First Go-Kart Rally Draws Big Crowd At Ashburton

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29165, 28 March 1960, Page 15

First Go-Kart Rally Draws Big Crowd At Ashburton

Twenty-two go-karts from all over Canterbury buzzed and slid around a bale-lined track at the Ashburton showgrounds on Saturday, providing a crowd of about 1000 persons with all the thrills and excitement of an international Grand Prix. Organised by the Ashburton Jaycees, the rally was the first of its kind in Ashburton. Although tempers became slightly frayed at times between competitors and officials, mainly due to differences in opinion over A.N.Z.C.C. rules, the rally proved to be a success. There were two minor mishaps. One when K. Lowe went over the bales on a corner in the open handicap, and the other in the final event of the day, when R. W. Merrin capsized while cornering. Neither of the drivers was hurt. Abbreviations for the various clubs competing are as follows: Ash., Ashburton; Wig., Wigram; Chch., Christchurch; Rak., Rakaia; Ger., Geraldine; Rang., Rangiora. Results are as follows: Allenton Handicap (up to 150 c.c.): T. Crum (Ash.), 1; G. Nelson (Wig.), 2; B. Jowers (Ash.), 3. Time, 2min 18sec.

Hampstead Handicap (up to 200 c.c.): T. Shaw (Chch.), 1; K. Lowe (Ged.), 2; L. Mead (Rak.), 3. Time, Imin 59.35ec. Fairton Handicap (up to 350 c.c.): I. Winter (Rang), 1: N. Winter (Rang.), 2; G. Pratt (Ger.), 3. Time, 2min lOsec. Open Scramble: J. Roberts (Ger.), 1; J. Edwards (Chch.), 2; T. Shaw (Chch.), 3. Boys’ race: K. Merrin (Chch.), 1; K. Beckham (Ash.), 2; A. Pratt (Ger.), 3. Time, Imin 57.8 sec. Mid-Canterbury 350 c.c. Championship: G. Pratt (Ger.). 1; I. Winter (Rang.), 2; N. Winter (Rang.), 3. Mid-Canterbury Open Championships: J. Roberts (Ger.), 1; J. Edwards (Chch.), 2. Time, 3min 16sec. Mid-Canterbury 200 c.c. Championship: J. Roberts (Ger.), 1; J. Edwards (Chch.), 2. Time, 2min 59sec.