The Kiwis (1)

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http://barrybutterworthracing.com/

The Kiwis (1)

Frank Brewer

Roly Crowther

Ross Goonan

Ian Holden

Ron Ross

Trevor Morris

John Stanley

Roger Bertram

Ted Tracey

Max Butterworth

Frank (Satan) Brewer

Born in Christchurch in 1906, Frank Brewer began racing midgets in 1938 in Auckland when he purchased #72 of George Smith. The car had previously been brought out from USA by a visiting American driver. During the winter of 1939, Frank travelled to the USA and raced with great success. He already had the nickname “satan” before he left NZ because people said he drove like the devil! While in America he purchased the ex-Ken Hupp V8-60 which he renumbered as #99 and when he returned to NZ he brought it with him. He won the 1939-40 and 1940-41 NZ Midget Championship in the car. He returned to USA and became an American citizen. During the Second World War he joined the US Air Force and worked in flight maintenance based in Florida. After the war he returned to Californian midget racing, again with great success. He returned to NZ again in 1946-47 in a new V8-60 car initially carrying #3 but this was soon changed to #99. The livery was cream with red flames emanating from the nose. He won the 1946-47 NZ midget Championship and at the end of the season returned to USA with the car. While racing in US he purchased the ex-Eddie Meyer Kurtis Kraft midget which was in blue livery and numbered #10 and then #99. During his time in the US he won 30 feature races and was 1946 Western States Champion. Frank emigrated to Australia in 1948 with two midgets (the flame car and the Kurtis Kraft). He based himself in Sydney and his brother-in-law, Andy McGavin, drove the flame car while he drove the Kurtis Kraft. Frank raced extremely successfully in Australia until his retirement in 1955, after which he ran an earthmoving business in the Sydney suburb of Cambeltown. He won the NSW Speedcar Championship in 1952, 53 and 54 as well as the 1954 Queensland Speedcar Championship, the 1954 World Quarter Mile Speedcar Championship at the Ekka and various versions of the Australian Speedcar Championship in 1950, 53 and 54. He had a successful trip to NZ in the 1953-54 season winning races at both Western Springs and Waiwakaiho Speedways. He made a comeback in the 1962-63 season at Western Springs driving Skip Eade’s midget #3 (renumbered as #99). It was a short-lived return as he caught an outside wheel of a competitor and crashed heavily into the safety fence sustaining 5 broken ribs, a broken sternum and a punctured lung. Frank ran his earthmoving business in Sydney for many years before eventually returning to the USA. He resided in Phoenix during his later years and died in 2001 at the age of 95.

The careers of Satan and Barry B barely overlapped although Barry was already racing midgets in 1962-63 when Brewer made his short-lived comeback at Western Springs. Brewer also drove both Leo Vercoe’s and Merv Neil’s midgets (in the livery of his Kurtis Kraft as #99 and #10 respectively) in warm up one night in the 1965-66 season when Barry was racing the F&C Offy at Western Springs.

Frank Brewer in his first midget #72 at Western Springs in 1938.
(From http://speedwayroyale.homestead.com/Satan.html)

Drivers line up for some midget racing at Western Springs in 1938. From L to R, Gerry Mathieson (#17), Ken Wylie (Australia), Frank Brewer (#72) and Charles Segedin (Car obscured)
(From http://www.historicspeedway.co.nz/westsprings1.htm)

In the winter of 1939, Frank travelled to the USA to race midgets. Here, American Bill Walbridge drives over Frank Brewers shoulder at Neptune Speedway in Oakland, California.
(From http://speedwayroyale.homestead.com/Satan.html)

Here is Frank in 1940 after another race win in the USA. He became a star in the midget division in California.
(From http://speedwayroyale.homestead.com/Satan2.html)

Here is the front page of the “Illustrated Speedway News” from December 1940 describing another win for Frank. This time the feature at Balboa Stadium Speedway in San Diego.
(From http://midgetcarpanorama.proboards.com/thread/466/frank-satan-brewer)

Johnny Muir (21), Bill Sheffler (#15), Johnny Parsons and Frank Brewer (#99) line up for a start at Southern Ascot Speedway (USA) in 1940. The #99 is the ex-Ken Hupp midget that Frank purchased during his first trip to America.
(From The Mighty Midgets by Jack Fox. Carl Hungness Publishing, Indiana, 1985)

A melee at San Diego Speedway as Bob Ware spins and Al Stein slides into him. Frank Brewer (#99) can be seen going around them on the outside.
(From The Mighty Midgets by Jack Fox. Carl Hungness Publishing, Indiana, 1985)

Frank smiles for the camera in the ex-Ken Hupp V8-60 in the USA.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Frank Brewer (#99) leads Jerry Piper and Jonnie Parsons in a URA race at Hughes Stadium in Sacramento (USA) in 1940.
(From The Mighty Midgets by Jack Fox. Carl Hungness Publishing, Indiana, 1985)

In 1940 Frank returned from the USA to race the ex-Ken Hupp V8-60 in New Zealand. He won the 1939-40 and 1940-41 NZ Midget Championship in the car.
(From Cinders to Clay. The pioneer Years 1935-1950 by Harry Chambers. Harry Chambers, Auckland, 2011)

A hand-coloured photo of Team Brewer on the infield at Western Springs in 1940-41. Ivan Brewer is seated in Frank’s old car #72 while Frank is in the recently imported ex-Ken Hupp car (#99).
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Another hand-coloured photo, this time of Frank Brewer (#99) lined up on the infield beside Australian George Beavis (#18). The two competed in a match race series at Western Springs during the 1940-1941 season.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Frank returned to the USA and became an American citizen and worked for the US Air Force in flight maintenance in Florida. At the end of the war he began racing midgets again. He purchased the Roy Richter-built, V8-60-powered “flame car” which had a red flame and cream livery. It ran variously as #7, #3 and as #99.
(From http://speedwayroyale.homestead.com/Satan.html)

Here is the car with the nose caved in after Frank had something more than a little shunt.
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/midgetsevolution.html)

Frank leading at Culver City Speedway, California, in the flame car running as #99.
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/midgetsevolution.html)

Frank (in the centre of the picture) poses after an accident in which Don Farmer spun, Frank hit him and then Walt Faulkner went over the top of Frank’s car. Frank’s bent car is on the right.
(From http://speedwayroyale.homestead.com/Satan.html)

Frank, as a star of the Californian midget racing circuit, posing in the car at the race track.
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/midgetsevolution.html)

A great shot of Frank posing in the flame car while racing in the USA.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

A big smile for the camera! Frank looks happy with life racing on the Californian midget circuit.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Frank in the car and ready to race #99 like the devil!
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Frank in the pits and ready to go out onto the racetrack in car #99.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Californian midget star, Frank Satan Brewer, ready to be pushed off in V8-60 #99.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Frank Brewer (second from left) standing behind the car at Western Springs in 1946-47 after shipping #99 to Auckland.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Frank sitting in the flame car - back in New Zealand and ready to race.
(From Waiwakaiho Speedway. The Early Years Vol 1 by Max Rutherford. Taranaki Historic Speedway Association, New Plymouth, 2013)

Frank in the pits at Western Springs ready to take on the locals.
(From https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.339381349439432.81062.
157452800965622&type=3)

Frank Brewer (#99) on his way to the 1946-47 New Zealand Midget Championship as he leads Roly Crowther in #3.
(From https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.202582899785945.51766.
157452800965622&type=3)

Another great shot of Frank in the V8-60-powered flame car in the pits at Western Springs.
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Evolution--John-Stanley-99.html)

Frank running the midget flat out on the Seagrove aerodrome in 1947. He won the 10 mile NZ Open Airstrip Championship in the midget.
(From Cinders to Clay. The pioneer Years 1935-1950 by Harry Chambers. Harry Chambers, Auckland, 2011)

The front page of Motorspecs Review of June 1947 with Frank in #99 at Seagrove aerodrome. As stated in the article, Frank returned to the USA in the winter of 1947.

While back in the USA, Frank purchased the ex-Eddie Meyer Kurtis Kurtis Kraft V8-60-powered midget off Leonard Fass. It was variously numbered as #10 or #99. It was in blue livery with white flecks.
(From http://midgetcarpanorama.proboards.com/thread/466)

The front cover of the Balboa Stadium Speedway program in 1949 with a photo of star midget driver, Frank Satan Brewer.
(From http://speedwayroyale.homestead.com/Satan.html)

Frank Brewer, along with other American drivers and an assortment of movie stars from Hollywood, was part of a 1948 tour to London to try to introduce midget car racing to Britain. Frank on the left, Gene Tierney in the car and Inky “Cowboy” Ingram on the right.
(From http://midgetcarpanorama.proboards.com/thread/466
/frank-satan-brewer)

Another shot from London as Frank poses with film star Linda Darnell.
(From http://midgetcarpanorama.proboards.com/thread/466/frank-satan-brewer)

In 1949, Frank emigrated to Australia. Here is Frank posing in Sydney in his Kurtis Kraft V8-60 (#10) with his brother-in-law Andy McGavin in (#48) which is Frank’s ex-flame car.
(http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Evolution-2.html)

Frank at full speed at the Sydney Sportsground.
(Bryan Gunther photo from Australian Speedway. An Illustrated History by Tony Loxley. Working Class Productions Lane Cove, NSW, 2004)

Frank wearing a long-sleeved shirt and tie poses for the camera.
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Evolution-2.html)

Frank was an excellent mechanic who knew as much as anyone else about how to get the most out of a Ford V8-60 motor.
(From http://speedwayroyale.homestead.com/Satan2.html)

An unusual angle of Frank which shows his characteristic driving style of leaning out of the left side of the car.
(http://justmidgets.homestead.com/classicphotos.html)

Frank Brewer at speed at the sportsground.
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/american.html)

Frank Brewer in the Sydney Sportsground pits with his Kurtis Kraft V8-60 – now with the familiar #99 on the tail.
(http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Evolution-2.html)

Frank 'Satan' Brewer posing next to #99 at Rowley Park in the early 1950s.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories)

Frank Brewer (#99) rim riding around Sel Payne (#20) at the Sydney Sportsgrond track.
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/)

Frank in the pits at Baxter Park Speedway, Victoria.
(From http://www.vintagespeedway.com/vicprogs.html)

Frank posing in the car on the infield of the Sydney Sportsground.
(http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Evolution-2.html)

Frank (#99) going around the outside of Jack Brabham (#28) at the Sydney Showgrounds in 1949-50.
(http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Evolution-2.html)

Frank Brewer (#99) taking the outside line around Neil Hair at the Sydney Showgrounds.
(http://midgetcarpanorama.proboards.com/thread/466/frank-satan-brewer)

A great front-on shot of Frank at the Sydney Royale pit gates.
(http://www.vintagespeedway.com/Glasson.html)

Frank with what he called his “five Ms”. Margaret (his wife), his daughters Maureen and Marilyn, his Midget and his Mercury (tow car)!
(From ://speedwayroyale.homestead.com/Satan.html)

Frank is slumped in car #99 after tangling with Bill Reynolds. (http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Evolution-2.html)

The beginning of a match race in late 1949 between two great rivals (and good mates off-track) Ray Revell in his Offenhauser and Frank Satan Brewer in his V8-60.
(http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Revell-Offy.html)

Frank and (#99) gives his Offenhauser-powered rival, Ray Revell a bit of a shove during another match race at the Sydney Sportsground in the early 1950s.
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Revell-Offy.html)

Two Kiwis in action in Australia! Frank Satan Brewer (#99) and Reece Discombe (#35) race at Windsor Speedway in 1950.
(From http://www.vintagespeedway.com/Graham-Howard-P3.html)

Frank raced his Kurtis Kraft midget in New Zealand during 1955 with great success.
(From https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.569150696462495.
1073741825.157452800965622&type=3)

Frank Brewer (#99) racing against his fierce Kiwi rival, Roly Crowther.
(From http://www.speedwayclub.co.nz/history.php)

At his final appearance at Waiwakaiho Speedway Frank is presented with a memento by Taranaki Midget Car Racing Club President, Lloyd Palmer.
(From Waiwakaiho Speedway. The Early Years Vol 1 by Max Rutherford. Taranaki Historic Speedway Association, New Plymouth, 2013)

A great shot of Frank man-handling #99 around the Sydney Showground.
(http://www.vintagespeedway.com/Glasson.html)

Frank Brewer posing for the camera during the 1950’s.
(http://midgetcarpanorama.proboards.com/thread/466/frank-satan-brewer)

In 1955 Hedley McGee helped Frank install a grey Holden motor into the car. This involved lengthening the chassis. Here he is waving to the crowd at Rowley Park. The car was run mainly as #13 by Werner Greive before being sold to Harry Neale in South Australia. The car ended up as the “Big” Berco Holden #2 in Sydney.
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Evolution-2.html)

Frank "Satan" Brewer running around the outside of Harry Neale at Rowley Park in 1955.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/)

Frank running the McGee Holden (racing as #1) at the Sydney Royale on the outside of Dallas James (#15).
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Evolution-2.html)

Frank in the McGee Holden powered car at Westmead in 1955-56 in Werner Greve livery as #13.
(http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Evolution-2.htm)l

Frank brought the McGee Holden-powered car to New Zealand to race. Here Frank (#1) goes on the inside of Ron Ross (#6) as Ian Holden in #76 chases him.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

By the mid 1950s Frank was a well known personality in Sydney speedway circles. Here he (R) presents a trophy to solo rider Phil Leth (L) in 1954.
(Ian Sagaris photo from http://www.vintagespeedway.com/SagarisPhotos.html)

Frank returned to racing in 1962-63 at Western Springs in the Harry Thompson V8-60 (normally raced as #3 by Skip Eade). The car was renumbered as #99 (see above). Frank caught a wheel and crashed into the fence breaking his sternum and five ribs as well as puncturing a lung. That was the end of his racing career.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Frank Brewer sitting in the restored Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser in the driveway of John Stanley (the restorer) in 1992.
(From the John Stanley collection)

Frank poses alongside Brisbane sprintcar star Todd Wanless at Parramatta Raceway in 1996.
(Tony Loxley photo, from Full Throttle. Images of Australian Speedway 1970-2009 by Tony Loxley, Renniks Publications, Banksmeadow, NSW, 2009)

In the early 1970s and Frank and his wife meet up with Jack Brabham and one of his sons. Back in the early 1950s in Sydney they raced each other in midgets!
(http://midgetcarpanorama.proboards.com/thread/466/frank-satan-brewer)

Frank and his daughter Marilyn at the Sydney Showgrounds Speedway on Press Day before the last two meetings were held in April 1996. Both were keen photographers.
(From http://speedwayroyale.homestead.com/Satan2.html)

Frank Satan Brewer posing in Gordon McIsaac’s Speedway Museum in Auckland in 1997.
(http://www.historicspeedway.co.nz/McIsaac_Museum.htm)

Frank posing in Gordon McIsaac’s vintage midget #9 at Gordon’s Speedway Museum in 1997.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

An article about Frank Brewer after his passing in 2001
(From http://midgetcarpanorama.proboards.com/thread/1195/frank-satan-brewer-tribute)

Roly Crowther

Roly Crowther was born in 1922 and was beach racing in 1944 when he was introduced to midget car racing. He purchased a Rugby-powered midget (#3) brought into NZ before the Second World War by American Paul Lindskog and raced it at Huntly and then Western Springs. In his first season (1944-45) he won the NZ Junior Midget Championship (for first-year drivers) and later in the season won the NZ Midget Championship. He had the Rugby motor rebuilt and the high-revving motor provided a characteristic exhaust note easily recognized by the spectators. He won the 1945-46 NZ Championship in the car and for the 1946-47 season it was in its well-known blue and white, Tip Top ice cream, livery. At the end of the season he sold the car to Snow Morris and then drove midgets for promoter Jack Cormack at Olympic Speedway mainly in car #65 but also in other cars. By the 1950-51 season Roly was behind the wheel of the ex-Ken Hupp/Frank Brewer/Ivan Brewer V8-60 now numbered as #2. He had rebuilt the car for owner Jack Lough (after Bill Cosgrove crashed it) and then procured the drive. The V8-60 motor was very quick and was prepared by legendary mechanic (and V8-60 specialist) Cyril Goldfinch. Roly also drove the car in 1951-52 and 1952-53 and he won his third NZ Championship in 1951-52. During this period his stouches with promoter Jack Cormack were well-known mainly because Jack liked drivers to drive for him in his own cars. Roly purchased #2 for the 1954-55 season, rebuilt it and won the Australasian midget Championship held in Christchurch and the next season he finished second in the 1955-56 NZ Midget Championship. He came out of semi-retirement in 1960 and raced #2 in Australia where he won the Australian Match Race Championship. In 1965-66 he came out of retirement again for one night when he raced the same car (now the Garry Roberts V8-60 #27) at meeting No 10 in a match race series against Barry Valentina (which he lost 2:1). He also drove the car in the feature.

Roly won 24 feature races at Western Springs with 15 seconds and 14 thirds. He was inducted into the NZ Speedway Hall of Fame in 2008. Roly also tried his hand at circuit racing in the mid-50s in a Lotus 11 as well as hill climbing from time to time. He was a successful businessman in Auckland owning Roly Crowther Motors and later Lotus Manufacturing. He died in Auckland in 2011 at the age of 88. The careers of Roly and Barry B hardly overlapped except that the night in 1965-66 when Roly ran the Garry Roberts V8-60, Barry was dominating the midget events in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser.

