Ronnie Moore Memorial Meeting - 16/02/19

[hawkeyenz]

I had the privilege to attend the Ronnie Moore Memorial Meeting yesterday at Moore Park Christchurch . It was an outpouring of love and respect for the great man that has done so much for and in Speedway. The attendance was huge, swelled by many past competitors, at least double any crowd I have seen at Moore Park.

The meeting needed 81 Races (61 solo and 20 sidecar) to allow all the competitors, who wanted to, a chance to compete. The contestants were in various grades ranging from Bradley Wilson-Dean to the 68 year old on an old upright and the seven year olds on the 50cc bikes on the inner training track. The oldest bike was a 1946 JAP and there were Jawa, Weslake, Godden etc to gladden the heart of an old speedway supporter.

There were approximately 50 solo competitors and 20 odd sidecar duos. I was really impressed some of the old fellas still fitted their circa 70's/80's leathers.

In the A grade BWD looked unbeatable and his only likely competition Thomas Jorgensen of Denmark had to retire from the meeting after winning his first heat because of the pain from hand injuries sustained in a Mountain Bike crash when exploring our beautiful country. The final was won by Andrew Aldridge after BWD had a mechanical failure while well in the lead.  Ryan Terry-Daley was second and Jake Turner third.

Unfortunately no new prospects on the near horizon. George Congrieve our latest U21 Champion is about the same standard as Ryan Terry-Daley. They had the best race of the night in the semi-final with passing and re-passing final settled in Ryans favour out of the last corner.

A great day and a really moving tribute to a great man and speedway rider.

 

[Mike.Butler]

hi neil,

good to know you got to this meeting.

we've just come back from seeing 5 rounds of the australian championship.

(jan was the hottest ever month ever in south Australia!)

mike