Miscellaneous Page 2

August 2010: Steve Magro says: Pam Oakes, wife of speedway journalist and manager Peter Oakes, recently suffered a massive stroke while undergoing major heart surgery. Pam is in a coma at Peterborough District Hospital and Peter is spending as much time as possible at her bedside.

Said Peter: "Unfortunately her chances of surviving this are terrible slim and basically we need a miracle. She is on the High Dependency Unit but has no movement at all, although she is breathing by herself."

Thanks again Tony.
If you can help Tony with this please send him an email picture_ed@hotmail.com Personally I doubt the picture is of England V Australia second test as the two light helmeted riders are wearing West Ham race jackets??? but what do I know? eh!

Photo's from Reg Fearman turned into a panoramic view by my daughter Helen Skinner

Possibly the greatest speedway venue of the modern age Katowice where the 1973 world final, won by Pole Jerzy Szczakiel was watched by a reported 130,000 fans. The exact figure has long been in dispute with most settling for 120,000. The conspiracy theorists say the crowd was under 100,000 but no one can deny that the Polish venue was totally packed out and the crowd looked bigger that any world final before or after.

The bike in the picture was built by me in the bathroom of our flat in Bath Road, Wolverhampton. The brand new JAP engine cost me £100.00 from Alec Jackson in the Harrow Road, London, and I believe I bought the frame from Howard Cole's father at Monmore Green.

I was in the Ambulance Service at the time and not long married and Bill Bridgett was kind enough to give me a few second half rides. However I could not afford to keep the bike and the chap to whom I sold it wrapped it round the safety fence on his first time out.

Should you be interested I can tell you a lot more, but in the meantime could you let me have an email address for Reg Fearman as I am delighted that he is still going strong and I would love to know if he remembers me from all those years ago.

Rest In Peace- Selwyn Burt
Speedway in general lost a great friend when Selwyn Francis Burt passed away on Sunday May 16th 2010. Selwyn, a life member of the Christchurch Speedway Association was one of the founding members back in 1958. He was a noted Solo and TQ racer back at the old Aranui Speedway, riding for Canterbury in teams events alongside English legend Norman Parker and hometown heroes Mick Holland and Barry Briggs, before embarking on a very successful TQ career that saw him win two South Island titles.When Templeton Speedway (now known as Ruapuna) was being built he was one of a small group of enthusiasts that never gave up on the dream, when finance and labour became scarce. Once the track was completed he went back to riding Solos and racing the TQ's each night and again was to the fore winning a South Island Solo Championship and being one of the pacesetters in the TQs.

Selwyn also worked hard in the background providing riders and drivers with machines to race, and parts to keep them going, often without recompense. This was not limited to Christchurch riders and drivers either with many others benefiting from his knowledge and benevolence. His mechanical ability was also highly regarded and sought after, so much so that Selwyn prepared JAP engines from time to time for Ronnie Moore. When Ronnie made his comeback to the UK in the late 60's Selwyn put together an engine for him, shortening the stroke by using a BSA Gold Star con rod. It went well too! Coincidental or not, it was pretty much this configuration that was used in the JAP 4B Up until last summer Selwyn remained a true supporter of Speedway racing taking to the spectator seats at most meetings until the onset of ill health. Space prohibits a comprehensive run down on his contribution to the sport in Canterbury, particularly in the Ellesmere district , and a career in other forms of Motor Cycle racing that saw him win multiple New Zealand titles on Grass Tracks, Hill Climbs and TT Races but it is needless to say that his place as a true Speedway legend is well deserved for a man who sought no accolades yet loved the sport at all levels. Selwyn was extremely proud of the 'Life Time Achievement' Award presented to him by the Canterbury Vintage Speedway Enthusiasts Club in 2006 and mores the pity that his nomination for national recognition was unsuccessful...but to be fair- he was always happy with his lot.

Selwyn was the brother of, Murray Burt, who rode in England, for the Newcastle Diamonds in the late1960's

Many of those Greyhound Stadiums also encompassed Speedway Racing over a long period from 1928 - two years after the Greyhound stadiums were built - Wimbledon closed its doors for Speedway Racing in 2003. On that final night the turnstile takings were stolen!!!!. The last of the London speedway tracks. The A to Z says they closed in 2005 but I checked on google and the web site.

