LEONORA (WA)
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1900 - MELITA CLAY PAN
It appears that the Melita Claypan or Horan's Lake as it is known during the wet season was founded around 1900. The word Melita is said to have the Aboriginal meaning Waterhole. This natural sauser that measures about a quarter mile in circumference and with it natural banking was spotted by members of the Leonora Motor Cycle Club was deemed to be perfect for Motor Cycle and Car racing.
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1930's - MELITA CLAY PAN
The Leonora Motor Cycle Club were very active in the region during the 1930's. They decided after being alerted to its location and checking it out, negotiated with the owner of Melita Station to make use of this gift from nature.
Not only was this a maintainance free race track, it also had firm ground for access as well as pit and spectator area's.
The club held fortnightly rides to many locations, were they would stop for a picnic lunch, This would be followed by some competition events, before returning home.
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1931 - MELITA CLAY PAN MOTOR CYCLE EVENT 8th February 1931
Newspaper reports indicate that the Leonora Motor Cycle did hold, possibly there first competition event at the site on the 8th of February 1931. The half mile track race was won by S Bailey on a BSA, followed by C Thomas on a Matchless.
The point to point event was also won by S Bailey, With the Acceleration test, the final event on the day going to C Thomas on his Matchless.
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1931 - MELITA CLAY PAN MOTOR CYCLE EVENT 22nd February 1931
The club did return to the Claypan shortly after on the 22nd of February 1931. This meeting would be known as ladies day. All riders were requested to carry a female pillion passenger. This was reported to have been a great day, with the members providing the refreshments on the day, also named were the QM Department who provided water and tea. This was the first time that the club would erect shelters to shade the spectators from the sun.
1931 - MELITA CLAY PAN Press Report.
The Clay Pan is a natural race track, small perhaps, but exceptionaly safe, as has been proved . A perfect view of events in any direction is possible. The ladies had there own events on the day with the winner being awarded a pair of donated silk stockings. It was a full day carnival. Motor cycle and Ladies in the morning followed by a full afternoon of Motor Vehicle events. The day started at 1.00 and the public were invited to attend.
Some Riders on the Day
S Bailey? Dunelt? Hunt? Mackay? ParkinsonC Thomas |
BSABSABSABSABSAMatchless |
F Bailey? Dwer? Lethlean? Major? Seaborn? Ward |
BSAHarley DavidsonBSABSAAJSHarley Davidson |