Post by administrator on May 21, 2011 23:24:36 GMT 1
From: Tony Webb <binbooks@iinet.net.au>
Subject: Ekka 1936
Date: Wednesday, 18 May, 2011, 7:50
John
As I said earlier I am currently working on the "History of the Ekka 1926-1946" combined with the Hunting brothers story.
I attach a preview which may interest you as a midget car enthusiast.
I have researched this in depth, if you want to use all or part of it you are welcome. the complete book will be published in September ready for our annual show.
Regards Tony
CHAPTER 11 1935-1936 SPEEDCARS AT THE EKKA
Early Speedcar action
The 1935/1936 Queensland season was notable in speedway history, as midgets cars were introduced in the state for the first time.. It was A. J. who had long been an advocate of car racing on speedways, but it would be one of his former star riders, turned promoter, Frank Arthur who lead the way. A.J. was still resident at 58 MacGregor Terrace Bardon with three of his family still at home, George, a woolclasser, Gurschen home duties and Nancy recorded as a clerk. A .J. would have most certainly taken an interest in the plans of his protégé Frank Arthur although it seems there was not a financial interest
Midget car racing was popular in America and England in the early 1930s, the first meeting in Australia was at Olympic park Melbourne, on the site of the old Motordrome, on December 15 1934, promoted by Richard Lean of Melbourne Carnivals Limited. The drivers for these first meetings were drawn from the motor and motorcycle clubs, they had no experience of midget car racing but were quick to learn, names included Archie Tuckett, Bill Allen, Bob Finley, Les Gough, George Beavis, Charlie Spurgeon and Bill Baugrine... Meetings then took place the following spring at Wentworth Park on October 5, then Sydney Showground on November 22 1935.
The Sydney promotion was under Frank Arthur, who had missed out on being the first promoter to introduce the midgets in Sydney
The hopes of the long suffering public were raised once more with the news that another new promotion team Empire Speedways [1935] Ltd., with prominent Brisbane business identity Mr. Albert [Bert] Norman. Pryor of Gladestone Road, Highgate, John Stark Hoskins of Church Street, West Maitland. and former rider Frank Arthur of Allison Street, Mayne, Brisbane as original directors directors were to present midget cars and motor cycles racing at the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds early in the new year. Hoskins resigned from the company on February 2 1935 and was replaced by Vic Huxley and Roy Starfield of Bondi Sydney described as a cabraret proprietor, The company, which had to get special permission from the Justice Department to use the name “Empire,” been operating In Sydney for some months, Frank Pearce and Frank Elms were now riding under their direction, while the midget car drivers included Jean Revllle, claimed to be British champion, Bud Stanley, and Ralph Secretan.1
A report in the Sydney Morning Herald October 10 1935 stated
Three English motor cycle speedway riders and three midget car drivers reached Sydney yesterday from London by the R.M.S. Orsova. They were accompanied bv Mr. Frank Arthur (managing director of Empire Speedways). The riders were Cliff Parkinson, H. ("Dusty") Haigh, and Les. Gregory, and the car drivers were Jean Revlllc, Ralph Secretan, and Bud. Stanley. They will make their first appearance with the opening of the speedway season at the Royal Showground on November 2 1935. This is Parkinson's fourth visit to Australia. The car drivers are on their first visit, and will appear against leading Australian drivers at the Show ground.
The partv was met on arrival at the wharf by members of various motor cycle clubs, and after being conveyed in a fleet of cars through the city, visited 2TJW broadcasting station. There they broadcast their expectations of the coming season and Impressions of the warm welcome that had been extended them. Subsequently they were entertained to lunch at the State restaurant, and a reception followed at the Royal Automobile Club.
Thc visitors were welcomed by the president of the club (Mr. W. J. Bradley, K.C.), who told that midget car racing had grown to world-wide popularity, and Its advent to Sydney had been marked with considerable Interest. As such it is highly appreciated bv the public, who gave it the support it deserves. If such associations of sportsmanship as had been manifest were continued he was sure that speedway racing would maintain Its popularity with the public.
Mr. Frank Arthur declared that the largest number of overseas representatives would reach Sydney within the next few weeks that had everbeen here. There would be nine other Englishmen (including the official test team), Morlan Hansen, the Danish open champion rider and European third of a mlle champion, and two American champions. Hansen and H. M. ("Tiger") Stevenson, he said, are on board the Orlon, and it was hoped that thev would be In Sydney In time for the first night. It was also hoped to conduct the five test matches between England and Australia In Svdney this season, as well as the world's Individual championship.
Mr. A. N. Pryor (chairman of directors of Empire Speedways) said that it was the object of the organisers to retain the elevated standard of the sport by inviting; the best exponents in the world to Australia. . . ?
The Englishmen each expressed their surprise and pleasure at the cordial reception they had received, and hoped that they would be able to live up to their reputations.
The midget car drivers brought four racing machines with them. Reville has two, one of which he says is the smallest of its kind in the world. It has a wheelbase of 4ft 8in and a track of 3ft 4in, and ls fitted with a 500c.c. dirt-track engine. The other cars are slightly larger, and eac is fitted with twin-cylinder Palmer engines of lOOO c.c.. On the roads they are capable of attaining 100 miles an hour.
It has to be stated that this newspaper report was not correct in every detail and may have been based on the words of Reville who never let the truth get in the way of a good story!
The first meeting was held on Friday February 22 1936 featuring midget cars only. This must have raised a smile for A..J.. who advocated the potential for cars all those years ago and said they could be the saviour of speedway in Australia,. How true his words were,.It. it is sufficient here to just state it was an historic meeting. The Sydney promotion was under Frank Arthur, who had missed out on being the first promoter to introduce the midgets in Sydney. Arthur had been impressed with the reports of performances of several English midget car racers where midget the cars had been promoted for for several seasons., He visited England on a world tour in 1935 and signed three drivers on a contract to come to Australia for the 1935/1936 Australian season to race in Sydney and Brisbane. Arthur brokered a deal to bring out Jean Reville [claimed as the British and European Champion and sometimes the World Champion] Ralph Secretan and Bud Stanley[ actually Stanley Budd] wIth the cars supplied by the flamboyant Reville who was in himself something of a mystery To a certain extent Arthur did not know in detail what he was getting, the English cars were very antiquated in appearance and the credits of some of the drivers were more than a little embellished.
