Speed On The Cinders

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 842, 10 December 1929, Page 13

Speed On The Cinders

RACING LAST EVENING W estern Springs Stadium FEW.EE spectacular spills and slightly slower times generally marked the second cinder-track race meeting held on the Western Springs Stadium last evening, when the events postponed from last Saturday were decided. The programme was run off quite smoothly, however, the annoying little hitches of the first night being absent. In all, 13 riders were treated by the St. John Ambulance, mostly for “gravel rash.” Only one competitor had a bad spill, Cass Goodwin having his collarbone broken through his machine falling on him.

More than 5,000 spectators watched last night’s exhibition of broadsiding, and the two Australian riders, Arthur Mann and Syd. Perkins, were applauded for their displays. The latter rode remarkably well and put up the fastest time of the evening, but engine trouble spoiled his performance. Of the Auckland speedsters, Allen McLaren gave the most consistent display, winning two of the three finals. Len Coulthard, who ltfid ridden brilliantly c-n the opening night, was unlucky with his moLint, and several others also retired at various times through engine trouble caused by flying cinders. Jack Garmson showed promise of a good speed, throwing the cinders behind him in an experienced manner. Trevor Blomfield did well considering that he had never ridden on cinders before. Interest was helped throughout by an improved loud-speaking system and, with Mr. George Campbell, well known at IYA, officiating at the “mike,” the spectators were ke.pt fully posted as to progress by both announcements and comment. Music was played while the crowd was assembling and during intervals. The track was smoothed more quickly than on the opening night, and arrangements generally were better. was no time last evening for a track record to be established, but this will be done next Saturday. Results: IMPROVERS’ HANDICAP First heat; C. Walker (Douglas), 6b, 1; Jack Coppins (Indian), 11s, 2 Won bv 100 yards. Time, 1.53. Only two started and the heat was won easily in slow time. Second heat: Allen McLaren (0.E.C.), 10s, 1; T. Blomfield (Royal Enfield), 10s, 2. Won by 50 yards. Time, 1.52 1-5. C. Gordon (Ariel) fell in the first lap and finished a lap behind the winner. Third heat: D. Day (A.J.S.), 14s, 1; H. Stevenson (New Imperial). 10s, 2. Won by five yards. Time, 1.57 3-5. This was one of the closest finishes of the evening. K. Yates (Rex Acme) fell early and left the other two racing neck and neck. Day, by superior speed in the straights, made up for weak cornering. Fourth heat: Percy Butler (A.J.S.), 10s, 1. The only one to finish. Time, 1.56. Jack Garmson (Rex Acme) slid over in a shower of cinders when gaining well. Butler took his time to finish. Final A. McLaren (0.E.C.), 10s 1 Butler (A.J.S.), 10s 2 Won by 30 yards. Time, 1.55 2-5. Walker got away' badly, but was making up leeway when he ran off the course in avoiding Butler on a corner. Day’s engine failed in the first round. McLaren made a fast run, passing Butler (limit) xn the third lap.

SPEEDWAY HANDICAP First heat: A. McLaren (0.E.C.), 10s, 1; W. Herbert (Royal Enfield), ss, 2. Won by 25 yards. Time, 1.49 2-5. Mattson's engine failed when half a lap had been covered. Mann, giving a good exhibition of broadsiding, fell in the final lap. Herbert came up in a final spurt, but could not quite close the gap. Second heat: W. Allen (Norton), 3s, 1; J. Peak (HarleyDavidson), 6s, 2. Won by three-inarters of a lap. Time, 1.53 2-5. In ’he first round the machines ridden by L Coulthard (Rex Acme) and J. Peek failed The heat was rerun, but Coulthard's engine again stopped and Peek’s machine was giving trouble, having to be helped in. Third heat: J. Garmson (Rex Acme), i>s, 1: IT. Stevenson (New Imperial), 10s, 2. Won by 200 yards. Time. 1.55. Cass Goodwin (Royal Enfield) fell hard on the second turn, C. C.oldbury (Royal Enfield) soon following. Garmson showed an excellent turn of speed and overhauled Stevenson with a lap to go. Fourth heat: Syd Perkins (Harley-Davidson), scr, \l. Time, 1.45 2-5. Perkins got away slowly, but was soon broadsiding round very fast in a cloud of smoke and cinders. B. Bray (Douglas) was holding his lead well when his chain came off during the third round. He replaced it, but it came oft again. He was able to finish, however, within the three minutes allowed. First Semi-final.—W. Allen (Norton), 3sec, 1; A. McLaren (0.E.C.), lOsec, 2, Won by 15 yards. Time, 1.51. Herbert (Royal Enfield) failed during the second round, leaving McLaren in charge from Allen, who soon went to the front. He was leading well when he hit a bump on the last corner, almost losing control. Semi-final.—ll. B. Bray (Douglas), 5 sec, 1; IT. Stevenson (New Imperial), 10 sec, 2. Won by 15 yards. Time, 1.53 3-5. Garmson got away badlj', and tailed the field. In the second round he passed Perkins, whose machine was giving trouble, and later forced him to retire. The race settled down to a duel between the two leaders, Garmson coming on steadily in the rear. Final A. McLaren (0.E.C.), lOsec 1 H. Stevenson (New Imperial), lOsec 2 Won by 20 yards. Time, 1,51 4-5. W. Allen (Norton) had to retire early with engine trouble, and B. Bray (Douglas) was also affected, but finished third. McLaren and Stevenson raced together until near the finish. AUSTRALIAN MATCH RACE S. Perkins (Harley-Davidson) .. .. l A. Mann (Douglas) 2 Won by 15 yards. Time, 1.43. From a rolling start Perkins took the inside. Mann, on the longer course, held level to opposite the judge’s stand on the third round, when Perkins went to the front, and held his advantage to the end. “BIG TWELVE” HANDICAP First ITeat.—A. Mann (Douglas), scr., I, the only one to finish. Time, 2.8. Cass Goodwin (Royal Enfield) fell at the third turn, his machine falling on him, and breaking his collarbone. A moment later K. Yeats (Rex Acme) fell at the next corner. The red lights flashed, but Mann kept on, although at a slow speed. Second heat.—C. Walker (Douglas), 5 sec., 1; C. Goldberg (Royal Enfield). 4 sec., 2. Won by 20 yards. Time, 1.47 1-5. Allen (Norton) headed the bunch on the first round, but flying cinders stopped his engine. Herbert (Royal Enfield) took the lead, but his engine also failed, leaving Walker an easy victor. Third Heat.—B. Bray (Douglas), 4seo. 3: S. Perkins (Harley-Davidson), scr., 2. Won by five yards. Time, 1.47 1-5. Bray. A. McLaren (0.E.C.), and J. Garmson (Rex Acme) raced together for two rounds. On the third lap Garmson, who was riding in third place, fell just in front of Perkins, who narrowly avoided him. Final A. Mann (Douglas), scr .3 C. Goldberg (Royal Enfield), 4sec .. 2 Won by 200 yards. Time, 1.45. Mann came to second place in the second lap, and treated the spectators to an excellent exhibition of speed. B. Bray (Douglas) was making cinders fly in the lead, but on the last corner he fell, Mann avoiding him by inches. Goldberg hung on half a lap behind, to come into second money.