MORE RECORDS

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 151, 23 December 1929, Page 18

MORE RECORDS

BROADSIDING THRILLS

SPINKS IN GREAT FORM

KILMISTEK/S HELMET

Broadsiding of the most spectacular and thrilling order yet seen in this country was supplied on Saturday night to the greatest crowd that has ever been accommodated at the Kilbirnie Stadium Speedway. With four of Australia's noted "cinder-shifters' 'taking part, it was expected that there would be some exceptional racing, and the great crowd, estimated at 13,000, was not disappointed; indeed, it was thrilled. Charlie Spiuks and Lionel van- Pragg were making their first appearance in New Zealand, and their brilliant riding, with that of Arthur Mann and Syd. Perkins, two other Australians of note, and Wally Kilmister, the local champion, accounted for the meeting being the best on record. Spiuks, in particular, played a conspicuous part, broadsiding the full length of the bends at amazing angles and handling his machine with great skill! His sensational riding accounted for Kilmister's record of lmin 23sec for four laps from a "rolling" start being broken, while it also bettered the previous best time for four laps from a standing start. Still another notable achievement by Spiuks was in covering two Jlaps in 40 seconds, each lap being cut out in 20 secouds, which is also a record. L. van Praag made a special attempt on the one-lap record, covering the distance in 21sec. With all his brilliance, Spinks could not deprive Kilmister of possession of the Golden Helmet, but in that he had some misfortune. It was in the final for the Helmet that he recorded 40sec for two laps. His records for four laps, with the previous best by Kilmister, were:— Spinks Kilmister Kollmg start S2 3-ssec 83sec Standing start .. 86 4-ssee 87 4-ssec THRILLING RACES. The conditions for the Golden Helmet contest were amended to provide for the holder being placed on the same terms as the other competitors. Previously the holder was not required to appear in an elimination heat, but on Saturday night Kilmister had to take his place with the others and 'earn the right to contest the final. Two heats were decided, and both were thrilling, especially the' first, in which three of the Australians, Spinks, van Pragg, and Perkins, were engaged. From the "rolling" (flying) start the three riders dashed to the first bend almost on terms and in negotiating it they sent up showers of cinders.' This was but the first touch of spectacle and thrills. Not_ only at each bend, but also in the straights, the riders gave a dazzling display, rousing- the enthusiasm of the spectators to a high pitch. During the second lap van Pragg passed Spinks, and this added to the excitement of a great race. Spinks, however, was soon in the lead again as a .result of brilliant cornering, but the stirring duel continued. Each challenge by van Praag was beaten off, and Spinks finally won by about forty yards, with Perkins a similar distance away, third. No greater race had ■ ever been witnessed here, and it was not surprising that the time was a record. Kilmister's turn was next, and here again the crowd had reason to be thrilled. The holder was opposed by Mann and Naylor, and right ai the outset Kilmister and Mann had a "neck and neck" tussle. The local champion soon took the lead, but Mann, though handicapped through being showered with cinders stirred up by Kilmister, continued to press the holder until in the third lap he (the Australian) crashed. Kilmister finished on in characteristic style, covering the four laps in time equal to his previous best—the record which had just been bettered by Spinks. Naylor rode very well to register lmin 30sec for the four laps.

The results of the heats meant that Spinks and Kilmister were matched in the Golden Helmet final, and that was just what was wanted. On the mark the pair shook hands and then set off for the rolling start, Spinks being on the inside. They flashed away together, and Spinks took the lead on the first bend, setting a very hot pace. The Wellington champion clung to his opponent, but could make little impression upon him for two laps. It was then that Kilmister started to close the gap and, this done, he quickly assumed a handy lead. Supporters of the local champion were wildly enthusiastic, and they cheered as Kilmister won the race with 100 yards to spare and again as he covered another lap after receiving the Golden Helmet from Mr. T. Coltmau, chairman of Wellington Speedways. The fact that Spinks had encountered trouble was apparently not realised by a great many people. After doing two laps in record time, the Australian's machine cut off on to one cylinder, and that reduced his time. But for that, he would probably have established a further record. With all his successes in Australia and in England, Spinks has never managed to win a Golden Helmet, and his luck was again_ out on Saturday night. The pair, Kilmistcr and Spinks, should have some rare' tussles during the holiday meetings. HANDICAP EVENTS. The first division handicap was won by H. Lucchessi, who had a start of eleven seconds. In heat and semi-final this rider, promoted from the second division, was beaten for first place by E. Naylor (7sec) and K. Ranby (Ssec) respectively, and in qualifying for the final he was fortunate jin that both Spinks and Naylor dropped I out of the running during the semi-final in i which Lucchessi fell. This semi-final had I been won by Eanby before Lucchessi rei mounted his machine and completed the I distance. Lucchessi made the most of his start in the final, and was never headed, though Mann made a great effort to overtake him and failed by only ten lengths. Mann's time of lmin 29 l-ssec from a standing start was exceedingly good. A. Blair, another promoted second division rider, filled third place, and R. Ranby who did not move so fast as in hia heat and semi-final, was fourth.. The improved form* shown by several of the local riders receiving good handicaps made the task of the_ back-markers a difficult one. The following times give an idea of the improvement made by some local riders:— Naylor lmin 30 3-ssec, Eanby lmin 34see, Lucchessi lmin 36 2-ssec, and Blair lmin 37sec.

