Road Racing is Born - NZTT Waiheke Island.

Sid Moses 500cc Rudge . Winner of the first Waiheke Island New Zealand TT June 3rd 1931. Pic Butterworth Collection

New Zealand has a long history of road racing . However it wasn't until 1931 that the first proper road race was held here , this marked the beginning of the sport which still continues well into the 21st century. 

Motorcycle racing had been going on for many years , there were at least twenty horse racing tracks of around a mile in length that were being used to race on. But it was road racing which was wanted. The Isle of Man TT had been running for many years since 1907 , with New Zealand riders competing from time to time. Percy Coleman was the first "Official" New Zealand rider to be sent to the UK in 1930.

In the late 1920s The  Sports Motorcycle Club of Auckland (Now the Auckland Motorcycle Club) , with then secretary Mr Harry Fletcher as the main driving force decided that a motorcycle road  race that at least resembled in some way the Isle Of Man TT event be held. The idea was hatched that perhaps Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf would be suitable. 

Records show that Mr Fletcher and Mr Len Perry along with two other members met with a Mr Brown of the Town Board to discuss the idea. After three years of negotiations , the race was given the green light. 

Everything was transported to the Island on a Barge.

Now , while the race was to be run like the Isle of Man TT (as a time trial) , the Waiheke circuit itself was far from that of it's famous cousin in the Irish sea.  It was narrow , very rough had loose dirt surface and 6.75 miles in length . It was said that the only similarity was that both races where surrounded by water. 

All bikes and meeting equipment where carried by barge , and winched off the boat.

The New Zealand Auto Cycle Union decided that as it was now affiliated to the ACU in the United Kingdom , the rider who won the NZTT would be the first rider to be considered to represent New Zealand in the Isle of Man . Remember at this point Waiheke was the only real road race in the country. So riders who were sent over to the Isle of Man often had no experience with road racing at all other than Waiheke once a year.

 Pre-war New Zealand main roads were basic on the mainland let alone on an Island in the Hauraki Gulf . The road was in very poor condition for almost it's entire length from the start at Ostend through to Onetangi and up  the hill past Billings store then past a  vineyard down the hill to Ostend . Top speeds were between 80 and 90mph on the straights. Isle of Man style riding wasn't actually possible , as riders had to cut across gravel and grass strips down the centre of the road as quickly and as upright as possible to get around the course . 

There were eighteen starters that lined up on Kings Birthday weekend (now Queens Birthday) 3rd of June 1931 for the first race .Over a race length of 20 laps (135 miles) .The rider's starting position was drawn at random and had no relevance to practice times . It was not a mass start each rider was let away at predetermined  intervals  (Some records show 15 seconds other say 25 seconds). The first rider to leave was R. McLeod who got no further than turn one and went over a bank. F. Lindsay was the next to crash just outside the pits and rode the remaining race distance with bent handlebars , Len Perry just managed to miss Lindsay. Lee Coultard who was one of the favoured riders also crashed , but remounted to finish fifth .  

The battle for the lead was between Sid Moses and Len Sowerby . On the beginning of the last lap Sowerby was ahead on time , however he slid off allowing Moses to pull ahead. Sowerby  was first across the line , but it was Moses who took the win on corrected time in a race time of 2hours 45 minutes and 12 seconds. Only seven riders finished.

Sid Moses  would go on to win two more New Zealand TTs on Waiheke in 1933 and 1934  and would become the first Official New Zealand rider to finish an Isle of Man TT finishing 13th in the Junior TT in 1933 . 

The first official road race in New Zealand had been run , It proved that a properly controlled event along with co-operation from local bodies and councils could be held. However it was the financial hurdles that needed to be overcome. 

Syd Jensen chasing J. Cunningham 1948

The TT races on Waiheke continued until 1950 where they were moved to Seagrove Airfield at the south end of Manukau Harbour in 1951 and then was raced at Mangere street circuit in 1952 and throughout the 1950s , then Ardmore and Pukekohe and around may other circuits in New Zealand. The NZTT races are still held these days in Auckland at the Hampton Downs Circuit some 85 years after the first event.

Written for MNZ Inc:

Ian Dawson

Acknowledgement to Rod Coleman , Calum Gilmour and Maureen Bull.

Ten time New Zealand Sidecar Champions - Gordon Skilton and Ray Larson

Gordon  Skilton and Ray Larson lead Graeme De Malmanche and Gary Binyon
Photo .Evening Post 1969

Sidecar racing is often overlooked in the history of the sport of motorcycle racing in New Zealand. The realm of a few dedicated racers and their passengers , they none the less play an important part in the history of the sport.