.
The English drivers stayed in Brisbane for another four meetings, several interstate and local riders were contracted including English born Charles Spurgeon, NSW champion, Ralph King a former solo rider from Newcastle, Bill Jeffers former Queensland sidecar champion, Jack and Lance Wilson, Ted Starkey, Mark Cox, Jack Swain, Tom Quinn and Noel French.
The Brisbane Courier Mail on Monday February 24 reported the first meeting thus:
Jean Reville and Bud Stanley, winner and runner-up in the British open championships, were the outstanding performers at the Exhibition Ground on Saturday night, when midget car racing was introduced before several thousand spectators. The little cars, most of them fitted with motor cycle engines, provided a lovely spectacle as they dashed around the track at a fast pace, and that they are not easily controlled was shown by the manner in which they skidded and broadsided. Only the safety fence prevented several of the drivers . being injured in exciting crashes, and the crowd also had many thrills when the midgets out of control, rushed off the track into the oval .Bud Stanley won the three-lap scratch race and four-lap handicap with consumate ease, but was beaten into third place in the main event, the Big Nine Scratch Race, by Jean Revllle and Jack Wilson. Reville shot into the lead nt the start, and. never headed, finished 10 yards in front of Wilson, with Stanley, who encountered machine trouble, a long way In the rear.
Results:— ... .
Four-lap handicap (standing start) —First heat: Jean Revllle (scr.) 1, Tom Qulnn (20 yards) 2. Bruce Leckle ( 3 Won by 30 yards.. Time, 1.34 1-5.
Second heat: Bud Stanley (26) 1, Jack Swalh (50) 2. Won easily. Time, 1.57 2-5.
Third heat: Norman French (40) 1, Charlie Wilson (20) 2, Jack Wilson (10) 3. Won bv 30 yards. Tlme,: 1.32 2-5.
First semi final' Norman French (40) 1, Tom Qulnn (20) ? 2. Won by 100 yards. Time, 1.30 2-5.
Second semi-final: Bud Stanley (20) 1 Jack Wilson (10) .2. Won by 20 yds. Time 1.28 3-5.
Final: Bud Stanley (20) 1, Jacli Wilson (10) 2, Tom Qulnn (20) 3. Norman French's machine failed to start. Won by 50 yards. Time. 1.28 1-10.
Match race (two laps, rolling start).: —Jean Revllle defeated Bill Sticpewitch by 50 yards. Time, 42sec.
Match race (three laps, rolling start). —
Ted Starket defeated Norm. Cox by half a lap. Time, 69sec.
Big nine scratch race (three laps rolling start).
First heat. Bud Stanley 1, Tom Qulnn 2. Won by 40 yards. Time, 62 2-5sec.
Second heat: Jack Wilson 1, Bill Stlcpewlch 2. Won by a length. Time, 71 9-10sec.
Third heat: Jean Reville 1 Norman French 2. Won by 100 yards. Time! 65 4-5scc. Final: Jean Revllle 1, Jack Wilson 2. Bud Stanley 3. Reville always In front, and won by 10 yards. Time, 62 2-5. .
Match race (best of three heats. three laps, rolling start).—
First heat: Ted King defeated Tom Qulnn by half a length. Time, 70sec.
Second heat: Qulnn defeated King by 20 yards. Time, 69sec.
Third heat: Qulnn defeated King by 100 yards, and won the match. Time, 64 4-5-\ sec
Scratch race (three laps, rolling, start).First heat: Bud Stanley 1, Ted Starkey 2. Won by 100 yards. Time, 62 3-10sec. Second heat: Norman French 1, Tom Qulnn 2. Reville did not finish. Won by 50 yards. Time, 60 4-5 sec..
Final: Bud Stanley 1, Tom Quinn 2. Norman French 3. Ted Starkey also started. Won by 100 yards. Time, 61 2
The second match was held on March 1 Brisbane Courier Mail again reported on the meeting in detail on Monday March 3.
Huxley supreme brilliant victories at speedway
Vic. Huxley, the Brlsbane dirt track rider, signalised his reappearance at the Exhibition Ground Speedway on Saturday night by outclassing the opposition in the three motor cycle events on the programme. A ploneer of the dirt track sport, Huxley is riding as well as at any tlme in his long and successful career. His generalship and skill made him too solid a proposition for the somewhat weak opposition on Saturday night, but as the times he registered were good it is doubtful whether any rider at present In Australia would have beaten him. There were several spillls, the most spectacular being that in which Artie Fenn and Steve Langton figured. Fenn fell in the first heat of the scratch race, and Langton; unable to avoid him, hurtled through the air for several yards, landing near the safety fence. Neither was badly hurt.
The midget car drivers again provided exciting sport. The Englishmen, Jean Revllle and Charlie Spurgeon, were out standing, each winning a scratch event, but the Empire Handicap was annexed by Ted King, of Sydney Bill Sticpewlch and Jack Swaine thrilled the crowd when they collided In the final lap of the third heat of the Empire Handicap. Swain swung wide entering the last bend, but came back sharply, and Sticpewlch, who had endeavoured to shoot through on the Inside, crashed against the sldo of Swain's car. Both machines broadslded, but clever control prevented serious damage being done. Jean Revllle and Charlie Spurgeon also collided later In the evening. The cars raced locked together for about 30 yards, but separated after portion of Revllle's machine had fallen off. Revllle went on to win brilliantly.
Results:
Match race (three laps, rolling start) Vic Huxley defeated Cliff Parkinson by 10 yards after leading throughout. Time, 65.2sec.
Scratch race (four laps, rolling start)
First heat: Vic. Huxley 1, Steve Langton 2. Won easily. Tlme, 75 4sec.
Second heat: Cliff Parkinson 1, Les. Gregory 2, Jack Hyland fell. Won easily. Time, 73 2-5sec.
Final: Vic Huxley 1, Cliff Parkinson 2, Steve Langton 3. Won by 100 yards. Time, 73sec.
