Post by ovaltrack on Feb 4, 2021 10:58:50 GMT 1
Friday 27 April 1956, Bradford City Greyhound Stadium
Bradford Observer, Saturday 28 April 1956
Dicky Mountfield, 24-year old Speedcar driver, of Windall Drive, Failsworth, near Manchester, was involved in a spectacular crash at about 40 miles per hour in his half litre car on Bradford City Greyhound Stadium cycle track last night. His machine over-slid on a bend and somersaulted through wooden rails onto the dog track. He was sent home after treatment at Royal Infirmary for a shoulder injury.
Last night should have seen the first full scale speedcar meeting at the stadium, but only four cars arrived.
Twelve others and there drivers from Manchester failed to put in an appearance. The meeting had to be cancelled, although the 500 or so spectators present were given demonstrations by the four cars. It was during the short demonstrations that Mountfield crashed. Spectators were given readmission tickets for the next meeting, which it is hoped to present in three weeks' time. Mr. Raymond e'Tere, managing director of Speed Cars (Bradford) Ltd., organisers of the meeting, said he received a telegram late yesterday from one of the Manchester drivers, to the effect that the 12 were unable to ride.
Mr. e’Tere said he was given to understand that the drivers had been told by Mr. Johnnie Hoskins, Belle Vue speedway manager, that if they turned up at Bradford and drove they would not be allowed to race at Belle Vue any more. I spoke to Mr. Hoskins by telephone last night. He said: "I have persevered with these cars at Belle Vue for some time and I disapproved of the drivers going on to what I considered a dangerous track for this type of car and doing the sport, which is still in its infancy, a great deal of harm. I told the drivers I would take a poor view of it if they went to Bradford, but said they could please themselves."
Mr. e’Tere hopes to have a full team of local drivers for the next meeting. A car built by Mr e’Tere impressed and was driven brilliantly by 17-year-old Barry Gomersal.
Bradford Observer, Saturday 28 April 1956
Dicky Mountfield, 24-year old Speedcar driver, of Windall Drive, Failsworth, near Manchester, was involved in a spectacular crash at about 40 miles per hour in his half litre car on Bradford City Greyhound Stadium cycle track last night. His machine over-slid on a bend and somersaulted through wooden rails onto the dog track. He was sent home after treatment at Royal Infirmary for a shoulder injury.
Last night should have seen the first full scale speedcar meeting at the stadium, but only four cars arrived.
Twelve others and there drivers from Manchester failed to put in an appearance. The meeting had to be cancelled, although the 500 or so spectators present were given demonstrations by the four cars. It was during the short demonstrations that Mountfield crashed. Spectators were given readmission tickets for the next meeting, which it is hoped to present in three weeks' time. Mr. Raymond e'Tere, managing director of Speed Cars (Bradford) Ltd., organisers of the meeting, said he received a telegram late yesterday from one of the Manchester drivers, to the effect that the 12 were unable to ride.
Mr. e’Tere said he was given to understand that the drivers had been told by Mr. Johnnie Hoskins, Belle Vue speedway manager, that if they turned up at Bradford and drove they would not be allowed to race at Belle Vue any more. I spoke to Mr. Hoskins by telephone last night. He said: "I have persevered with these cars at Belle Vue for some time and I disapproved of the drivers going on to what I considered a dangerous track for this type of car and doing the sport, which is still in its infancy, a great deal of harm. I told the drivers I would take a poor view of it if they went to Bradford, but said they could please themselves."
Mr. e’Tere hopes to have a full team of local drivers for the next meeting. A car built by Mr e’Tere impressed and was driven brilliantly by 17-year-old Barry Gomersal.