Gordon Skilton was born in the small Wairarapa town of Pahiatua in 1938 . Born in to the motorcycle trade his father Bill ran a local motorcycle shop. Gordon served his time as a motorcycle mechanic apprenticeship with Plummer Motorcycles in Napier. There he watched brothers Biil and Len Plummer race sidecars , it was there he decided thats what he wanted to do.

In 1958 he purchased a Triumph Tiger 110 , and set about making a sidecar having purchased a sidecar chassis which bolted on to the side of the Triumph . In those early days sidecars were simply a motorcycle with a sidecar attachment bolted to it. This way Gordon could ride the bike on the street , then bolt on the third wheel to go racing. It was not that uncommon to have riders race the sidecar and solo races at race race meetings. 

Gordon's first race was at Wanganui in 1958. Dave Plunket was to be his passenger. The outfit was ridden from Napier to Wanganui with the outfit been made road legal. On arrival the pair stripped the machine  for racing , but crashed leaving them no way to get back to Napier until space was found on a truck.

In 1959 Ray Larson became Gordon's passenger. This would be a very successful partnership with the two of them winning ten New Zealand Championships . Their first title came at Wanganui where they road a new outfit which had a Manx Norton motor in an AJS frame.

The following year 1960 again at Wanganui saw the pair crash on the overhead bridge and the outfit some what bent on the concrete on the rail lines some twenty foot below.

Gordon and Ray at Porirua GP

In 1965 Gordon  sold the Manx and purchased an outfit from John Anderson in Rotorua. It was a Triumph Bonneville in a Manx Norton frame. This was modified to make it a lot more powerful. In 1971 a Norton Commando motor replaced the Triumph. 

Ray retired in 1971 and was replaced by Robin Haines . This partnership ended after a major crash at Levin in December 1971 . Robin retired from racing , Gordon recovered and ventured out in 1972 again with Ray Larson as passenger. They headed to Australia in 1973 , but were let down by machinery problems and failed to finish the Bathurst race. 

Returning to his family business which he had joined in 1963 , Gordon started to build a more modern machine , but the pressure of running the business left him very little spare time and he retired from racing.

He would go on for many more years running the family business in Pahiatua.

Gordons granddaughter Maxine kept the family name flying in sidecars in more recent years.

Written for MNZ inc by Ian Dawson. 

Thanks to Maureen Ball 

Diane Landrebe -devoted racer and mechanic

Women have certainly been a big part of the New Zealand Motorcycling scene and have excelled against the men on more than one occasion .That continues today with both Avalon Biddle and Courtney Duncan winning national and international races in road racing and moto-cross respectively. 

There is one woman , who back in the 1960s was not only a leading rider but also a excellent mechanic. Diane Landrebe (nee Foote) arrived on the road race scene not riding a small capacity bike , but a 500cc BSA Gold Star . Travelling with husband Neville Landrebe , they raced all round New Zealand , racing in the same class. 

Diane never expected any privileges from fellow racers , indeed when she first began racing , some clubs were reluctant to have a woman in the main racing class. This soon changed  , when she proved to be more than capable . Riding all types of circuits on her BSA , that she prepared herself. 

Some of her best races were at Teretonga in Southland where she would record wins in club events and 6th in a New Zealand Road Race Championship event. Her best ride was a win in a International Handicap Race at Teretonga.

After a number of seasons racing Diane decided to hang up her helmet and help her husband with his bike preparation and travelled overseas with him to both the UK as well as Daytona. The machines were now Yamaha race bikes and Neville's success was in no small part due to Diane's work..Neville began to have more success , overseas and in New Zealand , becoming one of the New Zealand's leadin riders.

Neville at the Isle of Man -1966

Tragically Neville died in a crash at Pukekohe in October 1970..Naturally she was affected by the loss of Neville and for awhile had nothing to do with the sport. However a year later she returned this time with Neville's brother Jim. Entering the little Yamahas in a number of meetings Jim won the New Zealand Grand Prix in 250cc , 350cc, and 500cc classes , just like Neville had done previously . 

Diane continued to follow racing for a number of years. The last year of the Marlboro Series she presented a  trophy for the highest placed New Zealand club rider. The trophy was won by Rodger Freeth. The trophy was a mounted "Con Rod " from one of the Landrebe G50 Matchless motors.

Diane lives in Glenavy near Oamaru in New Zealand's South Island.

