WHANGAREI CYCLE CLUB’S NEW TRACK OPENED

Northern Advocate, 29 November 1937, Page 6

WHANGAREI CYCLE CLUB’S NEW TRACK OPENED

The Whangarei Cycle Racing Club opened its new 440 yards’ banked racing track, situated on the reclaimed land, Dower Cameron Street, before a large crowd on Saturday afternoon. The weather was splendid though rather hot to expect fast times. The new track is not yet in firstclass order, but some exciting racing was witnessed.

Hie president, Mr W. Slade Clarke, in declaring the track officially open, congratulated the members and his executive on the track, and spoke of the asset it was to the district. He also said he was proud to be the president of such a “go-getter” club that could look ahead far enough to put such a large amount of work into this track, which, during the coming season, should attract a great number of visiting athletes to the district. Various events were competed during the afternoon.

In the* half-mile challenge match race between W. Buckley and J. Byers. J. Byers was the winner. This race was full cf thrills and both riders rode neck and neck throughout. The half-mile handicap was also full of thrills and provided some bright entertainment. Results: —S. Pcvey 1, I. Mears 2, B. McKenzie 3. The one mile was won comfortably by S. Walker 1, with S. Povey 2, and B. McKenzie, half a wheel back, 3. This race was, perhaps, the most interesting of the afternoon. Strenuous and clever riding was witnessed from 'start to finish. The one and a half miles was more of a strenuous grind than a race, the heat of the afternoon telling on the riders, but J, Byers made a wonderful effort by breaking through the field to win in easy style from S. Walker second and J. Lilley third, who fought out an interesting race. It appears that this club’s Thursday evening meetings will prove very popular.