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A
Short History
By Jeffrey Stafford.
Speedway racing is a sport with
an extraordinary history. According to Tom Stenner, speedway
correspondent of the London Daily Mail, the first speedway meeting
on a dirt track was held at Pietermaritzburg, in South Africa, in
1907. But it can be shown beyond a question of doubt that the
United States should be recognized as the birth place of motor
cycle racing. One of the principal features of the Butte Athletic
Associations meet in July 1901, were
motor cycle tandem races featuring Clem and Charles
Turville, Gust Lawson, and John Chapman. The track was constructed
of board and designed on the saucer principle by Captain T.O.
Angel who had successfully used the same design on cycle tracks in
Salt Lake and Los Angeles.
At Indianapolis, on Saturday
August 14 1909, two accidents, one of them serious, marred the
national motor cycle races. In the team mile professional race,
which Jake de Pozier, of Springfield, Mass, was going at a
terrific speed, the front tyre of his motor cycle tore off,
throwing him heavily to the ground. His injuries were not fatal
and he recovered later.
Nevertheless, there can be
little doubt that the evolution of Speedway as we know it today
took place in Australia. The sport of motor cycle racing that had
been popularized in America during the early part of the
nineteenth century featured a considerably variety of variations -
which were subsequently improved and standardized by a number of
Australian promoter’s to give us what is probably the most
exciting of all automotive sports.
A dirt track meeting was held
on Saturday, October 11 1913, under the auspices of the Victorian
Motor Cycle Club. The meeting was marred by the death of Harold
M'Coll who collided with a fence and was killed instantly. Another
rider, A.W.Maplestone had one of his shoulders dislocated. Twenty
seven riders competed in six events. As far as I can ascertain
Harold M'Coll was the first victim of a Speedway race in
Australia.
Nine out of ten speedway
historians credit Maitland showground in New South Wales as being
the birth place of speedway racing. However, the first Speedway
event, the one that perhaps marks the beginning of Speedway
proper, predates the Maitland event by eight years.
Here is an extract taken from the Saturday Referee, 6
February 1915:
Big Easter Carnival, which
should provide motor cycling enthusiasts with some fine sport. The
events ; 100 miles open state Championship; 600 c.c. State
Championship 66 miles ; open handicap 33 miles; and the club
handicap 33 miles. The meeting will take place at Gouldburn on
Easter Saturday, 3 April, 1915. Nor was the meeting just a one off
event, there was a very large attendance for the second motor
cycling meeting at Gouldburn held on Easter Saturday, 22 April,
1916. The big event of the 1916 Easter meeting was for machines of
all powers, over 100 miles. Of the twelve motor cycles which
started, six were Indians, four Excelsior’s, and two Harley
Davidsons. L. Frank, astride a 7 h.p. Harley Davidson, proved
victorious covering the 100 miles in 2 h 8 min 55 sec.
The Sale Easter Carnival, held
on Saturday, 19 March, 1921, represented the greatest attempt that
had then been made in Australia to put motor cycling on a solid
footing. The choice of Sale as the site for the meeting was made
for a variety of reasons.
When the sport began many
difficulties were placed in the way of those promoting it. In and
about the Metropolitan area of Melbourne and the outlying areas
the civic authorities refused to allow motor and motor cycling on
roads and the owners of the racecourses refused to allow them to
be used for motor cycle racing.
Sale offered sanctuary to motor
cycle enthusiasts. Its racecourse and roads were offered, and the
support that was forthcoming made the choice easy. The Sale
authorities not only recognized the sport, but officially invited
the Victoria Motor Club to hold its carnival in the town. For
motor cycle racing the only rival was the motordrome at the
amateur Sports ground, which in 1921 was not in site of
completion. One of the main features of the Sale Easter Carnival
was the appearance of two motor cycles that had been built
entirely in Australia.
There was never a more
successful motor cyclist in Australia than Charles "Daredevil"
Disney of Melbourne, known throughout Australia as the most
fearless motor cycle rider, he was able to win contest after
contest without losing what is commonly termed as "nerve control."
He was the son of one of the
Ministers in the 1924 Labour Government in Victoria. He started
his riding career in 1915, by winning a seven mile road race
gaining first and fastest time.
He started life as a furniture
maker, but when his brother returned from the war they became
partners in a motor cycle business. As a member of the South Yarra
Cycling Club, he achieved varied success over distances ranging
from 10 to 20 miles.
From the start of his career
Daredevil Disney only utilized Indian motor cycles due to the
speed and reliability for which the machines were famous. He knew
no fear. He was often accused of being a reckless rider, but he
never injured anyone or put anyone's life in danger.
He won his first motor cycle
race in 1919 - a five mile side car event. In the same year at the
Sale Easter Carnival he established himself as one of Australia's
best motor cycle riders by winning in the fastest time the Blue
Ribbon event for the road over 200 miles. Then came the Hopkins
Cup open race, and after that success on the Aspendale track,
reliability trials and jumping records. He held the Australian
long distance jumping motor cycle record, covering a distance of
54ft 6in in the leap. He became well known on the speed track as
the "Wizard of the Track," and "Daredevil Disney."