Roly Crowther in the ex- Swede Lindskog #3 in his first season (1944-45). The car was powered by a Rugby Continental motor. In his first season he won the New Zealand Midget Car Championship.
(From Cinders to Clay. The pioneer Years 1935-1950 by Harry Chambers. Harry Chambers, Auckland, 2011)

Roly sitting in the pits at Western Springs in the 1946-47 season in #3. It now has its famous Tip Top ice cream sponsorship and livery.
(From http://dtc-wsuv.org/apeterson/narrative/newzealand7.html)

Roly sitting in the Tip Top Special in the pits.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly Crowther in the #3 Tip Top Special waiting with the crew for the next race.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Between 1947 and 1950 Roly drove for Promoter Jack Cormack usually in #65. Roly is on the right in this photo taken in 1947.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly during 1947-48 sitting in another one of Jack Cormack’s midgets (#66) normally driven by Des Herrick.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly Crowther (#65) racing under Snow Morris (#3) at Western Springs in 1947-48.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly warming up #65 on the concrete banking at Western Springs.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Another great shot of Roly in #65 posing in the pits at Western Springs.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly Crowther on the infield at Western Springs helping wheel his car back to the pits.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly in #65 about to try an outside pass on Doug Kay (#57) at Western Springs.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly drove # 9 during the 1949-50 season when it was owned by Jack Cormack
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly Crowther at speed in the # 9 midget.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly Crowther with the ex-Ken Hupp/Brewer, Johnny Lough-owned car #2 at Western Springs.
(From The Mighty Midgets by Jack Fox. Carl Hungness Publishing, Indiana, 1985)

Roly at full speed in #2 at Western Springs.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

In 1954 Roly tried his hand in Cyril Goldfinch’s #4 for three nights but like many other drivers he disliked the way it handled.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly at speed at Waiwakaiho Speedway in V8-60 #2.
(From http://www.historicspeedway.co.nz/photoGalleryMidgets.htm)

Roly Crowther out wide and rim riding at Waiwakaiho as David Holmes is leading and Jack Harwood is down on the pole line.
(From http://www.historicspeedway.co.nz/photoGalleryMidgets.htm)

Roly Crowther seated in his Midget #2 in the pits ready to race.
(From http://www.historicspeedway.co.nz/photoGalleryMidgets.htm)

Roly Crowther with the #2 V8-60 in the pits at Waiwakaiho Speedway.
(From Waiwakaiho Speedway. The Early Years Vol 1 by Max Rutherford. Taranaki Historic Speedway Association, New Plymouth, 2013)

Roly Crowther in the Lotus 11 he raced in 1956. The car was fitted with a Coventry Climax 1099cc motor. Both Roly and his wife enjoyed racing it although there were no notable wins.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Roly leads a Cooper Bristol and a rear engined Cooper 500.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Roly at speed at Levin in 1956.
(http://www.theroaringseason.com/showthread.php?1244-New-Zealand-National-Library-Photo-Collection)

Here is #2 after Roly had re-fashioned the bodywork to make it into a modern midget.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly Crowther raced his V8-60 #2 in Sydney in the 1959-60 season. He won the "Australian Match Race Championship"
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

Roly in #2 in the pits at Western Springs now with the more modern bodywork.
(From Cinders to Clay. The pioneer Years 1935-1950 by Harry Chambers. Harry Chambers, Auckland, 2011)

Roly Crowther (#2) chasing Ross Goonan in #4.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly in the Gary Roberts V8-60 #27 (his old car #2) on the infield of Western Springs in 1965-66. He raced the car in a match race series against Queenslander Barry Valentina.
(Bruce Kent photo from 1965-66 Western Springs Programme)

Roly in Gordon McIsaac’s Speedway Museum in 1998.
(From http://www.theroaringseason.com/showthread.php?249-RI-P-Roly-Crowther)

Roly seated in the restored “Tip Top Special” #2 in Gordon McIsaac’s Speedway Museum.
(From http://dtc-wsuv.org/apeterson/narrative/newzealand8.html)

Roly sitting in the restored Tip Top Special on the infield of Western Springs in 1998.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Roly posing in his home in Mount Eden in 2008 with some of the trophies he earned driving on the Speedway.
(http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/central-leader/310760/
Driver-enters-hall-of-fame)

Ross Goonan "The Magic Midgeteer"

Ross Goonan was born in 1923 and first started racing midgets at Western Springs in the 1948-49 season. He drove a car he built himself (# 74) powered by a Rugby motor and won the Auckland Junior Championship in his first year and the New Zealand Midget Championship in the 1949-50 season. In 1951, Ross was offered the drive in the Cyril Goldfinch-owned # 4. Cyril was a legendary engine tuner who's specialty was V8-60 motors. Number 4 had a custom-built V8-60 motor capable of 7,000 revs and 130 bhp. After early handling problems, Ross settled down in # 4 and won three consecutive NZ Championships (1953-54, 54-55 and 55-56). He also won the NZ Champs in 1961-62 and 1962-63 in # 4. Ross took the car to Australia in 1958 and won the 20 lap Australasian Championship at Rowley Park, Adelaide. The car was sold to promoter Kym Bonython and left in Adelaide. As a result, Ross didn't drive in 1959 and 1960. However, for the 1961-62 season, Harry Thomson took over promotion of Western Springs. Harry purchased # 4 back from Kym and shipped it back to Auckland for Ross to drive. As well as seven NZ Midget Championships, Ross won nine Auckland Championships and 19 feature races at Western Springs. Throughout Ross' career, his major rival was Ian Holden. The two were close friends, as were their families, and during the 1964-65 season Ian drove # 4 for Ross who was suffering from throat cancer. After Ross Goonan's death, in 1965 at the age of only 42, Ian temporarily retired from driving. Ross' son, Bing Goonan, became a competitive midget and sprintcar driver and was second equal in the 1978-79 NZ Sprintcar Championship. Bing was badly burnt in a sprintcar when it caught fire. He has since settled in Adelaide and drove V8 Dirt Modifieds successfully in Adelaide in the 1994-95 season.

Ross took great pride in the appearance of # 4 which was always immaculately turned out in red with white flashes. He was a spectacular driver who didn't mind driving wide on the track to get traction off the cushion. Ross was involved in several spectacular crashes during his career but, fortunately, was never seriously injured. His driving style complimented that of Ian Holden who characteristically stayed down on the pole line. When Barry B first started driving midgets, it was Ross Goonan that he most admired and looked up to.

Ross Goonan first raced at western Springs in the 1948-49 season in a self-built Rugby-powered midget #74. He won the Auckland Junior Midget Championship that season and then the NZ Championship in 1949-50.
(From Cinders to Clay. The Pioneer Years 1935-1950 by Harry Chambers)

Ross ready to be pushed out onto the track in #74 in 1949-50.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ross Goonan being pushed out of the pits at Western Springs in 1950 in #74. (From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ross Goonan drove #3 for Jack Cormack during the 1951-52 season. He only drove it for the one season.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Car builder, owner and ace mechanic, Cyril Goldfinch poses in his midget #4. The car was built in 1951 by Cyril and driven by several drivers including Max Hughes and Roly Crowther without much success. It was not until 1954 when Ross Goonan was offered the drive that the car showed its full potential.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ross Goonan was a top-line driver in #4 and won three consecutive NZ Midget Championships in the car in 1953-54, 54-55 and 55-56. He also took the car to victory in the 1961-62 and 1962-63 NZ Championship.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

An article about Cyril Goldfinch and #4 that appeared in the Western Springs Programme for the second meeting of the 1954-55 season.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

Ross tops up the radiator of #4 in the pits at Aranui Speedway (Christchurch) on his 1954-55 trip south.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Ross Goonan (R) posing with Australian Ray Revell (L) at Aranui in 1954-55. Ray Revell had trouble with his Offy motor and borrowed the Cyril Goldfinch #4 leaving Ross to crew. Revell won several races in #4 at Aranui and here he holds the trophy after another win.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Ross Goonan in #4 running at Aranui in the 1955-56 season.
(From The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

Ross about to roll #4 at Aranui after catching the rear wheel of local driver, Earl Wilde.
(From The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

Ross Goonan (#4) goes through on the inside of Trevor Carnell (#62).
(From the Max Rutherford collection)

Ross with his goggles and face mask off circulating the track before race-start.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

A spectacular shot of Ross Goonan running hard at Western Springs.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

The two top New Zealand drivers race wheel-to-wheel. Ross Goonan (#4) is in his preferred outside line while his main rival, and friend, Ian Holden (#76) characteristically hugs the pole line. Throughout the 1950s and early 60s these two race wheel to wheel.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

In 1958 Ross took the car to Australia and raced successfully at Rowley Park, Adelaide. At the end of the season the car was sold to Rowley Park Promoter, Kym Bonython. The photo above shows Ross posing in #4 while he was in Australia.
(From http://www.oldtimespeedway.com/)

Ross Goonan's trip to Australia was very successful. Here he is posing with the trophy after winning the 1958 South Australian Midget Championship at Rowley Park.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

While in Adelaide in 1959 Ross finished third in the 50 lap Golden Fleece World Derby at Rowley Park. Here are the placegetters (from L to R) Ross Goonan third, Bruce Rickard second, Bob Tattersall first and Jack O’Dea fourth.
(From http://www.vintagespeedway.com/tatsatrowley.html)

A rare early colour shot of #4. It is seen here in a suburban garden in Adelaide following repairs after a shunt.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/)

Ross Goonan running hard in #4 at Rowley Park in 1959
https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/)

Another shot of Ross at Rowley Park in 1959 - this time taken from the outside of the track.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/)

Ross didn’t drive in 1959 or 1960 but when Harry Thompson took over the promotion of Western Springs for the 1961-62 season, he purchased the #4 car back of Kym Bonython and shipped it back to Auckland for Ross to drive. Here is an unusual shot taken from the outside of the track showing Ross running the car hard after its return too Auckland
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Six times NZ Midget Champion Ross Goonan in the pits in #4.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

A press release at the beginning of the 1961-62 Speedway season at Western Springs. The new promoter Harry Thompson had an acute shortage of midget cars (since the former promoter owned most of the cars and wouldn’t let them race) and brought #4 back from Adelaide for Ross to drive. Snow Morris also came out of retirement to race. In the photo Ross is pointing at the V8-60 motor in #4 while Harry and Snow look on.
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58) (From https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

Two icons of the sport in NZ in the 1950s and 60s in the two most famous cars of the time. Ian Holden in V8-60 #76 outside Ross Goonan in V8-60 #4.
(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=202719679772267&set=a.
202582899785945.51766.157452800965622&type=3&theater)

Ross Goonan (#4) is on the inside as Ian Holden (#76) sneaks a peak across to see where he is.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ross Goonan at speed in # 4 in a practice session at Western Springs. In Barry B’s early years in midgets, he considered Goonan to be the leading driver of the time.
(From Western Springs Speedway Year Book 1965-66 by Alan Clark)

Ross Goonan in the pits posing for the camera.
(From https://www.facebook.com/julianne.goonan)

Ross Goonan in his distinctive blue tracksuit during his last season (1963-64). He was wheeling #4 as hard as ever.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ross Goonan (R) is seen here chatting with Barry Butterworth(C) at the trophy ceremony for the 1963-64 New Zealand Midget Car Championship. He finished second equal with his friend, Ian Holden (L), while Barry B won in his offenhauser-powered midget. Bill Mudgway is in the foreground chatting to the crowd.
(From the John Stanley collection)

The combination of #4 and Ross Goonan was a very successful one as can be seen from this haul of trophies. For the 1964-65 season, Ian Holden drove #4 for Ross who was too ill to drive.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ross Goonan near the end of his career. He died at only 42 years of age and as six times New Zealand Midget Champion.
(From Western Springs Speedway Year Book 1965-66 by Alan Clark)

The beautifully restored, ex-Cyril Goldfinch built and owned #4 as driven by Ross Goonan.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

The restored #4 next to the restored #76. These were the two dominant cars of the 1950s and early 60s as raced by friends Ross Goonan and Ian Holden.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

A poster compiled by Julianne Goonan showing the legacy of Ross Goonan. His son Bing raced at Western Springs and then in Adelaide, Ross's son Glenn (Julianne’s brother) raced in Adelaide and now Julianne’s two daughters Shani and Jemma race!
(From https://www.facebook.com/julianne.goonan)

"The Maestro" Ian "hurricane" Holden

Ian Holden was born in 1926 and first drove at Blandford Park Speedway in the 1945-46 season in midget # 33 powered by a Rugby motor. He raced in the 1946-47 season (and through until 1951) at Western Springs in # 38 powered by a Model A. For the 1951-52 season he raced the Jack Cormack # 9 Model A and in 1952-53 he won his first NZ Midget Championship in the ex-Brewer V8-60 #2. He continued with this car through 1953-54 before running the Ron Hogan V8-60 #7 in 1954-55. He then got the coveted drive in the Gordon Watson-owned imported Kurtis Kraft V8-60 # 76.He won the 1956-57, 58-59, 59-60 and 60-61 in # 76. At the end of 1964, # 76 was sold and Ian drove Ross Goonan's # 4 in the 1964-65 season finishing second to Ron Ross in the NZ Champs before retiring. He was lured out of retirement for the 1966-67 season to drive the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser # 7. That season he won the NZ Championship for a sixth time. He had four feature wins in the car in the 1967-68 season before retiring again leaving Trevor Morris to drive # 7. Towards the end of the season, Ian came out of retirement to drive the Roberts V8-60 (the ex-Mintex V8-60/offy) to win a feature. He drove the same car in a one-off appearance as the Roberts Offy in a following season. As well as six New Zealand Championships, Ian also won four Auckland Championships and 39 midget feature wins at Western Springs. After retiring, Ian served as Speedway NZ steward at both Waikaraka Park and Western Springs. He passed away in Jan 1994. His son, Brent, became an A grade midget driver and even drove # 76 (with a holden motor) for a season. Brent is a noted speedway artist.

Ian Holden was not involved in many major accidents and never ended up on his head in a midget. He kept down on the pole line much of the time and characteristically threw the car sideways on full opposite lock as he entered the corners. Ian and Barry B were from different generations and not close. Nevertheless, the two shared a certain mutual respect and although Barry would bang wheels with many of his competitors, Ian wasn't one of them. During the 1966-67 season, Barry B (in the Johnny Peers Chevy II) and Ian were great rivals. Ian was near the end of his career and pretty relaxed about it all but the younger, highly competitive, Barry B was really out to beat Ian in the F&C Offy. There was some amusing banter in the pits with Ian referring to Barry as "the apprentice" and Barry, in turn, calling Ian "baldy"!

Ian Holden posing behind his first midget (#33) at Blandford Park Speedway in 1945. Ian was introduced to speedway by Merv Sutherland and bought his first midget #33 from Ross Reid.
(From the Brent Holden collection)

Ian about to be pushed off in midget #33 at Blandford Park.
(From the Brent Holden collection))

Racing action at Blandford Park as Ian Holden (#33) leads Ross Reid (#23) and Clem Sutherland (#75).
(From the Brent Holden collection)

Ian Holden in the second car he drove (#18) during the 1945-46 season. The car was owned by ex-driver George Morgan.
(From the Brent Holden collection)

In 1947 Ian purchased the ex-Fred Davies midget #38. Here a 21 year-old Ian Holden poses in the Model A-powered #38.He raced the car from 1947 through to 1951.
(From: http://www.speedwayclub.co.nz/history.php)

Ian Holden racing hard in #38.
(From Cinders to Clay. The Pioneer Years 1935-1950 by Harry Chambers)

Ian posing in #38 after winning his first Feature at Western Springs in 1947. The photo presented to Ian by Photographer, Andy Alcock.
(From the Brent Holden collection)

Ian Holden In the pits in #38 at Western Springs in 1948.
(From the Brent Holden collection)

Ian Holden at full opposite lock at Western Springs #9 which he purchased from Pee Wee Anderson in 1951.
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Gordon-McIsaac.html)

Ian poses in the Western Springs pits in Model A-powered #9 in 1953.
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Gordon-McIsaac.html)

Running #9 in a trial run in at the Mt. Albert Crater. Note the old cars in the background!
(From the Brent Holden collection)

Ian Holden won his first New Zealand Midget Car Championship in 1953-54 in the Jock Lough-owned #2. This car is the ex-Frank Brewer #99 later driven with much success by Roly Crowther.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

New Zealand Champion Ian Holden posing in #2 at the top of Queen Street. He drove this car in both 1952-53 and 53-54.
(From the Brent Holden collection)

During 1954-55 Ian ran the Ron Hogan V8-60 (#7). From L to R, Brent Holden, Ian Holden, Ron Hogan and Garth Hogan.
(http://in.zinio.com/sitemap/Automotive-magazines/NZ-Hot-Rod/
September-2011/cat1960016 /is-416185819/pg-69)

Ian Holden in his first try out in the Hogan #7 car.
(From the Brent Holden collection)

A fine portait of Ian sitting in the Ron Hogan midget.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

A great shot of Ian Holden racing the Ron Hogan car during 1954. After a crash in #7, which resulted in him going through the safety fence, Ian was offered the drive in the Gordon Watson #76.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

In 1955 Auckland businessman, Gordon Watson imported a Kurtis Kraft V8-60 (#76) from the USA and gave Ian Holden the drive in the car. Ian is sitting in the car which is being pushed by Pat Houlahan (L) and Gordon Watson (R).
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

Ian Holden in the pits at Western Springs in #76. To the left is George Silva (an ex midget driver) and to the right is car owner Gordon Watson.
(From the Brent Holden collection)

Here is Ian racing the Gordon Watson car at Waiwakaiho Speedway in 1955. Ian raced #76 for Gordon Watson between 1955 and 1959 and for Harry Thompson between 1962 and 1964.
(From Waiwakaiho Speedway. The Early Years. Vol. 1 by M Rutherford and D Gifford, New Plymouth, 2013)

Ian Holden (centre) narrowly wins from Bill Harris (L) and Bill Evans (R) at Aranui Speedway (Christchurch) during heats for the 1954-55 Australasian Championships.
(From The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston, Christchurch, 2003)

Ian at Aranui in good company. From L to R: Roly Crowther, Ian Holden, Des Wild (Promoter), Australian Ray Revell and Ross Goonan.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection

A great action shot from 1958 of Ian running hard in the Kurtis Kraft V8-60 #76.
(http://www.facebook.com/pages/
Kevin-J-McIvor-Writer-Speedway-Memories/157452800965622)

Ian poses in #76. Next to him is the Skip Eade car #3.
(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=202719683105600&set=a.202582899785945.51766.
157452800965622&type=3&theater)

A report that appeared in 1958 about Gordon Watson and his midget #76 just before Watson and Ian Holden left for Adelaide where Ian raced the car with some success.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

Here is a another great portrait of Ian Holden in #76. This photo was taken at Rowley Park in Adelaide on his 1958 visit to Australia
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/122699574767846/photos/)

Ian has the Gordon Watson-owned #76 flying at a daylight meeting.
(From: http://modelpetrolhead.proboards.com/index.cgi?
board=modelreferencephotos&action=print&thread=272)

Joint backmarkers Ian Holden (#76) and Ross Goonan (#4) line up on the back row of the grid at Western Springs.
(From the Ken Mullins collection)

Throughout Ian's career Ross Goonan was his major rival and friend. Ian and Ross began driving their iconic V8-60-powered midget cars (#76 and #4 respectively) at about the same time (1954-1955) and their rivalry continued up until the end of 1964 when Ross was forced to retire due to ill-health.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

In 1955-56 Merv Neal introduced stockcar racing to Western Springs. Here is Ian Holden’s stockcar ride – black #76 just like his midget!
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Here is #76 being pushed out of the pits ready for racing. Ian can be seen behind the crew.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ian returing to the pits in #76 after racing.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Ian Holden and Ross Goonan battled each other right up until the end of 1964. They finished second equal in the 1963-64 NZ Midget Championships (to Barry Butterworth). Ian drove Ross's car #4 during the 1964-65 season since Ross was too ill to drive. At the end of the season Ian Holden retired (for the first time!)
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ian Holden poses in the iconic Kurtis Kraft V8-60 #76 in the pits at Western Springs in the 1963-64 season. In the background is the Mattoon Offenhauser of Bob Tattersall. During the winter of 1964, #76 was sold to George Tervit.
(From: http://modelpetrolhead.proboards.com/index.cgi?
board=modelreferencephotos&action=print&thread=272)

In the 1965-66 season Ian made only one appearance at Western Springs. At the eleventh meeting he participated in a match race series against Queenslander (advertised as Mexican!) Barry Valentina. Ian drove the Harry Thompson-owned V8-60 #3.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

The Thompson car lost a wheel at the end of the first heat.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Speedway Year Book 1965-66 by Alan Clark)

In the second heat Ian borrowed Leo Vercoe’s car #99 and beat Valentina.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

At the first practice for the 1966-67 season Messrs. Fussell and Cartwright did not have a driver for #7 as Barry Butterworth was still in Australia. Here, Bill Cartwright, Lionel Fussell and Bob Leikis are seen pushing #7 across the pits in front of Eddie James’ #16.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

After some hard talking, Fussell and Cartwright lost patience with Barry B and persuaded Ian Holden to come out of retirement and drive #7.Here Ian tries out #7 for size!
(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008766300736))

Ian Holden takes his first test drive at Western Springs in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser.
(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008766300736)

Ian Holden looks really old-school-retro in his leather jacket and old-style crash helmet with leather sides. Nonetheless, he was still very fast and It turned out to be Ian’s best season ever.
(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008766300736)

Ian Holden being pushed back to the pits by his crew. Ace mechanic, Bob Leikis, is on the right.
(From the John Stanley collection)

Ian in the pits posing with the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser.
(From the John Stanley collection)

A highlight of the season was the clashes between Ian Holden #7 (leading) and Barry Butterworth (the former driver of #7) in the Midland Motors Chevy II (#91).
(From the John Stanley collection)

Trevor Morris in the Linklater Holden (#1) leads as Ian Holden takes the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7) out wide to pass.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ian Holden (R) shakes hands with his American rival, Bob two gun Tattersall. Bob brought out the very fast Jack Stroud Offenhauser (renumbered as #2) in the 1966-67 season.
(From the John Stanley collection)

Ian Holden holds down the pole line as he goes under up-and-coming young driver John Stanley in the Revell Offenhauser.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley collection)