Big six race (three laps, rolling start)
First heat: Vic. Huxley (walk over).
Second heat: Cliff Parkinson defeated Steve Langton, who fell. Time, 62 l-5sec.
Third heat: Artie Fenn defeated Lcs Gregory by five yards. Time, 58sec.
Final: Vic. huxley 1, Artie Fenn 2. Cliff Parkinson did not start. won easily. time, 55 3-5sec.
Midget car races empire handicap (four laps, standing start).
Final: Ted King (60yds.), 1, Bill Jeffers (50), 2, Norm French (20), 3. The other starter, Jean Revllle, retired, owing to machine trouble. Won by about 20 yards. Time, 91 4-5sec.
Big nine scratch race (three laps, rolling start).—
Final: Charlie Spurgeon 1, Bill Sticpewitch 2, Jean Reville 3. Won by 20 yards. Time, 60sec.
Open scratch race (three laps, rolling start).— Final: Jean Revllle 1, Bill Sticpewitch 2, Norm French 3. Won by 30 yards. Tlme, 61sec.
After the third meeting The Brisbane Courier Mail ran the head line “Parkinson in form unbeaten at Speedway” it was clear that the reporting was concentrating on the bikes and not the cars!
After the euphoria of the first two meetings a gloom was cast over the sport when news came through of a tragedy in Sydney the following evening Queensland rider Frank Elms, of Brisbane, was killed, and 'Billy' Lamont was injured in an accident during a race at the Sydney Showground. The fiancee of Frank, who witnessed the crash, fainted, and had to be taken to hospital. Lamont suffered a fractured nose, lacerations, and shock. Elms died shortly after his admission to St. Vincent's Hospital from a fractured skull and other injuries. The race was the second heat of a handicap. The five riders had rounded the second turn with Elms in the lead. After straightening out of the bend, Elms's cycle skidded badly, and the front wheel struck the safety fence with terrific force. he.was thrown from the cycle and catapulted back to the track. Lamont, who was. in second place, tried desperately to avoid Elms, but was too close. His cycle ran over the prostrate rider, and Lamont was thrown high into the air and fell unconscious. Doug McLachlan, Alfred Boxall, and American Cordy Milne, the American rider, were the other competitors, and they strove to avoid Elms and Lamont, and their machines. All three displayed great presence of mind. The race was abandoned. The directors of Empire Speedways (Messrs. A. N. Pryor and Prank Arthur) supervised the despatch to Brisbane of Elms's remains for burial. 2
A sign that a revival was in progress came in the news that. Frank Arthur is conducting negotiations with promoters for the use of the Claremont Showgrounds, in Western Australia. The revival the sport throughout Australia will enable the promoters to engage a full team of English and American riders to visit Australia next year. During the past two years international riders have been appearing on the Sydney track only, with an occasional visit to Melbourne, and many prominent Australian riders were compelled to visit New Zealand to secure engagements. With six Australian tracks running next year, a change of riders will be possible on each track at everymeeting 3
The third meeting was reported in the Brisbane Courier Mail thus
A series of falls marred the motor cycle events at the Exhibition Speedway on Saturday night,, when the Englishman. Cliff Parkinson was in terrific form
The soft and dusty track troubled the riders from the outset, even Frank Pearce. who always has been at home on the Exhibition oval, coming to grief on (several occasions. A patch near the pits gates was exceptionally hard to negotiate, and the riders provided many thrills for the onlookers as they skidded spectacularly. Besides accounting for Pearce in the match race, Parkinson won _the two scratch events. The Englishman was the only rider who handled the track with confidence. Parkinson had practically a 'walk-over' in the final of the Big Six Scratch Race. Pearce fell early In the first lap and Charlie Splnks was spreadeagled in endeavouring to avoid the fallen rider. Then Artie Fenn came to grief before the lap was concluded, but remounted and continued to finish second to Parkinson. The crowd's request for a re-run was not acceded to.
The biggest thrill of the night was provided by Jean Reville, the English midget car champion. Racing around two opponents in a false start for the open scratch race, Reville broadslded sensationally, and in a twinkling the car crashed into the safety fence and somersaulted. The car was damaged, but Revllle escaped unscathed. The Australian, Bill Stlcpewlch, was the most succesful driver, winning two events and finishing second in the other. .
Results:
Match race (three laps,, rolling start) Cliff Parkinson defeated Frank Pearce, who fell In the first lap Time, 55 4-5
Big six race (three laps, rolling Start)
First heat: Frank .Pearce defeated Les Gregory by 80 yards. Time, 57aec.
Second heat: Cliff Parkinson defeated Stove Langton by 50 yards. Time, 57 3-5sec.
Third heat: Charlie Splnks defeated Jack Hyland, who fell. Time. 62 3-5sec
Final Cliff Parkinson 1, Artie Fenn 2. Frank Pearce and Charlie Spinks fell.
Match race (three laps, rolling start). -^ Jack Hyland defeated Artie Fenn by 10 yards, leading throughout. Time, 55sec.
Open scratch race (three laps, roll Ing start).—
First heat: Steve Langton 1 Les Gregory 2. Won by 80 yards. Time 58 3-5sec.
Second heat was not run, tho competitors, Parkinson and Fenn, going straight Into the- final. –
Final: Cliff Parkinson 1, Artie Fenn 2, Steve Langton 3. Won by 80 yards. Time, 56sec.
Midget car events - Big nine race (three laps, rolling start). Final: Jean Reyllle,l,- Bill Sticpewitch 2. Bud Stanley 3: Won .by 100 yards Time, 63 3-5sec.
Open scratch race (three laps roll Ing start).
Final: Bill Sticpewitch 1, Charlie. Spurgeon 2, Bud Stanley 3. Won by 80 yards. Jean Reville did not start. Time.
58 2-asec, . ?
four-lap handicap (rolling start)
Final: Bill Sticpewlch 1, Charlie Spurgeon 2, Mark Cox 3. Won by 30 yards. Time, 88sec, ' :
Although billed to appear the American Jack Milne never rode in Brisbane although several attempts were made to entice him from Sydney.
