DIRT TRACK RACING

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 139, 8 March 1929, Page 12

DIRT TRACK RACING

HANDICAPS FOR CHIEF RACE.

For the first time in New Zealand, dirt track motor-cycle racing will be presented at the Kilbirnie Stadium to-morrow night. This form of sport is very popular in England, America, France, and Australia. At the White City, London, <B,OOO were present bn one occasion, and so large are the attendances that the Wembley Stadium is being prepared for dirt, track racing. .The track at,Kilbirnie is a quarter of a mile ih circumference, and ;is covered at’ the corners with .fine cinders. It is here, that the thrills occur as the riders skid round the bends at a good speed. Spills, .of course, occur, but as the riders land, on soft cinders there is invariably no injury. On the- opening night two of Australia’s best riders, Max Graham and Gus Clifton, will appear in the race for the gold helmet against New Zealand stars, Jack Arnott, Bill Allen, Tui Morgan, and W. Kilminster. Arnott and Allen have had considerable and successful dirt track riding experience in Australia. A stadium to seat 12,000 lias been specially constructed, and is brilliantly lit with floodlights of 120,000 candle power. A. one-minute tram service will be run, and the ears stop just outside the ground. Given fine weather, an exhilarating 'night’s/fun" is. assured, ■■ ‘.' For the Sp’eedway Handicap of four laps to-morrow night, in which the A grade riders will compete, the following handicaps have been declared: —Clifton, Australia (scr.) ; Graham, Australia (scr.) ; Arnott, Manawatu (4sec.) ; Allen, Wellington (6sec.) ; Morgan, Wairarapa (16sec.) ; Wilkinson, Wellington (16sec.) ; Kilminster, Wellington (16 see.) ; Ranby, Te Aroha (20sec.) ; Tolley, Wellington (18sec.) ; Bray, North Auckland (12sec.).; McKenzie. Wellington (18 sec.) ; and Spencer, Wellington (24sec.). The A grade emergencies are: McGhee, Harvie, McKay, Bohm (Wellington), New (Taranaki), and Ross (Hawke’s Bay), all off 24see. The four riders making fastest time will Compete for the golden helmet. Competition in the B grade will be for the silver gauntlet.