Story: Ian Dawson ©copyright 2016

New Zealand Senior Moto-cross Overview 1973-2016

Ivan Miller leads Steve Harrison and Peter Ploen 

The 1970s really took off with more over the counter moto-cross bikes becoming available , riders making names for themselves included Peter Ploen , Moss Smith , Gary Goodfellow , Ross Horsborough , Peter Boyle , Phil Turnbull , Greg Brinck , Craig Coleman to name a few.

International riders continued to come to New Zealand in the 1970s, including Paul and Steve Harrison from the UK who were regular top performers . World 125cc Champion Gaston Rahier came out to New Zealand for a selected events as did World 1978 125cc Champion Akira Watanabe .

The North vs South Moto-Cross was started in 1956 by Mr Ernie Pink and Tom McCleary Senior and was raced for many years before being confined to the history books.

With a view to the future in the late 1970s Junior Moto-cross started , and eventually after rules were put in place the New Zealand Junior Moto-cross Championship came in to exsistance. This would be the start for a number of riders who would eventually make International names for themselves in the senior ranks. Three riders can be pointed out as marking the pathway to International success . Darryl Atkins , Darryll King and Shayne King would all make their mark in Junior competition and then in the international arena and all three would have success in Australia , USA and especially Europe.

Other notable New Zealand racers in the 1980s were names like Graeme Allan , Bryan Patterson , Murray Anderson , Frank White , Ashley Major , Warren Timpson to name a few. They came up against many overseas racers , Perry Leask , Jonathan Wright , Greg Hanson from the UK and from Australia Jeff Leask , Dave Armstrong , Ray Vandenberg , Glen Bell Craig Dack and Steven Gall among others . They all came and raced in New Zealand.

The World Superbikes Kiwi Connection 1988 , 89 , 90 and 1992.

The World Superbike Championship races at Manfeild Auto Course near Palmerston North were New Zealand's first World Championship road race event in the NZACU's history. But many people don't realise the role that New Zealand played in those early days getting the series started.

American Steve McLaughlin had been developing an idea since the 1970s after a discussion with the late Warren Willing ,the great Australian racer and tuner , after Willing  had mentioned about a similar series that was raced in Australia. Superbike racing in America started in 1976 with the creation of the AMA Superbike Championship. McLaughlin himself was the winner of the first event , but the Championship went to Reg Pridmore.

The idea of the Superbike World Championship series developed in the mid 1980s , with the idea to run the series along the AMA rules with a few changes. Two of those differences being overbored cylinders and the use of stock carburettors. World Superbikes would be open to 750 four cylinder four strokes and 1000cc twins.

By the late 1980s the FIM TT Formula 1 championship had largely become irrelevant.  The Superbike championship was originally going to be the four stroke championship as at that time two strokes ruled World Grand Prix racing.
 

McLaughlin managed to convince the FIM with help from the NZACU's FIM representative Ken Duncan that a series was worth it's time . There was a lot of resistance from the FIM congress , but the proposal was accepted provided McLaughlin could find enough circuits to sign up .

In 1987 McLaughlin with partners that included Kiwis Keith Jones and Brian Lawrence formed Sports Marketing Limited. Mclaughlin would receive 35% of the company's shares.Brian Lawrence was at the time working for Global Motorsports , a division of the Global Sports and Promotions company which in turn was a part of the bigger Madison Corporation who promoted other niche sports around the globe. Keith Jones was the managing director of Global Sports and Promotions.

Circuits were approached thoughout 1987 and nine rounds were locked in for the first season 1988 . Donington Park , Hungaroring , Hockenheim , Osterreichring ,Sugo , Le Mans , Estoril , Oran Park and Manfeild . Sports Marketing Limited (McLaughlin , Jones and Lawrence) funded the 1988 series itself as it was unable to attract a series sponsor. The company pledged to provide a travel fund of £25,000 at each round of the 1989 championship , to be split among the top 25 riders from the 1988 championship.

The search for funding continued in to 1989 , with Keith Jones travelling the globe in an effort to find a title sponsor at help alleviate the mounting debts. Just one week before the opening round of the 1989 series , the Madison Group called Jones back to Auckland for a board meeting. Parent company Madison Corporation had decided that , after almost a million dollars having been spent on the series and no sign of return , they would not support the WSBK in 1989. Sports Marketing cease trading in March 1989 .The NZACU and Manfeild Promotions would together run the New Zealand round in 1989 , so to help secure the future at least till the next year (1990) .

