THE MOTOR SECTION

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 83, 9 April 1931, Page 20

THE MOTOR SECTION

SPEEDWAY SEASON ENDS

T.T. RACES

Now that the New Zealand season is over interest in speedway racing will turn to events in England and on the Continent, more so this year in view of the fact that New Zealand will have an increased number of competitors overseas. News of the doings of those New Zealanders who are to compete in England and elsewhere will bo keenly awaited and it will also be of interest to learn how those riders who visited New Zealand this season are faring on the tracks of England and the Contin-. enfc. The T.T. racing at the Isle of Man will also claim special attention, although it is not anticipated that New Zealand's two representatives will be amongst the most successful performers. The speedway season in Auckland was concluded with a meeting at the Western Springs last Satui'day night. For the occasion a masked and unknown, rider was produced. The secret of his identity was solemnly kept, and it was not until after the fifth event that he was named. Erie Whittle, the masked rider, produced some of the finest riding that was scon at the stadium during the season. His race ■with Anderson and Stevens, when he was still unknown, was brilliant. Whittle's name as a masked rider in New Zealand will live, states the "Auckland Star." Even men in the game were utterly puzzled over the identity of the masked rider when he rode on to the track. The secret,was kept wonderfully well, and the ultimate announcement of Whittle as the rider came as a great surprise, not only to the public, but also to men who would, ordinarily be expected to have some inkling as to the broadsider's identity. Incidentally, an excellent story is being told concerning the masked rider, and all the hazards about him. A broadcasting enthusiast was so sure that it was Wally Kilmister that he was. actually attempting to mako wagers on his conviction. He could not have known, of course, that an official, on observing that Whittle's name was paiuted on the masked rider's petrol cans, and fearing that his identity would become known through this, had conscientiously painted out "Whittle" and substituted Kilmister's name! Manawatu's Rise. In its first season of speedway racing the Manawatu organisation has done well in putting the sport on a firm footing. Some difficulties have been encountered, but everything- possible has been, done to provide the best of sport, and in what has been achieved the authorities have every reason to look forward to a more prosperous season when activities are resumed. The standard in the country centre has gradually improved, and some of the Manawatu riders should be well to the fore with those on other tracks nest season. There was a very large attendance at the Manawatu Speedway on Monday, when the final meeting for the season was held. In the unavoidable absence of Erie Whittle, Lionel van Praag captained the Manawatu team in the match races against Wellington, and the home riders were again sueeessful in winning the match this time by 29 points to 25. Van Pruag, who was riding particularly well," broke the lap record of 21 2-ssec, held by Erie Whittle and himself, by doing the distance in "Osec. J. Gower, mounted on van Praag's machine, covered a lap in 21see, .thus establishing a record for Manawatu riders. "Snowy" Vining later made an attempt, but' took 22sec over the distance. Grower regained tho Silver Sash,'Vining (the holder) filling third place, while F. Spencer, of AVellington, won the Great Easter Handicap. New Zealand T.T. The proposal to hold a New Zealand T.T. race is not to be allowed to drop. Advice from Auckland states that some very live enthusiasts are behind the schemo, and it is unofficially reported that they have the Waiheke Boad Board's permission to hold the contest on the island, all the roads to be closed for the purpose. The Auto Cycle Union has given provisional approbation to the scheme, but the route of the proposed race is to be inspected by representatives of the union. Financial support may also be forthcoming, but that depends on many things. In the meantime, the official recognition by the controlling body is counted upon by the promoters of the scheme. If the lace is held, it is sure to attract the attention of all the racing enthusiasts in- New Zealand, for it is expected that the A.C.U. will take into consideration the performances of riders in the local T.T. if representatives are to be chosen to uphold the reputation of the Dominion at the Isle of Man meeting next year. For the Isle of Man. New Zealand's team, for the Isle of Man T.T. should do well. - Ben Bray has earned .the' respect of all those who undertake the management of motor-cycle meetings for his steadiness and reliability. Cinder track managers like him because they can always depend on him, and they have never known, him to lot tho public down; no "temperament" about him. Two well-known factories have offered him mounts for the Islo of Man contest. Since he rode on tho grass in Auckland some three years ago, H. Tolley, the other New Zealand representative, has not been seen here, but in the south he is very popular. He is probably best on the grass, but on the cinder track at Palmerston North ho has shown some very clever riding. One of the cleverest and shrewdest of the visiting Australian riders declared reoently that Tolley had all the makings of a first-class cinder track man. He also has been offered a first-class machine for the Islo of Man event. The Australian representatives are Stuart Williams and Dave Brewstcr, both'of New South Wales. Notes. Some of the claims made for recordbreaking performances in New Zealand have been amusing. The latest from Auckland is that "to Cyril Anderson, that brilliant rider from Brisbane, goes the distinction of clocking fastest time from a standing start on any New Zealand track." The time is given as lmin 25 l-ssec. This has been bettered on numerous occasions at the Kilbirnie Stadium, where tho present record, stands at lmin 23sec, made by Kilmister on the 14th March. At the final meeting in Wellington Kilmistor made times of lmin 23 l-ssec and lmin 23 2-ssce. Wally Kilmistcr left this week for England, where he is to ride for the Wembley teams. Several of the Australian riders have been making their, way homewards during the past, two weeks. It is reported that Eric Whittle is likely to stay in New Zealand, and that Harold Stevens will wait awhile before return-j ing home.