Ian Holden with tail of #7 hanging as he races around Western Springs.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Two veterans racing together! Ian Holden in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7) forces his way through on the inside of Ron Ross in the Cliff North/Harley Arthur McGee Holden (#72).
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Having his best season ever, Ian punts the F&C Offy around Western Springs. Ian capped off the season by winning the 1966-67 NZ Midget Car Championship in #7.
(From: http://modelpetrolhead.proboards.com/index.cgi?
board=modelreferencephotos&action=print&thread=272)

Ian at speed in the F&C Offy, this time on the back straight at Western Springs in the 1966-67 season.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Programme,1967)

The Maestro displays his winnings in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser at the end of the 1966-67 season along with the crew. Ace mechanic, Bob Leikis, is standing to the far right (in the white overalls).
(From: http://modelpetrolhead.proboards.com/index.cgi?
board=modelreferencephotos&action=print&thread=272)

Ian looks smart in his new helmet he used for the 1967-68 season.
(From Cinders to Clay by Harry Chambers, Harry Chambers, Auckland)

For the first half of the 1967-68 season, Ian drove the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser before retiring and handing the controls to Trevor Morris.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Programme,1968)

Backmarker, Ian Holden (#7) chases the pack. From L to R are Leo Vercoe (#99) Garry Roberts (#27 - obscured), Bill Jarden (#32) and Trevor Carnell (#76).Ian looks smart in his new helmet he used for the 1967-68 season.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Here, Ian Holden in #7 leads Trevor Carnell (#76) and Leo Vercoe (#99) is out wide.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Programme,1968)

Placegetters in the 1967-68 Australasian Midget Car Championship held at Western Springs. First American Don Meacham, second Queenslander Bill Goode and third Ian Holden.
(From: http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Meacham.html)

Ian came out of retirement to race the Roberts V8-60 at the end of the end of the 1967-68 season. This car, owned by Garry Roberts, was formerly Barry's Mintex offenhauser #7 with a V8-60 re-installed.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Australian Speedway-'68, Sport magazine Pty, NSW)

The beautifully prepared, restored Gordon Watson Kurtis Kraft V8-60 #76 as driven by Ian Holden.
(From http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?
action=display&board=stockcarmia&thread=11321&page=2)

Ron Ross

Born in 1927, Ron Ross began racing a midget at Western Springs in the 1949-50 season driving the ex-Trevor Tindall, ex-Frank Clark blue #72 model A-powered car. He finished third in the NZ Midget Championship in his first season and fourth in 1951-52. Ron raced the car through to 1954. From 1955 until 1962 he drove a yellow V8-60 powered midget #6 with success and remained a back-marker.in the car he finished fourth in the NZ Championship in both 1955-56 and 58-59. For 1963-64 and 64-65 he ran the Cliff North prepared Holden midget #72 which was owned by Western Springs promotor Harley Arthur. During the 1964-65 season, Ron won both the Auckland and New Zealand Midget Championship in the car and also finished second in the Waiwakaiho Championships. During the winter of 1966, Cliff North built a new Holden-powered midget (also numbered #72) and the old #72 became Leo Vercoe’s #99. Ron remained a backmarker in the new #72 and finished second in the NZ Midget Championships in the car in 1965-66 (to Barry Butterworth) and 1967-68 (to Edwin Murray). He raced in Australian at the end of the 1965-66 season as travelling partner to Barry Butterworth in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser. Ron was the more successful since Barry had motor problems and Ron won the 100 lap Golden Fleece midget feature at the Ekka in Brisbane. In the 1966-67 season Ron won the Auckland Midget Championship for a second time. He retired at the end of the 1967-68 season. He became the official machine examiner at Western Springs and during the 1969-70 season he was persuaded to have a one-off drive in a supermodified after the usual driver was unable to compete. The race decided the Auckland Supermodified championship and Ron won. Despite encouragement from Harley Arthur to the contrary, he then retired again after only the one race! In his retirement Ron became a well-known speedway historian and died at the relatively young age of 69 in 1997. Ron had a clean, no frills, driving style and was consistently fast throughout his career.

Ron ran against Barry Butterworth between 1961 through to 1968. Ron was usually in an inferior car but always acquitted himself well. He finished second to Barry B in the 1965-66 NZ Midget Championship. Ron won 17 midget feature races at Western Springs. Ron was inducted into the New Zealand Speedway Hall of Fame in 2012.

Ron looks happy posing in his newly acquired midget #72 at Olympic Stadium in 1949-50.
(From the Gordon McIsaac Collection)

Ron Ross at speed at Olympic Stadium in his first season in #72. Ron learnt fast and finished third in the New Zealand Midget Championship in his rookie season.
(From the Gordon McIsaac Collection)

Ron Ross with some of the trophies he won driving #72. At the end of 1954-55, Ron sold the car.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

In the winter of 1955 Ron Ross built a new V8-60-powered midget that was numbered as #6. He raced to car with some success through until 1962.
(Brian Overton photo from https://www.facebook.com/groups/642607519153649/?fref=nf)

Ron Ross sitting proudly in his newly-built midget V8-60 #6.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/))

Ron Ross in car #6 in the Western Springs pits – now with sponsorship from Indianapolis Piston Rings.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

Ron Ross (#6) leads Frank Brewer (#1)during the 1955-56 season at Western Springs. Frank was visiting from Australia and was driving his Kurtis Kraft midget (#99) with a McGee Holden motor installed to replace the original V8-60 and renumbered as #1.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ron Ross (#72) is on the outside as Bob Tattersall in the Mattoon Offy (#3) drives underneath him at Western Springs during the 1963-64 season.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ron Ross (#72) and Bob Tattersall (#3) at it again, this time at Waiwakaiho Speedway (Palmerston North) in 1963-64. It was the first season Bob raced in New Zealand and he was almost unbeatable in his Offenhauser-powered midget.
(From the John Stanley collection)

Ron in #72 about to be passed by Bob Tattersall who is driving Barry Handlin’s V8-60 (#72) in a one-off appearance at Western Springs on his way from Australia back to the USA at the end of his 1963-64 Australasian tour in the Mattoon Offy. Tatts went on to win the Luxury Liners 30 lap feature.
(From the John Stanley collection)

Action from 1964-65 at Western Springs as Ron Ross (#72) leads Barry Butterworth (#91) and Snow Morris (#1). Barry Butterworth soon left to race in Australia while Ron had his most successful season in Speedway.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ron Ross (#72) on the outside while on the pole line is rookie Trevor Morris (#99) (in his first season) and Merv Neil in the Rothmans Offenhauser threads the needle.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Action from Waiwakaiho Speedway in 1964-65 as Ron Ross (#72) goes around the outside of Bill Jarden.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

1964-65 was Ron’s best season. He won both the Auckland and New Zealand Midget car Championships in the one season. Here he poses with the car with Cliff North on the left. During the winter of 1966 Cliff North built a new #72 and the above car was resprayed blue and renumbered #99 and was driven by Leo Vercoe for a number of years.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ron Ross looks happy as reigning Auckland and New Zealand Midget Champion. His bespectacled appearance and quietly spoken demeanour concealed his ability to run hard and win races and championships. Later, when he raced in Australia, scribes said he didn’t look much like a racing driver but he sure could race fast!
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ron Ross looks happy as he sits in the newly-built #72 in the pits at Western Springs at the beginning of the 1965-66 season.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Speedway Year Book 1965-66 by Alan Clark)

A great action shot of Ron Ross in the Harley Arthur-owned McGee Holden #72 during the 1965-66 season at Western Springs. Ron was a backmarker throughout the season and normally started off the back of the field just ahead of Barry Butterworth in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Programme 1965-66)

Ron Ross in #72, with his car and helmet covered in Western Spring mud, leads Barry Butterworth in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7).
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Programme 1965-66)

Ron taking #72 down the back straight, in front of the pits, in the McGee Holden. Ron was fast all season and finished second to Barry Butterworth in the 1965-66 New Zealand Midget Car Championship.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac Collection)

A portrait of a happy-looking Ron Ross wearing his new blue helmet he used first in the 1965-66 season.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ron in #72 leads Merv Neil in #10. Merv was also a top line driver during the 1965-66 season.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Programme 1965-66)

Ron Ross leads Queensland Midget driver Barry Valentina (who is about to spin out). Barry (in the ex-Hollywood Spring and Axle Offenhauser) raced for several meetings at Western Springs during 1965-66. In a 3-race match series Ron in his less powerful Holden-powered midget beat him 2:1.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Speedway Year Book 1965-66 by Alan Clark)

Ron Ross races onto the back straight in #72. At the end of the season Ron was to race the car in Australia
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Programme 1965-66)

Placegetters in the 1965-66 NZ Midget Championship held at Western Springs Stadium. From L to R, Ron Ross (second), Barry Butterworth (first) and Merv Neal (third).
(Bruce Kent photo, from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch)

Ron Ross raced in Australia at the end of the 1965-66 season with traveling partner Barry Butterworth. Ron was the more successful of the two since the Fussell and Cartwright Offy suffered major motor troubles and Barry had to drive borrowed cars. Ron won the Golden Fleece 100 at the Ekka (Brisbane) that season.
(From http://www.oldtimespeedway.com/)

Ron Ross takes a big hit from local Brisbane driver Mr Sneaky (Barry Watt) in #3 at the Ekka during his trip to Australia in 1966.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/ekkaspeedway/)

Queensland versus New Zealand match race at the Ekka (Brisbane) at the end of the 1965-66 season. Ron Ross in the Harley Arthur Holden #72 on pole with Bill Goode (QLD) in Offy #5 in position 2, Blair Shepherd (QLD) Offy #99 in position 3 and Barry Butterworth in the Seidl Holden #44 in position 4.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/998857933497796/))

Ron Ross (#72) chasing Trevor Morris in the Linklater Holden (#1) during the 1966-67 season.
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Ron Ross (#72) leads from John Stanley in the Revell Offenhauser (#30) and Snow Morris in Holden-powered #8 at the beginning of the 1966-67 season.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

Sensation of the 1966-67 season Barry Butterworth in the Midland Motors Chevy II (#91) goes through on the inside of Ron Ross (#72).Butterworth was disqualified several times for rough driving during during the season at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ron Ross on the outside as Ian Holden in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser forces his way through on the inside.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Winner of the 1966-67 Auckland Midget Championship, Ron Ross is flanked by second place getter John Stanley (L) and third place getter Ian Holden(R).
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

For the 1967-68 season car #72 had a different livery with a brown curved marking on the bonnet. The car was still highly competitive in the hands of Ron Ross.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Here is Ron racing car #72 at Templeton Speedway (Christchurch) during the 1967-68 New Zealand Midget Championships. He is seen here slipping through on the inside of Trevor Grey of New Plymouth.
(Brian Hopping photo from The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

Place-getters in the 1967-68 New Zealand Midget Championship held at Templeton Speedway in Christchurch. From L to R, Ron Ross (second), Edwin Murray (first) and Brian Tracey (third).
(Brian Hopping photo from The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

Ron Ross and crew posing with #72 at the end of the 1968-69 season (Cliff North in the middle). Ron retired from driving at the end of the season.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ron Ross driving the restored #72 in 1967. The car was restored by Lance Elliott back to the way it was when it came into New Zealand, from the USA, in 1938. This is the first car Ron raced in 1949 and in which he finished third in the Auckland Championship in 1949-50.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Trevor Carnell

Trevor Carnell was born in 1932 and during the late 1940s he became a crewman for midget driver Aub Highstead. By 1951 Trevor had purchased the ex-Ray Mitchell midget #62 from Ray Rolf. He raced this car with its original Willy’s Jeep motor and later replaced it with a Ford Model A motor. He won the 1952-53 and 1954-55 Auckland Midget Championships in the car. In 1955 he raced at Aranui (Christchurch) in a borrowed midget and hit the fence hard rolling the car. Fortunately he was not badly hurt. He continued racing his Model A-powered #62 through until the end of the 1958-59 season. He raced at Palmerston North during the 1959-60 and 60-61 seasons in the Lloyd Nutt-owned #85 and then in 1961-62 he was back racing in Auckland in a new Model A-powered midget #17. From 1962-63 through to 1964-65 Trevor was a top-line driver in the TQ section. He raced the Don Mullins TQ #9 and finished third in the 1964-65 NZ TQ Championship held at Meeanee. He also ran the Doug Kennedy and Trevor Hunter owned Vauxhall-powered midgets during this period. At practice for the 1964-65 season a drain cover came adrift on the track and Lloyd Nutt in his Solar V8-60 (#2) drove over it causing major damage to one of his feet which later had to be amputated. Lloyd then called on his friend Trevor Carnell to drive his car. Trevor drove #2 for the next 3 seasons. For the 1966-67 season the V8-60 motor was replaced with a Holden and the car was very much more competitive. In international company, Trevor, in the Solar Holden, placed second in the Australasian Championship. At the end of 1967 Lloyd Nutt sold #2 and purchased the iconic #76 (ex-Ian Holden car) from George Tervit and fitted a Holden motor. The “Durabuilt Holden”, as it was known, was very quick and Trevor began to show his true potential in a midget. He won the 1967-68 Tappenden Motors Fifty Lap feature and during the 1968-69 season he won five midget features, was placed second four times and finished third in the NZ Midget Championship. In both 1967-68 and 68-69 Trevor finished second on cumulative points gathered in midget features. For 1969-70 Trevor drove Roy Perkinson’s Holden-powered midget # 98. Towards the end of the season it was fitted with a new motor and Trevor finished second in both the Auckland and NZ Midget Championships. For 1970-71 Trevor ran the Cliff North/Alby Hellriegel #72 (vacated by Eddie James) and finished third in the NZ Midget Championship. For the 1971-72 through to 1973-74 seasons Trevor drove the #72 Hellriegel Chevy II which was newly built by Cliff North during the winter of 1971. For 1974-75 he was in the Hellriegel Holden #79. Trevor won a total of eight feature races during that period and was second in the 1971-72 NZ Midget Championship. At the end of 1974-75 Trevor retired from driving although he had a few drives in a Holden-powered midget (#24) during 1975.Trevor purchased his old midget #62 back in 1999 and restored it. He has since been seen out at both Rosebank Speedway and at Meremere displaying and driving #62 at Auckland Vintage Speedway Club meetings.

A young Trevor Carnell sitting in his first midget; the ex-Ray Mitchell #62. He purchased the car in 1951 and raced it with a Willy’s Jeep motor. Later, Trevor installed a Ford Model A motor in the car. He is pictured here in the car in 1955
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Trevor Carnell (#62) out in front of the pack at Waiwakaiho Speedway.
(From Waiwakaiho Speedway. The Early Years Vol. 1 by M Rutherford and D Gifford, New Plymouth, 2013)

Trevor Carnell posing behind his midget #62 at Waiwakaiho Speedway during 1954.
(From Waiwakaiho Speedway. The Early Years Vol. 1 by M Rutherford and D Gifford, New Plymouth, 2013)

Trevor looks happy in #62. He won the 1952-53 Auckland Midget Championships in the car.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Trevor running the Ford Model A-powered #62 hard at Western Springs in the late 1950s. At the end of 1959 Trevor sold the car.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Trevor Carnell (#62) is on the outside as backmarker Ross Goonan (#4) goes through on the inside.
(From the Max Rutherford collection)

Trevor Carnell drove the Lloyd Nutt-owned V8-60 (#85) (“Sweet Adoline”) at Waiwakaiho Speedway during the 1959-60 and 60-61 seasons.
(From the Max Rutherford collection)

During the early 1960s Trevor was a top-line TQ driver. He drove for Don Mullins in TQ #9.He also drove midgets sporadically when he was offered a drive.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Placegetters in the 1964-65 NZ TQ midget Championship held at Meeanee speedway, Napier. From L to R: Trevor Carnell third, Les Nixon first, Nick Carter second.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

During practice for the 1964-65 season Lloyd Nutt in his yellow Solar V8-60 (#2) ran over a loose drain cover causing extreme damage to one of his feet (which had to be amputated). He then called on his friend Trevor Carnell to drive the car. Here is Trevor sitting in the car with Lloyd on crutches standing behind #2.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Speedway Programme 1964-65)

Action from Western Springs in 1964-65. Trevor Carnell spins the Lloyd Nutt-owned Solar V8-60 #2 as Ron Ross in the Harley Arthur Holden #72 passes by.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

For the 1965-66 season the Solar V8-60 had a new red and yellow livery. Here he poses with the crew at practice before the season started.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

Trevor (#2) chasing Barry Butterworth (#7). During 1965-66 all of the field chased Butterworth who dominated in the F&C Offy.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Trevor at practice for the 1965-66 season.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Speedway programme 1965-66)

Trevor at speed at Western Springs. The V8-60 motor was starting to lose its competitiveness but Trevor still drove the car hard.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

Trevor Carnell (#2) holds the lead as Barry Butterworth in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7) comes through on the inside and Ron Ross (#72) is out wide
. (Bruce Kent photo, from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch, NZ)

Trevor (#2) leads Bert Jones (#75) who was very fast early in the season in his ex-Barry Butterworth McGee Holden. Bert had a nasty flip in the car and then retired.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Speedway Programme 1965-66)

For the 1966-67 season the V8-60 motor was replaced with a faster Holden motor. Trevor was noticeably faster in the Solar Holden.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)/td>

Trevor in the Solar Holden (#2) leads John Stanley (#30) with American visitor Mike McGreevy (#1) down on the pole line.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley collection)

Ian Holden in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7) out wide leads Trevor Carnell in the Solar Holden #2 at Western Springs. Ian Holden came out of retirement in 1966-67 to drive #7.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Trevor Carnell leads Barry Butterworth in the Midland Motors Chevy II (#91) and Australian Ron Wanless (#76). At the end of 1967 Lloyd Nutt sold #2.
(Bruce Kent photo, from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch, NZ)

For the 1967-68 season Lloyd Nutt purchased the iconic ex-Ian Holden #76 from George Tervit and fitted a Holden motor. Trevor was very competitive in the “Durabuilt Holden”.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Trevor Carnell (#76) chasing Ian Holden (#7) in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser and Leo Vercoe (#99) is out wide
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Speedway Programme 1967-68)

Trevor Carnell in the Durabuilt Holden (#76) spins to avoid hitting Australian Bill Goode in the Mulcahy Offenhauser (#5) and Trevor Morris in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7) collects Trevor. American, Don Meacham in the Myron Caves Offenhauser (#3) passes by.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

Trevor in the Durabuilt Holden (#76) goes for an inside pass on ever-improving Eddie James (#16). Trevor won the 1967-68 Tappenden Motors fifty lap feature in the car. He finished second on cumulative points gathered in midget features.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Speedway Programme 1967-68)

For the 1968-69 season, the Durabuilt Holden was painted red. Here he goes through on the inside of Leo Vercoe in Trackburner #99. Trevor had a very good season winning five midget features (and was placed second four times). He again finished second on cumulative points gathered in midget features. He also finished third in the NZ Midget Championships.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

John Stanley in the Tyre Holdings Holden (#30) and Trevor Carnell in the Durabuilt Holden (#76) spin to a stop and try not to look at one another! Trevor was not one who would get out of the way of his younger and more ambitious rivals!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Trevor looks happy after a stellar season in the Durabuilt Holden. At the end of 1969, Lloyd Nutt sold #76 leaving Trevor to find another ride.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

For the 1969-70 season Trevor drove Roy Perkinson’s Holden powered midget #98. Towards the end of the season a new motor was installed and Trevor finished second in both the Auckland and NZ Midget Championship.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Trevor Morris in the Fussell and Cartwright Offy (#7) tries for an inside pass on Trevor Carnell in the Roy Perkinson Holden (#98).
(Bruce Kent photo from the Max Rutherford collection)

