SPEEDWAY THRILLS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 45, 22 February 1936, Page 11

SPEEDWAY THRILLS

AT PALMERSTON NORTH EXCITEMENT AT SHOWGROUNDS Both the stands—the large one without its roof after the recent hurricane —were utilised ou Thursday evening by Alanawatu Speedway, when it presented another line and spectacular programme before a large attendance of the public. Such stars as Wally Kilmister, the greatest New Zealand cinder-track expert, Alanuel Trujillo, Putt Afossman, Pee Wee Cullum, Kay Grant, Sam Arena, Byrd AlcKinney, Bo Lisman (all of U.S.A.), Ewaid 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 Alanuel Trujillo (U.S.A.) with a time of 79secs. He went off to a brilliant start, sliding all over the cinders but doing the lust round in 19see. The next he passed at 38sec, the following at 58secs., and the final at 78 2-ssec. —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 ail-stunt show”— said Putt Mossman, before attempting his race .through a solid wall of wood and lire. The obstruction was a sheet of 6in. by lin. timber and it was braced with two Tin. by Tin., 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. A loud thump and tearing of timbers testified to the strength of tho wood. Midget Car Tinies. In an attempt to set a track record for one lap, Dessie Grant (U.S.A.), sister of Putt Mossman, drove a midget car around the route in the extraordinary time of 23 3-ssec. “Boys,” sbe said afterwards, “I’m sure pleased with that time!” Putt Alossuian then set out on a two-lap expedition in the tiny car, but could only make it in 47 2-ssec. Match Races In tho first match race Howard Tolley beat Ray Grant by a narrow margin in 65sec. over three laps, from a rolling start. By request another return match was fought out, K. Vining (Alanawatu) 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-ssec. International Contest. Both holders of the track record at times, Wally Kilmister and Alanuel Trujillo tried conclusions over three laps. It was a great race, the New Zealander getting home ahead by easily 10 lengths. The time was 64 l-ssec. Other results were as follow:Alanawatu Test, four laps, standing start.—R. Vining 1, Stiles 2, Paton 3. Time, 88 3-ssec. Also started, AL Smith and B. Smith. Terraplane Handicap, four laps, standing start. —First heat: Kay Grant 1, Stiles 2; time, 93 2-ssec. Also started: Sam Arena and Pee Wee Cullum. Second heat: Howard Tolley 1, R. Vining 2, Byrd AlcKinney 3; time, 89 3-ssec. Also started: Putt Alossman. Third heat: Wally Kilmister 1, Bo Lisman 2; time, 91 4-ssec. Also started: Alanuel Trujillo and Ewald Schnitzer. Semi-final: Lisman 1, Stiles 2, Trujillo 3; time, 98scc. Final: Tolley 1, Grant 2; time, 91see. First Elimination Handicap, four laps.—Putt Mossman 1, Bo Lisman 2; time, 91 l-ssec. Also started: Pee Wee Cullum. Second Elimination Handicap, four laps.—Manuel Trujillo 1, Putt Mossman 2, Byrd McKinney 3; time, 92 4-ssec. Also started: Sam Arena. An 1895 “car” tearing round the track at the breakneck speed of 10 miles per hour introduced a spot of humour when it competed tvith 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 be ascertained, was “half-past.” A Mexican Partedo, introduced by the Americans—a teams’ contest—appealed to the audience. Some very fast times were registered, one lap being disposed of in 21 seconds.