SPEED ON CINDERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 26, 1 February 1937, Page 15

SPEED ON CINDERS.

MATTSON'S SKILL.

THRILLS AT STADIUM. TRICK RIDING DISPLAY. Close racing and thrilling finishes were witnessed by -a large crowd at the Western Springs Stadium on Saturday night, when the Auckland Speedway Clu-b conducted the first broadsriding meeting of the season. Putt Mosaman, the American trick rider, was one of the chief attractions of the evening, and earned the applause of the spectators with displays of clever stunte, ably assisted by his sister, Dessie Grant, and Pee Wee Mossman. The final of the Great Northern Derby provided a rare thrill for the onlookers, the riders fighting every inch of the way, first one gaining the advantage and then the other, with the crowd continually on its toes, and roaring encouragement to its favourites. Preceded by four heats, won by A. Mattson, Tolley, Putt Mossman and Pee Wee Moesman, the race brought together some of the beet riders of the evening and excellent racing was provided.

A. Matteon early established a good lead, with Putt Mossman in second place and Pee Wee Mossman lying third. Coming round the back stretch for the third lap, Putt Moesman negotiated the bend in brilliant fashion and almost drew level with the leader. With the men racing very closely and each move in position quickly appreciated by the spectators, Moesman took the lead in the fourth lap and raced with Mattson into the straight. Mattson, however, regained his lead and amid tremendous excitement went on to win by five yarde. In the final of the International Handicap, in which A. Mattson, Putt Moseman and Ray Grant took part, many incidents combined to make it a memorable race, and excitement remained at a high pitch throughout the four laps. Mattson eoon reduced his handicap and at the end of the second lap was close behind the scratch man. Grant wae third and Moesman last. In the third lap Matteon increased his advantage, with Grant and Moesman fighting hard for second position. Coming into the final stretch Mattson held to his advantage and Grant and- Moesman, after a thrilling duel, passed the line together, to dead heat for second place.

During the evening trophies won in the New Zealand Tourist Trophy race held at Waiheke were presented by the president of the Auckland Motor Cycle Club, Mr. C. Allen. In making the resentation to the winner, A. Matteon, Mr. Allen said that in view of the unfavourable •weather conditions Mattson had put up a wonderful performance, and fully deserved his success. In addition to the Tourist Trophy Mattson was also presented with a trophy presented by Mr. J. Stewart. V. W. Melhuieh, winner of the sealed handicap run in conjunction with the main race, said Mr. Allen, deserved special mention. The performances of all riders during practice rides round the course were noted, and handicaps allotted on the times returned by the competitors. Melhuish had finished sixth in the race.

Exhibiting wonderful control over his cycle Putt Mossman contributed trick riding to the programme and his etunte proved fully as popular with the crowd as in the past. Especially appreciated was the stunt m which Mossman, when riding hw cycle while in a standing position shot balloons thrown into the air as he passed, ijeats of balancing were carried out with Deesie Grant, Pee Wee Mosman acting ttesults:—

INTERNATIONAL HANDICAP 1 S H° n Tnn,f at M ? tte «n (OOyde behind) ?i/w, i°i ley f 6o^B behind) 2, L. Perry t**' l * behind) 3. Time. 1.29 1-5 Third Heat.—B. Smith (30yds behind) 1 D. Mattson (40yds behind) 2; P W Moeeman (60yds behind) 3. Time 129" 1-5 1 c UF Rn ? eat -?- Moseman (80yds behind) Time 131 2T (SCr) 2 ' N - Warry (Bcr) 3 - 2, "iT M ° Bem " Final.—A. Mattson I. R. Grant and P 2f?. Bem V 2 - Tlme - 127 215 - B° hrtlltent riding Mattson took the lend after the flrSt lap and lead the field home. The thrill of the race was provided by the fight for second place between P. Moesman »nd Grant, who rode almost shoulder to shoulder ? r i*Y? laps - In a sreat burst np the straight the pair dead heated, while the crowd cheered with delight. GREAT NORTHERN DEBBT.

First Heat.—A- Mattson 1. R. Grant 2 B. Grey 3. Time. 1.21.

Second Heat—H. Toiler 1, J. McLeod -. Time, 1.25.

Third Heat.—P. Mossman 1, B. Smith 2 Time, 1.23.

Fourth Heat.—P. W. Mossman 1, 3. Cormack 2. Time, 1.26.

Final.—A. Mattson 1, P. Moesman 2. H. Tolley 3. Time, 1.26. With great acceleration Mattson flashed to the lead and held it until the fourth lap, when P. Mossman, who had been riding the bends hard, caught the Aucklander. In a thrilling finish Matteon raced on to win by five yard 8.

SPECIAL CHALLENGE. Sel Casey beat Brian Smith over three laps from a rolling start. Time, 60s.