For the 1970-71 season Trevor drove the Cliff North/Hellriegel #72 which had been vacated by Eddie James. Here Trevor Carnell in Holden #72 leads Trevor Morris in his newly acquired American Lockhard Chevy II (#58).
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor Carnell (#72) leads Eddie James (#79) and Brian Tracey (#7) with Dave Harding (#66) out wide.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Trevor was highly competitive in #72 and finished third in the NZ Championships. Place-getters in the 1970-71 NZ Midget Championship held at Templeton Speedway. From L to R: Johnny McKitteric second, Eddie James first and Trevor Carnell third. Trevor finished second in the NZ Championship the previous year, again to Eddie James.
(From the Max Rutherford collection)

During the winter of 1971 Cliff North built a new midget #72 powered by a Chevy II motor. The car was owned by Alby Hellriegel and Trevor drove it through the 1971-72, 72-73 and 73-74 seasons.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Speedway programme, 1971-72)

1970-71 action at Western Springs as Trevor Carnell in the Hellieigel Chevy II (#72) leads John Stanley in the Radio i Offy (#7) and a fast-closing Trevor Morris in the Jim Beam Chevy II (#58).
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor Carnell (#72) leads Barry Butterworth in the Phoenix Motors Offenhauser (#26) and Ray Alach is out wide in #35. During the early 70s Trevor always started near the back of the field and mixed it with the "big boys'.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley collection)

Action at Western Springs from 1971-72. Trevor Carnell in the Hellriegel Chevy II about to get a bit of a tap from Barry Butterworth (#26) while Bob Cheak (#31) is out wide. Trevor didn't give any quarter and no doubt Barry got a bit of tap back again at an opportune moment!
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Placegetters in the 1971-72 New Zealand Midget Championship. From L to R, Trevor Carnell (second), Trevor Morris (first) and Graeme Hartnell (third).
(Bruce Kent photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

A bit of a shunt at Western Springs during the 1971-72 season. Neville Mears (#32) and Brian Tracey (#2) are facing the wrong way and Trevor (#72) has stopped while Eddie James in #79 goes past on the outside.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Bob Cheak (#31) leads a fast closing Trevor Carnell in the Hellreigel Chevy II.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Action during the 1972-73 international series. Australian Ron Wanless (#2) is spun sideways with Trevor Carnell (#72) facing the wrong way and Max Butterworth (#1) is also caught up in the melee.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

Dave Jolly in the Hellreigel Holden (#79) leads his team mate Trevor Carnell in the Hellreigel Chevy II (#72) at Western Springs during the 1973-74.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

Placegetters in the National 20 Lap Championship in 73-74. From L to R, Trevor Carnell (third), Ted Tracey (first) and Barry Butterworth (second).
(Bruce Kent photo from the Allan Batt collection)

Bob Cheak (#31) leads Trevor Carnell (#72), who is down on the pole line, with VW-mounted Mel Kenyon on the outside (#61) and Western Australian Johnny Fenton bringing up the rear during the 1974-75 season at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Trevor was at the wheel of the Hellreigel Holden #79 for the 1974-75 season. Here Trevor is flanked by Bob Cheak (#31) and is about to hit a spun Chris Sleep (#11). Warwick McKenzie in #9 is ahead. At the end of the 74-75 season Trevor retired from speedway.
((Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

In 1999 Trevor located his old midget #62 and purchased it. He restored the car and ran it at Auckland Vintage Speedway Club meetings for many years thereafter.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Trevor at full throttle in the restored #62 at the Auckland Vintage Speedway Club Meremere track.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

For the 2017 Barry Butterworth Memorial Midget feature at Western Springs Trevor (now in his mid-80s) drove the restored Ron Hogan V8-60 (the first midget driven by Barry Butterworth) as the pace car.
. (From https://www.facebook.com/SpringsSpeedway/)

Trevor Morris ("Morrisey") ("Big Trev")

Son of two-time NZ Midget Champion (1947-48 and 50-51) Snow Morris, Trevor was born in 1937 and was brought up around speedway. Trevor took up the sport of cycling at the age of 16 since cycle racing was conducted on the cycle track around the outside of the Western Springs Speedway track. In fact, he won the NZ Junior National Sprint Championship on the Western Springs velodrome and also raced on the road, winning the Auckland 100-mile Championship. At the age of 27 he began his speedway career driving a holden-powered midget #99 in the "B grade". He had talent and won an A-grade midget feature at the 13th meeting. In the 1965-66 and 66-67 seasons Trevor ran the Linklater Holden #1 finishing second in the Auckland Champs in 65-66 and third in the World 30 laps Championship in 66-67. In the 1967-68 season, he dropped a lotus ford motor in the car and looked more competitive and aggressive. He was offered the drive in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser #7 mid-way through the season after Ian Holden vacated the seat. He took some time to adapt to the additional power of the offy but managed to win a feature race in the car. By the 1968-69 season he had got to grips with the offy and won the NZ, Auckland and Australasian Midget Championship. In 1969-70 he won the Auckland Championship again. During the winter of 1970 he, and mechanic Willie Kay, travelled to the USA and ran the Bob Lockhart Chevy II (# 58) on the USAC circuit. He raced the car back at the Springs between 1970 and 1976 in a variety of liveries – most famously as the Jim Beam Chevy II. He won the NZ Champs in 1971-72, 73-74, 74-75, was second in 75-76 and won the World 30 lap Championship in 72-73. For the 1976-77 season Trevor and his mechanic, Bob Leikis, built up a new VW-powered car and for the 77-78 season the car was rebuilt and was very competitive. However, just before Christmas 1977, tragedy struck when Trevor was killed in a road car accident at the age of only 40.

Trevor and Barry were arch-rivals throughout the 70s. Although of a similar age, they had completely different physiques, personalities and driving styles and were never more than acquaintances. Barry needed someone to beat and Trevor was that driver most of the time. The Jim Beam Chevy II was a very fast car and Trevor a quick driver so Barry had his work cut out. Barry was very quick and decisive through the traffic so in the bunched fields of the international events he could get the upper hand but when cars could be picked off one at a time Trevor often beat him.

Trevor was a very accomplished track and road cyclist before turning his hand to Speedway. Here he is on his way to winning a stage during the six-day tour from Auckland to Wellington in the early 1960s.
(From https://www.facebook.com/pages
/Kevin-J-McIvor-Writer-Speedway-Memories/157452800965622)

Trevor Morris began his speedway career at the third meeting of the 1964-65 Western Springs season in a Holden powered midget #99. Here a young Trevor poses proudly in the car.
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor at speed in #99 at Western Springs. His performances were impressive and he made the A grade field by the end of the season.
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Action from 1964-65 with Trevor Morris in Holden #99 on the inside of Merv Neil in the Rothmans Offenhauser #10 with Ron Ross in Holden #72 on the outside. Trevor became highly competitive and he won the Midget Feature at the thirteenth meeting.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Trevor's first full season was at Western Springs in 1965-66 driving the "Linklater Holden". The car was not an ex-Max Linklater car from Sydney but may have had some motor parts from the ex-Linklater Holden as raced by his dad Snow in 1963-64 and 64-65 and later by Bill Jarden as #32.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Speedway Year Book 1965-66 by Alan Clark)

During the mid-1960s Trevor began a radiator repair shop in Onehunga which still bears his name today. Here is a rather sexist advertisement (by today's PC standards)for his business published in a Speedway magazine in 1966!
(From Western Springs Speedway Year Book 1965-66 by Alan Clark)

Another great shot from Western Springs of Trevor at speed in the Linklater Holden (#1) with Ron Ross (#72) on the outside.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Practice day for the 1966-67 season at the Springs and Trevor Morris (#1) runs around the pole line inside his friend Lynn Wyman (#6) on the outside.
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor at speed at practice day for the 1966-67 season at Western Springs.
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor practicing in the Linklater Holden with his dad, Snow Morris, in the background in Holden-powered #8. It was the second time Snow had come out of retirement!
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor Morris in the Linklater Holden (#1) leads as “the Maestro” Ian Holden tries for an outside pass in the F&C Offy (#7).
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Trevor on a trip down-south running at Templeton Speedway in the 1966-67 season.
(John Williams photo from The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

A young Trevor Morris in the Linklater Holden (#1) leads Leo Vercoe in trackburner #99 with “the Maestro” Ian Holden in the Fussell and Cartwright Offy (#7) on the outside and “Bad Boy” Barry Butterworth in the Midland Motors Chevy II (#91) at the back.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor Morris posing on the infield at Western Springs in the Linklater Holden #1.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Placegetters in the 1966-67 World 30 laps Midget Championship at Western Springs. From L to R Bob Tattersall (1st) in the Stroud Offy #2, Ian Holden (2nd) in the Fussell and Cartwright Offy #7 and Trevor Morris (3rd) in the Linlkater Holden #1. It was a pretty good result for Trevor who was only in his third season of racing.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor Morris (#1) leads Ron Ross (#72) onto the back straight at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor (#1) is airborne as he crashes into Dad (Snow Morris) who came out of retirement to drive at Western Springs in the 1966-67 season.
(Bruce Kent photo from: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/
mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor began the 1967-68 season in the Linklater Holden in black and gold livery and as #3 (https://www.facebook.com/157452800965622/photos/a.766254966752066.
1073741833.157452800965622/784213361622893/?type=3&theater)

From L to R: Promoter Harley Arthur, Trevor Morris and his dad Snow Morris with the Linklater Holden at practice day for the 1967-68 season at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

A lotus Ford motor out of Jack Nazer’s crashed Lotus Cortina was soon installed in the car. This seemed to give the car some extra zip.
(Photo from https://www.facebook.com/alan.morris.980)

Trevor at speed in his Lotus Ford-powered midget #3.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Australian Speedway-’68, Sport magazine Pty, NSW)

Trevor Morris at full nose really putting the Lotus Ford motor through its paces.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

Trevor at speed in the Chevalier Motors sponsored Lotus Ford-powered car (3). He put on some high class performances in this car and they got him the coverted drive in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser.
((Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor looks extremely happy in his new ride. The Fussell and Cartwright car was the prestige drive in NZ at the time! Trevor took over driving chores in the F&C Offy #7 half way through the 1967-68 season after a disagreement between Ian Holden and Messers Fussell and Cartwright.
(From https://www.facebook.com/xlisamariemorris49)

Trevor in the middle of a bit of a shunt at Western Springs during one of the International meetings. Trevor Carnell in the Durabuilt Holden (#76) spun to avoid hitting Australian Bill Goode in the Mulcahy Offenhauser (#5) and Trevor Morris in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7) collected Trevor. American, Don Meacham in the Myron Caves Offenhauser (#3) passes by.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Trevor running the Fussell and Cartwright Offy. Trevor took some time to adapt to the extra power of an Offenhuaser motor and at first had some trouble coming through the field from the backmark.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58))

Trevor at full nose in Offenhauser #7. Trevor got faster and faster as he got to grips with the Offy.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor has the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser haulin at Western Springs in 1968-69. For the 1968-69 and 69-70 seasons the car had a new nose cone at the request of Trevor. Barry Butterworth raced against him both seasons in Auckland over Christmas period in the Capitol Motors Chevy II.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Bob Leikis (white overalls) stands with his arms folded as security guards and dogs guard the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser #7! After the Trevor Morris accident with Bill Reid in 1968-69 (Trevor ran into the side of Bill Reid causing Bill’s car to roll) there were death threats against Trevor and also threats to damage #7.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Outcome of Meeting No. 5 Speedcar Feature Incident as reported in the Meeting No.6 1968-69 Western Springs program. This notice defused the situation a little but many in the crowd still booed Trevor each time he came out on the track.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

As the 1968-69 season progressed John Stanley in the ex-Revell, Holden-powered car became faster and faster and more of a threat to Trevor’s dominance of the midget division.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Back-marker Trevor Morris in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7) coming through the field during 1968-69 with Eddie James (#72) and Leo Vercoe (#99) ahead.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Teams racing at Western Springs in the 1968-69 season. Trevor (#7) and Barry B (#27) for NZ lead Bob Tattersall in the Mackay Offy.
(Bruce Kent photo, Willie Kay Collection, from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch, NZ)

Placegetters in the 1968-69 Australasian Championship. From L to R Blair Shepherd second, Trevor Morris first, Fiona Kay (Miss Speedway) sitting on Trevor’s knee and Barry Butterworth third.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

A very successful Fussell and Cartwright team cellebrate their triumphs during 1968-69. Trevor won both the 1968-69 Auckland and New Zealand Midget Championships.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58))

Steamin John Stanley getting the better of Morrisey again? During the 1969-70 season John Stanley in the Revell Holden (#75) was unbelievably fast and often had the better of Trevor. Their clashes were a highlight of the 69-70 season.
(Bruce Kent photo from http://www.speedwayclub.co.nz/history.php)

Barry Butterworth (L) and Trevor Morris (R) – The NZ midget team for 1969-70 international series. Barry came across the Tasman for the international series and was scheduled to race for NZ with John Stanley as his partner. Due to a broken crown wheel and pinion John Stanley was out and Trevor filled in.
(Bruce Kent photo, Willie Kay Collection, from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch, NZ)

The top three drivers for 1969-70. Trevor Morris (#7) on the inside of John Stanley (#75) and Eddie James (#72).
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Trevor and John Stanley at it again! Trevor Carnell in #98 leads as John Stanley (#75) holds his line while Trevor (#7) tries for an inside pass.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley collection))

Trevor running hard in #7 and about to make an inside pass on Eddie James in the McGee Holden #72.Trevor won the 1969-70 Auckland Midget Championship in #7.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Programme,1969)

Clash of the Titans. Trevor is chasing John Stanley in the Revell Holden. Most of the season they chased one another and sometimes they gave each other more than just a little nudge!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley collection)

The “dream team” – from L to R: Trevor Morris, Bill Cartwright, ace mechanic Bob Leikis and Lionell Fussell - and the "fabulous Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser" as it was called in the advertisements for Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Programme,1969)

Trevor Morris in the Fussell and Cartwright Offy (#7) ranges up on the inside of Trevor Carnell in the Roy Perkinson Holden (#98).
(Bruce Kent photo from the Max Rutherford collection)

A classic Bruce Kent action shot of the two standout midget drivers of 1969-70 hard at it. John Stanley in the Ian Holden Motors Revell Holden (#75) is on the outside trying to squeeze Trevor Morris down lower whilst Trevor tries to force John out wider!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley collection)

Trevor proudly posing in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser. It was this car that made his racing career.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Program 1969-70)
51766.157452800965622&type=3&t eater)

Trevor Morris posing in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser #7 with chief mechanic Bob Leikis and Bob’s helper and daughter Sue. It was a very successful 2.5 years of racing for Trevor as can be seen by the trophies and sashes won. At the end of the 1969-70 season the car was sold to Brian Tracey.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor traveled to the USA to race a midget during the winter of 1970. He drove the very fast Lockard Chevy II (#58) on the USAC circuit. Here he is standing with Willie Kay who traveled with Trevor as his mechanic.
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor at speed in the Lockard Chevy II. It took him a while to get used to driving the new car and driving on many different tracks - but he did manage to win a heat race while in the USA.
(From http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets
_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor gained invaluable experience running the Chevy II in the US. Here he runs on the inside of a USAC regular.
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor down low in the Chevy II chasing Sonny Ates (#69) at Kokomo Speedway, Indiana.
(From http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets
_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor shipped the Lockard Chevy II back to NZ at the end of his American sojourn. Roll cages were not legal in NZ at the beginning of the 1970-71 season so it first appeared in NZ with a roll bar but still in black livery.
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor Morris doing a few shake down laps on the Western Springs banking at the beginning of the 1970-71 season.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58))

A spectacular Bruce Kent image of Trevor at speed in Chevy II #58 at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Action from 1970-71 at Western Springs as Trevor Carnell in the Cliff North/ Hellreigel Holden #72 leads Trevor Morris in his newly acquired American Lockhard Chevy II (#58).
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Placegetters in the 1970-71 Australasian Midget Championship. From L to R Bob Morgan first, Barry Butterworth second, Trevor Morris third.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Top American USAC star Merle Bettenhausen (#9) shows who is the boss and pushes Trevor "all the way" during the 1970-71 international racing at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley collection)

Trevor running the Chevy II on the inside of Brent Holden in the iconic #76 (now holden-powered) at Western Springs during the 1970-71 season.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Brent Holden (#76) and Trevor in some more close action at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor at full nose in the Chevy II at the Templeton track in Christchurch.
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Action from Templeton Speedway as American visitor Merle Bettenhausen in the Loniewski-owned Wynn's Offenhauser (#9) leads Trevor in the Chevy II (#58).
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Action from the Sydney Showgrounds in 1971. Trevor drives down low to go under American Johnny Parsons in his STP-sponsored Offy #2.
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor looks pleased with his Jim Beam sponsorship. The car was known as the Jim Beam Chevy II for much of the 1970’s.This photo was taken in 1971-72 when the car was in white livery.
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

The "Jim Beam team" in 1971-72. Trevor is in Chevy II #58 and Graeme Hartnell is in Holden-powered #57.
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

A photo of 1971-72 Western Springs action which made several of the daily newspapers. Hostile Hippy Garry Patterson spun his ill-handling Sesco. George Tatnell in the Midford Offy spun to avoid him and Trevor (#58) ploughed into George.
(Bruce Kent photo from Speedway International 1971-72, Autoworld Publications)

Internatiional action from Western Springs during 1971-72. Trevor Morris in the Jim Beam Chevy II (#58) leads American Dave Strickland (with his head sticking out the top of the cage) (#55) and Barry Butterworth (still without a cage) in the Phoenix Motors Offenhauser #26.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Another shot of the Jim Beam team in 1971-72. Trevor in the Chevy II (#58) is on the inside of his team mate, and friend, Graham Hartnell in his Holden-powered #57.
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor renewed his rivalry with John Stanley in 1971-72. Here he leads John Stanley in the Radio i Offenhauser #7 (now owned by Brian Tracey) which Trevor himself drove between 1968-1970.
(From the John Stanley collection)

Trevor down low on the pole line goes for an inside pass on John Stanley in the Radio i Offenhauser (#7) and Trevor Carnell in the Hellriegel Chevy II #72.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

The same protagonist in a different race. Trevor Carnell (#72) leads with John Stanley (#7) trying to get an outside run onto the straight and Trevor Morris (#58) trying to get underneath John.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Even the best make a mistake sometimes! Trevor has the Jim Beam Chevy II facing the wrong way at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor up in the air in the Jim Beam Chevy II as Brian Tracey has spun and Eddie James comes into the picture.
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor Morris won the 1971-72 NZ Midget Car Championship. From L to R: Trevor Carnell (2nd) Trevor Morris (1st) Graeme Hartnell (3rd).
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

The Jim Beam Chevy II was in green and white livery in the 1972-73 season.
(Photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

A beautiful colour shot of Trevor in full cry in the Jim Beam Chevy II during the 1972-73 season.
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

Mike Ryan in the Brian Yates Offenhauser (#15) leading Trevor in the Chevy II (#58) at Western Springs in 1972-73. Soon after, Mike and Brian and #15 left NZ for the USA where Mike and Brian still live today.
(Bruce Kent photo fhttp://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=463060377040022&set=pb.100000081903272.-2207520000.
1352950322&type=3&theater

At Western Springs in 1972-73 on the inside of Trevor Carnell in the Hellriegel Chevy II.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Programme,1973)

Trevor in the Jim Beam Chevy II at Mystery Creek in the 1972-73 season.
(http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?
board=stockcarmia&action=display&thread=28752)

A bit of a shunt for the Jim Beam team at Mystery Creek Speedway (Hamilton). Graham Hartnell (#57) was involved in a bingle and spun and Trevor (#58) ran into him at speed.
(http://www.historicspeedway.co.nz/mystery_creek_speedway.htm)

Crew run to the scene as Trevor Morris comes ot a stop on top of another competitor's car!.
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm))

Trevor racing during the international series at Western Springs.The car close in behind is American Dave Strickland in the Roger Mauro Sesco.
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor (centre) drove away from the field to comfortably win the 1972-73 World 30 lap Championship at Western Springs. Placegetters were Ron Mackay, second (L) and Barry Butterworth, third (R). Drama filled the air prior to the race as Bob Leikis had to replace the head gasket in the Chevy II motor just before the race began.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

