Post by Go Slideways on Jul 27, 2009 11:54:07 GMT 12
I was talking with Jumbo the other day and he relayed to me some of his speedway experiences to share with you all.
Jumbo's introduction to speedway began half a century ago when he first attended a meeting at Southbridge, just out of Christchurch.
His first drive was in a stockcar at Prembleton, at age 14!!
Over the years Jumbo has raced 15 cars of his own and helped at least 20 people go racing through generous sponsorship or by building cars for them. One such car is the Mark 11 Zephyr pictured below that was raced succesfully by Ralph Gaye.
This car was built from bits & pieces found at the local wrecking yard. Budget racing is something Jumbo was/is keen to be associated with.
His most memorable car was a Triumph TR8 - memorable because it was different, and because it won, frequently. It won so frequently that the Rover V8 powered car ended up being banned. Controversy was something Jumbo was to eventually get used to.
The car was 250kg's lighter than any of the opposition.
Another controversal moment in Jumbo's illustrious career was when, as the current South Island A grade Champ, he was banned from the North Island Champs due to a drivers petition. The 6 cylinder Mustang was just too well prepared for the opposition.
Another car with fond memories for Jumbo was the #222 Mustang.
I asked Jumbo what advice he could offer to someone about to embark on a career in speedway, he said: Listen to experience, beware of Coronation Street watchers, and ignore critism from tyre kickers who have never done a lap.
Jumbo rates Peter Woods (Woodsy) from Gore as a driver he respects highly. Mainly because he was so hard to beat!!
The most enjoyable week for Jumbo is "Speed Week" around New Years holiday time where he can attend 7 meetings in 7 days, and he does.
These days Jumbo enjoys swimming daily, and he has a spot on the local radio station. He's also writing a book which I'm looking forward to reading. When I asked what the book is about he just said "money."
Thanks for taking the time to talk to a novice like me mate, best of luck for the future, I'm bound to see you at an oval in the near future.
Thanks also to the people who took these photo's and to James Berryman for sharing them
Jumbo at the wheel of his big Ford with son James at his side giving suuport.
This car was the second of six XP Falcon Sprint Saloons that Jumbo built.
The Berrymans are looking for one of these cars to restore, please PM me if you know where to locate one.
Jumbo was one of the first saloons to run with a stars & stripes colour scheme
A very rare photo - Jumbo racing a Chev.
Jumbo's introduction to speedway began half a century ago when he first attended a meeting at Southbridge, just out of Christchurch.
His first drive was in a stockcar at Prembleton, at age 14!!
Over the years Jumbo has raced 15 cars of his own and helped at least 20 people go racing through generous sponsorship or by building cars for them. One such car is the Mark 11 Zephyr pictured below that was raced succesfully by Ralph Gaye.
This car was built from bits & pieces found at the local wrecking yard. Budget racing is something Jumbo was/is keen to be associated with.
His most memorable car was a Triumph TR8 - memorable because it was different, and because it won, frequently. It won so frequently that the Rover V8 powered car ended up being banned. Controversy was something Jumbo was to eventually get used to.
The car was 250kg's lighter than any of the opposition.
Another controversal moment in Jumbo's illustrious career was when, as the current South Island A grade Champ, he was banned from the North Island Champs due to a drivers petition. The 6 cylinder Mustang was just too well prepared for the opposition.
Another car with fond memories for Jumbo was the #222 Mustang.
I asked Jumbo what advice he could offer to someone about to embark on a career in speedway, he said: Listen to experience, beware of Coronation Street watchers, and ignore critism from tyre kickers who have never done a lap.
Jumbo rates Peter Woods (Woodsy) from Gore as a driver he respects highly. Mainly because he was so hard to beat!!
The most enjoyable week for Jumbo is "Speed Week" around New Years holiday time where he can attend 7 meetings in 7 days, and he does.
These days Jumbo enjoys swimming daily, and he has a spot on the local radio station. He's also writing a book which I'm looking forward to reading. When I asked what the book is about he just said "money."
Thanks for taking the time to talk to a novice like me mate, best of luck for the future, I'm bound to see you at an oval in the near future.
Thanks also to the people who took these photo's and to James Berryman for sharing them
Jumbo at the wheel of his big Ford with son James at his side giving suuport.
This car was the second of six XP Falcon Sprint Saloons that Jumbo built.
The Berrymans are looking for one of these cars to restore, please PM me if you know where to locate one.
Jumbo was one of the first saloons to run with a stars & stripes colour scheme
A very rare photo - Jumbo racing a Chev.
i actually thought there was 2 jumbo tr8s .sure neville stuarts 41m was also one.there are about 5 clones still around ;D
