Speedway Books

Books about the Era

With the interest in vintage speedway growing, there are an increasing number of books being produced about the halcyon days of Australasian speedway in the 60's 70's and 80's. Allan Batt has produced a landmark book about the life and times of Barry Butterworth while Tony Loxley has prepared a number of excellent books about Australian speedway. There are more books to come from Tony. In addition, Harry Chambers has compiled stories about some of the characters associated with Western Springs Speedway into four spiral-bound books. Dick Wallen has produced a number of high-quality, landmark books about the history of speedway racing in the USA. Details regarding these books are featured here.

One Tough Dude. The Barry Butterworth Story

One Tough Dude The Barry Butterworth Story, by Allan Batt. Allan Batt & Speedway Classics, Christchurch, New Zealand (2010), pp. 176. NZD 39.95 plus postage.

In 2010, a particularly interesting and informative book has been published about Barry Butterworth. Allan Batt has spent much time and effort to produce this well-researched and well-written soft-covered book. It is presented in a very readable style and contains many black and white and colour photos of Barry B through the 30 year period that he competed. Allan has chronicled Barry's life and driving career from 1956 through until 1992. This includes his careers in both New Zealand and Australia as well as his many sojourns to the USA driving midgets, supermodifieds and sprintcars. In addition, his activities as an "Outlaw" Speedway Promoter and driver are covered. The book is well worth the read and contains many recollections and stories from friends and fellow-competitors. It makes an ideal coffee table volume for a speedway fan and also provides a great trip down memory lane to the boom-period of Australasian, and particularly New Zealand, Speedway in the 1960s, 70's and 80's.

Available from: ajbatt@hotmail.com

Just One More. The Speedway Photography of Bill Meyer

Just One More. The Speedway Photography of Bill Meyer, by Wayne Meyer and Tony Loxley. Full Throttle Publishing, Glenbrook, NSW (2013). pp. 224. AUD $65.99.

Bill Meyer was a noted speedway photographer and publisher in the 1960s, 70s and 80s based in Sydney. Many of his photographs are now iconic and have been reprinted many times as well as appearing on the internet in many places. Bill's son Wayne, along with Tony Loxley, has prepared this beautifully presented hard cover book which presents over 1000 photos from 1962 to 1992 of speedway racing. Many of the photographs have not been seen previously. The book includes photos of solos, sidecars, speedcars, sprintcars and sedans, mainly from racing around NSW. However, Bill also travelled interstate and to NZ, USA and UK and photographs from venues within other states and countries are also presented. This hard-covered book is a great buy for all speedway fans.

Available from:
http://www.speedwaystar.com/store.asp?CategoryId=23
http://fullthrottlepublishing.com.au/en/category/sydney-showground/
http://www.automotobookshop.com.au

Ghosts in the Bull Pens. Speedway Racing at the Sydney Showground Royale

Ghosts of thr Bullpens-Speedway Racing at the Sydney Showground Royale by Tony Loxley and Dennis Newlyn. Full Throttle Publishing, Glenbrook, NSW (2013), pp. 520. AUD $94.95.

This 520 page, hard cover book by Tony Loxley and Dennis Newlyn covers the history of speedway racing at the hallowed grounds of the Sydney Royale Speedway from its early beginnings in the '20s to its final race meeting on 27 April, 1996. The book contains over 1600 images covering 70 years of speedway racing from this historic venue. There are many magnificent colour as well as black and white photographs from the leading photographers of the time (Larry Taylor, Warren Bridge, Geoff Davis, Ian Smith, Bill and Wayne Meyer). Speedcars, super modifieds, sprintcars, sedans, solos and sidecars all get their fair share of exposure in this comprehensive book. Former competitors, including Dick Briton, Johnny Harvey, Alan Streader, Bryan Cunneen, Bob Levy and Jim Airey have contributed their memories as have photographer Geoff Davis, announcer Steve Raymond and several other speedway notables including Allan Edworthy and David Lander and the late Jim Shepherd. This is surely the most comprehensive of Tony Loxley's invaluable collection of books covering the history of Australian speedway. It is a must for all Australasian speedway fans and well worth the price.