Reg

Enjoy the weather Reg it's raining here! A-Z uses Robert Bamford's "Homes of British Speedway" as a reference and he says Wimbledon closed 2005. Whom am I to disagree, I am just this sites webmaster and you are Mr Speedway. oo-er I am disagreeing with one of speedways big noises

Dog Track in Tahuna NZ

Construction underway at the Greyhound track at Tahuma. Ron Johnston at the controls of one of his earth moving machines.

Ex Belle Vue rider Ron Johnston says: I operated two hydraulic chain diggers for 18 years doing all telecom work in the area on this Photo I was doing a chain trench round Tahuna Speedway track which had been closed down and dog racing took over. The trench was for the Hair for the dogs to chase.

1948: Making the short trip from home (Wallsend) to Brough Park for an evening's racing. Local rider John Hunter on the combination with his mate on the back. The guy on the left was another rider Stuart Robson. The combination was a1923 Harley Davidson. I don't know what the other road bike was. The speedway machine in the sidecar was I am told a Rudge with a JAP engine. The other speedway bike has it's chain removed so the back wheel could revolve freely on the road. It was common to see speedway bikes transported in this fashion before car ownership did away with the motorcycle combination.

Another trip in 1948 this time back from the speedway to John's home in Wallsend. This time John Hunter is on the back with his brother riding. If you have any 1948 programmes have a look for John's name

In 1948 there was no petrol for pleasure purposes. John Hunter would get up early for a day at the seaside, with a difference. He would put his speedway bike on the local coast train at his home station, Wallsend and get it off again at Tynemouth. He would then push the bike down to the Long Sands (Tynemouth Beach). He got in some practise, but only if the tide was out! These photos were taken at 7.00am. He would wake everyone up and attract the attention of the local police. The plod would stop John, warn him about the frivolous waste of petrol and tell him motorbikes were banned from the sands. John would patiently explain that speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol, not petrol and produce a copy of the beach by-laws showing that there was no ban on bikes using the beach at that time of year. He would then continue his session on the beach.

1948: John, his sister and two friends pose for this photo during one of the early morning sessions on the beach at Tynemouth. The modern day Tynemouth inhabitants would have a fit if they were woken by speedway bikes at dawn.

Few riders had 2 or more bikes, a van and a mechanic. This is Oxford rider Ronnie Genz in 1968 showing how it was done 40 years ago. Car fans will note Ronnie's Mark 1 Cortina, now a classic.

Norwegian Geir Øverby has been in touch with some of his photos. Geir says: Hi John, I "told" you for about a year ago that i would collect the race-jackets. Send you photos and explanation of the four I have obtained on. From left; NMK Oslo`s (Norsk Motor Klubb) race-jacet from ca. 1955-1980. Has been yused by legends such as Aage Hansen, Leif "Basse" Hveem, Henry "Stompa" Andersen o.a. I got the jacket from Aage, in gift to my collection on Oslo Open at Bjerkebanen, may 2009. # Belle Vue race-jacket, used of Dent Oliver (please what year? 1960-62??) # Ipswich Witches race-jacket, used of John Louis`(reserve-jacket) in 1977. # Sponsor race-jacket used of Roger Johns about 1970.
My Jawa 890 in home garden.

Aage Hansen was proff. in Witches 1957, but had to give up his proffcareer because knee injury. # Aage was 7 times Norweian Champion 1955-61. Nordic Champion 1957. Uofic. world champion in Oberhausen, Tyskland 1960. Picture from Dælenga Oslo 1954. Aage, and (the dormant English-man) is Ronnie Moore and Jack Young. Next from Denmark 1956, Aage lead before Joel Jansson Sweden, Simo Yllinen Finland and Erik Vincent Denmark. Aage (right) at start, contrymatch Norway/Poland 1956.

Sorry for my poor English , but hope you anderstand som of it.

I have reproduced Geir's email above, without correction. His English is better than most Englishmen's Norwegian

Ronnie Moore, Aage Hansen and Jack Young (with Castrol-pot) at Dælenga, Oslo 1954 Aage won this race.

