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Miscellaneous Items
part two
Ron Mason
Courtesy of Johnno Allanton New Zealand
Tom Farndon
A special ceremony to remember 1934-35 British Champion
Tom Farndon
attracted almost 100 fans and family to his Coventry graveside on
August Bank Holiday Monday, the 75th anniversary of his death.
Five generations of the family included the youngest,
four-weeks-old Beth, and among the Farndon fans was 92-years-old
Winifred Simpson who said:
'He was my hero when
I was 17.'
The event was conducted by the Rev Mike Whawell, honorary chaplain
to the World Speedway Riders Association and organised by the
authors of the new book on Tom Farndon's life, John Chaplin and
Norman Jacobs.
Chaplin said:
'The turnout exceeded
all our expectations. It was magnificent considering it is three
quarters of a century after the tragedy that cut short Tom's
outstanding career. He was a huge star - historically one of
England's best - in his day, and the occasion was highly
emotional, especially for the family.'
Farndon, 24, at the time the undefeated British Champion, was
fatally injured in a crash at New Cross on the eve of the 1935
Star Championship Final - then the equivalent of a world final -
for which he was favourite.
Ex-riders Col Smith and Mike Lawrence provided bikes - a
Langton Excelsior and 1928 Dirt-Track Douglas (see
attached photos).
Tom Farndon (born
11 September 1910 Coventry, England died 30 August 1935) was a
Speedway rider who won the Star Riders' Championship in 1933.
He
set out
on the road to speedway stardom in 1928 and within five years
had reached celebrity status. His good looks and sheer
charisma brought him a huge fan following, particularly among
young women, and his incredible talent took him to the
pinnacle of the speedway world.
Tom was the
British Individual Match Race Champion and was undefeated from
1934 until his death in 1935. Farndon was killed after a crash
on 28 August 1935 whilst racing at New Cross Rangers Stadium
in a second half scratch race final. He was involved in a
collision with team-mate Ron Johnson which hurled him through
the air and saw him land head first on the track. Tom died two
days later in Miller General Hospital, Greenwich, without
regaining consciousness.
http://www.inter-bike.co.uk/reviews-motorcycling/motorcycle-book-reviews/2518-tom-farndon-the-greatest-speedway-rider-of-them-all-by-norman-jacobs-and-john-chaplin.html
Peter and Pam Oakes
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."
Peter, from all of us who know you and Pam
our best wishes go out to you both.
At this difficult time you are in our
prayers.
This morning Saturday 25th September 2010, I (Reg Fearman), talked
with Peter Oakes. Most of you will know that Pamela suffered a major
stroke when on the operating table at Papworth Hospital for major
heart surgery. She was in a coma for some time and Peter and family
were told she probably had only two days left to live. Since that
time in mid August she has amazed the specialists by recovering
consciousness and gradually making minor improvement. She is talking
but has very little movement of her limbs, but is just about able,
with help to hold a glass to drink from. Pamela was transferred to
Peterborough General Hospital where treatment is taking place for
stroke recovery. Peter said that it will be a long road but are
thankful the first prognosis was wrong. He said Pamela will be
fighting all the way as she has done over these past few weeks.
Reg Fearman says: This morning
Saturday 2/10/2010 I talked to Peter Oaks
Pamela:- She has made tremendous strides over these past few weeks.
It was eight weeks ago that she suffered the massive stroke when on
the operating table for heart surgery. Family and doctors were always
talking to her and looking for a sign of movement, that first sign
came on 26th August when she was able to push out her tongue. Today
in Peterborough the weather was good and Sarah was intending to take
Pamela out for a while in a wheelchair. Although Pamela has no
movement on her left side she is able to feed herself and take a
drink. Staff have also stood her up for a short while with
support. Pamela is now on stroke rehabilitation. Such great news
after such an awful prognosis.
Good news on Pamela - but she still need our prayers.
Cheers,
Reg
:
Reg SaysPeter says :- Pamela continues to
make improvement after her major heart operation and stroke twelve
weeks ago. It was her birthday yesterday, she Peter and family
were able to to have a few hours out of the Hospital. Pam like
P.C. is able to stand with support, walking is not yet possible
although Pamela is determined to walk again.
