Speedway Thrills Better and Better

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 43, 21 February 1936, Page 8

Speedway Thrills Better and Better

EXCITEMENT AT SHOWGROUNDS. Both the stands—the large one without its roof after the recent hurricane utilised last evening by Manawatu Speedway, when it presented another fine and spectacular programme before a large attendance of the public. Such stars as Wally Kilmister, the greatest New Zealand cinder-track expert, Manuel Trujillo, Putt Mossman, Pec Wee Cullum, Ray Grant, Sam Arena, Byrd McKinney, Bo Lisman (all of U.S.A.), Ewald Schnitzer (Germany), Howard Tolley (New Zealand) and local riders of merit contributed to the programme. New Track Record, From a rolling start, Wally Kilmister, of Wellington, set out on a wet track to try and break the record for four laps established recently by Manuel Trujillo (U.S.A.) with a time of 7£)sees. Ho went off to a brilliant start, sliding all over the cinders but doing the first round in lflsecs. The next he passed at 38sees, the following at SSsecs.. and tho final at 78 2-ssecs. —winning the honours by three-fifths of a second. “Wally” was cheered to the echo for his magnificent performance under such adverse circumstances. Flying Through Wood. Next week it was to be a motor-cycle circus—“an all-stunt show” —said Putt Mossman, before attempting his race through a solid wall of wood and fire. The obstruction was a sheet of Gin. by liu. timber and it was braced with two 4in. by 2in., the whole nailed securely to heavy uprights. All lights were put out and when the wall sprayed with benzine was lit the intrepid rider shot straight through the obstacle. The loud thump and tearing of timbers testified to the strength of the wood. Midget Car Times. Iu an attempt to set a track record for one lap, Dessio Grant (U.S.A.), sister of Putt Mossman, drove a midget car around tho route in tho extraordinary time of 23 3-ssecs. “Boys,” she said afterwards, “I’m sure pleased with that time!” Putt Mossman then set out on a twolap expedition in the tiny car, but could only make it in 47 2-ssecs. Match Races. In the first match race Howard Tolley beat Ray Grant by a narrow margin in Gosecs. over three laps, from a rolling start. By request another return match was fought out, R. Vining (Manawatu) competing with Ewald Schnitzer over four laps from a rolling start but, after a thrilling race nearly completed, it was a “no decision bout,” the riders crashing not far from home. Schnitzer skidded badly and the machines locked to bring both down. Nobody, fortunately, was hurt. A match race between Stiles (Palmerston North) and Howard Tolley (now of Wellington and formerly of Palmerston North) saw the latter fall near the finish. Stiles won the three laps in 77 2-ssecs. International Contest. Both holders of tho track record at times, Wally Kilmister and Manuel Trujillo, tried conclusions over three laps. It was a great race, the New Zealander getting homo ahead by easily 10 lengths. The time was G 4 l-ssecs. Other results were as follow: — Manawatu test, four laps, standing start: R. Vining 1, Stiles 2, Paton 3; time, SS 3-ssecs. Also started: M. Smith and B. Smith. Terraplanc handicap, four laps, standing start, first heat: Ray Grant 1, Stiles' 2; time, 93 2-ssecs. Also started: Sam Arena and Peo Wee Cullum.

Second heat: Howard Tolley 1, R. Vining 2, Byrd McKinney 3: time, 89 3-ssecs. Also started: Putt Mossman. Third heat: Wally Kilmister 1, Bo Lisman 2; time, 91 4-ssecs. Also started: Manuel Trujillo and Ewald Schnitzer. Semi-final: Lisman 1, Stiles 2, Trujillo 3; time, 98secs. Final: Tolley 1, Grant 2; time, 91 secs. First elimination handicap, four laps; Putt Mossman 1, Bo Lisman 2; time, 91 l-ssecs. Also- started: Pee Wee Cullum. Second elimination handicap, four laps: Manuel Trujillo 1, Putt Mossman 2, Byrd McKinney 3; time, 92 4-ssecs. Also started: Sam Arena. An 1895 “car” tearing round the track at tho breakneck speed of 10 miles per hour introduced a spot of humour when it competed with the midget car in a thrilling battle of wits. Naturally, the local vehicle was pushed past the post to win the event. The time, as far as can bo ascertained, was ‘ ‘ half-past. ’ ’ A Mexican Partedo, introduced by tho Americans —a .teams’ contest —ap-

pealed to the audience. Some very fast times were registered, one lap being disposed of jn 21 seconds.