Poor surfaces spoil ‘holiday’

Press, 18 December 1985, Page 72

Poor surfaces spoil ‘holiday’

By PETER COMER

Poor racing surfaces are spoiling an otherwise very enjoyable “working holiday” in New Zealand for the star speedway riders in Ivan Manger’s World Jubilee International Series.

The new world long-track champion, Simon Wigg, of England, said in Christchurch yesterday it was unfortunate the meetings were run by “car-type people” who insisted on running car races in between the solo motor-cycle events. “We need a loose surface

to race properly and go quickly, but the cars throw all the loose dirt in a narrow strip out by the fence. All we can do is follow the leader. We can’t even pass,” said the 25-year-old Englishman. Nowhere else in the world, except for a few places in Australia, were car races interspersed with solo speedway events, he said.

“Everything else is fine, but it’s frustrating that the car promoters are not allowing us to show people what speedway is all about

— close racing and changing positions,” said Wigg. “It is hard for us to enjoy the racing as well. By putting the cars on first they make the bikes look rubbish."

Simon Wigg is concerned about the effect the restricted track surface could have on young speedway riders — not that New Zealanders have ever lacked success in the international field. He believes the problem would be easily solved: “Run all the bike races first instead of spreading them

through the programme. The whole lot could be over in 40 minutes, and the spectators would really get their money’s worth.” Wigg’si. views are shared by the American, John Cook, another international speedway star here to mark 30 years of competition by the world’s most successful speedway rider, Ivan Mauger. “The tracks are good otherwise, but what the cars do to them is really a problem for us,” he said. Cook leads the series after seven meetings-from

Wigg, with Mauger third. The overseas riders are in Christchurch for a few days to rest and Work on their bikes before continuing the 16-meeting series at Forbury Park, Dunedin, this Saturday. ' / They are enjoying racing in New Zealand, although the money is not great compared with that available in United Kingdom and European speedway. “It is really a very pleasant working holiday,” said Cook. Wigg calls it “fun in the sun with a little bit of income.” i