Moto-Cross Champion May Ride In N.Z.

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32029, 2 July 1969, Page 19

Moto-Cross Champion May Ride In N.Z.

The brilliant English scrambles rider, J. V. Smith, who won the world 500 c.c. moto-cross championship in 1964 and 1965, is keen to visit New Zealand and compete in the national motocross series next season.

He has written to the Manawatu-Orion MotorCycle Club’s chief organiser, A- T. Gibbes, expressing his interest and asking for details. These have been sent to him, although plans for next season’s series have not yet been decided. A works rider for the B.S.A. factory, Smith is now nearing the end of his illustrious career but showed he was still at the top with an over-all victory in the international moto-cross at Cassell. France, late last month. If his terms are acceptable to the organising body, he is prepared to hold a series of training clinics in New Zealand. CONTRACT SENT When telephoned in Palmerston North yesterday, Mr Gibbes, a former Australian international, confirmed that Smith had been in contact with him. “We have sent him a copy of the standard contract we normally ask riders to sign and have asked him what else he would want,” Mr Gibbes said. “We have left the door open to negotiation.” It had not yet been decided whether another series would be held, although this was almost certain, Mr Gibbes said. Loose ends were still being tied up after last season's series and little thought had been given to next season. Before Smith could be accepted, the club would have to decide whether it wanted close racing or brilliant demonstrations. “A lot of people would like

to see a world renowned competitor such as Smith but the racing would be closer if we brought out three ordinary competitors,” Mr Gibbes said.

If Smith came, the club would not be able to afford to bring out three European internationals as it had done in previous years. It might be able to afford Smith and one other but certainly not three, said Mr Gibbes. Howeve", Smith would be the greatest drawcard the

sport has ever had in New Zealand. He has been one of the world’s top riders for more than a decade. He first won the Moto-cross des nations 500 c.c. class in 1955 and has won it on four other occasions since. He won the A.C.U. (British) scramble star in the 500 c.c. class seven times, between 1955 and 1964, and has won countless British championships. The photograph shows Smith in action.