Available from:
http://fullthrottlepublishing.com.au/en/category/sydney-showground/
http://www.automotobookshop.com.au
http://www.pitstop.net.au/view/motorsport-cars-speedway/
http://www.autobookworld.com/shopexd.asp?ID=9075

Speedway by the Freeway

An Illustrated History of Parramatta/Sydney Speedway/Valvoline Raceway by Tony Loxley. Full throttle publishing, Glenbrook, NSW (2013), pp. 476. AUD $89.95.

This is another in the series of very high quality, hard covered books produced by Tony Loxley. The book of 476 pages contains over 1500 images, most of which are in colour. It covers speedway racing at the Parramatta circuit from its opening in 1977 until the present day (2013-14). Shaun McDonald has provided a short recap of the highlights of each season and, in addition, the foreword is by Sid Hopping and the afterword by Mike Raymond. Others such as David Lander, Stuart Telfer, Lance Wilson, Wade Auger, Dennis Newlyn and Alan Edworthy have also contributed their thoughts and experiences. The magnificent collection of photographs documents development of speedway racing over a 37-year period at Parramatta mainly in the sprintcar, speedcar and sedan divisions. Contributors include leading photographers such as Wayne and Bill Meyer, Gavin Skene, Gary Ried, Joanne Richards, John Morris, Lauren King and Tony Loxley himself. There are photographs of all the leading drivers including Garry Rush, Steve and Garry Brazier, George and Brooke Tatnell, Kerry and Ian Madsen, Max Dumesny, Skip Jackson, Rod Bowen, Robbie Farr as well as many American visitors such as Steve Kinser, Garry Patterson, Jack Hewitt, Sleepy Tripp, Tony Elliott, Davey Ray, Tony Stewart and Donny Schatz. It is a great book, great value and well worth purchasing.

Available from:
http://fullthrottlepublishing.com.au/en/category/liverpool-city-speedway-books/
http://www.automotobookshop.com.au/speedway-c-28_330.html

Liverpool City Raceway 1967-1987. The Place of Pace and More of the Place of Pace

Liverpool City Raceway 1967-1987 The Place of Pace, by Tony Loxley. Full Throttle Publishing, Glenbrook, NSW (2010), pp. 352, AUD 65.95.

Liverpool City Raceway 1967-1987 More of The Place of Pace, by Tony Loxley. Full Throttle Publishing, Glenbrook, NSW (2012), pp. 291, AUD 65.95.

These hard cover books capture the colour and excitement and great contribution that Liverpool City Raceway made to Australian speedway history. At first it was a dirt track, then asphalt and finally clay. The books, by Tony Loxley, contain over 800 high resolution photographs and most from the 80's and 90's are in colour. However, these are not just a books of pictures. They contain over 100 personal memories from Australia's, and the world's, greatest riders and drivers. These include Mel Kenyon, Dee Tattersall, Sleepy Tripp, Kevin Gormly, Ron Mackay, Barry Pinchbeck, Doug Robson, Jim Airey, John Langfield, Nigel Boocock and Ivan Mauger. These books present a reflection of the changing face of speedway over the period of the 60's to the 80's. At the beginning solos and speedcars were the mainstay but by the 80's sprintcars were by far the premier division. For anyone with an interest in Australasian Speedway these books are a must.

Available from:
http://fullthrottlepublishing.com.au/en/category/liverpool-city-speedway-books/
http://www.automotobookshop.com.au/speedway-c-28_330.html
http://www.pitstop.net.au/view/motorsport-cars-speedway/
http://www.autobookworld.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=308&cat=Speedwa

Speedway's Sensational Sixties. The Deadliest Decade

Speedway's Sensational Sixties The Deadliest Decade, by Tony Loxley. Bookworks, Padstow, NSW (2008), pp. 160, AUD $39.95.

