The Christchurch Speedway Association received a blow to the planned activities in its 50th anniversary year when last years promoters, Speedworx, advised they would not continue this season.
While not being that memorable for the bike classes, it is sad for the Powerbuilt Ruapuna track as they learnt a lot in the initial year and were good to work with. The problem for the solo class under the CSA,( who will promote this coming season’s activities), is whether they will have a track to race on? Negotiations continue regarding the reinstatement of the infield solo track.
The infield track, was put in over a couple of decades ago when it was realised that the bikes could not race on the main circuit with its heavy clay base surface desired by the car classes. Some time later it was removed by a promotion only to be reinstated by the solo class. Last season the controlling body of the promotion again took upon themselves to cover the solo track under a one track for all policy. A request from the solo rep, Lionel Green, backed by letters of recommendation from Rick Lang, Ivan Mauger and Ronnie Moore that the small track stay until the main surface proved itself was ignored. The results of which need little comment.
What it did do was prove that despite some of the negativity about being too far away, having a lack of lighting and being too tight for some, it was invaluable for solo racing at the only regular night time solo facility in the South Island. Will we see solo bikes back at Ruapuna this year?
To balance the article, I must say the CSA did try to accommodate the bike classes both on the main circuit and then the smaller 286m infield track. A number of different options were always tried and it drove many a member almost insane at the dissatisfaction these attempts were met with from some individuals when trying to satisfy all classes. In some ways the solo riders of more recent times have been their own worst enemies. Continued confrontation, personality conflicts, boycotts and running away and signing up with other clubs have undermined a small number of dedicated loyal competitors. Some of these were frustrated because they could not ride due to lack of numbers to make a line up.
Those that could have helped and front, stood on the sideline.
We have moved on from there in some respects and some riders with supporters believe that even on the small track, the class can be exciting and offer some variety to the CSA’s activities. Will they be backing the pits this year?
The CSA are looking for a commitment from the riders that they will front if the track is reinstated. They base a lot of this around riders contracting to the club. It should not be the sole determining factor. Put in a good surface and work with them so they can race when warm and fit and not wait for over an hour between races, and you will get riders coming to race. The CMSC that run Moore Park, fully support the reinstatement of the infield track so that the solo class still has a presence at this night time facility.
In fact a number of their personal have been instrumental in assisting the Powerbuilt track to run on a Saturday night and they still wish to be part of the speedway scene. With three South Island riders having some experience in the English scene this year, along with several juniors making the step up to seniors, you could say the class is rebuilding. With a number of riders from Oreti who are prepared to travel, and I am sure with some negotiation, the odd North Island rider, numbers could be ok. Will they have a surface to race on?
As one of the founding sections of the CSA, they have accommodated the car classes and supported them as they developed and in their time of need. Some will remember the club pulling in from “Hazard County” the Ellesmere six cylinder sprints to race with a struggling sprint car class. Solo riders at almost all times equalled the number of “smoking joes” in the midget section who could not finish a race when they were at their lowest. On a good night bikes in the pits out numbered the TQs who had suffered a dramatic drop in numbers until a successful academy programme helped to rejuvenate the class to one of strength again.
Sure both the bike classes are not over endowed with numbers but should we penalise these riders because of the actions of a few in the past? They are not asking for a change in the main race surface. The car classes can have it their own way, although we would like to see the chairs get a good run too. All they would like is their track uncovered and the opportunity to once again be part of the Saturday night speedway scene. Hopefully I will see them there.
Warrick Korstanje
