MOTOR-CYCLE RACING IN ENGLAND

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 247, 19 October 1936, Page 8

MOTOR-CYCLE RACING IN ENGLAND

HOW N.Z. BENEFITS FROM AFFILIATION GOLDBERG’S FEAT Affiliation with the English AutoCycle Union has given the New Zealand Auto-Cycle Union one distinct advantage in that New Zealand riders are given the opportunity to test their skill against the English riders. This is the opinion of the secretary of the Dominion union, Mr. A. Way, who recently returned from a six-months world tour, during which he was given opportunity of seeing in England some of the world’s best motor-cycle riders. The Home authorities, he says, were very much impressed with the New Zealand rider, Charles Goldberg, who raced in England this year. In replying to a toast to the English Auto-Cycle Union at the smoke concert given in Napier on Saturday night for delegates attending the annual conference of the New Zealand union, Mr. Way said that while in England he had been given a most cordial welcome. He saw some of the best riders in England competing in races. “There is no doubt that they are a very formidable lot. There are eight or nine particularly able ones who rank among the greatest riders of to-day,” he added. “One good effect of the affiliation of our union with the English union is that we are able to send New Zealand riders to the Isle of Man and other meetings. This year we sent Charles Goldberg, and the Home authorieties were very much impressed with him. Goldberg finishd 15th in the junior race at the Isle of Man meeting, but in the senior race he came sixth, being behind some of the greatest riders of the day. This proves that we have a worthy representative in Goldberg, and it speaks volumes for his ability.” Speedway racing was rapidly becoming more popular in England, he said. The clubs put on 18 to 20 events each night during their series of meetings, and cater for young and old alike. 'nr instance, they held push-bike races for girls, and at one meeting Mr. Way attended there were 27 starters. Another evening there would be a boys’ hoop race, which often attracted up to 100 entries. Each competitor was given a balloon. “These meetings are well conducted, starting at 8 p.m. and finishing at about 10 p.m.,” he concluded. “I learned quite a lot of useful tips from these English meetings, and perhaps they may be used to advantage in New Zealand.”