N.Z. ready for cup challenge?

Press, 23 February 1978, Page 11

N.Z. ready for cup challenge?

The outstanding performance of 18-year-old Mitch Shirra in winning the Australasian final of the world speedway championship at Auckland last Saturday suggests that New Zealand is again ready to challenge for the World Team Cup. Shirra, who has spent most of his life in Australia, has decided to ride for New Zealand in future. He wore the New Zealand body colours for the first time in the Australasian final and it was a splendid debut. Lack of depth at international level has limited New Zealand’s chances in team competitions in recent years, but Shirra’s decision has changed this. With the reigning world champion, Ivan Mauger, as the team leader and Shirra, Larry' Ross and Graeme Stapleton or Bruce Cribb filling the other three

places, New Zealand could clearly give a good account of itself in the World Team Cup contest. It is often overlooked that New Zealand riders have a fine record of achievement in this cornpetiou. Several times in the 19605, Great Britain won the cup with three New Zealanders, Mauger, Barry Briggs and Ronnie Moore, in its four-man team. On one memorable occasion the British team consisted of the three great New Zealanders and an Australian, Jim Airey. It is a situation which still provides endless amusement for the Kiwi trio. New Zealand is also poised for another good

performance in the world best pairs championship. It last won this in 1970 when Mauger and Moore paired up. The question is: who will partner Mauger? Last year it was Ross and he must again be first choice, in spite of his lack of success in the Australasian final. Motor troubles ended his world title bid somewhat prematurely. But Shirra will obviously press for that second place in the New Zealand pair.