In March 1922, he lowered the
Adelaide to Melbourne motor cycle solo record on an "Indian"
Scout, by registering 16 hours and 14 minutes, breaking the recent
record set by Jack Quigley.
On Saturday February 21, 1925,
he sustained an injury to his knee while taking part in a
preliminary run at the Geelong racecourse, prior to racing against
the American Paul Anderson. He was hospitalized for some weeks at
Geelong before surgeons give up hope of saving his leg. Disney in
the end resigned himself philosophically to losing his left leg to
save his life. But that did not dismay him, after leaving hospital
he entered cycle races with an artificial limb strapped to the
foot rest.
Charles "Daredevil" Disney"
died on 5 July 1954, aged 77. He was cremated and his remains were
scattered at the Springfield Botanical Cemetery, Melbourne.
In 1922, John S. Hoskins, later
known as the prince of speedway promoters, was appointed Secretary
of the West Maitland Agricultural Society. At this time the
organization was in a bad way. Its membership over the years had
plummeted to about 300.
Hoskins tried all manner of
attractions - boxing, rodeos, and cycling - but nothing seemed to
grasp the attention of the public. Being a motor cycle rider
himself, with a number of riders, he approached the committee of
the Agricultural Society to ask permission to run a number of
motor cycle trials.
The members thought it was pure
madness, and told Hoskins he was taking a short cut to death. No
amount of persuasion could convince them that it would prove to be
a success and a good investment. Eventually, however, Hoskins got
his own way and with a rider named Billy Crampton, who was the
only one with an actual racing machine in N. S. W., a Norton, he
was allowed to give his idea a try out.
One member of the committee,
who was actually taken with Hogkins idea, watched over the fence
when Hoskins and Crampton were speeding around the track, and
later it was mainly through his imput that Speedway eventually
opened at Maitland. Construction of the speedway track at Maitland
commenced in October 1923, and the first Maitland Speedway meeting
was held on Saturday, November 1, 1924, for a double bill of motor
cycle and push bike racing. It was not a success. The push bikes
showed up the speed failings of the powered bikes they even
recorded better times. The track was very small, and of grass.
Under half a mile in circumference and thirty feet broad.
There was much hype for the
official opening of the first Maitland Speedway meeting held on
Saturday, October 17, 1925, when L. B. Meville, mounted on an h.p.
Harley Davidson, succeeded in winning the £100 Motor Cycle
Handicap. A princely sum in 1925. The attendance was estimated at
around 1300, and the number of riders in the motor cycle handicap
was a record, 77 starting. Since the close of 1924 the track had
been considerably reconstructed. Instead of two straight and four
bad turns where many falls had occurred in 1924, the track was
oval with a straight run in front of the main grandstand. The
track had also been widened from 30ft to 45ft, the banks at both
ends had been made very much higher, and a slight smaller
embankment had been built all-round the half mile track. There
were 28 races -- 23 for motor cycles and five for push bikes.
Apart from the normal speedway
meetings at Maitland, Speedway Carnivals were held throughout the
year to raise money for local charities. A speedway meeting was
held at the Maitland Speedway Carnival on Saturday, 21 February,
1925. In the final of the Championship race, a serious accident
occurred. George Kirkwood hit a fence, and another rider E. Buck
crashed into him. Buck escaped injury, but Kirkwood sustained a
compound fracture of the right leg, which was later amputated. He
also sustained many injuries to his head and body.
As a consequence of the terrible injuries received by
Kirkwood a safety rail, similar to the one at Speedway Royal was
erected.
George Kirkwood was 18 at the time of
his accident at Maitland; he was born on 22 April, 1907. He passed
away in NSW on 2 March, 1991, the month before his 84th birthday.
A letter from Mr. E. B.
Harkness, Under Secretary to the Chief Secretary of NSW to the
management of the Hunter River Agricultural and Horticultural
Association, criticizing the condition of Maitland Speedway track,
was published in the Maitland Daily Mercury, 15 May, 1925. The
following is a short extract from the letter:-
"It has been reported to the department, Mr.Harkness
stated, "that the speedway on the society's ground is, in its
present condition dangerous to riders. It had been presented,
moreover, that since motor cycle racing commenced there in 1924,
33 more or less serious accidents have occurred, resulting in
riders receiving, in several instances, injuries necessitating
surgical treatment."
There can now be little doubt
that the case for the start of dirt track racing at Maitland in
1923 cannot be maintained, and that dirt track racing on the
Maitland track did not commence until 1924.
In 1924 a number of Speedway
enthusiast held a number of private races on the Brisbane paddock.
In the course of time the grass surface became worn, but the
process was so gradual that the change from grass to dirt was
scarcely noticed. Then, when the riders learned to slide the
corners on the dirt surface speedway racing became more
spectacular. In 1925 - two brothers, A.J. and Frank Hunting, saw
the possibilities in dirt track racing, and engaged the paddock
riders from Brisbane to appear at the Exhibition Grounds, on
Saturday, 16 October, 1926. Brisbane. The five riders were Vic
Huxley, Frank Authur, Frank Pearce, Dick Smythe and Charlie
Spinks.