Scrambles/Motocross 1951-1972

Alan Collison leads Ken Cleghorn , Tim Gibbes and Colin Shultz 1966 Levin MX -Collison Collection.

Prior to the 1973 Motocross was known as Scrambles in New Zealand , having been a part of the national championship since 1951 . The name Moto Cross was run in New Zealand in the International series organised by Tim Gibbes between 1964 - 1970 .As was the case in most of motorcycle sport in those earlier days it was not uncommon to seen riders riding in several different catagories and disciplines. It is Interesting that each class was run at one meeting and in most cases different areas of the country at different times of the season. Unlike modern times where all classes are run at a single meeting over several rounds around the country .

Many top road racer names can be seen in the Scrambles Championship results as well , names such as Rod Coleman , Hugh Anderson , Kim Newcombe , Tom and Kevin McCleary appear among the noteable names of off road riders of the period such as Ken Cleghorn , Tim Gibbes , Morley Shirriffs , Ivan Miller and Alan Collison. Speedway stars Barry Briggs and Graeme Stapleton also appear.

Machinery was a combination of British and European makes of motorcycle. Then in the 1969/70 season the first Japanese machines started to appear on the Championship results , with Tim Gibbes taking second in the open class championship at Wanganui on a Yamaha, and Laurie Love taking the first New Zealand scramble championship on a Japanese machine when he won the 350cc championship on a Suzuki in Taranaki.

New Zealand Scramble / Motocross 

Championship Results 1951-1972

1950/51 1st V. Martick - Velocette 2nd N. Forsythe - Triumph 3rd D. Emmett - BSA

1951/52 1st P.Williams - Triumph 2nd V. Martick - Velocette 3rd N. Ricard - Dot

1952/53 No Results 

1953/54 1st B. Ferrier - Ariel 2nd K. Horgan - Matchless 3rd A.Ploen - Matchless

1954/55 1st J. Williams - Royal Enfield 2nd S.Cameron -Villiers 3rd L.Aislabie - Ariel

1955/56 

Open - (Christchurch)

1st P. Hughey - AJS 2nd J.Anderson - Matchless 3rd A. Ferguson - Matchless

350cc - (Putaruru) 

1st P. Night - BSA 2nd R.Beaumont - Dot 3rd B. Schenkel - Francis Barnett

250cc - (Wellington)

1st K. Cleghorn - Francis Barnett 2nd D. Buchanan - Dot 3rd A. Ferguson - Dot

1956/57

Open - (Manawatu)

1st K. Cleghorn - AJS 2nd P. McKegney - AJS 3rd D.Buchanan – Dot

350cc - (Wellington)

1st K Cleghorn - AJS 2nd P.McKegney - AJS 3rd B.Groucott – AJS

250cc - No Results

The FIM ISDE (International six day enduro) - The Kiwi Connection

ISDE Taupo 2006

In November 2006 the 81st FIM International Six Day Enduro was held in Taupo New Zealand . The event was attended by 600 riders representing 31 Nations from around the world. Including of course New Zealand. Making it a very major sporting event in this country. Finland won the Team trophy event from France and Spain with New Zealand taking seventh (Shayne King , Paul Whibley, Chris Birch, Cameron  Negus, Lachlan Columb , and Darryl King) and also the Junior trophy team took tenth overall.(Adrian Smith , Karl Power , Michael Phillips and Jason Davies.) New Zealand riders won four Gold Medals (Shayne King , Paul Whibley , Cameron Negus and Chris Birch) along with several more Silvers and Bronzes.

The Kiwi connection to the ISDE goes back to the 1950's . Australian Born adopted Kiwi Tim Gibbes rode in the ISDT (International six day trial in those days). Between 1955 and 1963 he won six gold medals and one bronze. 

In 1979 Tim Gibbes entered a private team. 

However it was not till 1982 in Czechoslavakia that a New Zealand team competed be it with help from the Australian Team . The team was Darryl August , Graham Harris and Mark McDonald with Tim Gibbes as the team manager of Australia and New Zealand . The team riders had an successful debut  with all riders bringing home a bronze medal. It is important to note that New Zealand wasn't affiliated to the FIM so could not compete for the overall Team trophy prize , only individual honours and club team honours .

Tim Gibbes 1957 .www.vinduronz.com

In 1983 , still not affiliated to the FIM  .The New Zealand team that went to Wales comprised of Paul Swift , Shaun Stanbridge , Graham Harris , Jock McLaughlan , Tjebbe Bruin and Terry Cameron. The team finished 4th in the Club team results with six of the seven earning Bronze medals. Once again Tim Gibbes was the manager.