A surprise was sprung in the second division handicap by J. Woodcock, who was making his first1 appearance in competition on the track. With a start of eight seconds he established a good lead in each of his races and had easy victories. He won the final from J. Young, with T. J. Firth in third place. Some of the riding m the second division was far removed from that in the first division, but there were several keen tussles for places in the elimination rounds. In one heat the four competitors were close together throughout. The best time in the second division was registered by T. J. Firth—lmin 38sec. There was a number of spectacular spills, and in one case an Australian (Arthur Mann) was in the act of falling during a big slide when Syd. Perkins (also from Australia) struck him and lifted him into a. position to continue the race. Perkins fell, but Mann swung across the green on to the track and completed the course. ' THE RESULTS. The detailed results wero as follow: FIRST DIVISION HANDICAP. (Four Laps) First heat: A. Blair (Msec), 1; S. Pertins, - All got away to a good start. The order over the first three laps was unchanged although Blair made up some of the leeway on W Vicgars who started off the llsec mark. Half-way round the last lap Viggars crashed, ami Blair won by about 100 yards from Perkins Times • Blair, 97 sec; Perkins, 93scc. J-'uica. Second heat: A. Mann, 1; L. Van Praac (scr) 2. All started well. With the second lap half finished, Van Praag passed Rlnaldl Mann had taken the lead and held It to the finish, although he was nearly caught by Van Praag half-way round the last lap. Won l>y three lengths. Times: Mann, 90 4-ssec; \ an Praae, 89 3-ssec.

Third Heat: C. Spinks (scr), 1; E. Kanby (Bsec), 2. The riders wore away in good order, but Tonks fell when ho was finishing the first lap. With half the distance covered Kanby was leading, and Spinks passed Pratt. Ranby and Spinks had a great tussle over the final part of the distance. Spinks broadsidlug brilliantly, gained the lead coming round Ihe final bend, and won by five lengths Times • Spinks, 86 4-ssec; Eanb'y, 95 3-ssec Also started: C. Tonks (llsec). Fourth heat: E. Naylor (7sec), 1; n. Lucchessl (llsec), 2. Kilmister did not manage his usual good start and the other three riders established a useful lead. The order remained unchanged over tho first half-mile, Lucch-

essl, M'Kay, and Naylur, in that order, keep ing well together and leading Kiliuistcr b} nearly half a lap. During the third lap MKay pulled out. . Naylor passed Lucchessi half-way round the Qiial quarter, and won by three lengths with about six lengths separating second and third. Times: Naylor, 90 3-osec; Luechessl, UO 2-ssec. Also started: W. Kilmister (scr), J. Jl'Kay (Osec). First semi-flnal: Blair, 1; Jlann, 2. None of tho riders lost anything in the start, hut half-way round tho first lap Van Praag overhauled Perkins. Perkins crashed near the end of the second lap, and Blair, who was close behind him had to broadside violently to avoid a collision. He recovered well, however, and cutting across the corner of the green was soon, under way again. Entering the Unal quarter. Blair was leading by nearly half a lap, and over this distance Jlann out-distanced \an I'raag. Won by about 40 yards with 10 yards separating the next two. Times: Blair, assec; Mann, 02sec. Also started: Van Praag (scr) ; Perkins (2sec). Second semi-flnal: Ranby, 1; Lucchessi, 2. This race saw three of the riders in trouble at some time or the other. Spinks was the best part of half a lap behind when ho got Eoing, but set out In resolute fashion after tho leaders. Naylor withdrew at the end of the first lap. With half the distance covered Lucchessi and Itanby led by about a quarter of a lap from Spinks. Half-way round the final lap Lucchessi crashed, and Splnks's chain came off. Lucchessi recovered and finished second to Ranby, who won unopposed. Time, Msec. Also started: Spinks (scr) ; Naylor (scr). Final. H. Lucchessi (Douglas), llsec 1 A. .Mann (Douglas), 2sec " 2 A. Blair (Ilarley), lOsec !.".!]!".. 3 Jlann headed off Itanby soon after the start. All the riders kept going well, and at Half-way -Lucchessi led by about a quarter of a lap from Mann and Blair. These three riders were in that order on entering the final distance with about 40 yards separating them, ihere was no alteration in the order Lucchessi, 06 2-ssec; Mann, 81 l-ssec. Also startessi winning by about 30 yards. Times ■ Lucched: R. Ranby (8.5.A.), Ssec. SECOND DIVISION Handicap, of £8 second £5, third £3, fourth £1. First heat: A. C. Watt (scr), 1; A. C. Rait Msec), 2. This heat provided something of a comedy I urn, and the riders were more concerned with keeping their machines going than with making the cinders fly. Watt's engine gave out soon after the start and Rait was also troubled with his machine, which was soon glowing red hot In parts. Watt eventually won a slow race by about ten yards Times: Watt, 114 2-ssec; Rait, 120 sec. The only starters. Second Heat: T. J. Firth (scr), 1- J. w. Richards <3sec), 2. The four started olf well and at the end of the first quarter Richards and Lundius were together, closely followed by Anderson. At half-way Richards led from Firth, but during the third lap Firth beganto move up and took tho lead half a lap from home. Ho won a splendid race by about sis' lengths. Times: Firth, 99 l-ssec; Richards, lOSscc. Also started: H. It. Anderson (ssec) 0. Lindius (Bsec).

