Speedway Racing

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7412, 20 December 1930, Page 8

Speedway Racing

PALMERSTON NORTH ATTRACTION.

COMMENCES ON BOXING NIGHT,

On unexcelled track, up-to-datae appointments and first-class riders will be the chief features of the opening meeting of speedway racing at the Palmerston North Showgrounds on Boxing Night. The new'sport has been keenly awaited by local residents and there should be a large attendance at the inaugural inerting. A'.l arrangements am complete.

Mr. Roy Johnston, ob?cf ex'tutive of the speedway company, told a reporter yesterday that he had received advice from Eric Whittle, the crack Australian rider, that lie intended to reside in Palmerston North and would bo among the competitors on the opening night. Whittle has ridden with a considerable degree of success at the Speedway Royal, Sydney', and recently took all the first awards at one meeting, including the Gold Helmet. He has earned the title of “Flat-Out” Whittle and is considered one of the most spectacular riders in speedway racing. In addition the company' is arranging for the appearance here of Eric Hamburger, of Sydney, and Herbie Durkin, of Sydney, on the opening night. Durkin has earned the title of “Wild-Man” Durkin; he rides flat out the -whole way. A team of twelve riders from Wellington will also be appearing, in addition to a number of local stars. The local riders arc quite enthusiastic and quite a number have obtained proper dirt track machines, while others are having theirs altered to suit the conditions.

As to the track, there has been - a complete transformation at the Showgrounds during the last few weeks. A splendid track of 440 yards length has been laid, and the whole distance is lighted up with lamps aggregating 120,000 candle-power. The lights were switched on for the first time on Thursday night and the track at every point was seen as clearly as by the light of day. The loud-speaker system at present in use at the Kilbirnic Stadium, Wellington, will be available for the coming meeting and by this means the public will bo kept fully in touch with the events. Between races loud-speaker music will be broadcast.

There is no question that the sport will attract thousands here. .Its thrills arc numerous and it has won popularity of an immense degree elsewhere. With the track now laid and the riders engaged to appear, Palmerston North and district patrons of the sport will receive entertainment equal to anything in the -world.