Despite the entertaining racing the crowds dropped off dramatically forcing the promotion to revert back to their Sydney Showgrounds operations. Unreliable cars and the dominance of the English drivers are thought to be contributory factors. Presumably if more Australian drivers had emerged the future may have been more positive for the promoters, who had expected better public support
With the revival in mind there was an air of optimism, but fans would have to wait almost 18 months for the dream of a full season at the Ekka. The final meeting, starring the American Putt Mossman motorcycle stunt team of Peter Coleman, Bo Lisman,and Sam Arena., was postponed on two occasions and finally run on Monday March 23. In all four meetings there had been both solos and midgets, with the appearances of English riders Les Gregory and Cliff Parkinson, local stars Vic Huxley, Charlie Spinks, Frank Pearce and Steve Langton and New South Wales Test riders Jack Hyland and Art Fenn..
A point of interest is the developing association with the American and Australian riders. Many close relationships were made between the two countries with the result that several riders known to Brisbane fans travelled to the states in the years to come up to 1950, on the invitation of their American friends. Among the riders who enjoyed the stateside trips were Bert Spencer, Morrie Bond, Ernie Evans, Bill Rodgers, Clem Mitchell, Dave Hynns, Bill Maddern and Andy Menzies.
March 23 marked the last meeting of the short season, the Brisbane Courier Mail gave a glowing account
A splendid programme marked the conclusion of the speedway season at the Exhibition Grounds last night. The out standing-feature was the display of acrobatics on a motorcycles by the American, 'Putt' Mossman, who performed several remarkably clever 'stunts.' It was easily the best display of trick riding ever seen In Brisbane. Mossman also was assisted by his sister, Mrs. Denise Grant, In clever balancing- feats on a moving machine. - The American riders, 'Bo' Llsman, 'Putt' Mossman, Sam Arena, and Pete Coleman gave splendid displays In ' the motor cycle races. Llsman won the Big Six Race in impressive stylo, but was beaten by Coleman In the final of the Open Scratch Race. The Queenslander, Frank Pearce, was unable to pace It with the Americans. Pearce and Arena figured In an exciting' crash in the third heat of the Big Six Race. Pearce fell after skldding badly early in the first lap, and Arena, who was close behind, cleverly hurdled the fallen rider. Neither was badly hurt.
Results
Big six race (three laps, rolling start). —
First heat: Charlie Splnks defeated 'Putt' 'Mossman by Inches. Time, 59 sec.
Second heat': 'Bo' Llsman defeated Pete Coleman by 30 yards. Time, 58sec.
Third heat: Sam Arena defeated Frank Pearce by 15 yards. Time, 58sec.
Final: 'Bo' Llsman 1, Charlie Splnks 2, Sam Arena did not start, owing to machine trouble. Won by 60 yard6. Time, 57sec.
Match race (two laps, rolling start). —Sam Arena defeated Pete Coleman by 10 yards. Time, 38seo.'
Open scratch race (three laps, rolling start). —
First heat: Pete Qoleman 1, Charlie Splnks 2. Won by two lengths. Time, 58 3-8sec.
Second heat: Bo Llsman 1, Frank Pearce 2. won by five yards. Time, 55 4-5 sec.
Final: Pete Coleman 1, Bo' Llsman 2, Charlie Spinks 3. Won by 30 yards. Time, 56 2-5sec.
Midget car events match race (three laps, rolling start). Jean Revllle defeated Bud Stanley by 30 yards. Time, 62 2-5sec.
Scratch race (three laps, rolling start)
First heat: Jean Revllle 1, Bill Jeffers 2. Won by 100 yards. Time, 62 l-5sec.
Second heat: Bud Stanley l; Bill Sticpewlch 2. Won by 40 yards.
Time, 64 2-5sec.
Final: Jean Reville 1, Bud Stanley 2, Bill Jeffers 3. Won by 30 yards. Time, 62 2-5sec.
Match race (three laps, rolling start) — Denise Grant defeated Bill Jeffers by 50 yards. Time, 65 4-5sec.
Putt Mossman in action thrilled the crowds at the Ekka. Photo Floyd Cramer USA 1946
When the visitors departed back to England Reville stayed on in Brisbane, he retired, selling his cars to Australian Carl Junkers and eventually marrying a Brisbane girl related to the Lord Mayor of Brisbane William Jolly.2 . He resided in the suburb of Mount Gravatt, on an acreage known as Hill Crest, near the junction of Cavendish and Creek Road,, for many years a sign on his property proclaimed Jean Reville, World Champion
A report in the Courier Mail in October 1937 reported Reville was seeking a relief driver for an ambitious overland attempt to race one of the Cape liners on its voyage to London, there was no follow up article so presumably that venture failed to take place. The tales of the charismatic Reveille’s business exploits are legendary in Brisbane with interests in motor sales, converting Bren gun carriers to tractors, importing a new car and many other short lived ventures, even an excursion into politics was reported on. On the motoring side he lodged a company in 1947 called Reville motors with a showroom at 33 Adelaide street, this company did not trade until 1949 and was struck off the company register in 1963...2
During 1935 an application had been received by the Brisbane City Council for a track for midgets at Lang Stadium, there was initially a favourable reaction by the city fathers, then the issue dropped out of the news.
In the contex of the A.J. Hunting story it is relative to state that A.J.had a love of cars both as a business and a personal hobby. After his early attempts at Maruobra and Oxley, he turned to motorcycles as the better financial return. Following on from 1936, Midget car racing was not promoted again in Brisbane until March 9 1946. Then it did take the public by storm and became an important part of the Ekka programme Over 50,000 were at the first meeting with thousands more turned away, it is said to be the biggest attendance in Australian speedway history
It is ironic that it would be one of his 1926 contracted riders, Frank Arthur who would mastermind the return of the midgets to Brisbane, Frank brought a team of drivers up from Sydney that included Ray Revell, Dinnie Patterson,Ted Ackland and Bill Reynolds
Almost twenty years after the roar of engines were first heard in the historic stadium. A.J.’s 1928 prediction that cars would be the future of Australian speedway were to ring true with the added association that it was one of his proteges, who would bring the idea to fruition. Sadly AJ passed away that same year, if he ever got to attend the Ekka and see his dreams come true is unknown.