Improvement: Peter says: Pam is still making good but very slow
progress. She was allowed to come with us to Peterborough's dinner
on Saturday night. We could only stay for the meal but she enjoyed
herself enormously.
She has an infection at the moment but they are treating it with
antibiotics although it will obviously weaken her as far as
working in the therapy gym is concerned. They are enormously
pleased with her progress and (privately) the chief therapist has
recommended she should stay at the City Care Centre for at least
another four weeks. That, in itself, is good news because they
will only keep people who are making progress and have further
progress to make. If they didn't think she would improve then she
would be discharged and usually the maximum stay is six weeks. Pam
will have been there four weeks on Wednesday. She is getting a lot
of her balance back and has been able to stand up in the gym
without major assistance. She still needs to be hoisted in and out
of bed but we are hoping in the next week or so she can progress
to a standing hoist machine which is far more dignified.
Peter Collins
This morning Saturday 25th September 2010, I (Reg Fearman) talked
with Angie Collins it is just over two weeks since Peter had an
Aneurysm on the right side of his brain and was taken to the Walton
Neurological Hospital in Liverpool. Angie says Peter is very weak
and tired, he is being fed liquids through a tube to his stomach via
his nose. He had an Angiogram on Thursday the results which were
satisfactory. Peter has lost some movement on his left side but it
is hoped he will make a full recovery given time. He is helped to a
bedside chair for a couple of hours each day. Let us not forget our
friends who may not be as well as us today
Reg Fearman says: This morning
Saturday 2/10/2010 I talked to Angie Collins. Angie told me that
Peter was transferred yesterday from the Walton hospital in
Liverpool to Warrington which is just a 20 minute drive away. Angie
says Peter is very week and lost a lot of weight due to being in bed
for three weeks but his speech has completely recovered. She has
been told that it takes about four weeks for the blood leakage to
disperse. Last week he did have a set back after some examinations
and spent the night in intensive care. Peter is in the Warrington
hospital for rehabilitation, he phoned Angie at 7am this morning and
again at 7.30 am to say he was hungry and had not yet had any
breakfast, she said she too had not yet had her breakfast as it was
only 7.30am. Angie said she would be cooking one of his favourite
dinners and take it in to the hospital later in the day - as she had
been doing while he was in Liverpool.
Good news on both Pamela and Peter - but
they still need our prayers.
Cheers,
RegReg has
been in touch again, he says: I talked with Angie today for an
update on 56 year old ! P.C. :- She said he was progressing
slowly in re-hab and is due to start intensive physiotherapy on
Monday. It is five weeks since he had the Cerebral Aneurysm which
rendered him almost helpless. Peter has some movement on his left
side now but is weak and the brain has to re-learn how to get him
mobile. He has recently been transported by Angie and Haley
around the hospital confines by wheel chair but is unable at
present to 'go it alone'. Keep praying, Reg
Good Luck PC
Reg again contacted Angie and she says: I
have this Sunday morning spoken to Angie. She says Peter has
been in hospital now for some eight weeks and at present is in the
Warrington Hospital's Physio and Re hab unit and doing very well.
Angie was taking Peter out to day albeit in a wheelchair. P.C.
can now stand alone but has support either side for a short walk.
His left arm and hand are gaining strength and it is hoped he will
be home within a week or so. Reg
Fearman says: Saturday November 6th 2010
Today's news on PC is excellent, he is at home and when I spoke to
Angie this morning he was sitting up in bed having breakfast.
He came home yesterday - Friday November 5th - Guy Fawkes night
for bonfires and fireworks so Angie
and family took him to a local 'party, he sat in the van wrapped
up for an hour or so. He is able to climb the stairs to bed with
some support, Angie says there has been great improvement over the
past two weeks. It can only get better.
Cheers,
Reg 14th November 2010: Reg Fearman
says: I talked to P.C. at his home in Lymm Cheshire on Saturday
evening . He is doing fine and getting stronger every day. He
said he had spent half an hour in the garden that afternoon raking
leaves - a little physio !!!. The strength has returned to his
left side and he can manage everything now without assistance. He
would like to thank through me all those who have been concerned
about his progress over these last ten weeks. Cheers, Reg
8th December 2010 Reg Fearman says: I talked
with P.C. a few hours ago he was in good spirits but said his left
arm and the left side of his mouth had not yet returned to normal.
