BROADSIDING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 260, 3 November 1931, Page 15

BROADSIDING.

ROTORUA MEETING.

AUCKLAND BOYS SUCCESSFUL.

NEWS OF LOCAL RIDERS

Unlike all other cinder tracks in New Zealand, the Rotorua Speedway, which had an auspicious opening on Labour 13ay, is constructed of sand, with a dressing of pumice. Such a track needs plenty of water, and it was unfortunate for the management that halfway through the meeting the water supply broke down. The result was that- a number of races were run in clouds of dust. Expert judges of dirt tracks are therefore not prepared to say whether pumice topdressing is better than cinders, although, when water was played on at frequent intervals, the track was in good order, and the performances oi the riders sound. Cinder track riding made a big impression on the people of Rotorua, as was proved by the fact that a crowd of 3000 attended the opening meeting, the biggest crowd that has yet attended a function in Rotorua, with the exception of the races. Alf Mattson, Auckland and Dominion champion, thrilled the crowd with _an exhibition ride, creating the best time of the day for one lap-—22s. Those who have seen Mattson in the past will hardly recognise him as the same rider. His style has greatly improved and is even more spectacular than before. His cousin, Doug" Mattson proved to be the most fortunate rider on the day, winning all his heats, semi-finals and two finals. The younger Mattson also showed that he is a much improved rider on last year's performances. One of the most spectacular incidents of the day was Mattson's amazing performance when he completed two laps with the back tyre off his-machine'. This went to demonstrate his greatly unproved mastery over his machine. Mounted on a special racing J.A.I?, machine, Charlie Goldberg gave some brilliant displays. He was most unlucky in the final of one race by reason of the fact that two riders crashed in front of him, and he was forced _ to "throw" his machine to avoid a collision. It is anticipated that Goldberg will be one of the stars of Western Springs during the coming season. "The Wild Man."

In Rotorua the naturally reserved Ben Bray is known as "The Wild Man." He was given this sobriquet by the Maoris, who attended the meeting in their hundreds. Bray gave a most dashing display, and his riding at times reached brilliant heights. He was handicapped, however, by the fact that the tiack would not hold him. Bray has developed an entirely new style, probably for the reason that he has a new Douglas, bought at. Home, and specially tuned at the factory for him. Improved form was shown by all the other Auckland riders. Coyle and Tetley, both of whom won minor fame at Western Springs last season by the regularity with which they hit the safety fence, surprised and delighted their supporters by clinging to the white line in all their starts. Shepperd appeared to''have retained his sound form of last season. Frank Day showed plenty of dash to win one heat on a strange machine, having "blown" his own machine while training. The three local boys from Rotorua and the district showed surprisingly fine form for the first meeting. Keene, without having the speed of the other riders, sat his mount like an oi<l hand. Syd Williamson showed that he is likely to be a good deal better than he was last, season, and Whittle, a namesake of the crack Australian, gave a sound display for a novice. .

Alterations to the Western Springs Speedway will be completed to-morrow, and training will start on Saturday afternoon.