Pic: www.motorcyclesport.co.nz

Finally in 1984 New Zealand became affiliated to the FIM and thus was allowed to enter official teams and riders in World Championship events such as the ISDE. In 1984 the team (Graeme and Chris Harris , Tony Cooksley , Dave Owen , Darryl August ,Rob Snep , Grant Oliver , Mark Haines and Jonathan Guy.) also competed in the Moto-cross of Nations which was another first for Kiwis . 

In those days the 500cc (Moto des Nations) and 250cc (Trophee des Nations) were held in separate countries. In this case Finland and Sweden . This was seen as valuable practice on the rented machines leading up to the main event the six days in Holland.   On the sandy ground the team found the going tough as did the bikes. In the end Graeme and Chris Harris won Silver medals. Tim Gibbes was once again Team Manager.

In 1985 the ISDE moved to Spain , there working alongside the Australians again Graeme Harris won a Gold Medal while Darryl August took a silver and Rob Snep a Bronze. All amazing efforts considering August rode two days injured and Snep having to fill his bike frequently with water after a radiator was damaged.

In 1988 John McKee travelled to France as an individual and won a Silver medal.

Watling Trophy

New Zealand did not compete officially again until Cessnock in Australia in 1992 where the the New Zealand Trophy Team finished seventh and the Junior Trophy team finished fifth . In recognition the FIM awarded both New Zealand teams the Watling Trophy which is usually awarded to just one team for outstanding performance. Sean Clarke won an individual gold medal.

The years that followed individuals contested the ISDE , such as Australian based Kiwi Stefan Merriman riding for Australia.

In Greece in 2008 The Kiwi teams took 10th in the Junior Teams Trophy and 16th in the World Teams Trophy. Chris Birch took out individual gold medal.

Enduro racing in New Zealand is still a major part of Motorcycle Sport , starting in the mid 1970's it still continues today and hopefully in to the future.

One day in July - World Speed Records Broken

Russell Wright and Robert "Bob" Burns on the 20th Anniversary of their achievement. 1975

Located just 50km Northwest of Christchurch is the district of Swannanoa . Tram road is a dead straight 16km long public road which was used for many years for speed record attempts . 

In 1955 history would be made again . There would be another attempt , but this would be no ordinary attempt on the world solo record and sidecar record. This attempt would be on the same motorcycle a Vincent Black Lightning .

The story actually starts a year or two before the attempt . Russell Wright became friends with Burt Munro . Burt held the New Zealand solo speed record of 139mph. Russell decided in 1952 to order a brand new Vincent Black Lightning motorcycle from a local shop with the plan to tackle Munro's record. Russell placed the order and went back to building houses.

Around a year later after handing over £600 (approx $32,000 in modern money) the bike arrived. The bike was the same bike Vincent had shown at the Earls court show in London. It was stock and ran 13:1 pistons to burn 80/10/10 premixed  fuel of the day 80% Methanol , 10%  Petrol and 10% Benzole .

After preparing the bike using only the owners handbook , Russell made two runs and took the record to 140mph . As it happen on the same day Bob Burns was running his converted Vincent Rapide as a sidecar machine , running homemade full streamlining that he had modelled of the world record holding German NSU machine . Wright and Burns struck up a friendship and partnership to attempt to take two world records.

From the beginning, it was all about the world records . The solo record stood at 180mph and sidecar at 154 mph .  Burns saw a way of fitting the sidecar streamlining to the lightning which would mean they could attempt the records on one machine  .  The two riders agreed on a deal , they would use Wright's machine , Burns would supply the streamling and any prizemoney would be split down the middle . As Burns was a precision engineer , he would prepare the machine . Big port racing cylinder  heads and special Amal TT carburettors were fitted . The first outing for the machine was in December 1954 . Bob broke the FIM world record for sidecars and took it to 157mph.

An early attempt at the solo record in February 1955 failed when a mistake in gearing robbed the machine of the speed needed . The next attempt was sheduled for July 2nd.

Alan Woodman - the first Kiwi International

Alan Woodman - Pic Supplied Graeme Staples

Even before the formation of the NZACU in 1916 , motorcycle racing had it's fair share of heroes in New Zealand some who would even venture overseas , a trip which was some undertaking especially when travelling to the Isle of Man.