Speaking of the above, the
following extract is taken from a letter written by A. J. Hunter,
and published in "The Referee," 23 December 1937. His
reminiscences of the early days of dirt track racing are
interesting.
He states categorically that
the first grass track speedway was at West Maitland, but the first
genuine dirt track for speedway was laid down and constructed by
him at Davies Park, Brisbane in 1927 -- this track brought out the
rider’s ability and daring.
When the track in Brisbane was
nearly completed Hunter advertised the opening of the meeting
although he still didn't have any riders. All the well-known motor
cycle riders were skeptical, not one appeared willing enough to
give Hunter's dirt track riding idea a try. In despair, Hunter
took his idea to the Brisbane Motor Cycling Club and asked for
volunteer riders. A young man stepped forward called Frank Pearce,
and told Hunter he was willing to give it a go. Charles Spinks,
then a bricklayer, was the next to volunteer, and after him Vic
Huxley. Nine other riders soon followed -- but then the supply of
volunteers dried up. All the riders put in an appearance at the
opening of the Exhibition Grounds Brisbane, on Saturday 16
October, 1926.
The visit of the American rider
Cecil Brown, a fist class rider on any surface, raised the
standard in Australia considerably. He arrived in Australia with a
reputation as a great dirt track rider, but at Penrith he was
repeatedly beaten by Gus Clifton and Billy Conoulty. However he
soon mastered the tracks and developed into one of the best riders
in Australia.
The public began to flock to
Speedway meetings and new tracks began to spring up everywhere. A
track opened at Cessnock, and a year later Newcastle followed
suit. The first concrete track in New South Wales at Maroubra was
opened on Saturday, 5 December, 1925. Much interest was taken in
the Golden Helmet race with a prize of £30 and £10 per week until
the winner was defeated at a subsequent meeting. Cecil Brown was
crowned with the Golden Helmet and carried off the track shoulder
high. He won the Golden Helmet for the fifth time at the Olympia
Speedway track on Friday 2 April, 1926. His fastest lap was 93
m.p.h.
It could be argued that the
very first speedway meeting took place in New Zealand on 22
October 1923, at the Canterbury Racecourse, Christchurch. The
competition included the leading riders from all parts of New
Zealand. The races were run on a grass track, and very fast times
were recorded. The most successful rider was the well-known New
Zealand champion Percy Coleman, who made excellent time in winning
the all Powers Championship of 12 miles on his Harley Davidson.
On 9 March, 1929, dirt track racing was commenced at the
Kibirnie Stadium, Wellington.
Many speedway historians have
written about the history of the sport in England. Nine out of ten
credit High Beech in Essex as the birth place of English Speedway.
But there can be no getting away from the fact that the Moorside
dirt track at Droylsden predates the High Beech track by eight
months. Many youngsters in the North West got their first taste of
dirt track racing at Droylsden, it also paved the way for other
dirt tracks in the in the Manchester area like Audenshaw,
Stalybridge, New Mills ,Salford Albion,
White City and Belle Vue. According to the Australian
speedway promoter A.J.Hunting (Sydney Referee Dec 23 1937), he
helped lay down the track at High Beech. Mr. Hill Bailey, then
secretary of the Ilford Motor Cycle Club, introduced Hunting to
Mr. W.S.Cearns who asked Hunting if he would lay down a proper
track. The famous Australian Speedway promoter agreed and assisted
with the construction of the track. Two other Australians, Keith
McKay and Billy Galloway, helped to organize and participate in
the High Beech meeting.
Droylsden, unlike High Beech,
was an entirely local venture without any assistance from outside
sources. The meeting was organized by the South Manchester Motor
Club and local motor cycle dealer Fred Fearnley, on land owned by
George Dodd, a farmer from nearby Ashton Moss. The event was given
a license by the ACU for track racing, and the meeting went off as
planned on 25 July 1927. There is absolutely no doubt that the
Droylesden meeting was the pioneer of Dirt track racing in
England. The ground where the event took place should be
recognized by Tameside Council as a site of historical importance
Blue Plaque commemorating the site as the birthplace
of speedway racing in the UK. The plaque should be positioned as close to the original site of the track
as possible. If you agree, please take the time to write to:-
Arts and Events,
Tameside MBC,
Dukinfield Town
Hall,
King Street,
Dukinfield.
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| Courtesy of Colleen Thorne |
| |
| Reg on his Rudge. The
Rudge Co had come up with a strong engine which could
compete with the Douglas and Harley Davidson's Peashooter.
The Rudge frame however was inherently weak hence the
strengthening struts on this one |
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The rider pictured above is Reg West. His
daughter Colleen has been in touch as follows: - |
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Would someone be able to help us
find out anything more on my father, Reginald Aldgate West. He was born in Tasmania but the
family moved from there to Melbourne. He travelled all over Australia racing he
was also known to have done some wrestling in his time.
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I have a Photo of him having won a race on his motorbike wearing his winners
sash.
