Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2015 16:04:05 GMT 12
The Speedway Bikes...at Ruapuna Park seem to off died off considerably and at the moment they are no longer existent.
Since the start of Moore Park in 1998 as a training track and now being built into a proper venue, it seems they are better off there.
However, more racing, the bigger the growth in the sport. I don't see why Solo Bikes can't race at both those tracks.
Part of the problem is lack of involvement. Many riders now retired or moved on, there doesn't seem to be much happening with newer riders, or much reason for them to become involved.
If Christchurch had two tracks running them it might be all for the better.
People like Andy Walker, Mark Thorpe, Mark Jamieson, Graham Hartshorne, Blair and Daniel Mckinlay, Scott Boyce have moved on or don't want to risk more injuries at an older age perhaps, but I don't even think its that. Its just there is no real reason to be involved in it anymore.
And while things come in different cycles often, I think Ruapuna Speedway is suffering because of it.
If you attend there now, you will be doubtful to see any Sidecar racing or Solo Bike racing these days.
Its all about the Sprintcars and Midgets, but one problem with the track now is all the car classes are to similar.
It was the Sidecars and Solo bikes that brought the variety, along with the Modified Sprints.
My suggestion to this problem is bring back the infield track. Maybe make it a little wider, and try a new track surface on the main track with a more water absorption ingredients that holds in water.
Clay is the problem with Sidecars, once it gets heated it makes holes because of hardening of it and DUST like you would not believe. Its enough to buy a pair of air plane or motorcycle goggles to keep it out.
In fact I think all speedways should sell them.
The reality is with the Sidecars, so much damages has been done to the quality of the racing, injuries and now deaths too that they refuse to race on such a dangerous surface, and riders from Gisborne in the past have said the same.
There must be a track surface that can be used that can benefit Sprintcars and Sidecars. Clay is useful as its strong but not for constant car tyres or holding in water. It needs something else put in it.
For example - Crusher dust has been mixed into the Moore Park track at West Melton to penetrate water into it.
Ruapuna Speedway changed their surface back in 1998 and tried running solo bikes on it, and it was a disaster the only one clever enough to avoid all the holes in the inside of the track was Andy Walker who very cleverly rode right around the outside by the wall. (Probably the only one experienced enough to it seems)
Anyway. Something has to be done about this, because Christchurch Speedway is the home of solo bike world champions, and Mark Thorpe who could of been a world champion had things not gone wrong for him with injuries in his career ending crash and accident involving a tractor.
If there is any chance of someone like Mark Thorpe returning it doesn't look likely with the sort of competition he will be up against... he will have to race against ATV and motorcross bikes, who do put on a good show can I just say..when they turn up.