Tony Webb 20-5-2011 3.
.
Subject: Ekka 1936
Date: Wednesday, 18 May, 2011, 7:50
John
As I said earlier I am currently working on the "History of the Ekka 1926-1946" combined with the Hunting brothers story.
I attach a preview which may interest you as a midget car enthusiast.
I have researched this in depth, if you want to use all or part of it you are welcome. the complete book will be published in September ready for our annual show.
Regards Tony
CHAPTER 11 1935-1936 SPEEDCARS AT THE EKKA
Early Speedcar action
The 1935/1936 Queensland season was notable in speedway history, as midgets cars were introduced in the state for the first time.. It was A. J. who had long been an advocate of car racing on speedways, but it would be one of his former star riders, turned promoter, Frank Arthur who lead the way. A.J. was still resident at 58 MacGregor Terrace Bardon with three of his family still at home, George, a woolclasser, Gurschen home duties and Nancy recorded as a clerk. A .J. would have most certainly taken an interest in the plans of his protégé Frank Arthur although it seems there was not a financial interest
Midget car racing was popular in America and England in the early 1930s, the first meeting in Australia was at Olympic park Melbourne, on the site of the old Motordrome, on December 15 1934, promoted by Richard Lean of Melbourne Carnivals Limited. The drivers for these first meetings were drawn from the motor and motorcycle clubs, they had no experience of midget car racing but were quick to learn, names included Archie Tuckett, Bill Allen, Bob Finley, Les Gough, George Beavis, Charlie Spurgeon and Bill Baugrine... Meetings then took place the following spring at Wentworth Park on October 5, then Sydney Showground on November 22 1935.
The Sydney promotion was under Frank Arthur, who had missed out on being the first promoter to introduce the midgets in Sydney
The hopes of the long suffering public were raised once more with the news that another new promotion team Empire Speedways [1935] Ltd., with prominent Brisbane business identity Mr. Albert [Bert] Norman. Pryor of Gladestone Road, Highgate, John Stark Hoskins of Church Street, West Maitland. and former rider Frank Arthur of Allison Street, Mayne, Brisbane as original directors directors were to present midget cars and motor cycles racing at the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds early in the new year. Hoskins resigned from the company on February 2 1935 and was replaced by Vic Huxley and Roy Starfield of Bondi Sydney described as a cabraret proprietor, The company, which had to get special permission from the Justice Department to use the name “Empire,” been operating In Sydney for some months, Frank Pearce and Frank Elms were now riding under their direction, while the midget car drivers included Jean Revllle, claimed to be British champion, Bud Stanley, and Ralph Secretan.1
A report in the Sydney Morning Herald October 10 1935 stated
Three English motor cycle speedway riders and three midget car drivers reached Sydney yesterday from London by the R.M.S. Orsova. They were accompanied bv Mr. Frank Arthur (managing director of Empire Speedways). The riders were Cliff Parkinson, H. ("Dusty") Haigh, and Les. Gregory, and the car drivers were Jean Revlllc, Ralph Secretan, and Bud. Stanley. They will make their first appearance with the opening of the speedway season at the Royal Showground on November 2 1935. This is Parkinson's fourth visit to Australia. The car drivers are on their first visit, and will appear against leading Australian drivers at the Show ground.
The partv was met on arrival at the wharf by members of various motor cycle clubs, and after being conveyed in a fleet of cars through the city, visited 2TJW broadcasting station. There they broadcast their expectations of the coming season and Impressions of the warm welcome that had been extended them. Subsequently they were entertained to lunch at the State restaurant, and a reception followed at the Royal Automobile Club.
Thc visitors were welcomed by the president of the club (Mr. W. J. Bradley, K.C.), who told that midget car racing had grown to world-wide popularity, and Its advent to Sydney had been marked with considerable Interest. As such it is highly appreciated bv the public, who gave it the support it deserves. If such associations of sportsmanship as had been manifest were continued he was sure that speedway racing would maintain Its popularity with the public.
Mr. Frank Arthur declared that the largest number of overseas representatives would reach Sydney within the next few weeks that had everbeen here. There would be nine other Englishmen (including the official test team), Morlan Hansen, the Danish open champion rider and European third of a mlle champion, and two American champions. Hansen and H. M. ("Tiger") Stevenson, he said, are on board the Orlon, and it was hoped that thev would be In Sydney In time for the first night. It was also hoped to conduct the five test matches between England and Australia In Svdney this season, as well as the world's Individual championship.
Mr. A. N. Pryor (chairman of directors of Empire Speedways) said that it was the object of the organisers to retain the elevated standard of the sport by inviting; the best exponents in the world to Australia. . . ?
The Englishmen each expressed their surprise and pleasure at the cordial reception they had received, and hoped that they would be able to live up to their reputations.
The midget car drivers brought four racing machines with them. Reville has two, one of which he says is the smallest of its kind in the world. It has a wheelbase of 4ft 8in and a track of 3ft 4in, and ls fitted with a 500c.c. dirt-track engine. The other cars are slightly larger, and eac is fitted with twin-cylinder Palmer engines of lOOO c.c.. On the roads they are capable of attaining 100 miles an hour.
It has to be stated that this newspaper report was not correct in every detail and may have been based on the words of Reville who never let the truth get in the way of a good story!
The first meeting was held on Friday February 22 1936 featuring midget cars only. This must have raised a smile for A..J.. who advocated the potential for cars all those years ago and said they could be the saviour of speedway in Australia,. How true his words were,.It. it is sufficient here to just state it was an historic meeting. The Sydney promotion was under Frank Arthur, who had missed out on being the first promoter to introduce the midgets in Sydney. Arthur had been impressed with the reports of performances of several English midget car racers where midget the cars had been promoted for for several seasons., He visited England on a world tour in 1935 and signed three drivers on a contract to come to Australia for the 1935/1936 Australian season to race in Sydney and Brisbane. Arthur brokered a deal to bring out Jean Reville [claimed as the British and European Champion and sometimes the World Champion] Ralph Secretan and Bud Stanley[ actually Stanley Budd] wIth the cars supplied by the flamboyant Reville who was in himself something of a mystery To a certain extent Arthur did not know in detail what he was getting, the English cars were very antiquated in appearance and the credits of some of the drivers were more than a little embellished.