The Jim Beam Chevy II leaving a trail of smoke. This was a very unusual occurrence as the car was beautifully prepared by Bob Leikis and extremely reliable. This picture was taken earlier in the night of the 1972-73 World 30 Laps Championship meeting after the head gasket blew on the Chevy II motor.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

The Gisborne Speedway was host to the South Pacific 20-lap Speedcar Derby in January 1972-73.
(http://photonews.org.nz/gisborne/issue/GPN224_19730228/t1-body-d29.html)

Chief Stipendary Steward, Don Tomkins stresses a point with Trevor.
(Bruce Kent photo from Stockcar and Speedway Sport January 1973)

1972-73 action from the Western Springs infield as Trevor Morris and Barry Butterworth discuss "the weather" after both ending up parked on the infield after a bit of a shunt.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley collection)

Trevor Morris and Barry Butterworth were great rivals throughout the early 1970s. Here Barry (#26) goes for an inside pass!
(Bruce Kent photo from Stockcar and Speedway Sport Nos 5, Fourman Holdings, Petone))

Trevor at full nose at Mystery Creek during 1972-73.
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor poses in the Jim Beam Chevy II in its 1973-74 “flame” livery (ace mechanic Bob Leikis on the right).
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor looks happy in the pits. By this time Trevor was an international class driver.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Two greats of the sport hard at it in 1973-74. Barry Butterworth in the Doug Cook Offenhauser (#1) leads Trevor Morris in the Jim Beam Chevy II (#58).
(From the John Stanley collection)

Trevor and his ace mechanic Bob Leikis look at the rear end of the Chevy II. Bob always kept the car in immaculate condition.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

A superb action shot of Trevor racing at the Sydney Royale at the end of the 1973-74 season..
(Bill Meyer photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

In the 1973-74 season Trevor drove the Keith Watson-owned L'Amour Chev supermodified #7. Here Trevor ploughs into Roger Bertrum (#14) as Willy Kay (#99) comes to a stop on the Western Springs banking.
(Bruce Kent photo from Stockcar and Speedway Sport February 1974, Fourman Holdings, Petone)

A great color photo of Trevor in the Jim Beam Chevy II at practice day for the 1974-75 season. The car retained a flame paint scheme for 74-75.
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

A great Bruce Kent action shot of Trevor with his foot to the floor at Western Springs in 1974-75. Trevor won the NZ Midget Championship for a fourth time in 1974-75.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Trevor (#58) looks behind as he gets pushed “all the way” by middle-marker Mark Hassen (#33) during the 1974-75 season.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Christchurch local (and 1967-68 NZ Midget Champion), Edwin Murray in Offenhauser #60 leads Trevor in the Chevy II at Templeton Speedway during the 1974-75 season.
(Brian Hopping photo from The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

A great shot of Trevor in full flight in the Jim Beam Chevy II in 1974-75 at Templeton Speedway in Christchurch.
(Brian Hopping photo from The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

A happy Trevor Morris in the pits at Templeton and ready for more action.
(Brian Hopping photo from The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

For the 1975-76 season the Chevy II was in black livery and Radio Hauraki was the major sponsor. Here is Trevor thundering down the back straight at Western Springs.
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor driving the Chevy II at Mystery Creek as the Radio Hauraki Chevy II in the 1975-76 season. He was soon to sell the car and front in a new VW-powered midget.
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor in the Radio Hauraki Chevy II running on the outside of veteran Leo Vercoe in the Ray Alach Chevy II (#99) at Western Springs.

Trevor at speed in the Radio Hauraki Chevy II at Mystery Creek.
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

The Radio Hauraki Chevy II in the Western Springs pits during the 1975-76 season.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Trevor flipped #58 at Western Springs during the 1975-76 season. Here his chief mechanic Bob Leikis climbs into the cage to make sure Trevor is OK! Trevor emerged relatively unscathed.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor spins the Radio Hauraki Chevy II at Mystery Creek in 1975-76 after a bump from Barry Butterworth (obscured) in the newly-acquired Lendich VW.
(From http://macgor.proboards.com/thread/30344/
mystery-creek-1970s-auckland-midgets)

Trevor is seems little (a lot) upset as he puts his point of view to New Zealand Speedway Control Board Chief Steward; none other than Ian Holden! This action took place during the 1975-76 NZ Midget Championship in which Trevor placed second.
(Bruce Kent photo from http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=345808172101789&set=pb.100000178283707.-2207520000.
1352949689&type=3&theater)

Over the winter of 1976 Trevor Morris and Bob Leikis built up a new VW-powered midget to counter Barry Butterworth’s dominance in late 1975-76 in the Danny Lendich VW. The car was initially numbered #85 and sponsored by Crazy Shirts.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor in full flight in the Crazy Shirts VW #85.
((Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58

Trevor takes the low line to get underneath American visitor Johnny Rutherford (#1) during the 1976-77 season at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)
mighty_midgets_speedway_racing003.htm)

For the 1976-77 season, the VW-powered locals dominated the Champion of Champions international pointscore event. First was Trevor Morris (R), Barry Butterworth was second (M) and third was West Australian Johnny Fenton (L).
(Bruce Kent photo, Willie Kay Collection, from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch, NZ)

Trevor Morris (#85) chasing Barry Butterworth (#1) in their VW-powered cars. They remained the two top-liners in NZ for the 1976-77 season.
(Bruce Kent photo, Willie Kay Collection, from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch, NZ)

Trevor fighting a push in the Crazy Shirts VW.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Half way through the 1976-77 season the livery and number were changed on the VW car. It became predominantly white and was re-numbered with his old number from the Chevy II (i.e. #58). It retained sponsorship from Crazy Shirts.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor being push started on the Western Springs infield.
((Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor ready for action on the Western Springs infield before the start of a meeting.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Towards the back of the handicap field, Max Butterworth (Mazda #12) and Ray Alach (Chevy II #35) lead from VW-mounted Trevor Morris (#58) and Kerry Morris (#14).
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

International speedway action from Western Springs during 1976-77. Trevor Morris in the Crazy Shirts VW (#58) leads Sleepy Tripp (#1) (on his first trip to NZ) and ex-pat Kiwi Kevin Gormly in the Wells Volvo #40.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

For the 1977-78 season Trevor replaced the 76-77 chassis with a Gardner Chassis purchased from Australia. The car retained #58 on the tail.
((Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor at speed in the Gardner VW #58.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor Morris at speed at Western Springs in his VW-powered midget in the 1977-78 season. He was pretty quick in the new car.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

VW-mounted Trevor (Morris #58) and Kerry Morris in the Phil Horrobin-owned car (#14) collide as Trevor drives up over the front end of Kerry’s car.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58))

Trevor Morris in full flight in the Race Bred-sponsored Gardner VW (#58) with his nemisis Barry Butterworth in the Lendich VW (#1) right in behind. Trevor's career was soon to be cut short by a tragic road car accident just before Christmas 1977.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

(From a newspaper cutting of the time)

(Steamin) John Stanley

Born in 1947, John Stanley began his racing career in the 1965-66 season at Western Springs in an old V8-60-powered midget (#30) owned by his employer Gordon Johns. Part way through the season, he fronted in the ex-Ray Revell midget (#30) fitted with a V8-60 motor and his performances began to improve. For the 1966-67 season he ran #30 with an Offenhauser motor. John improved progressively moving from the middle-mark to a back-mark over the season and finished second in the Auckland Championship. At the end of the season he moved to Sydney where he drove an imported Chevy II-powered roadster for American Walt Land and then the same car for Johnny Peers. He won a feature at Liverpool Raceway in the Ron Ward supercharged Peugeot. On his return to Auckland in the 1968-69 season John drove various cars while he built up a Holden motor for the ex-Ray Revell car. The car was fast and he was co-opted onto the Australian midget test team after Bob Morgan struck motor troubles.At the end of the season, he drove the Garry Roberts Offenhauser at Waiwakaiho and had agreed terms to race the car for the next season. The deal fell through and for 1969-70 John was back in his old car renumbered as #75 and sponsored by his current employer Ian Holden Motors. John was exceptionally quick in the car and won 5 features and was chosen for the NZ test team. During the winter of 1970 John and his team set about building a brand new car (#3) which was powered by a Chevy II motor. On the last of the international meetings, John was involved in an horrific crash on the front straight when he rode the left front wheel of Bill Reid’s car and the Chevy II was thrown into a frightening series of cartwheels. After John was extricated from the car he spent a week in hospital with head and spinal injuries. This put pay to his plans to race in the USA during the winter of 1971. For the 1971-72 season, John drove for Brian Tracey in the ex-Fussell and Cartwright Offy #7 while Brian drove a second Offy #2. John was fast and chosen in the NZ midget team (along with Barry Butterworth and Trevor Morris). Toward the end of the season, the motor in #7 dropped a valve ending his season. However,for the inaugural Bob Tattersall Memorial feature, John borrowed Brian’s #2 and won the race handsomely with Trevor Morris a fighting second. John then retired from the sport although he raced again in the 1984 Kumeu meeting in his vintage Chevy II and at Parramatta in 1986 in an Australian VW midget.

Following his retirement, John maintained his interest in speedway building motors for several drivers (including Owen Shaw and Barry Butterworth) and crewing for,and helping a variety of drivers (e.g. A J Foyt, Steve Millen). Over the last 35 years he has restored nine vintage midgets and one sprintcar and is often seen at vintage speedway events driving cars for pleasure. John was both a competitor and friend of Barry Butterworth and he always refers to Barry with great respect.

In his late teens John was a notorious boy racer around the streets of Mt Eden and a local traffic officer (Leo Vercoe) suggested it would be better for him to demonstrate his driving skills on the race track! As a result, John began his career during the 1965-66 season in this old V8-60 (#30) owned by his boss, Gordon Johns.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John’s first car in the pits at Western Springs. John spun the car in practice and on his first two nights racing and was told by officials to give it away and try something else! However, the car was found to have a broken left rear axle which was causing it to spin. After it was repaired John’s performances improved greatly!
(From the John Stanley Collection)

During the 1965-66 season Gordon Johns upgraded his equipment and purchased the ex-Ray Revell midget less-motor and a V8-60 motor off Merv Neil. John Stanley’s performances in the new V8-60-powered car #30 improved markedly towards the end of the season.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

The Revell car #30 in the B-grade pits at Western Springs. John was gaining valuable experience driving the car.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John spins the ex-Revell car and is collected by another rookie driver, Kevin Gormly (#17). Both went onto become notable drivers. Kevin emigrated to Sydney where he raced successfully for many years.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Speedway Year Book 1965-66 by Alan Clark)

By the end of the season John was running in A-grade events. He won the trophy for the most improved driver for 1965-66 (see above). John still jokes that since he was officially told to give up driving after his first night, an improvement was not difficult!
(From https://www.facebook.com/Kevin-J-McIvor-Poetry-and-Motor-Sports-Page-157894084253548/?fref=photo)

For the 1966-67 season, Gordon Johns purchased a spare Offenhauser motor from Fussell and Cartwright and John Stanley ran the “Revell Offenhauser” in only his second season on speedway.
(From https://www.facebook.com/Kevin-J-McIvor-Poetry-and-Motor-Sports-Page-157894084253548/?fref=photo)

Terry Jones, crew chief for John Stanley, working on the rear end of the Revell Offenhauser in the pits at Western Springs. Terry had been a friend of John’s since high school.
(From the John Stanley collection))

John Stanley at practice day in the Revell Offy – getting to grips with the extra power of the Offy motor. It didn’t take him long and he had his first race win at the second meeting.
(Gavin Evitt photo from https://www.facebook.com/Kevin-J-McIvor-Poetry-and-Motor-Sports-Page-157894084253548/?fref=photo)

Here is an extremely rare colour shot of John at speed in the Revell Offenhauser during practice. The car is essentially in the same livery that it had when Ray Revell drove it (and when it previously had an Offenhauser motor installed).
(Gavin Evitt photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Ron Ross (#72) leads John Stanley (#30) and Snow Morris (#6) at Western Springs
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley is a picture of concentration - Improving all the time in the Offy. John broke the 6 lap track record at Western Springs on his fifth night out in the car.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Heres a Gavin Evitt shot from an unusual angle of John practicing in the Revell Offenhauser.
(Gavin Evitt photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Trevor Carnell in the Solar Holden (#2) leads John Stanley (#30) as double USAC Champion Mike McGreevy (#1) looks for an inside pass on John.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John (30) in a little bit of a shunt with double USAC Champion, Mike McGreevy (#1) who is facing the wrong way.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

During the season, the Offenhauser motor suffered a cracked block and while it was being replaced John drove Harry Thompson’s V8-60-powered midget (#3).
(From the John Stanley Collection)

The two NZ-owned Offenhauser-powered midgets in combat.“The maestro” Ian Holden in the Fussell and Cartwright Offy on the inside of John in the Revell Offy. Over the course of the season, John moved from being a middle marker back through the field until he was starting just in front of Ian Holden.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John capped off a fine season with second place in the Auckland Midget Championship. Here are the placegetters on their victory lap. From L to R John Stanley second, Ron Ross first, Ian Holden third.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

A great Bruce Kent portrait of John sitting in the Revell Offenhauser in the pits. Towards the end of the season, the Offy motor broke a crankshaft and after repairs it was sold to Garry Roberts.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

During 1966 and 1967 John used to spend his Sundays racing this old Dodge V8-powered midget at the Kopuku Drag Strip (situated on a dirt road next to the old Meremere coal-fired power station). The car was built from discarded parts from Barry Butterworth’s Mintex V8-60 car. John is sitting in the car and Terry Jones is standing at the back.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John races down the Kopuku drag strip in his drag midget next to Kevin McGreal in a 1932 Corvette-powered Ford coupe (long before Kevin ever raced supermodifieds).
(From the John Stanley Collection)

For the 1967-68 season John raced in Sydney. Here he is at the Sydney Royale in the first car he drove there-the Walt Land-owned Chevy II roadster midget (#9).
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

John (R) and Terry Jones (L) chat with American Walt Land on their first meeting. John got the drive in the the car – the Walt Land Chevy II roadster.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley posing in the Chevy II roadster with owner Walt Land beside him.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John (nearest the camera) chats with fellow Kiwi Kevin Gormly who is sitting in his Sydney ride - the Morton and May car #24.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

The trials of a young driver. John borrowed an old Holden road car of Kevin Gormly to go and race in Victoria (notice the “air scoop” fashioned from a gallon tin under the bonnet)! The car did a timing chain on the way back and John dismantled it at a farmers property 60 miles south of Gundagai! Nevertheless, the experience of racing in a variety of cars on a number of tracks in Australia helped make John a star when he returned to NZ.
(From the John Stanley Collection

John ran the Ron Ward supercharged Peugeot during the Liverpool winter season and won a feature in the car. Here he leads a hard-charging “lanky” Lew Marshall in the Morton and May Offenhauser(72) at Liverpool.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

There were three Kiwis racing at at Liverpool Raceway in the winter of 1968. From L to R, John Stanley, Barry Butterworth and Kevin Gormly.
(From One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

John Stanley at Liverpool Raceway in 1968 in the Ron Ward supercharged Peugeot #3 in a slight altercation with Graham Young #75 (who raced at W Springs in the Australian sidecar team) and John Alexander #30.
(From the William Samways collection)

John Stanley(# 3) racing at Liverpool Speedway in Sydney (1968) seems oblivious to the fact that Bruce Doolan (#68) is up over his back wheel as Jack Watson (#22) Johnny “super” Stewart (in the famous climax-powered car) engage in their own battle
(From the William Samways collection)

American Walt Land sold the Chevy II roadster (#9) to Johnny Peers. Here is John racing the car under Johnny Peers livery at the Royale.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley (#9) in the Peers Chevy II leads George Tatnell (#25) and Howard Revell (#2) at the Royale.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John in the middle of the pack in the Peers roadster now sponsored by Capitol Motors and renumbered as #26.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

For the 1968-69 season John Stanley was back in Auckland. While he was building a new Holden motor for the Revell car (which he had purchased from Gordon Johns) he raced #4 for Ray Alach and #32 for Harley Arthur. First night out in #4, after getting a tap from behind, he spun Trevor Morris in the F&C Offy onto the infield earning himself the nickname in the local papers of “Jostling Johnny”!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection).

John Stanley #32 facing the wrong way as Eddie James #72 and Leo Vercoe #99 pass by. John is in the ex-Bill Jarden #32. At the time all three cars were owned by Western Springs Promoter Harley Arthur. Looks like Leo Vercoe just turned his "team mate" around!
(Bruce Kent photo from a 1968-69 Western Springs Programme)

John Stanley in the Crystal Holden (#30) (the old Revell car fitted with the Holden motor John built up) leads Leo Vercoe (#99), Trevor Carnell (#76), Brian Tracey (2) with Trevor Morris (#7) at the rear. Early in the season the Revell car was known as the Crystal Holden because it was sponsored by his employer, Crystal Motors. Later in the 1968-69 season John gained sponsorship from Tyre Holdings.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley leads the great Bob “two gun” Tattersall in the Mackay Offenhauser #14. Like many, Bob was surprised and impressed at how fast John was in the Revell car which Bob described as a “vintage shitbox”. His advice to John was “get a proper midget”!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

After Bob Morgan struck engine trouble, John was drafted into the 1968-69 Australian midget team. Here John (#30) races outside his team captain Blair Shepherd (#99).
(From the John Stanley Collection

John in the Tyre Holdings Holden (#30) and Trevor Carnell in the Durabuilt Holden (#76) spin to a stop and try not to look at one another!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Heres John hard at work in the Tyre Holdings Holden. He put on some fine performances during the season.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Towards the end of the 1968-69 season, John changed the number on the Revell car from #30 to #75. The previous owner of the car, Gordon Johns, had always liked #30 but John always fancied #75 as his number.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

As the 1968-69 season proceeded, John got the Revell Holden(#75) going faster and faster and he became more and more of a threat to the dominance of Trevor Morris in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7).
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

At the end of the 1968-69 season John raced the beautifully prepared Gary Roberts Offenhauser at Waiwhakaiho Speedway. Plans had been drawn up for John to race the car in the following season at Western Springs.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley is down on the pole line in the Roberts Offenhauser #27 with Bill Reid #10 beside him, Bob Cheak #75 in the foreground and Leo Vercoe #99 at the back. Bob Cheak and John were good friends and Bob was driving John’s Revell Holden #75 while John had the ride in the Offy. If John had kept his ride in #27, Bob would have raced #75 for the 1969-70 season.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

A smiling John Stanley after winning the 20 Lap National Championship at Waiwhakaiho in his first outing in the Roberts Offy.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

During his second weekend racing the car at Waiwhakaiho, John had the misfortune to crash it on the Saturday night (much to Garry Roberts disgust).John and his crew repaired the car for Monday and he finished second in the feature.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

Here is a rare colour shot of John taking the Roberts Offy out on the track at Waiwhakaiho Speedway.
From the John Stanley Collection)

Despite John putting on some high class performances in the car the deal to drive it the following year fell through. Several weeks after the Waiwhakaiho meetings, Garry Roberts sold the rolling chassis to Trevor Morris and the Offenhauser motor to Brian Yates.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

With the deal to drive the Roberts Offy gone, John was back in the Revell car for the 1969-70 season. John was now working for Ian Holden Motors and gained sponsorship from his employer. The car was renumbered as #75.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John was unbelievably fast during the 1969-70 season in the Ian Holden Motors Holden. He was the standout driver of that season and gained many fans for his aggressive and skilful driving. At the second meeting he won the midget feature and shaved 3.5 secs off the 12 lap record.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Warwick McKenzie (#9) leads from John Stanley (#75) with Brent Holden (#4) and Brian Tracey (#76) out wide and Trevor Morris (#7) off the back mark. John had sharp reactions and was very quick and decisive as he carved his way through the field.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Due to his spectacular driving style and great success he gained the nickname “steamin” John Stanley.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John looks a happy man – his best season yet! John was chosen for the NZ midget team (with Barry Butterworth) ahead of Trevor Morris in the F&C Offy. However a broken crown wheel and pinion put him out of the international nights until he could source second hand parts from Australia.
(From a newspaper clipping of the day)

