English Clubs Bidding For Moore

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31907, 7 February 1969, Page 13

English Clubs Bidding For Moore

If suitable terms can be agreed with an English promoter, the former world champion, R. Moore, of Christchurch, will return to European speedway racing at the end of the present New Zealand season.

“I woudn’t mind going back for another season,” Moore, who dominated British speedway a decade ago, said yesterday.

•‘lt depends on whether I am offered the right terms. It is no use going and spending all the money I make on fares.” In recent weeks Moore has had many offers from English speedway promoters some

by radio telephone—and it is clear that he is still regarded as one of the greatest drawcards in the sport. Among the tracks bidding for his services are Hackney and Wimbledon, the only club outside New Zealand Moore has ridden for. “I hope to come to a decision within the next two weeks,” Moore said. am not yet 100 per cent sure. “There are a lot of ifs and buts. There is my business to think of and if 1 'id go I

would have to take my wife and family. That would cost ia lot of money.” In the meantime, Moore’s immediate interest is the New Zealand championship, which will be held at Palmerston North tomorrow evening. He will be trying for his fourth national title, and provided his 15-year-old English J.A.P. machine gives him no |(rouble, he should succeed. | There is only one other rider in New Zealand who can match Moore on level terms—the world champion. I. Mauger—and he has decided against making a bid for his first New Zealand title.

Moore’s main opposition might come from another ; Christchurch rider, R. ; Wright. It is very unlikejy that he will beat Moore but lhe should finish runner-up. Other strong challengers afe .the English rider, H. Cole, I who won the title at Temple--1 ton two seasons ago, and probably the top Auckland rider, R. Andrews. Machine Main Worry

No rider apart from Moore has won the New Zealand title more than twice. And his main worry will undoubtedly be his machine. •Tt is getting pretty old. It has amazed us that it has held together as long as it has. It has broken down a couple of times but it hasn't broken in half yet,” he said. Moore has heard nothing 'Official about the proposal ef the Liverpool promoter in ■ Sydney (Mr F. Olivera) to fly him and Mauger to Australia for a match with the five times Swedish world jchampion, O. Fundin, on February 21.