He is doing fine and expects to go to Perth for a few weeks in
January cheers, Reg John Says: great news that PC is
feeling well enough to travel to Perth. I assume that's
Perth in OZ and not Scotland which is under 2 feet of snow as I
type.
1947 England V Australia
Courtesy of Tony Smith
1947 England v Australia, Max Grosskreutz Aus, Ron
Johnson Aus, George Wilks Eng and Alec Statham Eng. England one the
match ended 58 to 50 also looking for the copyright of or any
help
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!
Katowice 1973
2 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.
Wolverhampton's Dave Mobley
Dear Mr Skinner,
Many thanks indeed for your
wonderful speedway web pages. They have brought back many memories of
when I was a novice rider in 1964 at Wolverhampton.
I helped Bill Bridgett and
Reg Fearman to rebuild the track since its closure for many years. We
managed to bring an old tractor back to life and used it to help grade
the track.
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.
Sincerely,
Dave
Mobley.
Hi Dave, I would be interested to
hear more for you to put on this page. I have forwarded your email
onto Reg who may reply direct to you. John
New Zealand- Selwyn Burt
Allan Batt says:
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.
Allan Batt
Selwyn was the brother of,
Murray Burt, who rode in England, for the Newcastle Diamonds in the
late1960's
Dog Tracks in London
Reg Fearman says: At one
time there were 33 Greyhound tracks in London, only three remain,
Wimbledon Crayford and Romford.
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.
Enough from me, it is 35c
here at 6pm - must go and jump into the pool.
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.
Local Newcastle Rider 1948 style : John Hunter
Courtesy of John Hunter via Dave Rowland
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.
Courtesy of John Hunter via Dave Rowland
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
Courtesy of John Hunter via Dave Rowland
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.
Courtesy of John Hunter via Dave Rowland
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.
Transporting A Bike
1968
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.
Items From Norway
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.
I hope this can be of some
interest to you and your amazing story page.
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
Geir's
racejackets
Ronnie Moore, Aage
Hansen and Jack Young (with Castrol-pot) at Dælenga, Oslo 1954
Aage won this race.
Geir's Jawa 890
Aage Hansen at
start in contrymatch Norway/ Poland, Geitryggen Skien 1956
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
Jack Winstanley's Steel
Shoe and Helmet
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).
New Zealand Postage Stamps
Courtesy of Dave Gifford
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?
Holland v England 1954
Courtesy of George Winstanley
Courtesy of George Winstanley
Courtesy of George Winstanley
The Dutch programme with 3 of our riders names misspelled.
If anyone has a completed programme please send it to me
Mike Parker's International Speedway
Rimini - Italy 1966
Courtesy of George Winstanley
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 Italian programme cover from Mike Parkers trip to
Rimini 1966
3 Languages in the programme: Italian, English and
German
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 !
No idea who these riders are. If you recognise anyone email me here
John
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 in the Rimini sunshine
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).
Rimini 1966
Courtesy of Thomas Sagergrim
Olle Nygren
Anyone know anything about Vargolle or these pictures of Olle
John
Courtesy of Reg Fearman
Ken Le Breton at home in Sydney, Australia.
Miny Waln
Tribute to a USA great
by Bob Fricker
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!
1934 American Scratch Riders
Courtesy of the book: Speedway Motorcycle
Racing or Thrilling The Million
Courtesy of the book: Speedway Motorcycle Racing or Thrilling The
Million
Tyburn Gallows
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
Courtesy of Colin Greenwell
Geoff Pymar had an incredibly long speedway career thanks to his wonder
drug Ovaltine. I am going out now to buy a tin.
Courtesy Colin Greenwell
Jack Young advertising fags
Brisbane Exhibition Ground
Courtesy of Reg Fearman
Courtesy of Reg Fearman
Always of interest. Stadiums in other countries. Send me your pics please
John
Amsterdam
Courtesy Phil Small
Courtesy Phil Small
Waikaraka Park International Speedway
Courtesy of Bob Andrews via Reg Fearman
Waikaraka Park New Zealand
Sydney
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.
Photo courtesy of Reg Fearman
Photo courtesy of Reg Fearman
Photo courtesy of Reg Fearman
Sydney October 2002
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