Speedway Style at Wakapuaka

Man, could those guys handle their bikes!

The hard sand track at Wakapuaka really had a thrashing as a strong contingent of motor-cyclists, including Christchurch riders Roger Wright, Alan Brown (N.Z. speedway champ) and Merv Salt thrilled a crowd of about 800 during the Easter meeting.

The meet was run by the Nelson Motorcycle Club and was one of the most successful ever.

New Zealand speedway champion, Alan Brown, slides his JAP through a bend with the confidence of experience

The side-car boys really churned the sand up and here Dave Tonkin puts his Vincent through a turn with partner Ian Combridge assisting. Dave's from Auckland and Ian's from Christchurch

Interested spectators were Valerie Cloughley, Nelson, Myra Hauschild, Christchurch, and Raelene Dunstan, Nelson

Mounted on their steel steeds are Dave Rankine, Alan Brown, Tony Nesbitt and Merv Salt. An impressive line-up of top-class riders

Max Brown showers Geoff Stone with sand as they scream through a corner

An American visitor to the Wakapuaka track was Dave Rankine who impressed with some fine riding

Only Nelson competitor was Rob Black. Rob wasn't riding the mighty Suzuki we featured on last month's cover but he did well on a 98cc Suzuki scrambler

Not our idea of fun but side-car jockey Bruce Counsell seems to enjoy skimming inches above the deck at 60mph while Ian Begbie controls the Triumph

International rider, Roger Wright, Christchurch, gave a smooth display on his Esso machine and featured in some tight duels with Alan Brown

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The Nelson Photo News

No 126 : May 1, 1971

Speedway Style at Wakapuaka