From Sleskov Speedway Arena, Danmark 1956. Aage Hansen leader (and win) before Joel Jansson Sweden,
Simo Yllinen Finland and Erik Vinsent Denmark
The above pics and text from Norwegian Geir Øverby

Photographs of Jack Winstanley's steel show and helmet were supplied by Jack's son George Winstanley.
George says: the helmet is my dads from his early career I think its the one he used (looking at the pics) from Long Eaton '51. inside the makers name is Compton Sons & Webb ltd, London. I believe they made helmets for the military in WW2 The steel shoe is the last one he used until he retired, late 60,s. It may have been the one he used at Newcastle !? . He used to make his own steel shoes. (notice the sole & heel removed, so it was a better fit).

2009: The above picture of Ivan Mauger appears on the $1.50 New Zealand postage stamp
The full set is shown below:

Courtesy John Abel
John Abel helping Ivan Mauger at Redcliffe Longtrack during the match races with Phil Crump. 2002 -2003?

The Dutch programme with 3 of our riders names misspelled. If anyone has a completed programme please send it to me

The tour truck which appears to be a 1960's removal van. No idea who these 3 are? Either speedway guys or midget car men.
Brenda Robinson says: Left - Milton Caisley, Middle could be Graham Beattie (we think !) and on the right - Alan Paynter

The inside of the programme showing Mike Parker's English riders: Jack Winstanley (Newcastle), Graham Beattie, Maury Robinson (Newcastle), P Harris, Alan Paynter, B Oliver, P Sharples, Milton Caisley (Newcastle).
I think all of these riders had a Newcastle connection. Mike Parker must has taken his lesser light Newcastle Diamonds riders to Italy with 1966 Jack Winstanley as the star.

Hi ! This is Brenda Robinson (Maury's wife) trying to help with the riders in the Rimini pictures on your site: The people mentioned in the programme were not the only ones on that venture - Goog Allan and his Wife Ursula were also there - and so was I ! I was given a free trip in order to help . Maury & I had to take 2 riders with us in our own car - so I was given the "free seat ! Some of us stayed in a B & B & I helped to do some of the publicity & did the lads washing (in a "dolly tub" outside our B & B !!) Alan Paynter took ill & had to have his appendix removed and I had to help the nuns in the hospital to look after him !. It was extremely hard work for all the lads as they had to prepare, grade, water the track - in the heat during the day and distribute publicity leaflets in the evenings. During the meetings they had to be pushers, track marshals, starters etc as well as grading the track and they all had to ride as well as drive the midget cars !

3 English Lads larking about in the Italian sunshine, Maybe all 3 were midget car men and not speedway riders. If you know who they are please email John
Brenda Robinson says: The 3 riders hosing down the midget car are : Left - Milton Caisley, with the hose - Paul Sharples and Rt. could be P.Harris ?

Jack Winstanley right wearing hat. The rest may be Newcastle riders in Rimini
Brenda Robinson says: In the cafe Pic - With Jack Winstanley -next to Jack is Paul Sharples, middle Mick Hanley, next to him (possibly P. Harris ?) left of pic - sorry don't know.
Reg Fearman says: The cafe photo with Jack W. wearing the hat. On the extreme feft almost hidden is Graham Beattie. I am unable to help with the others

Use a tractor! seems like hard work in the Italian heat. Jack Winstanley on the left.
Brenda Robinson says: The picture. where they are grading the track - far Rt. is Maury Robinson, next to him (? P.Harris) Middle - sorry don't know - 3rd from left is Milton Caisley , 2nd left is Mick Hanley and Jack Winstanley on left (in hat).