The clashes between John Stanley and Trevor Morris in the F&C Offy were a highlight of the 1969-70 season. Here John fights to keep Trevor (#7) at bay while Tevor Carnell (#98) is on the outside.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John (#75) with four wheels on the grass, going for an inside pass on Brent Holden in #76. At the time, Ian Holden (Brent's dad) was owner of #76, sponsor of #75, John Stanley's boss as well as NZSCB Referee!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Leo Vercoe (#99) leads John Stanley (#75) and an out of shape Trevor Morris in #7.Maybe John gave Trevor a bit of a nudge as he as he went through on the inside!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Backmarkers John Stanley (#75) and Trevor Morris (#7) dueling again!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley (#75) is the meat in the sandwich as Trevor Morris (#7) is on the inside and Eddie James (#72)is on the outside. John was particularly impressive in the "heavy traffic" in handicap racing where his aggressive and decisive driving style often enabled him to get through the field ahead of Trevor Morris.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John won 5 features during the season. For his fourth win he started 10 yards behind Trevor Morris in the F&C Offy, beat Trevor through the field and pulled away breaking the 15 lap track record (previously held by Ian Holden in the F&C Offy) by 0.5 secs.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

On the tail of the car is sign written “Holden Hauser” – a jest to the fact that in John’s hands the old Holden-powered car often beat the #7 Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser! Bob Leikis (mechanic for #7) wasn’t amused!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Clash of the Titans as “steamin” John Stanley leads “big Trev” (Trevor Morris).
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John out on the track getting ready for the 1969-70 World 30 Laps Championship at Western Springs. John finished fifth after spending most of the race driving with his left hand while he held the broken right rear radius rod in its mounting position with the other. The rod end was broken in a shunt early on in the race.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

A rare colour shot of Dave Harding (#66) and Trevor Carnell (#98) with John Stanley (#75) rim riding on the outside.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

An abiding memory of the 1969-70 season. Trevor Morris (inside) and John Stanley fighting it out for racing room. There was a bit of wheel banging on occasions and in one such incident Trevor hit the safety fence resulting in John being put out for the rest of the night by the ACU Referee!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

During the winter John set about building a new Chevy II-powered midget. The car was not finished by the beginning of the 1970-71 season so he drove Ray Alach’s Holden-powered midget #35
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley putting the Ray Allach car through its paces at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Here is John in his new Chevy II-powered midget #3 near the beginning of the 1970-71season. The car was in red livery with gold numbers.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John was one of the first to fit a roll cage. As things turned out it was a very wise decision. Here John poses with the car and crew.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

It took some time to iron the bugs out of the Chevy II motor. John got the car going faster and faster. He planned to sell the car at the end of the season and then race in the USA over the winter. He had already made arrangements with American driver, Merle Bettenhausen.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Here is John Stanley (#3) during the 1970-71 international midget racing leading Barry Butterworth (#26)who had come over from Australia.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

On the last of the international nights John was involved in an horrific crash on the front straight when he rode the left front wheel of Bill Reid’s car and the Chevy II was thrown into a frightening series of cartwheels. This is the result of the crash.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

The crash crew attend to John in the upturned car.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

It took some considerable time to extricate John from the car since the G forces of the crash were so much that they had forced his legs under the seat. He spent a week in hospital with head and spinal injuries (and a broken arm) and then, later, had to return for another week.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

The car being towed away. During one of the cartwheels the car landed on its tail pushing the tail of the car into John’s back. Peter Bruin, who was a close friend of John’s, and crew member for John during his whole career, is standing to the right.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

The wrecked #3 in the driveway. After John was released from hospital he and his crew had a big job on their hands to rebuild the car.The crew did a great job and #3 was ready for racing (in new white livery) on the last night of the 1970-71 Western Springs season
(From the John Stanley Collection)

After cheating the system a little, John was able to get medical clearance to race #3 on the last night of the season.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley in Chevy II #3 slips under Graeme Hartnell in Chevy II #27 during the last night of the 1970-71 season in the Tappendens 50 lap feature. John was a man on a mission that night and was in second when the motor seized and threw a rod out of the side of the block making for an expensive end to a horror season.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Since he was still recovering from his injuries, John was unable to race in America during the off-season. For the Northern Sports Car Club meeting held at Western Springs after the 1970-71 speedway season had finished, Brian Tracey kindly lent John his ex-Fussell and Cartwright Offy #7. Here he passes Nick Carter (#55).
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

The Radio i1590 Offenhauser midget team of 1971-72; #2 and #7. Over the winter John Stanley fitted an Offenhauser motor to Brian Tracey’s #2 car (for Brian to drive) while John drove #7.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John at practice day for the 1971-72 season in the Radio i Offenhauser #7.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John and Trevor Morris racing close together again! Trevor Morris (#58) goes through on the inside of John Stanley (#7) while Trevor Carnell is out wide.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

John looks happy behind the wheel of Offenhauser-powered midget #7.Two years before he was trying so hard to beat the car (then driven by Trevor Morris) and now he was driving it himself!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

A beautiful Bruce Kent colour shot of John Stanley with the hammer down in #7.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

At full nose in the Radio iOffy (#7). John had a frustrating season in #7, but there were still flashes of his driving brilliance so often seen in 1969-70.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley (#7) renewed his rivalry with Trevor Morris (#58) and here he tries for an inside pass on Trevor. John is wearing home-made arm restraints to avoid his arms being pounded by the cage in the event of a crash (an experience he did not enjoy during his big crash in the Chevy II).
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John was in the 1971-72 NZ test side along with Barry Butterworth and Trevor Morris. Here he lines up on pole with George Tatnell (AUS) and Les Scott (USA) outside him and Garry Patterson (USA) in behind.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

More international teams racing with John Stanley (#7) on the inside. Also in the picture are Barry Butterworth (#26), Dave Strickland (USA) (#55), Garry Patterson (USA) (piece sign) and Ron Wanless (AUS) (#76)
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley putting #7 through its paces. In future years he actually purchased the car and restored it back to how it was as the Fussell and Cartwright Offy.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John had to step aside from driving #7 when American Garry Patterson arrived and later motor troubles sidelined #7. During that time John ran his Chevy II midget (formerly the red #3) in black livery with his favoured number( #75).
(From the John Stanley Collection)

Here is John hot-lapping Chevy II #75 on the Western Springs banking (without a helmet!).
(From the Gordon McIsaac Collection)

A great shot of John running hard in #7. Minor mechanical problems beset the offy motor throughout 1971-72 season before it finally dropped a valve causing massive destruction.
(Gavin Evitt photo from the John Stanley Collection)

For the inaugural Bob Tattersall Memorial feature in 1972 John borrowed Brian Tracey’s midget #2 and won with a hard chasing Trevor Morris a close second. As car owner, Brian claimed winners sash but gave it back to John later in the night! From L to R, George Tervit (Promotor), Trevor Morris (2nd), John Stanley (1st) and Leo Vercoe (3rd).
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John looks happy with the win as he goes on a victory lap with placegetters Trevor Morris and Leo Vercoe. After fighting slower reaction times and less precise driving all season (a result of him not yet being fully recovered from the head injuries sustained in the 70-71 crash), John retired from driving. To this day he has the reputation of being the “best driver never to have won the NZ Championship”.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley (R) was the NZSCB Referee during the 1973-74 season at Western Springs. Here he and the NZSCB Steward Don Tomkins (L) converse with Barry Butterworth. John took a drivers view of racing and let a bit of argy bargy go on as long as it didn’t get too dangerous. John was also Steward (and the only rules person) for the Outlaws meetings when they raced at Waikaraka Park and during the first season at Meremere..
(From the Allan Batt collection)

For the 1974-75 season Peter Bruin (John’s close friend and ex-crew member) built a new VW-powered midget which was raced by Brent Holden and then Barry Butterworth. Here is John Stanley doing the first shakedown run in the car on the Western Springs banking.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

In 1974-75 the great A J Foyt came out to NZ to race a midget with travelling partner, Mel Kenyon. John crewed on the car in Auckland and here he is (L) posing with AJ (R).
(From https://www.facebook.com/Kevin-J-McIvor-Writer-Speedway-Memories-157452800965622/?fref=photo)

On request from Barry Butterworth, John Stanley came out of retirement and ran his ex-Trevor Morris vintage Chevy II midget at the Kumeu All Star Speedway meeting in April, 1984. Here he leads rally driver Neil Allport in the CRC VW. John was in the process or restoring the car at the time.
(From https://www.facebook.com/Kevin-J-McIvor-Writer-Speedway-Memories-157452800965622/?fref=photo)

In 1986 John made a one-off appearance at Parramatta Raceway in an Australian-owned VW-powered car. He drove in the teams racing (driving for NZ along with Barry B in the Higgins Duggan Chevy II) against Australian interstate teams and also competed in the Ray Revell Memorial feature.It was a great way to end his racing career.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

For the 1978-79 and 1979-80 seasons, circuit racing star, Steve Millen raced a midget at Western Springs. Many in the speedway fraternity were unwilling to help Steve and some were even openly hostile towards him. John Stanley was, however, happy to lend a hand. Here is John discussing racing strategy just before Steve is pushed off.
(From a newspaper clipping of the day)

When the vintage speedway scene began in New Zealand in the late 1970s John Stanley restored the iconic Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser#7. The car was driven between 1965 and 1970 by three NZ greats (Barry Butterworth, Ian Holden and Trevor Morris) each of whom won the NZ Midget Championship in it. John is always quick to point out that many others have helped in many ways with the restorations.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

In the early 1980s John restored the Bob Lockard Chevy II #58. This car was brought into NZ by Trevor Morris in 1970 and was the top car in NZ for the first half of the 1970s. It raced mostly in white livery as the Jim Beam Chevy II. Here is John demonstrating the restored car at Western Springs in the 1980s.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

During the early 1980s John also restored his own Chevy II midget #3 which he raced in 1970-71 (and in which he had his big crash) and was subsequently raced by Eddie James. John looks pleased to be reunited with his restored car.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

In the late 1980s a friend John’s in the USA located this Sesco-powered car which John then restored. It is the Dick Polnau Sesco which ran on the USAC circuit in the early 1970s.It finished second in the USAC owner’s points standings in 1973. It was driven mainly by Larry Rice and Billy Shuman but also by Billy Englehart.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

The ex-Bruce Drinkrow VW was restored by John during the 1990s. The coil-over car was brought into NZ and raced by Sleepy Tripp and then purchased by Bruce. The car is held in the Pine Harbour Motorsport Museum owned by the Drinkrow family.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley restored the ex-Leo Vercoe VW-powered midget #99 in the late 1990s. The car is an LTC copy built by Robert Oxenham in 1978 for Leo to race. The car is best remembered for the enormous accident Leo had in the car when he hit the Western Springs safety fence with enormous force.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John restored the Peter Bruin VW in the very early 2000s with the help of Peter Bruin himself (who helped on many of the other restorations as well). The car was raced by Barry Butterworth during 1974-75. After the car was sold, it was driven successfully by Dave Jolly, Max Butterworth and Kerry Morris. It is pictured here at a vintage speedway show in Australia during the early 2000s.

Here is John in the restored Ron Hogan V8-60 #7 at Meremere. In conjunction with Garth Hogan (Ron’s son), John restored the car in the early 2000s back to its original 1954 condition. Its first driver was Ian Holden. The car went through a number of owners and was raced successfully by both Des Herrick and Barry Butterworth.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

During the early 2000s John (standing with his back to the camera) restored the Hollywood Spring and Axle Offenhauser which was owned by Californian Marv Edwards and brought to NZ by Bob Tattersall for the 1964-65 season. The car was subsequently raced in Australia by Barry Valentina, Johnny Stewart, Brian Cunneen and Merle Bettenhausen.
(https://www.facebook.com/Auckland-Vintage-Speedway-Club-308596399296808/?fref=ts)

John Stanley taking his restored Hank Henry sprint car(which he restored in the early 2000s) out for a run at Western Springs. This car was raced in the USA by Curt Waters, Bob East and Doug Coulter before being imported into NZ by Roger Gleeson in 1976. The car was then purchased by Selwyn Everett who won the 1982 NZ Sprintcar Championship in it.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John started building this replica of the Frank Brewer V8-60 flame car #99 back in the 1990s. The car is a very accurate replica of a car raced in NZ by “Satan” Brewer during the 1946-47 season.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley about to be interviewed by Graham Standring after a spirited run in the restored Hank Henry sprintcar at the Heritage Shield Night at Western Springs in 2012. John loves driving and demonstrating the old-style open wheel cars without cages. That night he ran one lap flat out much to the delight of the crowd (and Graham Standring)!
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John trying out Ray Alach’s restored Chevy II-powered midget (#35) at Meremere in 2014. John raced Ray’s midgets in the late 1960s and early 70s and was happy to put the newly restored car through its paces for Ray.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John having fun in an Offenhauser-powered midget (#71) at Meremere in 2015 as he races Graham Standring in #7. John really enjoys going out for a “Sunday drive” in the restored cars, and as demonstrated here, he still has a lot of competitive spirit!
(From the John Stanley Collection)

Steamin John Stanley in 2016 pictured sitting in Dave Harding’s restored Stealth Pontiac midget at Meremere. It was the first time he had driven a late model midget with power steering!
(From the John Stanley Collection)

Eddie James

Eddie James was born in 1942 and began racing on speedway in 1965-66 in a Holden-powered midget #16. He adapted quickly to speedway and three-quarters of the way through the season he was a regular front-marker in the A grade midget events at Western Springs. For the 1966-67 season he purchased the ex-Barry Butterworth, ex-Bert Jones McGee Holden and renumbered it as #16. He put on some high class performances in this car over the next two seasons and at the end of the 1967-68 season, when Ron Ross retired, Cliff North and Harley Arthur offered Eddie the drive in the Holden-powered #72. For the next two seasons Eddie was a back-marker in #72. He won the 1969-70 NZ Midget Car Championship (held at Templeton) in the car. Over the winter of 1970, Cliff North built a new Holden-powered midget #79 which was owned by Alby Hellriegel. Eddie James drove this car in the 1970-71 and 71-72 seasons before retiring. He won a second NZ Midget Championship in the Hellriegel Holden #79 in the 1970-71 season (again held at Templeton) and was also first in the National 50 lap Midget Championship at Western Springs in 1970-71. For 1972-73 he reappeared driving the ex-John Stanley Chevy II renumbered as #97. He drove this car with moderate success through to the end of the 1974-75 season. In the 1975-76 season Cliff North was driving Holden #79 when he flipped it over the pit fence on the back straight and was knocked unconscious. He suffered from headaches for some considerable period after that and Eddie James again took over the controls of #79. He raced #79 until the end of the 1977-78 season when he retired. During the 1976-77 season Eddie finished third equal (with Leo Vercoe) in the NZ Midget Championship driving #79. Eddie became a “speedway entertainer” in the 1980s when American Stan Fox was a regular visitor to NZ. Eddie James would dress up in the fox suit and spur Stan on. For a number of years his antics as “the fox” entertained many kids (and adults) over the Christmas international midget series Eddie renewed his association with midget racing during the 2001-2002 season when he purchased an ex-Graham Standring Harris-Canaday midget which he contracted Tony Elliot to drive over the Christmas international series. Tony helped Eddie and his son Nick get to grips with the setup of a modern midget car and near the end of the season Eddie raced the car at Stratford. During the 2003-04 season, Eddie and Nick shared the drive in the Harris-Canaday with Nick racing it at Kihikihi and Eddie at Stratford. Eddie finished first equal in the 2003-04 Taranaki Midget Car Championship in the car but lost his first place to Ian Laird on a coin-toss! Eddie helped Nick with his racing career from 2006 to 2012. After a battle with cancer, Eddie passed away in June 2014. He was inducted into the New Zealand Hall of Fame in 2016.

Eddie James and the crew pose with his first Holden-powered midget (#16) in 1965-66. It was his first season racing and he was in the “A grade” field by the end of the season
(Bruce Kent photo from the Nick James collection)

Eddie in #16 thundering down the back straight at Western Springs in 1965-66.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Programme 1965-66)

Eddie’s driving improved greatly over the season. He was consistently fast although unspectacular and acquitted himself well.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Programme 1965-66)

For the 1966-67 season, Eddie purchased the ex-Bert Jones McGee Holden-powered midget and renumbered it as #16.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Nick James collection)

Eddie’s newly acquired midget (#16) (ex-Bert Jones) sitting in the pits at the first practice day at Western Springs for the 1966-67 season. At this point Fussell and Cartwright did not have a driver for #7 and Bill Cartwright, Lionel Fussell and Bob Leikis are seen pushing #7 across the pits in front of #16. They hired Ian Holden as driver.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Eddie was fast in the new car and raced it through the 1966-67 and 67-68 seasons.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Programme 1966-67)

Action from 1967-68. Eddie James (#16) is running out wide as Trevor Carnell in the Durabuilt Holden (#76) goes for an inside pass on him.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Programme 1967-68)

A close-up of Eddie James hard at work in Holden-powered #16.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Programme 1967-68)

Eddie getting down to business in the McGee Holden.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Nick James collection)

For the 1968-69 season Eddie James drove the Cliff North-prepared #72. He was instantly fast and became a backmarker at Western Springs
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Programme 1967-68)

A great portrait of Eddie James sitting in #72.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Programme 1968-69)

Action from 1968-69 as Eddie James (#72) leads from Leo Vercoe in Trackburner #99 and Trevor Morris in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7).
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Eddie at practice day at Western Springs before the start of the 1969-70 season.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Eddie James (#72) leads the star of the 1969-70 season, John Stanley (#75), who is chasing hard.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Eddie competing in the 1969-70 New Zealand Midget Car Championship held at Templeton Speedway in Christchurch. He won the Championship that year from Trevor Carnell and Dave Harding.
(Brian Hopping photo from The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

During the winter of 1970, Cliff North built a new Holden-powered midget (#79) which was owned by Alby Hellriegel. Eddie drove it in through the 1970-71 and 71-72 seasons.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Nick James collection)

Eddie James (#79) chasing Mike Ryan in the Daimler Dart-powered midget #44 at Western Springs 1970-71.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Action at Western Springs in 1970-71. Eddie James is on the pole line (on the grass!) as he tries to pass his Hellriegel team mate Trevor Carnell in his old car #72.In behind are Brian Tracey (#7) and Dave Harding (#66).
(Bruce Kent photo from the Nick James collection)

American visitor Merle Bettenhausen in 1970-71 in the Wynn’s Offenhauser gives Eddie (#79) a bit of a shove as he goes for an inside pass.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Nick James collection)

Eddie at full nose in the Hellriegel Holden at Templeton in 1970-71. He is competing in the New Zealand Midget Championships which were held again in Christchurch.
(Brian Hopping photo from The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

Eddie James (#79) finished first equal on points with local Christchurch driver Johnny McKitterick (#4) and here they are about to run off for the New Zealand title. Eddie won and took away his second New Zealand Championship.
(Brian Hopping photo from The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

Placegetters in the 1970-71 NZ Midget Championship. From L to R: Johnny McKitteric second, Eddie James first and Trevor Carnell third.
(From the Max Rutherford collection)

Close racing action from Western Springs in 1971-72 as Eddie James (#79) leads from Trevor Morris (#58) and Barry Butterworth (#26. All three drivers are multiple New Zealand Midget Champions.
(Bruce Kent photo, from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch, NZ)

Action from 1971-72 at Western Springs. Brian Tracey (#2) has spun and Trevor Morris in the Jim Beam Chevy II (#58) is in the air as Eddie James in #79 arrives on the scene.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

An unusual angle of Eddie in #79 taken from the outside of the track. At the end of the 1971-72 season Eddie gave up his drive in #79.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Eddie reappeared in the 1972-73 season driving the ex-John Stanley Chevy II which he renumbered as #97. He raced it with moderate success through to the end of the 1974-75 season.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Nick James collection)

During the 1975-76 season Cliff North, who was driving #79, flipped it over the pit fence on the back straight at Western Springs and then retired from racing. Eddie James took over the controls of #79 again and raced it in 1976-77 as well.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Nick James collection)

Placegetters in the 1976-77 New Zealand Midget Championship. From L to R, Ted Tracey (first), Barry Butterworth (second) and Eddie James in #79 (third).
(Bruce Kent photo from the Nick James collection)

Eddie became a “speedway entertainer” in the 1980s when American Stan Fox was a regular visitor to NZ. Eddie dressed up in the Fox outfit and cavorted around the infield waving to the crowd and spurring Stan on while he was racing!
(Colin Irwin photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

Action from Western Springs as “the fox” gives encouragement to Stan Fox!
(Colin Irwin photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

Roger Bertram ("RB")

Roger Bertram started racing supermodifieds at Western Springs in the 1970-71 season in a car he built himself. His interest had been kindled while engine tuning for Garry Running and others the previous season. He drove his supermodified (#14 and 1) for four seasons collecting the Auckland Championship in 1972-73 and finishing second in the NZ Champs in 74-75. For the 75-76 and 76-77 seasons he gained more experience driving the ex-Ken Holden supermodified #47. In the winter of 1977 Roger purchased the ex-Bill Warner, fully imported, CAE sprintcar and re-numbered it as #15. In this car, he dominated the supermodified/sprintcar category and won the New Zealand Championship in 1977-78, 78-79 and 79-80. By the 1980-81 season the CAE sprintcar was not competitive as Barry B had imported a new four bar Shores car. Roger ran mainly in the midget category for the next three seasons running a Vauxhall Victor-powered car in 1981-82 and the Bruce Drinkwater-owned VW in 82-83 and 83-84 seasons. In winter 1983, Roger built a new aluminium body for the CAE chassis and then raced it at Waikaraka Park in the Modified class. The car was very competitive and he won the NZ Modified Championship in 1984-85, 85-86, 87-88 and 88-89. In 1990 he replaced the CAE chassis with a new Garry Harris Chassis and rebuilt the car. He went on to win the NZ Modified Champs again in 96-97 and 97-98 before retiring from driving in 1998.