He was my father-in-law. We know very little of his racing career. |
| He travelled over to the UK with the Australian team to race at the Isle of
Man/Wight in the early 1930's. We believe he raced all over the UK. He never
went back to Australia. Seems he stopped racing at the start of the war. Could
have been from serious injury? |
| Any info would be great. Thanks
Colleen Thorne |
| John says: The bike is a Rudge so I
would put the picture at around 1928/1931? Can anyone supply info
on Colleen's father? |
| Bryan Tungate has
been in touch. He has "found" a Reg West in a 1939 Norwich programme |
|
3 June 1939 Norwich v Middlesbrough ...... 2nd half
races show .....
Reserve Race - Alex Lewis, Bert Hutson, Sid Hipperson,
Reg West, 81.0
Hellesdon Trophy Heat 4 - Reg West was replaced by Fred
Belliveau the 'borough reserve in this race.
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Stuart Towner says : -The picture of Reg West would be 1928, well the bike
is. Rudge dropped the struts on the frame as they made the bike too stiff. Best wishes. Stuart Towner - Editor of the Rudge Enthusiasts Club
magazine, the Radial.
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| John says: So let us accept that Reg was
sitting on an early Rudge possibly 1928 although it is possible
that Reg fitted the struts himself to a slightly later model.
Who knows! |
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Colin Jewes says: Probably is a 1928 Rudge: Reg West rode at the
Melbourne Exhibition track, Victoria in 1928, where he won the Golden
Helmet there at least 3 times in Oct. & Nov. ‘28.
He also won the 2-Mile Australian Dirt Track championship at Melbourne
Exhibition, (possibly the same year, – unsure.) The above photo was used
in a press report of the day on his 2-Mile win.
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Ray "Broadside" Taylor |
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Hello John, I stumbled
over your website. Just a small file indexing newpaper
items regarding Ray Taylor’s speedway career 1930-1948
which are available on Trove newspaper archive on the web.
Most items (Clippings) are outlined in the attached index
file. This is only what I have and is in no way definitive
or complete. Hope this might help. Rob
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Ray Taylor:
Newspaper articles.
Speedway year
1930
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Month: January 1930
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Date
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Source News Article
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track
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Comments
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27
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Adelaide SA(Mon)
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Royale
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A Grade Handicap
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Month: March 1930
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Date
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Source News Article
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track
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Comments
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7
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National Advocate
Bathurst(Fri)
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Bathurst
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Scratch Race
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Month: April 1930
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Date
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Source News Article
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track
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Comments
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21
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Evening News Sydney(Mon)
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Penrith. NSW
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Riding a BT Special
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22
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Newcastle Times(Tue)
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Penrith. NSW
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Attempt Flying Speed Record on 350cc BT
Special bike
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26
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Nepean Times(Sat)
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Penrith. NSW
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10 seconds behind world Record at 55. 2-5
seconds. (-world- 45. Sec on 490cc Harley
Davidson)
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Month: November 1930
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Date
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Source News Article
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track
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Comments
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28
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The Labour Daily Sydney(Fri)
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Wentworth Park. NSW
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Advax Gold Helmet
Handicap and
Teams Race
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Month: December 1930
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Date
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Source News Article
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track
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Comments
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5
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Evening News Sydney(Fri)
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Speeway Royal
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Advax Gold Helmet heats
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5
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Sydney Morning Herald(Fri)
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Speedway Royal
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Advax Gold Helmet heats
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18
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The Sun. Sydney(Thur)
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Speedway Royal
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Advax Gold Helmet
Handicap race
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21
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The Truth. Sydney(Sun)
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Consolation
Scratch race. Ray won
1st Place.
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Ray Taylor:
Newspaper articles.
Speedway year
1931
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Month: January 1931
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Date
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Source News Article
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track
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Comments/ Article
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10
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Evening News Sydney, NSW
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Wentworth park
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1st Heat. Advanx Gold Helmet
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13
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The Newcastle Sun
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Newcastle Speedway
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First appearance in Newcastle
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14
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The New Castle Sun
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Newcastle Speedway
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Upcoming Match Race
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15
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The New Castle Sun
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Newcastle Speedway
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Upcoming Match Race
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16
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The New Castle Sun
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Newcastle Speedway
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Appearance advert
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23
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The New Castle Sun
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Newcastle Speedway
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Appearance advert. For 1 Mile Championship
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29
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The Labor Daily Sydney
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Wentworth Park
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“Taylor gets his chance”
proved himself for the track
championship next Saturday
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Month: March 1931
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Date
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Source News Article
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track
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Comments/Atticles
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4
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The Labor Daily Sydney
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Handicap Race
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Month: April 1931
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Date
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Source News Article
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track
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Comments
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5
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Truth Sydney
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Parramatta Speedway
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Gold Star Scratch Race .Heat 1. Flying start
over 3 laps. Heat 3. 1st place.
Parramatta handicap. Semi Final . 1st
place. Parramatta handicap Grand final. 1st
place.
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15
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Referee Sydney
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Parramatta
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Grand Final Thrilling event
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Month: May 1931
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Date
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Source News Article
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track
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Comments
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22
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Labor Daily
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Looking around bike shops with Manager Norm
Williams. Will be remembered for stunning
performances at Parramatta speedway.