This soft cover book has been compiled by Tony Loxley and contains hundreds of black and white photographs, and explanatory captions from speedway racing in the 60's. During that period speedway drew large crowds. Speedcars were the premier division and drivers such as Jeff Freeman, Johnny Stewart, Barry Butterworth, Bill Goode, Blair Shepherd and Bill Wigzell became household names. It was also in the period before roll cages and there were many fatalities including those of Jeff Freeman, Nick Collier, Don Reed and Kev Jefferson. This book contains photos of supermodifieds, solos and sidecars, but concentrates on speedcar action. The majority of photos are from Sydney (The Royale and Westmead Speedways). It includes many classic action shots plus portraits from the infield and pits. All the great Australian drivers of the time are included as well as visitors such as Bob Tattersall, Sherman Cleveland, Mike McGreevy and Barry Butterworth. It is well worth purchasing the book for a trip down memory lane.

Available from:
http://www.automotobookshop.com.au/speedway-c-28_330.html
http://www.pitstop.net.au/view/motorsport-cars-speedway/
http://www.autobookworld.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=308&cat=Speedway

Full Throttle. Images of Australian Speedway 1970-2009

Full Throttle Images of Australian Speedway 1970-2009, by Tony Loxley. Renniks Publications, Banksmeadow, NSW (2009), pp. 272, AUD 74.95.

Tony Loxley has produced this photographic trip through speedway racing in Australia from 1970 well into 2000's. It chronicles the end of the boom speedcar era and the development of sprintcar racing into a professional sport. The majority of photographs are in colour and all the star drivers are pictured. These, of course, include George Tatnell, Brooke Tatnell, Sid Hopping, Steve Brazier, Garry Rush, Max Dumsney, Garry Patterson, Steve Kinser, to name a few. The accompanying text tells the story of speedway over a 40-year period. The book includes action racing shots, the crashes and portraits of champions and is well worth purchasing.

Australian Speedway. An Illustrated History

Australian Speedway An Illustrated History, by Tony Loxley. Working Class Productions, Lane Cove, NSW (2004), pp. 300, AUD 99.00.

This landmark publication by Tony Loxley provides a complete photographic anthology of speedway racing in Australia from its beginnings in the 1920's to the present day. The informative commentary, for each decade, takes us from the development of motorcycle solo racing in the 1920's, speedcar racing in the 1940's, supermodified racing in the 1960's through to the beginnings of sprintcar racing in the 1970's. It chronicles the influx of American drivers from Dick 'Jet' Brown in the 1950's, Bob Tattersall and Marshall Sergeant in the 1960's, Mel Kenyon, A.J. Foyt, Garry Patterson, Larry Rice and Johnny Anderson in the 1970's, Jeff Gordon and Steve Kinser in the 1980's through to Donny Schatz in the 1990's. This hard-covered book contains over 300 black and white and colour photographs and is a necessity for any Australian speedway fan.

From Cinders to Clay. Vol. 1, 2, 3 and 4

From Cinders to Clay. Stories from Western Springs Speedway, by Harry Chambers. Harry Chambers Publishing, Auckland, Vol 1 pp. 94, Vol 2 pp. 80, Vol 3 pp. 96, Vol 4 pp.68. NZD $30.00 each.

This series of three spiral bound, soft-covered books has been written by speedway enthusiast Harry Chambers with the aim of securing the history of the characters associated with Western Springs Speedway. The books contain the stories of Auckland speedway personalities, mainly former competitors, their careers at the speedway and their subsequent lives after competition. Some of the stories are fascinating. For example, former midget driver Terry Roycroft designed and built an amphibious car, former sidecar rider and midget driver Bill Buckley built up a large specialized engineering company, an ocean-going yacht and became Western Springs Promoter and ex midget driver Skip Eade is a well-known organist and keyboard player. Former solo rider Max Amor emigrated to the USA and became a successful midget car owner on the USAC circuit in the 1990's while Joan Butterworth remarried and grows Italian Grapes in her glasshouses in northern Auckland. These are just some of the very many interesting stories told in these books. Well known car owners/tuners such as Bob Leikis, Cliff North, Ken Mullins and Gordon Johns are also featured as is iconic former Western Springs announcer Bill Mudgeway. Barry B gets his story told in Volume 2. The most recent edition "The Pioneer Years" takes a nostalgic journey through midget racing at Western Springs from its beginnings in 1937 through to 1950. It contains many black and white photos and documents the racing each season. It features the great drivers of the time (Frank "Satan" Brewer and Roly Crowther) and the early careers of future stars such as Ian Holden, Ross Goonan and Ron Ross.

