The first training weekend for the winter season poses a few problems for the Canterbury Motor Cycle Speedway Club.

After one of the most woeful seasons at the Christchurch home of speedway Ruapuna’s track, the mood amongst the solo fraternity was somewhat subdued. The promise of a new surface to suit all failed to materialise and those wanting to ride on a Saturday night along with the solo fans were left bitterly disappointed.

Riders of all ages and ability turned out in force and soon the air was filled with the noise of solos going through their paces. Too many in fact that the normal casual approach where a rider could take in as many track runs as they wished, did not work.. Led by the two new Motor Cycling New Zealand Short Track Champions, Larry Ross and Anthony Knowles, riders had plenty to look at, think about and relish at being able to run on a hard and fast on a surface more suited to the bikes.

A meeting of the Canterbury Speedway Riders Club after training, (which has come out of recession), discussed some of the problems faced with a popular training day. Suggestions for the CMSC to look at included: 1. running timed sessions of no more than six to eight laps. 2. grouping more riders on the track at one time whom had similar abilities, 3. having perhaps two trainers present so one could take a group of riders for a run, come off the track and discuss the results and recommendations while the other trainer got the next group underway. 4. make better use of the small Ivan Mauger track for those who are at a stage where they can start to slide the bike, and 5. look at putting in a small basic oval track outside the main circuit for the very new riders who just need to ride, learn balance and throttle control under parental supervision. This could have the potential of having younger families or siblings of current riders getting a feel for the sport on any type of small bike at their disposal.

The Club also discussed the situation the bike classes found themselves in, in relation to racing at Ruapuna regularly. They agreed that the present situation did not work and they gave support for the reinstatement of the solo track. Another approach to the Speedworx promoters is to be made.

Next training day is scheduled for May 11th 11.00am to 3.00pm.