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Date
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Source News Article
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track
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Comments
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20
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The Sun
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Paramatta Speedway
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Heat 5. Riding an Indian. Time 2 seconds.
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Month: October 1931
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Date
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Source News Article
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track
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Comments
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6
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The Daily Telegraph Sydney
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Parramatta Speedway
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Spills frequent. Needed ambulance attendance
for abrasions to his knee. Lost Gold Star
final.
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7
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Referee Sydney
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Paramatta Speedway
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Narrowly defeated in Parramatta Handicap over
4 laps.
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24
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Paramatta Speedway
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Parramatta Team Vrs Sydney Team. Selected for
Parramatta Team
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25
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Truth Sydney
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Paramatta Speedway
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Paramatta Handicap. 2nd heat 1st
place. 3rdsemi final 1st
place. A grade teams race 2nd place
in dead heat with Les Roy.
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26
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The Labor Daily
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Paramatta Speedway
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Paramatta Handicap 2nd heat 2nd
place.3rdsemi final 1st
place.
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Month: November 1931
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Date
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Source News Article
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track
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Comments
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5
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The Cumberland Argus and Fruit Growers
Advocate. Parramatta
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Parramatta Speedway
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Race cancelled due to wet weather will be
brought forward to next Saturday.
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8
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Truth Sydney
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Parramatta Speedway
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Third semi final for the Parramatta Handicap.
1st place.
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16
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The Cumberland Argus and Fruit Growers
Advocate. Parramatta
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Parramatta Speedway
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As below(both newspapers reported same race
and placings.
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17
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Newcastle Sun
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Parramatta Speedway
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Final Paramatta Handicap won by Len Roy with
Ray in second place.
Flying scratch race. Heat 4. 1st
place.
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22
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Truth Sydney
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Parramatta Speedway
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Big Twelve Scratch Race. 1st place
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26
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The Cumberland Argus and Fruit Growers
Advocate. Parramatta
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Parramatta Speedway
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Big Twelve Scratch Race. 1st place
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Month: December 1931
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Date
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Source News Article
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track
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Comments
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15
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Daily Telegraph Sydney
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Wentworth Speedway
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To race next Saturday for the Track
Championship
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16
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Labor Daily
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Wentworth Speedway
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As above
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18
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The Sun Sydney
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Wentworth Speedway
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Flying nine scratch race
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18
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Daily Telegraph
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Wentworth Speedway
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Flying nine scratch race. Heat 3.
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19
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Daily Telegraph
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Wentworth Speedway
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Advert for the above race on Saturday night
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20
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Truth Sydney
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Wentworth Speedway
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Speedway season opened. Showed he was a real
broardside artist 1 second outside the record
Wentworth Handicap 3rd heat. 1st
place.
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Month: December 1931 continued
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20
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Truth Sydney
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Wentworth Speedway
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Covered 4 laps in 1 min 18 seconds. Just 3-5
of a second short of track record
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21
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Sydney Morning Herald
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Wentworth Speedway
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Crowd of 6000 applauded his handling of his
bike when the back tyre came off to win as
above
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24
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The Sun Sydney
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Wentworth Speedway
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Advertisement. 3 heat match next Saturday
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26
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The Daily Telegraph Sydney
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Wentworth Speedway
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Advertisement. 3 heat match next tonight.
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27
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Sun Sydney
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Wentworth Speedway
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Flying nine scratch race final. 1st
place. Broke Van Praag’s record by 4-5
seconds.
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28
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National Advocate Bathurst
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Wentworth Speedway
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As above. His time in 3 laps in 55. 4-5
seconds. Has challenged Van Praag for the
Track Championship next Saturday Proved
himself the greatest find on the dirt track
this season.
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29
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Labor Daily Sydney
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Wentworth Speedway
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Clipped 1 3-5 of a second from a rolling start
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30
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The Sun Sydney
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Wentworth Speedway
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Proved himself and a new track star. Will
compete for the best 3 heats of 2 laps from a
standing start.
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31
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Brisbane Courier Qld
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Wentworth Speedway
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As above. Proved a star with 17 second average
per lap and thought to have broken other
records-not stated.
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31
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Sydney Morning Herald-Sydney
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Wentworth Speedway
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Australian Motor Cyclists Union impressed with
his performance.To contest the scratch mark
and compete against Van Praag in Championship
Trophy.
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1931 to 1935, Paris,
France.
An Anglo-French promotion syndicate ran an annual Dirt
Track “ Championnat du Monde” (World Championship,)
for five years at the Buffalo Velodrome, Paris between
1931 and '35. The format usually comprised 9 riders
drawn from Europe and the UK scene, (3 per race,)
across 13 heats, Semi's and Finals.
Ray,
now
known
as
Ray “Broadside” Taylor was
22 years of age and although a relative beginner
starting his official racing career only over the past
year, he was lauded for his performance at Wentworth
Park Speedway during the season of 1931 and considered
a new find and a crowd pleasing rising Star of the
dirt track.