Available from: www.diecastdirect.co.nz

Waiwakaiho Speedway

The Early Years Vol 1 by M Rutherford and D Gifford, New Plymouth (2013).pp.160, NZD $30.

This spiral bound soft covered book chronicles speedway racing at Waiwakaiho Speedway, New Plymouth, from its beginnings in 1951 through to 1957. The book was assembled by members of the Taranaki Historic Speedway Association. Club historian, and ex solo rider, Dave Gifford painstakingly produced a series of articles which chronologically documented the main winners, placegetters and interesting happenings that occurred at each meeting. Book editor, and ex-driver, Max Rutherford has, with the help of other club members, augmented Dave’s articles and added many historic photographs going back to the first meeting. The result is a fascinating account of early speedway in New Zealand. Many of the stars of the day, including Frank Brewer, Roly Crowther, Lloyd Nutt, Trevor Carnell, Ken Sager, Ross Goonan and Ian Holden regularly raced at Waiwakaiho during this period and their exploits are discussed in full here. The meeting-by-meeting format of the book is augmented with stories about specific drivers and newspaper clippings. The black and white photographs throughout the book provide a stunning record of early speedway in New Zealand. For a person with an interest in the development of speedway in NZ this book is an absolute must.

Available from: cmr.mtr@xrte.co.nzor giffords@clear.net.nz

United States Auto Club. Fifty Years of Speed and Glory

United States Auto Club -Fifty Years of Speed and Glory, by Dick Wallen. Dick Wallen Productions, Glendale, Arizona, USA (2006), pp. 599. USD $125.

Dick Wallen has produced this landmark book documenting the first 50 years history of USAC history. It contains a large number of colour and black and white photographs that illustrate racing in each class throughout the period. The text documents the points-chase in each class of USAC for each year between 1956 and 1970. Midget and sprintcar racing throughout the period is covered in detail. In addition, the book covers the period of the front engined Indy roasters, the entry of Jack Brabham in a rear engined Cooper Climax in 1961, the entry of Team Lotus in 1963 and continuing rear engined racing from 1966 onwards. The exploits of the greats of the 60s, Roger Ward, Parnelli Jones, A J Foyt, Mario Andretti, are covered as are those of their successors such as Garry Bettenhausen, Gordon Johncock, Jeff Gordon andTony Stewart. This hard-covered book is presented with the highest quality printing and binding and is definitely a collectors item for the speedway buff.

Available from: http://www.racingclassics.com/store_index.html

Roar of the Sixties. American Championship Racing

Roar from the Sixties-American Championship Racing, by Dick Wallen. Dick Wallen Productions, Glendale, Arizona, USA (1997), pp. 593. USD $125.

This beautifully prepared book by Dick Wallen documents USAC Championship racing during the housian days of the sixties. The progress of the three young megastars of the period (Parnelli Jones, A J Foyt and Mario Andretti) is followed each year. Other greats of the period that play centre stage include Jim Hurtubise, Roger Ward, Don Branson, Eddie Sachs, Roger McCluskey and Johnny Rutherford. The book contains over 1400 photographs from the period and covers midgets and sprintcars as well as Championship cars. As with all the Dick Wallen Productions books, it is beatifully printed, strongly bound, hard-covered and a great trip down memory lane.

Available from http://www.racingclassics.com/store_index.html

Coming soon!!!