.
The English drivers stayed in Brisbane for another four meetings, several interstate and local riders were contracted including English born Charles Spurgeon, NSW champion, Ralph King a former solo rider from Newcastle, Bill Jeffers former Queensland sidecar champion, Jack and Lance Wilson, Ted Starkey, Mark Cox, Jack Swain, Tom Quinn and Noel French.
The Brisbane Courier Mail on Monday February 24 reported the first meeting thus:
Jean Reville and Bud Stanley, winner and runner-up in the British open championships, were the outstanding performers at the Exhibition Ground on Saturday night, when midget car racing was introduced before several thousand spectators. The little cars, most of them fitted with motor cycle engines, provided a lovely spectacle as they dashed around the track at a fast pace, and that they are not easily controlled was shown by the manner in which they skidded and broadsided. Only the safety fence prevented several of the drivers . being injured in exciting crashes, and the crowd also had many thrills when the midgets out of control, rushed off the track into the oval .Bud Stanley won the three-lap scratch race and four-lap handicap with consumate ease, but was beaten into third place in the main event, the Big Nine Scratch Race, by Jean Revllle and Jack Wilson. Reville shot into the lead nt the start, and. never headed, finished 10 yards in front of Wilson, with Stanley, who encountered machine trouble, a long way In the rear.
Results:— ... .
Four-lap handicap (standing start) —First heat: Jean Revllle (scr.) 1, Tom Qulnn (20 yards) 2. Bruce Leckle ( 3 Won by 30 yards.. Time, 1.34 1-5.
Second heat: Bud Stanley (26) 1, Jack Swalh (50) 2. Won easily. Time, 1.57 2-5.
Third heat: Norman French (40) 1, Charlie Wilson (20) 2, Jack Wilson (10) 3. Won bv 30 yards. Tlme,: 1.32 2-5.
First semi final' Norman French (40) 1, Tom Qulnn (20) ? 2. Won by 100 yards. Time, 1.30 2-5.
Second semi-final: Bud Stanley (20) 1 Jack Wilson (10) .2. Won by 20 yds. Time 1.28 3-5.
Final: Bud Stanley (20) 1, Jacli Wilson (10) 2, Tom Qulnn (20) 3. Norman French's machine failed to start. Won by 50 yards. Time. 1.28 1-10.
Match race (two laps, rolling start).: —Jean Revllle defeated Bill Sticpewitch by 50 yards. Time, 42sec.
Match race (three laps, rolling start). —
Ted Starket defeated Norm. Cox by half a lap. Time, 69sec.
Big nine scratch race (three laps rolling start).
First heat. Bud Stanley 1, Tom Qulnn 2. Won by 40 yards. Time, 62 2-5sec.
Second heat: Jack Wilson 1, Bill Stlcpewlch 2. Won by a length. Time, 71 9-10sec.
Third heat: Jean Reville 1 Norman French 2. Won by 100 yards. Time! 65 4-5scc. Final: Jean Revllle 1, Jack Wilson 2. Bud Stanley 3. Reville always In front, and won by 10 yards. Time, 62 2-5. .
Match race (best of three heats. three laps, rolling start).—
First heat: Ted King defeated Tom Qulnn by half a length. Time, 70sec.
Second heat: Qulnn defeated King by 20 yards. Time, 69sec.
Third heat: Qulnn defeated King by 100 yards, and won the match. Time, 64 4-5-\ sec
Scratch race (three laps, rolling, start).First heat: Bud Stanley 1, Ted Starkey 2. Won by 100 yards. Time, 62 3-10sec. Second heat: Norman French 1, Tom Qulnn 2. Reville did not finish. Won by 50 yards. Time, 60 4-5 sec..
Final: Bud Stanley 1, Tom Quinn 2. Norman French 3. Ted Starkey also started. Won by 100 yards. Time, 61 2
The second match was held on March 1 Brisbane Courier Mail again reported on the meeting in detail on Monday March 3.
Huxley supreme brilliant victories at speedway
Vic. Huxley, the Brlsbane dirt track rider, signalised his reappearance at the Exhibition Ground Speedway on Saturday night by outclassing the opposition in the three motor cycle events on the programme. A ploneer of the dirt track sport, Huxley is riding as well as at any tlme in his long and successful career. His generalship and skill made him too solid a proposition for the somewhat weak opposition on Saturday night, but as the times he registered were good it is doubtful whether any rider at present In Australia would have beaten him. There were several spillls, the most spectacular being that in which Artie Fenn and Steve Langton figured. Fenn fell in the first heat of the scratch race, and Langton; unable to avoid him, hurtled through the air for several yards, landing near the safety fence. Neither was badly hurt.
The midget car drivers again provided exciting sport. The Englishmen, Jean Revllle and Charlie Spurgeon, were out standing, each winning a scratch event, but the Empire Handicap was annexed by Ted King, of Sydney Bill Sticpewlch and Jack Swaine thrilled the crowd when they collided In the final lap of the third heat of the Empire Handicap. Swain swung wide entering the last bend, but came back sharply, and Sticpewlch, who had endeavoured to shoot through on the Inside, crashed against the sldo of Swain's car. Both machines broadslded, but clever control prevented serious damage being done. Jean Revllle and Charlie Spurgeon also collided later In the evening. The cars raced locked together for about 30 yards, but separated after portion of Revllle's machine had fallen off. Revllle went on to win brilliantly.
Results:
Match race (three laps, rolling start) Vic Huxley defeated Cliff Parkinson by 10 yards after leading throughout. Time, 65.2sec.
Scratch race (four laps, rolling start)
First heat: Vic. Huxley 1, Steve Langton 2. Won easily. Tlme, 75 4sec.
Second heat: Cliff Parkinson 1, Les. Gregory 2, Jack Hyland fell. Won easily. Time, 73 2-5sec.
Final: Vic Huxley 1, Cliff Parkinson 2, Steve Langton 3. Won by 100 yards. Time, 73sec.
Big six race (three laps, rolling start)
First heat: Vic. Huxley (walk over).