Ray’s riding standard, wins and broadside skill was
such that he had narrowly defeated the distinguished
Len Roy and was given the opportunity to compete
against Australian Champion Lionel Van Praag
who recently returned from successfully competing in
England.
Ray Taylor:
Newspaper articles.
Speedway year
1932
|
Month: January 1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments/ Article
|
|
2
|
Daily Telegraph Sydney
|
Wentworth Park Speedway
|
Advertisement. Lionel Van Praagvrs Ray Taylor.
Half mile Championship. Tonight
|
|
3
|
Truth Sydney
|
Wentworth Park Speedway
|
Half mile match championship. Van Praag 1st
Ray Taylor 2nd place
Rider Norman Thompson crashed in front of Van
Praag in pervious race and Lionel was shaken.
|
|
4
|
Daily Telegraph Sydney
|
Wentworth Park Speedway
|
Ray beaten in 2 straight heats as above by Van
Praag
|
|
4
|
Newcastle Morning Herald and the Miners
Advocate
|
Wentworth Park Speedway
|
As above four riders came down although none
injured in race.
|
|
5
|
|
Parramatta Speedway
|
Ray vrs Bios Blumfield tomorrow. Last
Wednesday Ray beat Jack Hollis in 2 straight
heats.
|
|
8
|
The Daily Telegraph
|
Wentworth Park Speedway
|
Allowances framed for the Wentworth Park
Handicap.
|
|
9
|
Daily Telegraph Sydney
|
Wentworth Park Speedway
|
Advertisement for thrilling team tests
tonight.
|
|
Month: January 1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments/ Article
|
|
9
|
Unknown to date.
|
Wentworth Park Speedway
|
|
|
10
|
Truth Sydney
|
Wentworth Park Speedway
|
Ray placed 2nd to Wilson in 3rd
Test heat.
|
|
16
|
The Sun Sydney
|
Wentworth Park Speedway
|
Big 9 scratch race Ray to meet Cyclone Mookey
and Dick Sulway.
|
|
16
|
Labor Daily
|
Wentworth Park Speedway
|
As above. Ray wins Flying nine scratch race
|
|
19
|
Labor Daily
|
Wentworth Park Speedway
|
|
|
21
|
Cumberland Argus and Fruit Growers Advocate
|
Parramatta Speedway
|
Ray Taylor Excels. Won heat and semi final.
|
|
23
|
The Sun Sydney
|
Wentworth Park Speedway
|
Ray challenged Van Praag in a Match race for
the half mile championship.
|
|
Month: January continued 1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments/ Article
|
|
23
|
The Daily Telegraph Sydney
|
Wentworth Park Speedway
|
As above. Ray challenged Van Praag in a Match
race for the half mile championship.
|
|
24
|
The Sun Sydney
|
Sydney Royale
|
Ray challenged Van Praag and lost against Van
Praag in straight heats last night
|
|
24
|
The Sun Sydney
|
Wentworth Park Speedway
|
Van Praag retained his title against Ray who
lost.
|
|
26
|
The Advertiser Adelaide SA
|
Sydney Royale
|
Ray to race in an interstate teams match
|
|
27
|
Referee Sydney
|
Paramatta Speedway
|
|
|
27
|
Referee Sydney
|
Paramatta Speedway
|
Taylor Shines. 5 wins from 5 starts
|
|
28
|
News Adelaide
|
Speedway Royale
|
Advertisement. Gala night. Ray Broadside
Taylor, Paddy Dean, Jack Hollis
|
|
28
|
News Adelaide
|
Speedway Royale
|
NSW Riders to compete. Ray Taylor will compete
against Arnold Hansen.
|
|
28
|
Cumberland Argus and Fruit Growers Assoc
|
Paramatta Speedway
|
Taylor victorious. Won 2 straight heats.
|
|
28
|
Cumberland Argus and Fruit Growers Assoc
|
Paramatta Speedway
|
Taylor excels.
|
|
29
|
News Adelaide
|
Speedway Royale
|
NSW Riders to compete against South
Australians. Ray Taylor holder of the NSW
Wentworth Park Track Record will compete
against Arnold Hansen
|
|
30
|
|
Speedway Royale
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: February 1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments/Articles
|
|
1
|
Adelaide Advertiser (Thurs)
|
Speedway Royale Adelaide
|
Ray lost to Jack Chapman on Saturday.
|
|
4
|
Unknown (pending)
|
As above
|
Another big leap. Ray made 1st
appearance at Adelaide Speedway on Saturday
deemed as one of the most spectacular riders
seen in this state for some time. Will appear
with Jack Hollis and Paddy Dean.
|
|
6
|
The Age Melbourne
|
Exhibition Speedway Melbourne
|
Ray to make his debut.
|
|
6
|
News Adelaide
|
Speedway Royale
|
Ray struck the back of Dick Wise in the 1st
lap of the 3rd heat and fell.
|
|
10
|
Referee Sydney
|
Speedway Royale
|
Ray disqualified by Stewards for interference
with Wise.
|
|
13
|
Mail Adelaide
|
Speedway Royale
|
Australian Championship over 1-mile Rays bike
conked out. Interstate handicap over 3 laps
from a flying start and won by 40 yards. 1st
place in the 1st heat. Special
Match Race 1st
Place.
|
|
15
|
Advertiser Adelaide
|
Speedway Royale
|
Ray and Paddy Dean run a close race as Ray
gained the inside and finished first by only a
few yards.
|
|
16
|
Labor Daily Sydney (Tues)
|
Wentworth Park Speedway
|
Half mile challenge won by Van Praag. He has
beaten Ray twice.
|
|
17
|
Referee Sydney
|
Wentworth Park Speedway
|
Ray fell foul of the Stewards in Adelaide. No
finer Rider at Wentworth track and is a treat
to see him mowing the markers on the straight.