Minard H. Waln, known the length and breadth of the short track racing world as the "Mighty Mite,” was
born in Cedar Rapids , Iowa November 20, 1901. Miny spent most of his school and boyhood days on the
family country estate, taking long courses in the art of hunting, fishing, hiking and the like.
After finishing school, Waln began travelling and
visited Richmond , Virginia during the war. His racing career began in 1918 at the age of 16 and in his first
year racing he took the Iowa State Championship. "I rode a Pope at Cedar Rapids my first race" Miny said.
"The favorite was a scrappy guy named Peanuts Spurgeon, of Marion , Iowa . He was taking bets he
would lap me. I chased him down to the finish line and almost nosed him out." After winning in the East, he

came to Los Angeles , California in 1924 and raced on the 5/8 mile Ascot track along with other venues at
The Beverly Hills 1¼ mile board track, Long Beach, Emeryville, San Diego and numerous other tracks. He
rode primarily Indian, JAP, Douglas, Crocker and even threw his leg over a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle during
his brilliant racing career.
      The biggest crowd he ever appeared before was at Syracuse , New York where 90,000 fans saw him take the
nationals in 1930. Syracuse was then the Indianapolis for bike racing. The major factory teams were there,
men like Jim Davis, Joe Petrali, Freddie Ludlow and Andy Hader. Miny had won there in 1929 also.     In 1931 at the Breakfast Club, was the night when short track racing started in Southern California .Miny, with his experience, was a natural over the kids at the new sport. Only Sprouts Elder stood in his way. They ran nip and tuck as top scratch riders for a while, and then Miny took the lead. Sprouts retired and for a couple of years Miny ruled the roost. When
the Breakfast Club shut down, Waln retraced his steps to Richmond . Virginia . There he won two national
championships at the Richmond Decoration Day race meet and returned to California shortly thereafter, where he continued to thrill speedway fans.
     Waln, the first man to introduce the Comerford JAP machine into the United States , held records at
practically all tracks of the western circuit. Some of the records were Oakland , Ca. 4-lap handicap record,
Fresno , Ca. 4-lap scratch, Gilmore Stadium, 4-lap handicap, Atlantic Stadium 2-lap, San Diego , Ca.
1-lap title and Bakersfield Ca., he held the 5 mile record on big track.
     In all he held 15 national title medals and was a 3 time National Champion from 1930-1932. He retired
from racing speedway in 1938.
     The late 30’s brought on a different form of racing. Miny built midget cars and stacked up prize money with Louie Foy behind the wheel of the Dale Drake Special. He went to work for Lockheed in 1938 where he was in charge of a hydraulic crew for years and then went on to be a supervisor on final assembly and finally a test mechanic.
      Through out his career his pretty wife Gwynie was ever present at the races. She was immensely popular with the

motorcycle fraternity. The great tragedy of Miny’s life was when Gwynie succumbed to a
brain tumor in 1963. They had traveled the country and had been inseparable for 37 years.
Joe Walker, of Santa Ana , former Sprouts Elder Mechanic, who watched Waln race for years, observed,
“Miny was one of the all-time greats. He was such a mild mannered, soft-spoken gentleman, nobody would
suspect he was such a tiger in action and tough enough to take such a battering over two decades and quit in
one piece.”
Miny purchased some land in a small town about 100 miles east of Los Angeles, known as Hemet,
California. There he owned property that consisted mainly of apricot orchards. He raised his two daughters and retired, being close to them and his grandchildren. Miny would frequent the local tracks at the time and shared in many reunions, seeing his old friends and fellow racers at tracks that continued to prosper such as Costa Mesa Speedway. Miny passed away in 1991, but I am sure he is riding faster than he
ever dreamed. A true legend in his time, he was always looking for a way to do whatever he could to outrun
the competition. Godspeed Miny!

Assistant hangman turned speedway rider who changed his name to Tyburn Gallows for reasons best known to himself. Well it did the trick of getting him noticed as here I am writing this piece about him forty years on.

Stoke's Tyburn Gallows hanging an effigy of the rival Cradley team assisted by Reg "hang 'em high" Fearman in 1961

Geoff Pymar had an incredibly long speedway career thanks to his wonder drug Ovaltine. I am going out now to buy a tin.

Always of interest. Stadiums in other countries. Send me your pics please John

SYDNEY AUSTRALIA The following three photos are of the Grand Prix Stadium I do believe it was -called Stadium Australia then, ( they changed the name later ). I was there and took the photos !! Sitting in the Grandstand looking left at the pit bend, the centre and then the first bend. So far it is the only Grand Prix Round staged in Australia - of the current promotion. It took place on the 26th October 2002.