Alan Woodman was the first New Zealander to ride in the Isle of Man TT in 1910. Woodman who was from Blenheim had traveled to England to race at the famous Brooklands board track where he took a second and third on V-Twin Indian. He then travelled to the Isle of Man with the same bike late in May 1910. In those days the race was run over the 15 mile St Johns Course. It was a demanding track , with bikes having to be pushed up some sections and it was gravel surface all the way.

A section of the track had not been prepared correctly and Alan punctured his front tyre , repaired he set off again only to hit a wall after the tyre let go throwing rider and bike in to a wall. His right leg was badly injured and eventually was amputated near his hip.

Not letting the fact that he was missing one leg worry him , he attempted to return to race at the Isle of Man in 1911. His entry was refused even after a petition was organised .

Returning to race in New Zealand . In 1915/16 season he would win the New Zealand Middleweight Championship of New Zealand on a Triumph in Christchurch and followed that up with another Championship in the 1923/24 season by winning Lightweight New Zealand Championhip. Both run on grass track around horse racing tracks all while racing with just one leg.

It was said that Alan always did well on anti-clockwise tracks where he could still use his left leg to slide. What-ever the result Alan Woodman certainly was one tough rider  and a true legend.

Alex Anderson - Photo Unknown

The next New Zealand rider to race at the Isle of Man was William Johnston who rode in the 1911 IOMTT breaking down in lap 5 of the Senior race. John Foubister from NZ suffered a practice crash at Sulby Bridge in 1913 and sustained head and leg injuries so was out then in 1914 came  Alex Anderson(left) from Palmerston North ,despite a good trial(practice) ,he unfortunately broke down in the Senior TT riding a Triumph.

Percy Coleman would become the first NZACU representative rider to race at the Isle of Man in 1930 after New Zealand had become affiliated to the ACU of Great Britian. but it was not until 1933 that Sid Moses would be the first New Zealand rider to finish an Isle of Man TT .

words: Ian Dawson

In the Beginning

Motorcycles and motorcycle clubs in New Zealand have been around since the earliest days of the twentieth century . The first record of a two wheeled “Motor Bicycle” making an appearance was in 1901 in Christchurch , these were mainly bicycles with a universal motor bolted to a stronger frame .

By 1909 Motorcycles started becoming more complicated . With the mass of cables and levers needed to operate in unison it was difficult for many riders to master . Around this time “The Trade” had realised to prove their machines build quality competitions were needed and began sponsoring riders .

A number of clubs such as the New Zealand Motorcycle Club based in Wellington ran reliability trials , hill climbs , and other events in their respective areas of the country each with their own rules and guidelines . While there is some anecdotal evidence that there was early talk of a national union for motorcycles , the earliest found is 1911.

The “Evening Post” 20^th July 1911 reported....

The New Zealand Motorcycle Club (NZMCC) held it's annual smoke night* last evening in Scott's Rooms in Manners street Wellington . Around fifty members attended . 

The secretary/treasurer Mr *Cecil D Bridge spoke of a movement instituted chiefly by himself to form an Auto Cycle Union of New Zealand . He explained the advantages that would accrue through a national organisation with uniform rules and regulations for holding competitions.

He suggested many new riders would compete who at present regarded competitions as rather of the nature of an advertisement for the trade . Moreover the movement would lead to the establishment of affiliated clubs in such places as the Wairarapa , Marlborough and Nelson. It would tend to consolidate the interests of motorcyclists throughout New Zealand.

He received favorable responses and suggestions including the idea to to hold a conference of club secretaries and delegates in Christchurch to consider the proposal and name. Mr Bridge then suggested that the NZMCC change it's name to the Wellington Motorcycle Club which would be more indicative of where it was based.

In conclusion , Mr Bridge declared that members of the governing body should be strictly private owners .

Early Steps for the Union.

Very Early Days

After years of discussion 1916 finally saw the formation of the official New Zealand Auto Cycle Union. 

The union was set up to govern the sport of motorcycling for all of New Zealand primarily in the regard to competitions , legislation , touring , roads , insurance , social activities and legal matters . Most of events that were run in these early days were either reliabilty trials , mile grass track , beach racing , hill climbs or social runs.

The first conference was held in Dannevirke on August 16^th 1916 . The first President was Manawatu's Gus Torstonson (left), with Mr Osgood as Secretary and J L Lloyd as Treasurer. The first affiliated clubs numbered around six , with conflicting records showing various clubs named from mainly around the central North Island. For the first couple of years club numbers didn't increase by any great amount. By 1917 rider numbers registered with the union had risen to fifty two , thirty in the North Island and twenty two in the South.