Roger raced against Barry B first in the 72-73 season when Barry was driving "Dracula". At that stage Roger was learning his craft but by the time Barry drove the ex-Willy Kay wingless sprintcar they became great rivals. In particular, in the 76-77 season they had some very hard-fought contests in the sprintcar races at Western Springs. Roger wasn't competitive with Barry in a midget and then he went to race at Waikaraka Park. However, at Barry's first Kumeu Easter meeting (1984) Roger re-converted the CAE Modified back to a sprintcar and actually beat Barry in the feature race! Roger purchased Barry's second Shores sprintcar and raced it in some of the later Outlaw events.There was a large degree of respect between the two and Roger always refers to Barry as one of the greats of the sport.

Roger Bertram in his first speedway car - the Wild Wheels-sponsored #14 supermodified.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Dave Jolly serves up some rough stuff on Roger Bertram.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

Roger Bertram in Wild Wheels-sponsored #14 supermodified goes around the outside of Ken Vincent in the Hot Rod Magazine-sponsored #3 at Western Springs in 1972-73.
(From http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?
board=stockcarmia&action=display&thread=25738)

Roger Bertram (#14) is facing the wrong way as Trevor Morris crashes into him. Dayne Plummer (#99) is in the background.
(Bruce kent photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

Roger Bertram's in Wild Wheels-sponsored supermodified in the pits and ready for action.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Roger (#1) gives Gary Murch (#29) a bit of a push as he tries for an inside pass.
(From http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=491573980885555&set=pb.157894084253548.-2207520000.
1361406682&type=3&theater)

Supermodified action at Forest Lake in 1973-74. Roger Bertram in Auck #1 leads Willy Kay in the Levis Sprintcar Auck #2. The Willy Kay sprintcar was later sold to Rick Marmont and Bob Underwood who had Barry B drive it as #1 in the 1975-76 season.
(http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?
board=stockcarmia&action=display&thread=25738)

For the 1975-76 and 76-77 seasons Roger raced the ex-Ken Holden Edmunds-style supermodified.
(Graham Witherill collection from http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=491583424217944&set=pb.157894084253548.-2207520000.
1361406682&type=3&theater)

Roger posing with the ex-Ken Holden car on the infield at Western Springs. Because the car was painted jet-black, he became known as the “Black Bandit”.
(https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kevin-J-McIvor-Poetry-and-Motor-Sports-Page/157894084253548)

The black bandit racing at Tempeton Speedway, Christchurch.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/376664865750040/)

For the 1977-78 season Roger raced the ex-Bill Warner American built CAE sprintcar that he purchased in Christchurch. He initially ran the car as #15 but after winning the NZ Championship he claimed #1.
(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=491611317548488&set=a.314273251948963.74558.
157894084253548&type=3&theater)

The “Black Bandit". The 1977-78 NZ Supermodified/sprintcar Champion Roger Bertram in full cry in the CAE sprintcar
(From: the Kevin McIvor collection)

Roger Bertram goes for an inside pass on Tony Allen at Western Springs.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)
157894084253548&type=3&theater)

Three of the all-time greats of New Zealand Speedway in the supermodified/sprintcar division. From left to right, Roger Gleeson, Roger Bertram and Peter Annan.
(From the Allan Batt collection)

Roger looks happy as he poses as current New Zealand Champion.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection))

By 1978-79 season onwards he had CRC sponsorship and the car was in white and red livery. Here Roger races the CAE sprintcar which dominated NZ sprintcar racing from 1977-1980 until Barry B imported the Mercury Motors Outlaw four bar sprintcar.
(From: http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?
board=stockcarmia&action=print&thread=4168)

The beautifully prepared CRC-sponsored CAE Sprintcar. The car was fitted with a small 302 ci Chev out of his supermodified. He raced with the motor through until 1992 when he fitted a 360 ci Chevy to his Harris modified.
(From http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?
board=stockcarmia&action=display&thread)

Roger Bertram on the Western Springs infield ready for action.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Roger in the CRC-sponsored CAE sprintcar (#15) at Western Springs during the 1982-83 season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Roger (leading), racing during the 1982-83 season, is about to be swallowed-up by Barry B in the Shores sprintcar now sponsored by Autex Snooper.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Roger (#15) in the thick of the sprintcar action at Western Springs 1982-83.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Roger at speed in the sprintcar. It became less competitive as the years went by.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

For the 1982-83 season Roger Bertram raced the VW-powered midget (#15) owned by Bruce Drinkwater with reasonable success.
(Graham Witherill collection from http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=529488853762013&set=pb.157452800965622.-2207520000.
1361341638&type=3&theatre)

For the 1983-84 season the Drinkwater VW midget carried CRC livery like the CAE sprintcar.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

He was involved in a nasty-looking crash during the running of the 1983-84 50 lap international event.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

The Drinkwater midget was a wreck after the smash. The car was rebuilt and Roger completed the season in the midget.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Roger is pushed out onto the infield in the Drinkwater VW.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Roger Bertram leads “Cyclone” Ted Tracey at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

In 1983 Roger built a new aluminium body for the CAE chassis and raced it in the modified class at Waikaraka Park (still with the Chevy 302 installed). He dominated the class between 1984 and 1990. Here he is after another win in 1984-85.
(From http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?
board=stockcarmia&action=display&thread=9673)

Roger on the gas in the CAE modified at Waikaraka Park in the 1985-86 season.
(From http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?
board=stockcarmia&action=display&thread=9673)

An unusual shot of Roger at Waikaraka Park in the CEA car taken fron the outside of the track.
(https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.691926624183622.1073741830.
157894084253548&type=3)

A common sight in the late 1980’s as Roger goes for a victory lap after yet another win.
(http://macgor.proboards.com/thread/9673/roger-bertram-cae-mod)

Roger Bertram in the CAE modified (#15) makes an outside pass on Ian Verrall (#39 A) during a daylight meeting.
(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=495288693847417&set=a.197134866996136.49309.
157894084253548&type=3&theater)

Roger purchased the second Shores Sprintcar off Barry B at the end of the 1984-85 season. Here he is racing it at Western Springs in 1985-86.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Roger pulling a wheelie at Western Springs in the Shores sprintcar. The new clay surface gave plenty of traction for the sprintcars and Roger was one of the stars of the 1985-86 season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Sprintcar placegetters pose from L to R, Bruce Hobbs, Lyndon Kendall and Roger Bertram in front of Roger’s CRC-sponsored car.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Roger Bertram fighting a bit of a push at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

In 1989-90, Roger replaced the CAE chassis with a new Garry Harris chassis. Here Roger, in the new car, (#1) chases Phillip Game (77) at Waikaraka Park.
(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1000083949108760)

Roger in the Garry Harris modified being pushed off by his crew in 1989-90.
(https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.691926624183622.1073741830.
157894084253548&type=3)

A new high bar Garry Harris chassis was built which Roger campaigned throughout the mid and lates 1990s.
(http://macgor.proboards.com/thread/4080?page=8)

Roger won the NZ modified championship in 1996-97 and 97-98 in the Harris car.
(http://macgor.proboards.com/thread/4072/last-roger-bertram-modified?
page=1)

Roger Bertrum carrying #1 as NZ Champion at speed in the sunset.
(http://macgor.proboards.com/thread/15348?page=1)

Roger stands arms akimbo in his red tracksuit in the pits in front of the Harris modified.
(http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?
action=display&board=stockcarmia&thread=15348&page=2)

Roger celebrates after yet another win in the modified this time in 1994.
(http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?
board=stockcarmia&action=display&thread=16818)

Roger Bertram in the CRC-sponsored Harris car (#15) leads Willie Noonan.
(archivehttp://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=504627276246892&set=a.246767685366187.
60418.157894084253548&type=1&theatre)

Roger running the Harris modified at speed during the 1997-98 season. Roger retired in 1998 after 28 years in the sport.
(From http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?
board=stockcarmia&action=display&thread=16818)

"Cyclone" Ted Tracey ("TT")

Ted Tracey began his speedway racing career at the age of 17 in 1974 in a Holden-powered midget in the "B" grade at Western Springs. At the time, his father Brian Tracey was a well-respected middle-marker in the midget ranks driving an offenhauser-powered car. By the end of the season Ted was promoted to the "A" grade and won two features. One was the Tappenden National 20 Lap Championship in which he was closely followed home by Barry B in the Edmunds Offy. For the 1975-76 season Ted purchased his dad's offenhauser midget and gained valuable experience racing it in the A grade. Ted then raced through the VW era of midget racing winning the New Zealand Midget Championship in 1976-77, 77-78, 78-79, 80-81, 83-84 and 86-87. During this era, he raced successfully in the USA three times and twice in Australia. In the post-VW era, Ted had a close association with Ray Alach Racecars and his Pontiac-powered Beast car was highly competitive in the midget division. He won the NZ Champs again in 1992-93 before retiring from the sport. In his last season he won five features including the last feature of the season. In the 19 years that he raced, as well as a record of seven NZ Champs, he won the Auckland Championship in 1992, the World 30 Lap Championship in 1983 and won 49 feature races with 34 seconds and 26 thirds at the Springs. He was top points scorer in the International series in the 1981-82, 89-90 and 91-92 seasons. Once Barry B and Ted's dad Brian, began the C.T.R.A., Ted was a star in the midget division at Waikaraka Park and Meremere and CTRA Midget Champion in 1988. During his career he had his fair share of spectacular crashes as well as blown motors but each time his dedication and professionalism soon saw him back on the track. Ted was a drawcard at Western Springs and had a loyal band of keen supporters. During the VW era of Auckland speedway, the Barry B and Ted Tracey supporters were often at loggerheads!

As a boy, Ted referred to Barry B as "Uncle Barry" since Brian and Barry were friends and had known each other for many years. However, once Barry and Ted became arch rivals the uncle-bit went out the window! Barry and Ted inevitably had a number of on-track altercations and consequent off-track verbal stouches. During the international teams events, where Barry and Max raced together, Ted was as much the opposition to the Butterworth brothers as the Yanks and Aussies were! However, once Barry retired from midgets and was concentrating on sprintcar racing, he was again friends with Ted.

In his first season (1973-74) in the Holden-powered midget #22. Here Ted leads Trevor Morris in the Jim Beam Chevy II. Barry was in his last season in the Edmunds Offenhauser.
(From http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?
board=stockcarmia&action=display&thread=4165)

A young Ted Tracey posing with his Holden-powered midget in 1973-74.
(https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kevin-J-McIvor-Writer-Speedway-Memories/157452800965622)

At the end of the 1973-74 season 19 year-old Ted Tracey (L) (in his first season) won the Tappenden National 20 Lap Championship closely followed home by Barry (R) in the Doug Cook offy. They were photographed straight after the event. By the late 70s and early 80s Ted had become Barry's fiercest rival.
(From One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch, NZ)

Ted ploughs into Fred Routt’s midget at Kihikihi. Chris Sleeps car is partly obscured.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

The first year after purchasing his dad’s Offenhauser midget(1974-75) was a learning experience for Ted. Here he is with all four wheels off the ground on an “infield excursion” at Western Springs.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection))

Dave Jolly takes to the grassed infield in an attempt to pass Ted Tracey in the Offy during the 1974-75 season.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection))

Dave Jolly (#8) and Ted (#2) at it again as Dave pushes young Offenhauser-mounted Ted Tracey (#2) all the way at Western Springs.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Ted Tracey at speed running his ex-dad's Offenhauser (#2) at Western Springs in the 1975-76 season.
(Bill Meyer photo from Just One More, The Speedway Photography of Bill Meyer by Wayne Meyer and Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publication)

Ted in 1977-78 with his foot firmly planted and the inside front wheel of his VW-powered car lifting off the Western Springs track
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Ted leads Barry Butterworth in the Lendich VW. Ted went on to win the 1977-78 NZ Midget Car Championship in the VW (his second straight championship).
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Ted’s car up on the Western Springs banking after it came of second-best with the safety fence!
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ted (#1) on the inside of Keith Watson (#78). Both were members of the winning 1978-79 NZ Midget Test team. That season, Ted went on to win his third NZ Midget Car Championship.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Ted in the blue track suit talking to bystanders in the pits at Western Springs during the 1978-79 season.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Ted leads Barry Butterworth in the Lendich VW. By this time Ted had become Barry's major compeditor
(From the Alan Batt collection)

Ted sandwiched behind Barry Butterworth (#21) and in front of Sleepy Tripp (#3) at the start of an international event.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Ted Tracey posing in his Golden Gun-sponsored VW midget in 1978-79 at Western Springs.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

Carrying #1 again for the 1979-80 seadson, Ted is ready to be pushed off.
(From the Matt Sefont collection)

Ted in the pits at Western Springs during the 1979-80 season.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

Here is Ted racing at Kihikihi during the 1979-80 season in the Golden Gun VW #1.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted Tracey carrying #1 as he races up on the cushion at Bay Park Speedway.
(From the Matt Sefont collection)

Ted helps track staff right his midget after a small racing mishap at Bay Park.
(From the Matt Sefont collection)

Leo Vercoe (#99), Paul Rollinson (#47) and Ted Tracey (#1) going for an outside pass at Bay Park 1979-80.
(From the Matt Sefont collection)

Ted on the gas in VW #1. He was in the winning NZ Midget Team (which beat Australian and USA teams) along with Barry Butterworth and Owen Shaw.
(From the Matt Sefont collection)

Ted being interviewed for TVNZ by motor racing commentator Tony Palmer at a televised international meeting over Christmas in 1979-80.
(From https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21?fref=ts)

Ted at speed at Western Springs during the 1980-81 season. He won his fourth NZ Midget Championship at the end of that season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted Tracey being pushed off at Western Springs 1980-81.
(From the Matt Sefont collection)

Ted with the pedal to the metal at Western Springs.
(From the Matt Sefont collection)

Lined-up on the infield are current NZ Champion Ray Alach (#1), Ted Tracey (#5) and American Bobby Olivero (#83).
(From the Matt Sefont collection)

Although he did not make the NZ Midget team in 1980-81,Ted continued to be highly competitive in the International events over Christmas.
(From the Matt Sefont collection))

Ted in a serious mood as he is pushed back to the pits.
(From the Matt Sefont collection)

Carrying #1 again as NZ Champion, Ted goes on a lap of honor after another win during the 1981-82 season.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Ted Tracey (#1) chasing Owen Shaw (#43) with Sleepy Tripp (#3) on the outside.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ted running at Western Springs in #1 during 1981-82 season as current NZ Champion.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted has the Golden Gun VW flying out wide on the Western Springs dirt in 1982-83.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

By the 1982-83 season Ted Tracey was at the top of his game and could easily foot with the International stars. Here he is throwing the VW about in spectacular fashion!
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Spectacular action from Western Springs as Ted Tracey in the Golden Gun VW (#5) leads Sleepy Tripp in the 3M VW (#3).
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Close action in the midgets as Maurice Cowling (#27) rubs wheels with Ted Tracey (#5)at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted Tracey dominated the 1982-83 World 30 Lap Championship at Western Springs. He won coming from the back of a 20-car field from Sleepy Tripp (blue and white tracksuit to the left) and Barry Butterworth in the Gennetten V4 Chev (directly behind Ted in the red tracksuit).
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Ted in the pits and ready to go racing in the 1982-83 season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted time trialing at Davenport Iowa, 1983. Ted made three racing trips to the USA and during 1983 he participated in the Southwest Independent Midget Series (SWIMS) tour.
(From http://www.flickr.com/photos/dalezoom/3062409767/)

Ted Tracey running hard at Springfield. Illinois 1983. Driving in the USA gave Ted additional experience and at Western Springs he was fully competitive with the American imports.
(From http://www.flickr.com/photos/dalezoom/3063247518/)

Ted with the hammer down in 1983-84 at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

An article by John webster on Ted with particular reference to Ted's 1983 trip to the USA where he was involved in a big shunt at Erie Speedway in Denver, Colorado.
(From Speedway Racing. November 1984)

Here is the crash referred to in the above article. Ted in mid-air after hitting the side of Sleepy Tripp’s car at the Eire half mile banked track (Colorado) during his 1983 foray to the USA.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Ted comes back down to earth at Eire. He received concussion, bruising to his legs and body and a broken hand.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Ted on the infield at Western Springs in the 1983-84 season and ready to be pushed off.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted, as winner of the Trevor Morris Memorial feature poses with the trophy and Snow Morris (Trevor’s dad).
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted Tracey running the cushion up near the concrete banking at Western Springs during 1983-84.

