Ross Manhire - RIP (Read 1,630 times)

[pallmall]

We received the sad news today that Ross Manhire died suddenly this morning at his home.
Ross was a stockcar racing pioneer, and raced the first stockcar to be built in Auckland, possbly NZ. He started stockcar racing at the first Auckland meeting at Western Springs in March 1955 and went on to race through the Epsom Showground seasons of the fifties.

RIP Ross, another of my early stockcar heroes gone to the big dirt oval in the sky.

[johnf]

Yes it came as a shock. I was only talking with him a few weeks back.
Ross also race raced midgets at Blandford Park. He came to Stock cars via Merv Neil. His parents lived next door to Neil Housing in New Lynn. When Merv became too busy organising the first stockie meeting Ross took over 22.
He finished stocks in 1958 as he felt they were losing the "fun" and going so fast someone was going to get hurt.
He then took up stunt flying as it was less dangerous and won many trophies.

Ross was always very help with information and attended all our reunions. He was thrilled to present the 50th Anniversary at WP a fews back

The 44 car won best presented for the 1957/58 season and in the lower photo of 22 the car has the first of the rear wheel guards. Until rear wheels were exposed.

I will miss those cups of tea when on the North Shore.
John Farndon
HISCONZ