By 1918 the Auto Cycle Union conference had moved to Wellington . Representatives for Dannevirke , Palmerston North , Marton , Hawera , Napier , Christchurch amd Timaru clubs attended the conference. The President was at that time Mr A.S. Erskine having held the position for one year. The union's first President Gus Torstonson was once more elected to the position , while Mr A.S.Erskine(Napier) J Gray (Hawera) J Dawber (Hawera) , J McDougall (Marton) and A. Nash (Dannevirke) were elected as vice Presidents and executive members. Treasurer and Secretary was Mr J L Lloyd (Dannevirke) .

It was resolved at the conference

“That no more than two track riders sit at meetings of the union executive .”

“That entrance fees be paid of 1 shilling 3d on nomination and 2 shilling 3d on acceptance .”

“That all sidecar events be run in the opposite direction to ordinary races. “

“ A Scheme for a Rider's Benevolent Fund was approved .”

The 1919 conference was once again held in Wellington . Gus Torstonson was Chairman and President. Delegates attending were J.B. Merret , P.R.Harman , W.H.Benson (Pioneer Club Christchurch) . Mr Signal (Marton) , E.C. Gaisford (Riders Representative) , Mr Sutton and Davey (Poverty Bay) , Mr Spragg and Patterson (Hawera) , Mr Rush and Lloyd (Dannevirke) , Mr Shultz and Cox (Napier). There were no delegates from Opotiki , Cambridge or Timaru attending.

The election for union officials saw Gus Torstonson re-elected as President , Mr H.J. Lloyd as secretary and treasurer . Vice Presidents elected were Mr J.B. Merret , Mr J.H.Flight , Mr Gray ,Gaisford , Schultz and Nash.

It was reported than in the past season permits were granted for Dannevirke , Woodville , Ashhurst , Manawatu , Christchurch , Napier , Rangitikei and South Taranaki. The gross prize money exclusive of trophies was £574 ($53,000 in 2014 terms) around £71($6600 in 2014 terms) per permit issued .

A World grass track record was set by Mr Percy Coleman at Sockburn race course in Christchurch. The distance was 15 miles in a time of 13 mins 50secs . The New Zealand Heavyweight Championship was won by R. Crawley and the Middleweight by A. Boag .

The union started issuing race numbers to riders and fifty riders were registered.

Due to a few accidents during the year the Napier club suggested an accident fund be set up for injured riders.

It was proposed by Mr Giasford (Riders Representative) that riders be affiliated to the NZACU as a Riders Club (Association). It was decided to agree to the request.

The Chairman expressed pleasure at the satisfactory position of the union , and said that within two years it was hoped there would be clubs established from Auckland to the Bluff. The Benevolent fund he stated now stood at £80 ($7400 in 2014 Terms). The report and balance sheet were adopted.

Remits Adopted:

“ The handicapper shall have power to re-handicap any rider at any time.”

“That all riders ride in registered colours as well as numbers. ”

“ That a uniform lap scoring board be adopted throughout the country and that the said design be recorded in NZACU rule book.”

“That the NZACU obtain badges and issued to all officials and to be recognised by all clubs to enable all privileges at all race meetings .”

“That an annual salary be paid to the NZACU secretary ”

“ Mr Cox , Harman and Lloyd were elected trustees to the Benevolent Fund.”

There was some discussion on the question of appointment of a New Zealand Handicapper . On behalf of the riders Mr Gaisford said the men appointed by the clubs did not have the confidence of the riders , who wished that a Dominion handicapper be appointed. Mr Davey and Mr Benson supported the idea of the clubs having their own handicapper . Mr Benson had no objection to the union appointing a chief handicapper for the whole country. It was however decided until the time came when the union could afford to pay a handicapper for the whole country , clubs would appoint their own handicappers and starters , provided they were approved by the union.

New Zealand Champions  

1916-17

Heavyweight Championship - Percy Coleman

1917-18

Lightweight Championship - Jim Dawber

Middleweight Championship- A . Boag

Heavyweight Championship - Roy Crawley

1918-19

Lightweight Championship – W . Davey

Middleweight Championship – Jim Dawber

Heavyweight Championship – Len Mangham

The 1920-1922

The first conference of the 1920s decade was held in Wellington on the 27^th August 1920. President Gus Torstonson presided over eighteen delegates from various clubs around the country.

The secretary treasurer stated the annual report and balance sheet were not complete on account of the failure of some of the affiliated clubs to furnish their accounts and statements.

