Speedway Attraction

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 45, 24 February 1936, Page 8

Speedway Attraction

Everybody loves a circus but have you seen a motor-cycle one? If not, you will have the opportunity on Wednesday next, the 26th inst., of seeing Putt Mossman and his Yankee aces in their complete Eodeo and Circus which is being staged at the Showgrounds for the first and only time in Palmerston North. At other centres where the Eodeo has been held, it was found impossible to cater for the huge attendances. At previous speedway meetings, Putt has given glimpses of what he can do on a motor-cycle but he has dozens of stunts including many in which he w r ill be ably assisted by his sister Dessie Giant w’hoso claim to be the world’s leading all-round lady motor-cyclist, is more than borne out in these events. Last Wednesday there appeared on the local track for the first time, a midget racing car and although good times were registered, it is when these cars are in competition that the big thrills occur and on Wednesday there will be races in which four cars will compete some of which are capable of very high speeds. Included in the events will bo Putt’s sensational leap over Pee Wfic Callam, tl'-* world famous motor-cycle clown, wnoae feats during the evening will keep patrons holding their seats. When doing this leap on previous occasions with Mrs Mossman, she was twice seriously injured and is at present slowly recovering from injuries received on the Auckland speedway. A big feature of next Wednesday’s programme is Putt’s rocket ride from the top of the grandstand down a narrow plank and through a solid wall of fire at the bottom. The latter part of this event was staged last week w T hen many who saw it thought that it was impossible to do unless the boards were loose or partly sawn through, but at the finish of the ride a large number of spectators examined the wall and the universal comment was, “He can have it for me.” Unfortunately, whilst riding at the Wellington speedway on Saturday night down a' steep incline, one of the planks broke and Putt was thrown from a height of. about 20 feet on to his head and sustained concussion. At the ’time of writing w r o do not know whether he will again attempt this feat on Wednesday but knowing Putt as we do, and from past experiences, we feel sure that it ; will take a lot more than a knock on the head to stop him from doing what he has planned to do. Patrons will be advised by the papers on Wednesday if the attempt will be made.