Third Heat: J. Young (3sec), 1; A. Phillip (osec), 2. Cox's engine stopped soon after the start, and he left the track. The finish of the first lap saw Young, Burt, and Phillip in that order, with gaps of about ten yards in between. Burt crashed soon after he had entered upon the third lap, and Young and Phillip raced neck-and-neck round the final bend until Phillip fell and Young went on to wiu unopposed. Time: lOSsec. Also started: J.. W. Burt (lsec) ; H. W. Cox (Osec) Fourth Heat: J. Woodcock (Ssec), 1; A. Appleyard (lsec). 2. The race had scarcely started before Phillip had headed Rlnaldl but Woodcock had a lead of nbout a quarter of a length on the rest of the field. Woodcock maintained his position and won by about 40 yards, Appleyard beating Phillip home by ten yards. Times: Woodcock, 111 l-ssec; Apployaid, 100 2-ssec. Also started: D. Phillip (2sec), 1; L. Rinaldi (Ssec). First semi-flnal: Firth, 1; Watt 2 Woodcock made a bad start, which let his rivals well away, and in the lirst lap his engine stopped. Phillip commenced in fine style, but crashed before he had gone far. Firth and' Watt remained tho only ones in it, and when finishing the second lap Watt fell, allowing Firth to ride home as he liked. Times: Firth 102 sec; Watt, 113 sec. Second semi-flnal: Woodcock, 1; Young, 2. Just after tho start engine trouble slowed up Appleyard. Phillip, and Young, enabling Woodcock to secure a useful lead, which he continued to improve upon until at half-way he led by the best part of a furlong. Young passed Applcyard and Phililp as they were coming into the third lap and finished secondabout half a lap behind the winner. TimesWoodcock, 102 sec; Young, 11 Osec. Also started : Appleyard and Phillip. Final. j. Woodcock (Harley), ssec 1 .1. Young (Douglas), 3sec 2 T. J. Firth (Douglas), scr ' 3 Watt did not get going until tho others were well away, and for the remainder of the race lie was not'in the picture. Woodcock was well in front when the first lap was finished, and he lost no ground as the race progressed, tlTlfl Sung running Into second place with -about eight yards to spare. Times: ,\Voodcock, 102 l-ssec; Young. lOOsec. Also started: A. C. Watt (Douglas), ser. KILBIKNIE SPEEDWAY GOLDEN HELMET from a rolling start. First, £15; second. First Heat: C. Spinks (Australia), 1; L. Van Praag (Australia), 2. At tha first attempt. Van Praag was too far back when the riders left tho starting point. At the second attempt the three machines got away well together! Spinks raced to the front immediately and led by about 15 yards from Van Praag, with Perkins another ten yards back. Van Praac came to the front half-way round the second lap, but Spinks passed him when entering the third lap. At the beginning of tho final round Spinks led by about ten yards from Van Praag, with Perkins another 30 yards back fepinks finished brilliantly winning by nearly 40 yards, with Perkins, a similar distance away in third place. Times: Spinks, 82 3-ssec—a record; Van Praag, 85sec; Perkins, 87sec. Second Heat: W. Kilmlster, 1; E. Naylor, 2 The three starters were "away well together at top speed. Amidst great enthusiasm Kilmister assumed the lead, and gradually increased his advantage from Mann and Naylor who were next in that order. Kilmlster was nearly 100 yards ahead when he entered the final lap, and he won by easily a furlong. Mann fell at tho end of tho third lap and Naylor filled second place. Times: Kilmister, S3sec; Naylor, OOsec. Also started: A. Mann (Australia). Final. W. Kilmister (Dracer Douglas) . I C. Spinks (Douglas) !..'.".'.!; 2 This was looked on as an international race the crowd's sympathies being overwhelminclv with Kilmistor. Spinks had the inside rum'inT and, from a good start, he took the' lead There was a gap of about 15 yards between the two at the end of the first lap, with the positions practically unchanged when two laps had been completed. Half-way round the third lap, however, Spinks experienced trouble with his carburetter, and for a while his machine rail running only one cylinder. Kilmister rapidly overhauled him as a result and came away to win by about 70 yards. He was given a great reception when he rode round the track T^es^lXter^; S Z^lt£.