The Balance sheet submitted showed receipts amounting to £96 16s 10d , including a balance of cash in hand of £46 12s 4d from the previous year and an expenditure of £ 46 12s 8d showing a cash in hand at the end of the financial year of £50 4s 2d.

Several items in the balance sheet were discussed at some length , and the situation was criticised by delegates as not being satisfactory.

After prolonged discussion the report and balance sheet where adopted. The balance sheet of the New Zealand rider's benevolent fund was approved subject to provision that the balance should be invested by the trustees.

The President Gus Torstonson referred to the success of motorcycling and track racing , with which he had been connected since the inception. The success was proven by the large attendabce at track meetings . He consider that motorcycling was one of the best sports in the Dominion today.

The conference elected a new President Mr A.E. Davy (Gisborne) and new secretary /treasurer Mr M.C. Crighton (Hawera). Vice Presidents G Torstonson , J.D. Briasco and P Stainton were also elected.

The 1921 Conference was held in Palmerston North . Mr A.E. Davey presiding over a large attendance of delegates. In Moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet , the President stated that during the past twelve months four new clubs had had been affiliated , namely , Gisborne , Nelson , Wanganui and Blenheim bring the total number of clubs to nineteen .

Permits for race meetings had been issued in the previous year to the Hamilton , Manawatu , Napier , Nelson , Gisborne , Wanganui , Wairarapa , Opotiki , Auckland , Rangitikei (2) , Dannevirke , Hawera , New Plymouth and Cambridge. Owing to the difficulty in securing tracks , some permits had not been used.

Prize Money offered during the year totalled £1625 ($138,344 in 2014 terms) exclusive of trophies , an advance on last year by £78 2s ($6,640 in 2014 terms ) .

Only two New Zealand championship contests were competed for during the year . Both the Heavyweight and Middleweight were won by Len Managh of Palmerston North.

The union's balance sheet showed a credit balance of £85 4s and 8d ($7100 in 2014) . The riders benevolent fund , upon which only three riders had made claims during the year had a credit balance of £316 10s 2d ($26,400 in 2014). The annual report and balance sheet were adopted.

Mr Davey was re-elected unopposed at President . Mr Crighton was re-elected Secretary . Mr Spragg was elected Treasurer. Benevolent fund trustees The secretary , The Treasurer and Mr Jolly.

Points of discussions and remits:

Mr Barley (Hawera) drew attention to the fact that if machines were classified it would greatly improve public interest in races. Under the system in vogue middleweight and lightweight machines had to battle against the heavier ones and trials were sometimes very uninteresting. The proposal to grade machines was as follows.

Class A: Machines capable of one mile in 62 seconds or better.

Class B : Machines capable of one mile in 72 seconds or better

Class C : Machines all cycles under the latter speed.

Other delegates thought that the time limits for the first two classes ,should be fixed at 66 and 75 seconds respectively , so as to permit a wider range of entries in the classes. On being put to the vote the motion was carried , but it was finally resolved to recommend clubs to institute trial tests under classification before the union laid down a rule on the subject.

The Hawera Motorcycle Club proposed that all applications for permits to hold race meetings be submitted to a committee of three with the power to grant permits. Such committee to be appointed at each conference. The president , secretary and treasurer were appointed.

The Hawera Motorcycle Club proposed that when starting races competitors be lined up in file in order of handicap instead of across the course . It was pointed out that the present practice of lining out across the course was dangerous on account of the fact that the track was often lined with the low handicap men when the limit men were completing their first laps. It was eventually decided to leave the matter to the control of the clubs with a recommendation from the ACU to adopt the suggestion in the remit for the coming season .

The Auckland Provincial Club proposed that the rule that riders should pay a nomination entrance fees for all events prior to starting them , under pain placed on the forfeit list , should be enforced. After a great deal of discussion Mr Gaisford moved as an amendment that nomination fees be payable before each race, He pointed out that if a rider met with a breakdown in his machine in ealier races he should not be penalised for the remainder. The amendment was lost . Two more amendments were put and it was eventaully decided to leave the matter of the discretion of the clubs.

The 1922 annual conference was held in Palmesrton North . Mr Davy was re-elected President . Mr Way (Rangitikei) was elected Secretary and Mr Fouler(Rangitikei) was elected Treasurer. Vice presidents elected were Messrs Tortonson (Manawatu) , Smith (Hamilton), Townsley (New Plymouth).

No other details were available for 1922 conference.

Researched and Written for Motorcycling New Zealand Inc by Ian Dawson March 2015.