N.Z. Favoured In Speedway Test

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31902, 1 February 1969, Page 15

N.Z. Favoured In Speedway Test

Although New Zealand has produced some of the finest speedway riders in the world, it is 16 years since a team from the Dominion last defeated England in a test series.

For one reason or another the country’s top riders have never been in the right place at the same time and the team has been below its best possible strength.

In the fourth and final test of the present series, which will be held at Tempieton tonight, New Zealand will again be below top strength. The former multiple world champion, B. Briggs, of Christchurch, is still overseas but with the reigning world champion, I. Mauger, and another former world champion, R Moore, in the team it seems unlikely that Briggs’s services will be needed. Although points are level after three tests, New Zealand is a firm favourite to win tonight and clinch the series for the first time since the 1952-53 season. The first test at Auckland was drawn, 24-alI, the second at Napier was won by New Zealand, 25-23, but in the third a weakened New Zealand team was baciy beaten, 37-11. Moore and Mauger did not

t race in the third test at j Palmerston North and the team which appeared in New ' Zealand colours was one of 1 the worst ever fielded. Moore also missed the sec--1 ond test. However, tonight f New Zealand will be almost s at full strength. Mauger and 1 Moore, two of the country’s - greatest riders, will both be , racing and another world t finalist, R. Andrews (Aucks land), should also make his presence felt. I The fourth place in the I team has been taken by the • very promising young Christi church rider, R. Wright, ! whose 78.8 sec race time last Saturday put him on the I brink of world class. He has ■ not raced in any of the pre- ’ vious tests this season and ! could easily surprise the ’ Englishmen. W. Moulin, also of Christchurch, will be the reserve t for the New Zealand team.

The English team will be led by the top British rider, N. Boocock, who has been the top points scorer for his team in all test matches. His duel with Moore in the final test at Templeton last season was one of the highlights of the year. Each won one race against the other but Moore finished with a new track record. The test will be decided over eight heats. Each rider will have four races and points will be on a 3,2, 1 basis.