KATOOMBA (NSW)
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1929 - KATOOMBA SHOWGROUNDS
The Blue Mountains A.H and I Society decided at a fortnightly meeting in the Katoomba School of Arts, whether to grant Mr L Meakin permission to conduct speedway races on the Katoomba Showgrounds. At that meeting Mr L.G Christie the secretary stated that he had been in communication with the under secretary for lands, and had been informed that there was not much liki-hood of the minister objecting to the proposal.
The question of a lease was mentioned was raised by Mr L Meakin, It was clearly intimated at the meeting that providing the Minister for Lands and the Trustees approved a lease of more than two years could not be granted by the present committee.
Some conditions laid out were that the company was to pay for water that would be used for the speedway, Also there would be a charge for the lighting and speech amplification system, Anyone else hiring the grounds would do the same, The lighting system would remain the property of the Society when the lease expired.
Meakin argued that a long lease would be required, as the company will be put to conciderable expence in getting the track and grounds in suitable order to conduct dirt track racing, All these issues had to be dealt with before even a trial meeting could take place.
Meakin then detailed the companies requirements and the costs involved to hold these meetings, He requested that right of way entry was required to the grounds before a trial meeting as the inner rail needed to be removed, Boards be attached to the outer railings, The cinder's be ripped and another 150 yards of fresh cinders added to the track surface.
Meakin also added that before racing could be conducted he had to install electric lights around the track, Instalation of a speech amplification system and erection of a small pit enclosure for competitors.
The members appeared to be favourable to the speedway to be given a trial on the motion moved by Mr Tabrett, seconded by Mr Lacey, It was decided, regarding an application by Mr Meakin for the use of the grounds for a trial meeting, That the application be granted in concideration of a fee of ten pounds, subject to a bond of twenty five pounds being entered into for the placing of the ground in order after that trial meeting, The motion was carried, The bond motion was moved by Mr Tabrett and seconded by Mr Dash.
It was decided the option of a two year lease be given to Mr Meakin, A draught lease to be drawn up by the Society's lawyer and approved by the committee and trustee's and the Minister for Lands, At the conclusion of the meeting Mr Meakin announced that he had hoped to run a trial meeting on the 31st of August 1929.
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At this point no information has been found as to weather the 31st of August 1929 ever happened.
What is possibly the opening meeting of the Katoomba Speedway is documented in these newspaper reports,
It is believed a further meeting was held on the 5th of October 1929 but to date we have no information on that event.
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1938 - KATOOMBA SHOWGROUND. PUTT MOSMAN FEATURE. January 1938.
Putt Mosman at Katoomba Showgrounds next week
All lovers of thrills will be catered for next Wedsday afternoon when the champions of the dirt track thunder round the track at Katoomba Showgrounds, Included will be show casing riders who have appeared at the Sydney Showground this season, They include the American test team and riders from, England, France, New Zealand and Australia, In addition to the big program of speedway events, Putt Mossman the world champion motorcycle stuntman will present a novel series of motorcycle stunts which will include pistol shots at floating balloons whilst standing upright on his motorcycle, He will stand atop a ten foot ladder while his motorcycle circles the speedway at over 40mph crash through a wall of fire to entertain the crowd, London's dainty trick rider Miss Grace Boyle will assist Putt in many of his stunts, Miss Boyle is the current Australian Ladies Quarter mile Speedway Champion, Pee Wee, The speedway clown will provide laughter for the children.
5th Febuary 1938
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1951 - BLUE MOUNTAIN ADVERTISER REPORTEDSeveral outstanding Speedcar drivers will be present at the wedding of Betty Evelyn Beresford to John (Jack) Brabham at Katoomba on the 12th of May, Betty is the daughter of Mr and Mrs J Beresford of Katoomba, and the Bridegroom to be is know throughout Australia as a Champion Midget driver.
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1953 - BLUE MOUNTAIN ADVERTISER NEWSPAPER REPORTED
26th November 1953
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1953 - BLUE MOUNTAIN ADVERTISER NEWSPAPER REPORTED.
Published - December 1953. |
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28th December 1953 - Peter 'Lucky' Spalding's 33 speedcar wreck. Photographer: unknown.
!!!!!!!! S p e e d w a y V i c t i m !!!!!!!!
1st January 1954
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1954 - JOHN HARVEY
John Harvey started his Speedcar racing career in the rebuilt Spalding car.
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1954 - BLUE MOUNTAIN ADVERTISER NEWSPAPER REPORTED
The Sports and Speed Carnival organised by Mr Chas Smith, Sid Marsh and the Blue Mountains Trotting Club, proved the urgent need for a motor racing venue in Katoomba, The speedcars which came from the Parramatta circuit (Cumberland Oval) gave a fine display but with a larger track could have made record breaking runs.
It is a pitty that the showground is not fully enclosed as many spectators sat a top the hill and watched without paying the three pound entry fee, Thecarnavil was made of Speedcars, Motorcycles and Sidecars, also on the program was Athletics, Trotting Horses and Model Aeroplanes.
5th & 6th January 1954
Solo resultsHeat 1 : flying start - A TrudgetHeat 2 : flying start - N McDonaldHeat 3 : flying start - J LavesFinal : flying start - A Trudget |
Sidecar resultsRace 1 : - B BarnesRace 2 : - Neil McDonaldRace 3 : - Phil Leth |
Speedcar resultsRace 1 : - Eric MoretonRace 2 : - James FergusonRace 3 : - Bill ShevillRace 4 : - L OllingRace 5 : - K Morton |
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1960's - KATOOMBA SHOWGROUND SPEEDWAY
Speedway meeting were held at the Showgrounds during the 1960's to raise money for the local hospital.
(Research & Editorial Allan Baker)
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2009 - KATOOMBA SHOWGROUNDS SPEEDWAY. Walkabout.
