, and also went out of action for the remainder of the programme. Mangham rode Lemon’s bike in one race, and, in fact, several bikes were ridden by other than their usual riders as the day went by. In the Takapuna Handicap, R. Hill, with 30 seconds, got out on a good lead, and it was not until the fourth lap that Ratcliffe and Morgan took the lead, passing together with P. A. Butler third and Keiling fifth. Morgan on a light Harley managed to secure the prize by a chain from Ratcliffe on his Velocette, Keiling, A.J.S., being a hundred yards away third. There was a good finish in the Auckland Handicap. The late J. A. Davidson led away from the limit men on a Norton, but was replaced quickly by W. Allen. Allen kept in the lead all the way onwards from D. Managh and E. Hall, all riding Nortons, and the chase was provided by W. H. Herbert, riding well on a light Indian. He passed into second place but Allen used the bend coming into the straight the last time to better advantage, and successfully repelled the challenge, Winning by 50 yards. Eight machines were brought out for the Alison Handicap, seven miles. J. C. Lynne on the limit mark kept the lead for two laps, before L. G. Curtis and B. Bray took up the running. These two with Arnott held the lead for three rounds, interest centreing in Coleman’s attempt to catch them. Coleman did not get away well, and his first lap or two were slow. Curtis increased his lead and won by the straight. Arnott and Coleman provided a thrill in the straight, racing for second. Coleman passed Arnott at the entrance, but Arnott with a well-timed last effort caught Coleman slowing down, and beat him by a quarter of a wheel for second place. The Sports Handicap of five miles saw only five starters, three of whom finished. The Glasgow Handicap of eight miles started and was called off owing to the late J. A. Davidson's mishap. There were 20 starters in the second venture, which was controlled practically all the way by Managh and Bell, both on Nortons. Managh improved his position from the other lightweights, and won comfortably with two hundred yards to spare. Coleman did some brilliant riding, but had no chance on the course, the smaller machines holding their own on the bends. Coleman got third place, 50 yards behind Allen. His best mile was in 50 seconds. Keiling, with 45 seconds start on a 8.5. A., led all the way to win the Devonport Handicap, by 50 yards. Goodwin took second place in the fourth lap from the 15-second mark, and kept it. Another large field came out for the Renown Handicap of seven miles. H. B. Fletcher, W. White, C. Walker and C. Goodwin took the lead, and White came past first entering the second round, the other three spread out behind him. In the next lap, however, Goodwin, on an 0.E.C., took the lead, followed by Walker, T. Morgan and White. B. T. O’Brien, from the tail of the field on an A.J.S., was in fourth place with three laps to go, and improved in the next, only having Goodwin and Walker in front of him. A great finish ensued. O’Brien caught Goodwin on the home bend and they raced into the straight almost together, but O’Brien got his machine in front at the judge’s box, Walker being 100 yards away third. R. Ranby, on an Indian, got away on the 35-second mark in the Birkenhead Handicap, and was never headed, winning by 100 yards. W. H. Herbert on an Indian and Coleman were next placed and were together in a bunch. Moller, who rode Allen’s Norton, was given a long handicap. It fell to the Cheltenham Handicap of six miles to provide the best race of the day, and a popular win for Percy Coleman. Sixteen riders went

out, and A. Lemon, riding White’s Rex Acme, led for three laps, passing the third time closely attended by C. Goodwin and T. Morgan, with W H Herbert making a run behind and Coleman busy with the back of the field. Herbert took the lead in the next round, Lemon going back to fourth. This order was maintained the next time past, with Coleman lying fourth, and Arnott on another Harley well up behind a bunch of about six who were with the leaders. A magnificent finish saw Coleman overtake Herbert at the last bend, and tear up the straight to win by 40 yards. Herbert next, and Arnott, having shaken clear the small fry, in third place. Results, and a general chat on affairs at the course were broadcast by relay by Mr. George Campbell. For the assistance of those who are responsible for the races being reported to the public by the newspapers, I would like to suggest that next season the machines the riders enter are shown in the main programme instead of in an extra list. The machine always interests the public, and I am sure even the public on the ground would also appreciate it. A Press steward to notify scratchings, re-han-dicaps and changes of machines would be appreciated. HARLEY DAVIDSON CLUB Several Harley Davidson riders held a meeting a few weeks ago and decided to form a “Harley Touring and Social Club,” with the object of holding week-end tours and social events. The opening run to Muriwai on Sunday, March 6, was well attended and a pleasant day was spent. Several successful runs have since been held and, weather permitting, a run will be held next Sunday to Orewa Beach. All Harley riders are welcome on the runs, and full information can be had from Mr. A. C. Coutts, of 18 Bell Road, Remuera. Phone 24-229.