New Challenge In Speedway

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31339, 8 April 1967, Page 15

New Challenge In Speedway

The fortunes of the South Island solo speedway championship finalist, G. Ray, of Christchurch, may shortly show a dramatic improvement.

One of the keenest riders in the sport, he has bought a new Czechoslovakian E. 5.0., similar to the machine on which another Christchurch rider, B. Briggs, won the recent world championship. This machine, which will be the first of its kind to be used regularly at Templeton, will probably make its first com-

petitive appearance this evening. It cost £3BO and is reputed to produce more power than the English J.A.P. motor, cycles used throughout New Zealand.

Ray has shown considerable ability on a J.A.P. machine for the last few years at Templeton, but about a month ago the motor blew up while he was chasing the former world champion, R. Moore. With the new machine, he could quickly develop intd a top-line rider. The sale of the E.S.O. was negotiated by the international, I. Mauger, and purchase dthrough Briggs, the English agent for the machine. Mauger is expected to return to Christchurch in the European off-season and this time will ride an E.S.O. Ray finished second in the final of the South Island championship, but on a countback of points was given fourth place.