A spectacular shot of Ted at full speed at the Springs - taken from the outside of the track.
(Colin Irwin photo from https://www.facebook.com/colin.irwin3?fref=ts)

Ted (#5) has the inside running on Sleepy Tripp (#3) at Western Springs in 1983-84. Smoke is coming from the rubbing tyres!
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted Tracey (#5) and Sleepy Tripp (#3) at it again and this time Sleepy has the inside running with Ted rim-riding.
(Martin Smith photo from https://www.facebook.com
/profile.php?id=100006161538885)

Ted raced at Barry B's first Kumeu meeting at Easter, 1984.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Multiple NZ Champion Ted Tracey looks happy to be in the cockpit of his VW-powered midget.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Here is an Alan Clark photo of Ted way out wide in the heavy dirt at Kumeu.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Ted raced the Golden Gun VW in yellow livery for the 1984-85 season. Here Ted is three wheeling #1 at Western Springs as current NZ Champion.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Celebrating another victory in the Golden Gun VW.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted with the Golden Gun VW #1 crossed up leads Brett Horrobin (#87), Grant Wilkes (#23) and Sleepy Tripp on the outside (#3).
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Things didn’t always go right for Ted. Here is a great action shot by Colin Irwin of Ron Kendall and Ted Tracey (#1) cartwheeling together at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted poses with a poster made by his fans – “King of the Springs” – that’s Ted!
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted (centre) took out the 1984-85 Bob Tattersall Memorial feature from Brett Horrobin (L) and Larry Rice (R).
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted in the Golden Gun VW leads up and coming Brett Horrobin in the Sunday News VW.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

A fine action shot of Ted with the hammer down at Western Springs in the 1985-86 season. Carrying number 91 on the tail was the result of sponsorship from local Auckland radio station Magic 91 FM.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted running hard and sending up a cloud of dust at Kihikihi during the 1985-86season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

After a bingle with Brett Horrobin (#87), Ted flipped the Magic 91 FM car in a big way at Western Springs but came back stronger than ever.
(Colin Irwin photos sourced from http:/www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted at speed with the inside front wheel lifting again at Kihikihi Speedway.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

For the 1986-87 season, Ted procured CRC sponsorship and the car went back to #5. Ted and the crew seem most amused with comments being shouted by the Western springs fans as they push the car around for a start!
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted with the pedal to the metal in the CRC VW at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted ready to be pushed off in the VW. Ted won the 1986-87 New Zealand Midget Car Championship held at Western Springs that season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

At the end of the 1986-87 season Ted raced in Australia at Archerfield speedway, Brisbane, in international events. The car he drove was the Jim Holden- (ex Australian midget champion) owned Edmunds VW. Ted aquitted himself well.
(From Wheel to Wheel. The History of Brisbane Speedcar Racing. Part 2 1980-2016 “The Modern Era” by Barry Lane, Barry Lane, Brisbane)

The international match race series field lining up at Archerfield. Paul Linberg (Australasia) on the inside of Sleepy Tripp (USA) with Ted Tracey (Australasia) and John Pearson (USA) on the back row.
(From Wheel to Wheel. The History of Brisbane Speedcar Racing. Part 2 1980-2016 “The Modern Era” by Barry Lane, Barry Lane, Brisbane)

For the 1987-88 season Ted retained CRC sponsorship. However, his racing at the CTRA events at Waikaraka Park meant he was unable to continue racing at the Springs. He was also barred from the NZ Championship meeting in Tauranga.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted (#1) leads Graeme Hartnell (#52) at Waikaraka Park in 1987-88. Brian Tracey (Ted’s dad) was promoter of the CTRA outlaw events and Ted was one of the midget stars.CTRA midgets ran with wings.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Outlaw midgets arriving at Waikaraka Park. Ted Tracey’s midget #1 and Brett Horrobin’s Ray Bull-owned midget #87 arrive on the same trailer.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

A fine action shot of Ted Tracey at full opposite lock at Waikaraka Park at a CTRA event. After being turned away from the official NZ Midget Championship (because he was a CTRA outlaw), Ted won the 1988 CTRA NZ Midget Car Championship.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Sprintcar driver Gavin Pearce, Ted Tracey (centre) and Barry Butterworth at Waikaraka Park after the meeting. Barry has a can of his favourite – Lion Red!
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Ted Tracey driving Gavin Pearce’s sprintcar at Waikaraka Park. He raced against Barry Butterworth in a match race series at a CTRA event in 1988 (possibly the only time Ted raced a sprintcar).
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Ted posing with fellow outlaw Brett Horrobin at Waikaraka Park.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Ted Tracey( #1) as the NZ CTRA Midget Champion in action on the Meremere high bank in 1988.
(Greg Olesen photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

Winner of the 1988 Easter Outlaw National Trophy for Midgets at Meremere, Ted poses with the trophy girls.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Ted in the CRC VW midget at a CTRA meeting at Meremere in 1987-88. The CTRA ran winged midgets.
(Tony Growden photo sourced from http://tonygrowdenphotography.webs.com/)

During the 1988-89 season Ted raced a Ray Alach-owned Chevy II at both Meremere and Western Springs. The car carried #1 since he won the CTRA "Open New Zealand Midget Championship" in 1988. At the Springs he ran as #91 since Graham Standring ran with #1 as the official NZ Champion!
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted has the Alach Chevy II running hard ahead of another competitor at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted ready to be being pushed out of the pits and onto the track.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted at full speed at Western Springs in the Ray Alach-owned car #1.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted moves down low to pass VW-mounted Wayne Scott on the inside.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted being helped out of the Ray Alach midget by the crash crew after a bit of a shunt.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted at speed on the Meremere high bank in 1988-89.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Ted Tracey (#1) in the Alach Chevy II leads Brett Horrobin (#87) in the Harris Cosworth on the high bank at Meremere.Ted and Brett were two of the original outlaw drivers.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Cyclone Ted Tracey lines up on the inside of Mr 100% himself, Graham Standring on the Meremere Highbank 1988-89.
(Greg Olsen photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

Helpers run to the scene after Ted had upended the Alach Chevy II at Meremere.
( https://www.facebook.com/baz.cleverley/photos_albums)

For the 1989-90 season Ted ran a newly-built Ray Alach midget with his own Pontiac motor installed. Here he is on one of the international nights flying the NZ flag.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted in the Alach Pontiac ahead of young American hotshoe P J Jones who was part of the USA midget team in the 1989-90 season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

For the first part of the 1990-91 season Ted ran the Alach Pontiac. Here he poses with Ray Alach.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted leading the pack in the Alach Pontiac.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

For the latter part of the 1990-91 season the Pontiac motor was transferred into a Beast chassis owned by Ray Alach with Ted retaining his number as #5.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Things didn't always go to plan! The Beast Pontiac is taken back to the pits after a shunt.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Here Ted (#5) leads fellow 1991-92 NZ team member Kevin Hyde (#6) in the evening light at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted was extremely competitive in the Beast Pontiac. He was top scorer in the international series in 1991-92 and his close tussles with Sleepy Tripp were worth watching.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted Tracey with the inside front wheel hiking as he rings everything out of the Beast Pontiac.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

The “Cyclone” leads at Western Springs with Kevin Hyde (#6) on the inside and Garry Payne (12) following.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

A portrait of Ted and crew with the Beast Pontiac in the 1991-92 season. The car is now a metallic wine red and run by Ted rather than Ray Alach. This particular Colin Irwin shot is used on the Ted Traceys LMVD web site.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted drives under Kevin Hyde in the 1992-93 season. In this, Ted's last season and the beast Pontiac retained its metallic wine red livery!
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Placegetters in the 1992-93 CocaCola Grand National Midget Series. From left to right: Kevin Hide third, Ted Tracey first, a leggy trophy girl and Graham Standring second.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted looks relaxed in the pits at Western Springs before the start of the meeting.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

(a) Ted and his crew ready the midget for the nights racing, (b) the crew working on the car between races and (c) Ted and the crew celebrate another victory.
(Colin Irwin photos sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted (#5) duels with Sleepy Tripp in the Lendich #1 during the 1992-93 international series. Ted was always highly competitive with the American visitors.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted has his foot to the floor in the Beast Pontiac in 1992-93. In this, his last season, he won five midget features at Western Springs as well as the New Zealand Midget Car Championship.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Seven times NZ Champ, Ted waves to the crowd at his farewell at the end of the 1992-93 season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

During the 1997-98 season at Western Springs, Ted did some demonstration laps in the restored Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7).
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ted Tracey with his family at his induction into the New Zealand Speedway Hall of Fame in 2012. From L to R his children Shannon and Dylan, Ted and his wife Lynda.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Max ("Butch") Butterworth

Max Butterworth was born in 1947 and began racing TQs at Western Springs in the 1965-66 season. At that time, his older brother, Barry, was already a star in the midget division driving the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser. By the 1967-68 season Max had procured the coveted drive in the Ken Mullins-owned TQ #91 alongside Kerry Morris in #19. From 1967 through to 1969, Max was a backmarker in the TQ section and a topline driver. He finished third in the North Island TQ Championship in the 68-69 season and in the same season was highest point scorer in TQ features at Western Springs. During the winter of 1969, Max moved to Sydney and gained valuable experience in the midget division driving a number of different cars. In 1970, Max took over controls of the ex-Capitol Motors Chevy II (#27) after Barry purchased the ex-Blair Shepherd Edmunds Offy. Max was highly competitive and took out the 1970 World Speedcar Derby at the Sydney Royale in the Chevy II. While Barry returned to NZ for the 1971-72 season, Max remained in Sydney. For the 1971-72 season, Max wheeled the Eric Morton-owned Datsun speedcar, #24, as a team mate for Barry Pinchbeck. Later he drove for Billy Wells in his Volvo-powered speedcar #54. In the winter of 1975, Max returned to Auckland and built up a new midget (#12) powered by a Mazda rotary motor. He was fast and competitive in the car and drove it from 1975 through to 1979. For the 1979-80 and 80-81 seasons he was at the wheel of the ex-Bruin VW #14. He then took over driving chores in the Ken Mullins #22 VW and raced that until the end of the 88-89 season. Max, of course, raced in the outlaw events at Kumeu and in the CTRA events at Waikaraka Park and Meremere. Usually, he was at the wheel of the Mullins VW, but towards the end of his career he also raced sprintcars. He became very quick on the Meremere track and took out the 1988-89 Outlaw Easter National Sprintcar Championships.

Max was a highly competitive driver but characteristically, an unassuming and friendly man off-track. He was a fast, fair and consistent competitor and very seldom courted controversy. He left that to Barry! He was Auckland Midget Champion in 1979-80 and he also won the Coca Cola pointscore series that year. During his racing career, Max picked up many strong placings in big midget events (including 10 midget feature wins at Western Springs) and his topline performances throughout the late 70's and early and mid-80's at Western Springs earned him a place in the NZ midget team in the 1977-78, 80-81 and 81-82 seasons. Max certainly had a very successful Speedway career.

Max racing hard in one of the first TQ midgets he ever drove back in 1965.
(From the Des Harris collection)

Max posing in the Byron Shreeve-owned TQ (#34) in 1966-67. He drove the car in both 1965-66 and 66-67.
(From the Des Harris collection)

Max running TQ (#34) under Kevin Parkinson (#62) at Western Springs during the 1966-67 season.
(From the Des Harris collection)

For the 1967-68 and 68-69 seasons Max raced TQ #91 for Ken Mullins. In 1968-69 he won the Hyde Cup for highest cumulative points in TQ feature races at Western Springs.
(From the Des Harris collection)

Max ready to be push started in the Ken Mullins TQ #91 in the 1967-68 season at Western Springs. The crew are (L to R) Colin Crowe, Rangi Martin and Ken Mullins.
(Bruce Kent photo from http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=437782692936158&set=a.437782549602839.93090.
434987526549008&type=3&theater)

The Ken Mullins team on the move. Backmarkers, Kerry Morris #19 and Max Butterworth #91 threading their way through the field.
(Bruce Kent photo from http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=437785802935847&set=a.437782549602839.93090.
434987526549008&type=3&theater)

A great action shot of Max in #91 chasing Kevin Parkinson in the Byron Shreeve-owned TQ #34 during the 1968-69 season.
(Bruce Kent photo from http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=437782652936162&set=a.437782549602839.93090.
434987526549008&type=3&theater

Max racing the ex-Capitol Motors Chevy II at the Sydney Royale. Barry gave it to him after purchasing the ex- Blair Shepherd Offenhauser for himself.
(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=504615092902987&set=a.337410902956741.85608.
337376802960151&type=1&theater)

Team Butterworth at the Sydney Showgrounds! Barry in the #26 Offy lines up next to Max in the #27 Chevy II.
(From: One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch, NZ)

Max is sitting in the Chevy II as Barry tinkers with the motor.
(From the Allan Batt collection)

Max running at Liverpool in the ex-Capitol Motors Chevy II #27 on the inside of George Tatnell at Liverpool.
(David Cumming photo, from Liverpool City Raceway. The Place of Pace by Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publishing, Glenbrook, NSW, 20

Max (#27) chases George Tatnell (#6) who is driving the ex-Gus McClure (ex-Cascio) Offenhauser. George renumbered the car as #25 and it became thre Midford Offy.
(Bill Meyer photo from Just One More, The Speedway Photography of Bill Meyer by Wayne Meyer and Tony Loxley, Full Throttle Publications, NSW)

A report on the 1970 “World’s Speedcar Championship” held at the Sydney Royale which was won by Max (centre) driving Chevy II # 27 with Merle Bettenhausen second (R) and Garry Rush third (L).
(From Ghosts in the Bull Pens by Tony Loxley and Dennis Newlyn, Full Throttle Publications, NSW)

Max has the Chevy II fully crossed up at the Royale.
(http://macgor.proboards.com/thread/4165)

Max racing Barry’s Offy #26 in Sydney on the outside of Ron Mackay in the second Mackay (ex-Valentinna) Offy.
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=468005126631953
&set=gm.405696459531528&type=1&theater)

In Sydney, Max got the ride in the Eric Morton Datsun #24 for the 1971-72 season. Behind him is Alan Streator.
(Bill Meyer photo, from 1972 Australian Speedway Yearbook (ed. P. Webster), Pro Magazines Pty, Avalon Beach, NSW)

At the end of the 1971-72 season Barry Butterworth returned to Australia and Max raced the Edmunds Offy (#26). Here he leads Trevor Carnell onto the back straight at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

For the 1972-73 international season at Western Springs Max drove Barry’s second midget #1 (the ex F&C Offy with new bodywork). Here he is in a melee with Ron Wanless (#2) spun sideways and Trevor Carnell (#72) facing the wrong way.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

For the 1973-74 season in Sydney Max drove for Billy Wells in Volvo #54. Here he is running at the Royale on the outside of Ron Mackay in the Mackay Offenhauser.
(From Australian and New Zealand Speedway Racing News, No 15, October 1973)

An unhappy Max steps from the Wells Volvo uninjured after upending the car at the Royale.
(From Australian and New Zealand Speedway Racing News, No 15, October 1973)

In 1975 Max returned to Auckland to live. He built up the #12 midget, powered by a Mazda rotary motor and drove it from 1975-79. The car had a characteristic exhaust note that differed greatly from most of the other cars.
(From: http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?
board=stockcarmia&action=display&thread=4207)

The rotary Mazda motor revved very hard and it was difficult to get the power down onto the ground through the dirt. Max admires the very wide right rear humper tyre he used to get traction.
(From http://www.trademe.co.nz/sports/sports-memorabilia/
motor-racing/photos-posters/auction-449118425.htm)

Max takes a lap of honour after another race win in the Mazda #12.
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=181366325311365
&set=o.184768618290981&type=3&permPage=1)

Max Butterworth decides it’s a bit hot in his Mazda-powered midget and its time to leave! (Western Springs, 1979-80).
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Max about to be pushed off in the Mazda at Mystery Creek
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

During the 1980-81 season Max ran the ex-Bruin VW #14 with much success. He drove in the NZ midget team in this car.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Max (#14) goes around the outside of a fellow competitor at Western Springs.
(From the Des Harris collection)

Max Butterwoth leading Ray Alach and Bruce Drinkrow.
(From the Des Harris collection)

Max Butterworth (#14) leads Rich Vogler (#2) at Western Springs during the 1980-81 international season.
(From the Matt Sefont collection)

Max’s midget #14 in the pits at Kihikihi speedway with his brother Barrys’s car #21 in front.
(From https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21)

Max Butterworth (L) and Ken Mullins (R) pushing a car out onto the track. For the 1981-82 season Max raced a VW-powered midget (#22) for his old friend Ken Mullins.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Max at speed in the Pepsi Cola-sponsored Ken Mullins VW midget at Western Springs during 1981-82
(From the Des Harris collection)

Max checking tyre pressures on the Mullins VW prior to racing. Max was in the victorious 1981-82 NZ Midget test team along with his brother Barry and Ted Tracey.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

For the 1982-83 season Max was again at the controls of the Ken Mullins Scat VW. He remained one of the back-markers at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz

Max (C) won the 1983 Levis Midget Car Grand Prix at Western Springs in the Ken Mullins VW. Other placegetters were (L) Jack Nazer and (R) Paul Rollinson.
(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=437785726269188&set=a.437782549602839.93090.
434987526549008&type=3&theater)

Max (#22) leads Maurice Cowling (#27) at Kihikihi during the 1983-84 season.
(From the Des Harris collection)

Max (#22) is a bit out of shape as he dices with Ted Tracey at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Max ready to carry the checkered flag around for a victory lap after yet another win in the 1982-83 season.
(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=437785812935846&set=a.437782549602839.93090.
434987526549008&type=3&theater)

Max at speed in the Mullins VW in the 1983-84 season. Max remained one of the leading drivers in the VW dominated class. Max won both the Goog Clark Memorial and the Levis Midget Grand Prix that season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Max was a member of the MZ midget team and here he leads Americans Sleepy Tripp and Larry Rice during the teams racing.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Things didn’t always go to plan. Here Max spins the Mullins dub with Pat Johnson ahead.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Max sits in the Mullins Scat VW on the infield at Western Springs in the 1983-84 season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

A happy Max in the cockpit with Rangi Martin standing and Ken Mullins crouching down at the rear.
(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=437785749602519&set=a.437782549602839.93090.
434987526549008&type=3&theater)

Max goes on a victory lap with the checkered flag at Western Springs in the 1983-84 season. At the 1984 Easter meeting, at Kumeu, Max recorded fastest lap time for a midget.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

For the 1984-85 season the Mullins VW was in Autex Snooper livery. Barry was no longer running his midget so the sponsorship went to Max.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Max was top points scorer in the midget division at Western Springs in the 1984-85 season winning the Lucus Series, Air NZ Trophy, Bardhal Trophy and was equal on points for the Team McMillan Ford Trophy.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Max leads Ted Tracey in the Golden Gun VW (#1) and Bruce Kennedy (#98) at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Max poses with the Mullins VW. His fast and consistent performances were a hallmark of his career.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Max in the Mullins VW at speed in the daylight at the Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

A great action shot of Max at full nose in the Mullins VW which was in black livery for the 1985-86 season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz)

Max in “discussion” with Speedway New Zealand Referee Carl Drever!
(From https://www.facebook.com/dreveraaron)

Max on the gas in the Mullins VW during 1985-86 season.
(Ken Mullins collection from https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=165606693631645&set=a.129117960613852.1073741832.
100005469462254&type=1&theater)

Max, in 1986-87 runs up on the inside of Brett Horrobin in the Sunday News VW.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Max being pushed out onto the track just ahead of Ted Tracey (#5) in the 1986-87 season.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Max sits in the cockpit while Ken Mullins squats down beside his car. Standing are (L) Rangi Martin and (R) Barry B.
(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=437783392936088&set=o.192239297460554&type=3&theater)

Max running the Mullins VW in its 1986-87 livery at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Here is Max early-on in the 1987-88 season racing at Western Springs. The season involved speedway racing at both Western Springs and CTRA racing at Waikaraka Park. Later in the season Max raced in CTRA in a Ray Alach owned midget.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

From time-to-time during CTRA events, Max drove Barry’s sprintcar. Here he is seen in the cockpit of sprintcar #21 during 1987.
(From the Des Harris collection)

Max shaking hands with USA Star Stan Fox on the infield at Western Springs during Stan’s 1989-90 tour down under.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Max at full nose in the Mullins VW during the 1989-90 season. It was his last full season racing.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

For the final meeting of the Sydney Royale Speedway in 1996 Max wheeled the restored Capitol Motors Chevy II in a demonstration run.
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2330409038326
&set=o.184768618290981&type=3&theater)

Max Butterworth was inducted into the NZ Speedway Hall of Fame in September 2017. Max is seen here posing with his two children Jason (L) and Kylie (R) and at the Hall of Fame ceremony.
(From https://www.facebook.com/kylie.butterworthgillbanks)