THRILLING RACING AT MONICA PARK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18960, 6 January 1930, Page 6

THRILLING RACING AT MONICA PARK.

RECORD FOR TRACK LOWERED BY PERKINS. The several thousand spectators at the Monica Park Speedway on Saturday night spent an exciting two hours watching the skill and daring displayed by the expert motor-cyclists. In several events the placed men provided great finishes. In nearly every race two or three machines hung together for several laps while the riders made desperate attempts to gain the winning position. Because of this keenness there was plenty of opportunity for a display of skill, and the skill shown on the corners was enthusiastically applauded by the crowd. There were several falls, but in each case rider and machine escaped unhurt.

Special interest was displayed in the events with C. Perabo and Syd. Perkins, the Australian cracks, amongst the contestants. It was a brilliant evening for Perkins, for in a most spectacular finish in the Flying Mile he clipped a second off the track record by covering the distance in lmin 30sec. Ho also set out alone to make a further attempt on the record, but was held up by engine trouble. Perabo was also riding well, but he met with a good deal of bad luck. In the semi-final of the New Year Handicap ihe had trouble with his machine. He seemed to be similarly unfortunate in the exhibition against Perkins, but he got going properly in the last two laps. Whatever chance he had in the final of the Flying Mile was spoilt by a bump at the northern end of the track. He was travelling fast, but he made a wonderful recovery from what looked like a sure spill.

Some of the local riders, notably F. Sharman, E. Pyke and N. R. Gray, are showing such marked improvement that they will soon qualify to rank with the best riders in the sport. A match for the Gold Sash took place between J. Carter (holder) and F. Sharman, who proved the winner. This match is decided by the best two out of three races. Sharman gained the sash by winning two races in succession. Each race is from a rolling start. An attempt on the track record by N. Gray just failed. Gray rode well. His time, lmin 31 2-ssec, was only 2-ssee outside the record which was, however, lowered another second by Perkins. There appears to he a bad bump at the northern end of the track, for several riders met trouble at the same spot. As with previous meetings the programme was well managed and there were no tiring waits. Results (all events one mile or four laps):— NEW YEAR HANDICAP. First heat—E. Pye (11 sec) 1, S. Perkins (scr) 2. Won by twenty yards. Time —lmin 47 2-ssec. Second heat: N. R. Gray (7sec) 1, S. Russell (9sec) 2. Won by fifty yards. Time—lmin 4 8 3-ssec. Third heat: N. Neill (9sec) 1, C. Perabo (scr) 2. The only finishes. Won easily. Time—lmin 48 3-sseo. Fourth heat: F. Sharman (6sec) 1. P. Lunn (9sec‘ 2. Won by five yards. Time—lmin 41 2-ssec. First semi-final: Perkins 1, Gray 2. Won l»y fifteen yards. Time—lmin 36 2-ssec. Second semi-final: Sharman 1, Lunn 2. Won by three yards. Time—lmin 39 1-5 Final. Gray 1 Sharman 2 This was a most exciting race. The two placed men and Lunn were together all the way. Sharman tried desperately to pass Gray, but could not quite do so. About twenty yards separated the four starters at the finish. Time—lmin 36 4-ssec. SUMMER HANDICAP. First heat: E. Pye (2sec) 1, S. Russell (scr) 2. Won by half a lap. Time—lmin 4 9 2-ssec. Second heat: E. Pyke (lsec) 1, N. E. Neill (scr) 2. Pyke won as he liked. Time—lmin 43sec. Final. Pyke i Neill 2 Pyke came to the front at the beginning of the second lap and could not be caught. Won by eighty yards. Time—lmin 43 2-ssec.

ATTEMPT ON TRACK RECORD. N. Gray. Time-—lmin 31 2-ssec. Only 2-;,sec outside the record, which was, however, lowered later.