HENNING'S SPEEDWAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 244, 15 October 1929, Page 16

HENNING'S SPEEDWAY.

IMPROVING THE TRACK.

FASTER AND SAFER THIS YEAR

FINE RACING PROMISED.

Improvements which should . make Henning's speedway—formerly known as the Mangere speedway —faster and safer for dirt track racing this year, have been parried out by Mr. George Hetoning during the winter months, and the coming season is likely to be, one of fine racing and thrills.' ~..,. On Sunday the directors of the Auckland Automobile Racing Club inspected the speedway, and great satisfaction was expressed, at the amount of work done. It was considered that during the coming season the track would not only be faster, but also safer, so that more spectacular racing by both cars and cycles should be seen. The greatest amount of improvement work has been carried out near the finishing post, and in many parts the track has been widened by half a chain. The drain running round the inner side of the track has been filled in giving more width, while several miles of drain have been laid in the swamp' in the centre; There is a big improvement on the inside of the basement. ~.'"•"■_'.' The track itself has.consolidated after the winter' rain.. The' softer' parts have been filled with stone, 'which has been removed from the banks at the bends, where the track has been widened. '■• All the corners have been cut away at the sharp turns and this : allows drivers to swing far wider; with greatest safety.

When this work is finished it will only need a tractor and grader to bring the track into fine condition for the first meeting of the season, which will be held on November 30. .

At the present time, Mr. Henning is considering the preparation of a smaller track, about half a mile in circumference, for motor cycle racing, and this may be finished by Christmas. . It is proposed to form .the track inside the large speedway, using a part of the present track near the finishing post, and thus forming a "P" shape circuit. . A drain has already been laid along the course of the proposed track, and all that is needed to complete it is levelling. This track is intended only for dry weather, so that very little surfacing will be needed. It is thought that with this smaller track, motor cycling racing will be much more spectacular, while at the same time high speeds could be registered.

Better, arrangements are now being made to provide easier access to the speedway. Pukaki Eoad will be used as the approach road, and 10 or 11 gates, at intervals along the boundary of the track will be used. This should relieve the congestion of traffic which was an inconvenience last year. Hundreds of yards of scoria are being laid to form roads leading down to the track, and it is expected that there ,will be no .diffi? c'ulty in jhandling the., stream .of cars either coming or going this season. .