Second heat: Cliff Parkinson defeated Steve Langton, who fell. Time, 62 l-5sec.
Third heat: Artie Fenn defeated Lcs Gregory by five yards. Time, 58sec.
Final: Vic. huxley 1, Artie Fenn 2. Cliff Parkinson did not start. won easily. time, 55 3-5sec.
Midget car races empire handicap (four laps, standing start).
Final: Ted King (60yds.), 1, Bill Jeffers (50), 2, Norm French (20), 3. The other starter, Jean Revllle, retired, owing to machine trouble. Won by about 20 yards. Time, 91 4-5sec.
Big nine scratch race (three laps, rolling start).—
Final: Charlie Spurgeon 1, Bill Sticpewitch 2, Jean Reville 3. Won by 20 yards. Time, 60sec.
Open scratch race (three laps, rolling start).— Final: Jean Revllle 1, Bill Sticpewitch 2, Norm French 3. Won by 30 yards. Tlme, 61sec.
After the third meeting The Brisbane Courier Mail ran the head line “Parkinson in form unbeaten at Speedway” it was clear that the reporting was concentrating on the bikes and not the cars!
After the euphoria of the first two meetings a gloom was cast over the sport when news came through of a tragedy in Sydney the following evening Queensland rider Frank Elms, of Brisbane, was killed, and 'Billy' Lamont was injured in an accident during a race at the Sydney Showground. The fiancee of Frank, who witnessed the crash, fainted, and had to be taken to hospital. Lamont suffered a fractured nose, lacerations, and shock. Elms died shortly after his admission to St. Vincent's Hospital from a fractured skull and other injuries. The race was the second heat of a handicap. The five riders had rounded the second turn with Elms in the lead. After straightening out of the bend, Elms's cycle skidded badly, and the front wheel struck the safety fence with terrific force. he.was thrown from the cycle and catapulted back to the track. Lamont, who was. in second place, tried desperately to avoid Elms, but was too close. His cycle ran over the prostrate rider, and Lamont was thrown high into the air and fell unconscious. Doug McLachlan, Alfred Boxall, and American Cordy Milne, the American rider, were the other competitors, and they strove to avoid Elms and Lamont, and their machines. All three displayed great presence of mind. The race was abandoned. The directors of Empire Speedways (Messrs. A. N. Pryor and Prank Arthur) supervised the despatch to Brisbane of Elms's remains for burial. 2
A sign that a revival was in progress came in the news that. Frank Arthur is conducting negotiations with promoters for the use of the Claremont Showgrounds, in Western Australia. The revival the sport throughout Australia will enable the promoters to engage a full team of English and American riders to visit Australia next year. During the past two years international riders have been appearing on the Sydney track only, with an occasional visit to Melbourne, and many prominent Australian riders were compelled to visit New Zealand to secure engagements. With six Australian tracks running next year, a change of riders will be possible on each track at everymeeting 3
The third meeting was reported in the Brisbane Courier Mail thus
A series of falls marred the motor cycle events at the Exhibition Speedway on Saturday night,, when the Englishman. Cliff Parkinson was in terrific form
The soft and dusty track troubled the riders from the outset, even Frank Pearce. who always has been at home on the Exhibition oval, coming to grief on (several occasions. A patch near the pits gates was exceptionally hard to negotiate, and the riders provided many thrills for the onlookers as they skidded spectacularly. Besides accounting for Pearce in the match race, Parkinson won _the two scratch events. The Englishman was the only rider who handled the track with confidence. Parkinson had practically a 'walk-over' in the final of the Big Six Scratch Race. Pearce fell early In the first lap and Charlie Splnks was spreadeagled in endeavouring to avoid the fallen rider. Then Artie Fenn came to grief before the lap was concluded, but remounted and continued to finish second to Parkinson. The crowd's request for a re-run was not acceded to.
The biggest thrill of the night was provided by Jean Reville, the English midget car champion. Racing around two opponents in a false start for the open scratch race, Reville broadslded sensationally, and in a twinkling the car crashed into the safety fence and somersaulted. The car was damaged, but Revllle escaped unscathed. The Australian, Bill Stlcpewlch, was the most succesful driver, winning two events and finishing second in the other. .
Results:
Match race (three laps,, rolling start) Cliff Parkinson defeated Frank Pearce, who fell In the first lap Time, 55 4-5
Big six race (three laps, rolling Start)
First heat: Frank .Pearce defeated Les Gregory by 80 yards. Time, 57aec.
Second heat: Cliff Parkinson defeated Stove Langton by 50 yards. Time, 57 3-5sec.
Third heat: Charlie Splnks defeated Jack Hyland, who fell. Time. 62 3-5sec
Final Cliff Parkinson 1, Artie Fenn 2. Frank Pearce and Charlie Spinks fell.
Match race (three laps, rolling start). -^ Jack Hyland defeated Artie Fenn by 10 yards, leading throughout. Time, 55sec.
Open scratch race (three laps, roll Ing start).—
First heat: Steve Langton 1 Les Gregory 2. Won by 80 yards. Time 58 3-5sec.
Second heat was not run, tho competitors, Parkinson and Fenn, going straight Into the- final. –
Final: Cliff Parkinson 1, Artie Fenn 2, Steve Langton 3. Won by 80 yards. Time, 56sec.
Midget car events - Big nine race (three laps, rolling start). Final: Jean Reyllle,l,- Bill Sticpewitch 2. Bud Stanley 3: Won .by 100 yards Time, 63 3-5sec.
Open scratch race (three laps roll Ing start).
Final: Bill Sticpewitch 1, Charlie. Spurgeon 2, Bud Stanley 3. Won by 80 yards. Jean Reville did not start. Time.
58 2-asec, . ?
four-lap handicap (rolling start)
Final: Bill Sticpewlch 1, Charlie Spurgeon 2, Mark Cox 3. Won by 30 yards. Time, 88sec, ' :
Although billed to appear the American Jack Milne never rode in Brisbane although several attempts were made to entice him from Sydney.