However, he seems a little on the reckless
side.
|
|
24
|
Sporting Globe Melbourne (Wed)
|
Speedway Royale
|
In special Matches on Saturday night, Ray won
the Consolation Scratch Race from Fearson and
Ras Lee. Lost International Handicap Final to
Applebee. Also running were Con Bartelanier
and Max Grosskreutz.
|
|
25
|
The Age Melbourne
|
Exhibition Speedway Melbourne
|
Ray to make his debut in Victoria. There will
be Scratch Races between nine selected riders.
|
|
26
|
The Herald Melbourne (Fri)
|
Exhibition Speedway Melbourne
|
NSW and Victorian teams to meet. Ray, world
record breaker over three laps on the quarter
mile flat track is to be opposed by Lionel
Davy Victoria’s international rider and holder
of the 4 lap Exhibition record.
|
|
26
|
The Herald Melbourne (Fri)
|
Exhibition Speedway Melbourne
|
Victorian half mile championship held over 3
heats on Saturday.
|
|
Month: February continued1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments/Articles
|
|
27
|
The Herald Melbourne (Fri)
|
Exhibition Speedway Melbourne
|
Ray Taylor the NSW dirt track champion will
meet Lionel Davey in a special match race. Ray
holds the world title for quarter mile flat
track. Will leave for England next month
|
|
27
|
The Age Melbourne
|
Exhibition Speedway Melbourne
|
Advertisement. Half Mile Match Championship.
Big Mile scratch race. Dare Devil Curtis
enveloped in flames will leap from his 110ft
ladder.
|
|
29
|
The Argus Melbourne.
|
Exhibition Speedway Melbourne
|
Davey-Victoria defeats Taylor New South Wales.
Over three heats and Ray fell in the last lap
of each heat. Reason being that he had never
had an opportunity to practice on the dirt
track prior to the race
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: March 1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments/Articles
|
|
2
|
Sporting Globe Melbourne (Wed)
|
Exhibition Speedway Melbourne
|
Davey Supreme. Ray had bad luck to fall near
the finish of each heat.
|
|
5
|
Sporting Globe Melbourne (Wed)
|
Exhibition Speedway Melbourne
|
Ray and Paddy Dean will represent NSW in team
matches.
|
|
5
|
The Herald Melbourne
|
Exhibition Speedway Melbourne
|
As above
|
|
9
|
Sporting Globe Melbourne
|
Exhibition Speedway Melbourne
|
NSW teams to meet Vic teams-as above tomorrow
night
|
|
12
|
Border Watch SA
(Sat)
|
Notice item
|
Ray going to England shortly. Photo.
|
|
16
|
Kalgoorlie Miner
Western Australia (Wed)
|
Notice item
|
As above
|
|
19
|
The Daily News (Sat)
|
Notice item
|
As above
|
|
22
|
Western Argus (Tues)
|
Notice item
|
As above
|
|
Month: March continued 1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments/Articles
|
|
23
|
Referee Sydney (Wed)
|
Exhibition Speedway Melbourne
|
Max Graham brought down from NSW but
experienced same as Ray engine troubles and
borrowed mounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: April 1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
2
|
News Adelaide (Sat)
|
On route to England
|
Going to compete at the Wembley Speedway in
England, Ray Taylor, dirt track rider, who
took part in the recent Australian
Championship meeting in Adelaide, is a
passenger on the Morton Bay from Sydney. The
boat will leave outlet harbour on Monday.
|
|
4
|
News Adelaide (Mon)
|
On route to England
|
Speedway Men avoid customs duties. Ray and
Ernie Fox and mechanic Martin Barry are on
their way to Wembley. With small prize money
in Australia customs duties on bikes is too
expensive. Motor cycles are to be purchased in
England. They will not have to pay landing
duties when returning home.
