MOTOR-CYCLE TRIALS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27375, 14 June 1954, Page 10

MOTOR-CYCLE TRIALS

MOTO CROSS AT ASHBURTON

K. HORGAN WINS EVENT

A severe test for riders and machine was provided at the second annual m o t 0 cross held by the Ashburton Motor-cycle Club at “Penscroft,” Ashburton, qq Saturday. The course of about one mile, mostly through river-bed land, combined the thrills of scramble riding, grass racing, and cross-country riding. It comprised natural water-courses, gcod turf, a quarter of a mile of shingle road, sand, river shingle, and two water-courses about 12 feet wide, one of which contained water about eight inches deep. There was the additional hazard of standing willow trees which had to be negotiated. The track generally was in much better condition than for last year’s moto cross, although some of the machines sank in up to eight inches of mud at the bottom of some depressions. The open event of about 20 miles drew a field of 30 riders, and it was won by K. Horgan (Christchurch) after a gruelling contest. He was never further back than fifth place. A. Stewart (Christchurch) led for the first mile before drifting back into tenth position. He wa« overtaken by K. J. Robinson (Christchurch), followed by R. T. McLaughlin (Dunsandei), D. A. McLaughlin (Dunsandel), and K. Horgan. This order was unchanged for 10 laps when Robinson, th® unlucky rider of the race, had to stop for some time because of water in the magneto of his machine. Horgan then took the lead from R. B. Benke (Ashburton), D. A. McLaughlin, and A. J. Merrin (Christchurch) for the next three miles, when Benke dropped back to fourth position, then met with an accident, injuring a foot. A C. Ormandy (Christchurch), who was lying fifth, moved up to take fourth place, and the race ended in that order. The fastest part of the course was the shingle road section, where speeds of more than 60 miles an hour were reached.

Entries totalled 107, compared with 81 last year, and there were 55 riders, who came from all parts of Canterbury, Blenheim, Nightcaps, and Dunedin. There was a large attendance of the public at the meeting.

Results were:— Open Race of 20 laps.—K. Horgan (Christchurch), 350 c.c. Matchless, 1; D. A. McLaughlin (Dunsandei), 500 c.c. Norton, 2; A. J. Merrin (Christchurch), 500 c.c, Velocette, 3; A. C. Ormandy (Christchurch), 500 c.c. J.A.P.. 4; K. J. Robinson (Christchurch). 343 c.c. Triumph, 5; S. Harrison (Christchurch), 250 c.c. Velocette, 6. Times: 41min 56, 42min 54sec, 43min 49, 44min lOsec, 45min 51sec, 46min 15sec. Light-weight Race of five laps (for machines up to 200 c.c.).—N. C. McCutcb.eon (Dunedin), 197 c.c. Francis Barnett, 1; J. Callaghan (Dunedin), 197 c.c. Franci® Barnett, 2; D. Mason (Oamaru). 200 c.c. James, 3; K. H. Kerr (Christchurch), 200 c.c. Excelsior, 4. Time, llmin 24sec. Light-weight Race"of five laps (for machines up to 250 c.c.).—N. C. McCutcheon, 1; J. Callaghan, 2; S. Harrison (Christchurch). 250 c.c. Velocette, 3; D. Mason,

4. Time, llmin 24sec. Junior Race of 10 laps (for machines up to 350 c.c.). —K. Horgan, 1; K. J. Robinson (Christchurch), 343 c.c. Triumph, 2; M. Daniel (Christchurch), 350 c.e. Triumph, 3; E. H. Overton (Lakeside), 350 c.c. Royal Enfield. 4. Time, 20min 30sec. Senior Race of 10 laps (for machines up to 500 c.c.).—D. A. McLaughlin, 1; M. Daniel, 2; M. R. Donaldson (Christchurch), New Hudson, 3; I. Happer (Dunsandei), 500 c.c. 8.5. A., 4. Time, 21min 42sec. ISLE OF MAN T.T. CONTEST N.Z. RIDERS CONFIDENT OF SUCCESS (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec.' 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 12. New Zealand and Australian motorcyclists are confident of success in th® Isle of Man T.T. races which begin oij Monday. Racing experts believe the long-awaited 100 miles-an-hour lan for the world's most arduous course will be set up during the meeting. New Zealand and Australian riders are confident they can handle tty> tough 37-mile course. The Wanganui motor-cycle dealer, Rod Coleman, is one of the best known of the Commonwealth riders, having ride’en in the Isle of Man races with success on four previous occasions. His junior lap time of 89 miles an hour during current practices has been bettered only by Ray Amm (Rhodesia), last year’s dual TT. winner. The Christchurch rider, Tom McCleary withdrew this week. He fell a week ago at the notorious Cruckshanks Corner. Peter Murphy, of Helensville, was eighth in the junior event last year, and was lying seventh in the senior when he retired.