Despite the entertaining racing the crowds dropped off dramatically forcing the promotion to revert back to their Sydney Showgrounds operations. Unreliable cars and the dominance of the English drivers are thought to be contributory factors. Presumably if more Australian drivers had emerged the future may have been more positive for the promoters, who had expected better public support
With the revival in mind there was an air of optimism, but fans would have to wait almost 18 months for the dream of a full season at the Ekka. The final meeting, starring the American Putt Mossman motorcycle stunt team of Peter Coleman, Bo Lisman,and Sam Arena., was postponed on two occasions and finally run on Monday March 23. In all four meetings there had been both solos and midgets, with the appearances of English riders Les Gregory and Cliff Parkinson, local stars Vic Huxley, Charlie Spinks, Frank Pearce and Steve Langton and New South Wales Test riders Jack Hyland and Art Fenn..
A point of interest is the developing association with the American and Australian riders. Many close relationships were made between the two countries with the result that several riders known to Brisbane fans travelled to the states in the years to come up to 1950, on the invitation of their American friends. Among the riders who enjoyed the stateside trips were Bert Spencer, Morrie Bond, Ernie Evans, Bill Rodgers, Clem Mitchell, Dave Hynns, Bill Maddern and Andy Menzies.
March 23 marked the last meeting of the short season, the Brisbane Courier Mail gave a glowing account
A splendid programme marked the conclusion of the speedway season at the Exhibition Grounds last night. The out standing-feature was the display of acrobatics on a motorcycles by the American, 'Putt' Mossman, who performed several remarkably clever 'stunts.' It was easily the best display of trick riding ever seen In Brisbane. Mossman also was assisted by his sister, Mrs. Denise Grant, In clever balancing- feats on a moving machine. - The American riders, 'Bo' Llsman, 'Putt' Mossman, Sam Arena, and Pete Coleman gave splendid displays In ' the motor cycle races. Llsman won the Big Six Race in impressive stylo, but was beaten by Coleman In the final of the Open Scratch Race. The Queenslander, Frank Pearce, was unable to pace It with the Americans. Pearce and Arena figured In an exciting' crash in the third heat of the Big Six Race. Pearce fell after skldding badly early in the first lap, and Arena, who was close behind, cleverly hurdled the fallen rider. Neither was badly hurt.
Results
Big six race (three laps, rolling start). —
First heat: Charlie Splnks defeated 'Putt' 'Mossman by Inches. Time, 59 sec.
Second heat': 'Bo' Llsman defeated Pete Coleman by 30 yards. Time, 58sec.
Third heat: Sam Arena defeated Frank Pearce by 15 yards. Time, 58sec.
Final: 'Bo' Llsman 1, Charlie Splnks 2, Sam Arena did not start, owing to machine trouble. Won by 60 yard6. Time, 57sec.
Match race (two laps, rolling start). —Sam Arena defeated Pete Coleman by 10 yards. Time, 38seo.'
Open scratch race (three laps, rolling start). —
First heat: Pete Qoleman 1, Charlie Splnks 2. Won by two lengths. Time, 58 3-8sec.
Second heat: Bo Llsman 1, Frank Pearce 2. won by five yards. Time, 55 4-5 sec.
Final: Pete Coleman 1, Bo' Llsman 2, Charlie Spinks 3. Won by 30 yards. Time, 56 2-5sec.
Midget car events match race (three laps, rolling start). Jean Revllle defeated Bud Stanley by 30 yards. Time, 62 2-5sec.
Scratch race (three laps, rolling start)
First heat: Jean Revllle 1, Bill Jeffers 2. Won by 100 yards. Time, 62 l-5sec.
Second heat: Bud Stanley l; Bill Sticpewlch 2. Won by 40 yards.
Time, 64 2-5sec.
Final: Jean Reville 1, Bud Stanley 2, Bill Jeffers 3. Won by 30 yards. Time, 62 2-5sec.
Match race (three laps, rolling start) — Denise Grant defeated Bill Jeffers by 50 yards. Time, 65 4-5sec.
Putt Mossman in action thrilled the crowds at the Ekka. Photo Floyd Cramer USA 1946
When the visitors departed back to England Reville stayed on in Brisbane, he retired, selling his cars to Australian Carl Junkers and eventually marrying a Brisbane girl related to the Lord Mayor of Brisbane William Jolly.2 . He resided in the suburb of Mount Gravatt, on an acreage known as Hill Crest, near the junction of Cavendish and Creek Road,, for many years a sign on his property proclaimed Jean Reville, World Champion
A report in the Courier Mail in October 1937 reported Reville was seeking a relief driver for an ambitious overland attempt to race one of the Cape liners on its voyage to London, there was no follow up article so presumably that venture failed to take place. The tales of the charismatic Reveille’s business exploits are legendary in Brisbane with interests in motor sales, converting Bren gun carriers to tractors, importing a new car and many other short lived ventures, even an excursion into politics was reported on. On the motoring side he lodged a company in 1947 called Reville motors with a showroom at 33 Adelaide street, this company did not trade until 1949 and was struck off the company register in 1963...2
During 1935 an application had been received by the Brisbane City Council for a track for midgets at Lang Stadium, there was initially a favourable reaction by the city fathers, then the issue dropped out of the news.
In the contex of the A.J. Hunting story it is relative to state that A.J.had a love of cars both as a business and a personal hobby. After his early attempts at Maruobra and Oxley, he turned to motorcycles as the better financial return. Following on from 1936, Midget car racing was not promoted again in Brisbane until March 9 1946. Then it did take the public by storm and became an important part of the Ekka programme Over 50,000 were at the first meeting with thousands more turned away, it is said to be the biggest attendance in Australian speedway history
It is ironic that it would be one of his 1926 contracted riders, Frank Arthur who would mastermind the return of the midgets to Brisbane, Frank brought a team of drivers up from Sydney that included Ray Revell, Dinnie Patterson,Ted Ackland and Bill Reynolds
Almost twenty years after the roar of engines were first heard in the historic stadium. A.J.’s 1928 prediction that cars would be the future of Australian speedway were to ring true with the added association that it was one of his proteges, who would bring the idea to fruition. Sadly AJ passed away that same year, if he ever got to attend the Ekka and see his dreams come true is unknown.
Tony Webb 20-5-2011 3.
.