The men will leave late tonight.
|
|
4
|
The Canberra Times (Mon)
|
Queanbeyan Club Carnival
|
Ray entered to ride. (Possibly prior to travel
arrangements??)
|
|
14
|
The Cumberland Argus and Fruit Growers
Advocate. Thurs)
|
Parramatta Speedway
|
Philip and Mervyn Atkins of Windsor Road
Northmead impersonating Ray Taylor and Frank
Weldrick of Parramatta speedway fame, awaiting
the starters signal at the charity’s carnival,
they won first and second prizes for the” best
advertising costumes” section
|
|
27
|
English record
|
Owlerton, Sheffield
|
The rider in these events is named “Goeff”
Taylor. And it is suspected by the writer that
it might be a mistake for “Ray” who apparently
had just arrived in England. In any case it is
decided to include the event with very
reasonable confidence.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australian Cigarette Card
 
|
|
|
Month: May1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11
|
England record
|
Owlerton, Sheffield
|
Owlerton Scratch race. Geoff (Ray) 2nd
in heat 1.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12
|
Records
|
Plymouth
|
Ray rode for “Overseas” against English
“Homeland” team ran 2nd in 4th
heat.
|
|
18
|
NSA National League records
|
Owlerton, Sheffield
|
Ray rode for South Hampton in the
National League Trophy. Heat 7. 2nd
place and one fall.
Sheffield won 34to19 points. Ray rode on same
day Speedway Trophy heat 1.
4th place.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21
|
Recorded item
Reference-attached documents
|
Possibly Owlerton, Sheffield
|
Saturday 21 May 1932.
Bellevue 34 defeated South Hampton 12.
(National League NSA Trophy) Ray (South
Hampton) fell in heat 4.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: June1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
1
|
Recorded item-National League Trophy
(The Saints / Lea Bridge team)
|
Clapton, London
|
Wednesday 1 st June 1932 Clapton, London.
The
Saints 22 Stamford Bridge 31 (National
League NSA Trophy)
4th places in heats 3 and 7. Ray
(Rode as The Saints for Lea Bridge)
fell in the 7th heat. Note:
In contrast the opening league match at Lea
Bridge attracted 12,000. This marked the
revival of Gus Kuhn 3 2 2 7 the track after a
period of closure because of allowing betting.
The name of the team had not been Arthur
Warwick 3 2 1 6 decided at this stage so they
rode as "The Saints" and kept the Southampton
light blue colours
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9
|
Recorded item-National League Trophy
|
Brandon, Coventry
|
Thursday 9th June 1932 Brandon, Coventry
Coventry 23 Lea Bridge 29 (National League
NSA Trophy)
Ray in 4th place after a fall.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: June continued1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22
|
England record
|
Clapton, London
|
Wednesday. Reserves scratch race. Ray 2nd
in heat 2.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26
|
National league record
|
Plymouth
|
Tuesday. Ray rode for Plymouth. 3rd
in heat 3. 4th in heat 5 (Fall) 4th
in heat 7. Chain broke.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27
|
National league record
|
Clapton, London
|
Monday. Ray rode for Clapton. Ray rode for
Clapton. National League. Clapton was defeated
by Wimbledon 33-19. Ray 4th in heat
6. 3rd in heat 8.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29
|
Recorded item-
National Trophy England
|
London, Clapton
|
Wednesday 29th June 1932 Clapton, London
Clapton 22 was defeated by Crystal Palace
Glaziers 32 (National League) Ray 2nd
place in the reserves scratch race final.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: July
1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12
|
Recorded
|
Plymouth
|
Homeland vrs Overseas.
Ray placed 2rd in heat 4 and 2nd
in heat 13.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23
|
Labor Daily
|
Item only
|
|
|
Month: July
continued 1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26
|
Recorded National League
|
Plymouth
|
Tuesday 26 July. (National League)
Plymouth vrs Wembley
Ray (Plymouth) 3rd in heat 3, 4th
in heat 5 and fell, 4th in heat 7
with a broken chain.
The track could have been better prepared and
did not lend itself to good racing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: August 1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4
|
Recorded
National League
|
Pennycross, Plymouth
|
Thursday 4th August 1932 Pennycross, Plymouth
Plymouth 32 defeated West Ham 18 (National
League) Ray (Plymouth) 4th
place in heat 1 and 3rd in heat 6.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9
|
Recorded National League
|
Pennycross, Plymouth
|
Tuesday 9th August 1932. Plymouth
31 defeated Coventry) 22 (National League)
Ray 4th in heat 1 and 4th
in heat 6. Heat 6 - Tims and Ray fell
independently near the end of the race. They
both pushed home vying with each other for the
final point. Arthur Tims won the pushing race!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11
|
Recorded National League
|
Pennycross, Plymouth
|
Thursday. Wembley defeated Plymouth 27-24. Ray rode for
Plymouth. 3rd in heat 1. 3rd
in heat 4.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15
|
The Cumberland and Fruit Growers Advocate
|
Article item only
|
IN ENGLAND-extract
“Young Ray Taylor the dirt track rider who
rode at the Parramatta Speedway last season,
has been putting up some wonderful
performances in England, defeating the British
Champion, Jack Parker a few weeks ago and
breaking some records over there. Ray is a
favorite with speedway fans for his daring
racing and good sportsmanship when racing. In
a recent letter he would like to be remembered
to all his speedway supporters, and that he
intends bringing some “hot” motors home when
he returns from overseas”.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16
|
Recorded National League
|
Pennycross, Plymouth
|
Tuesday 16th August 1932 Pennycross, Plymouth
Plymouth
33defeated Clapton 20 (National League)
Ray 1st place in heat 8.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18
|
Recorded National League
|
Pennycross, Plymouth
|
Thursday 18th August. (National
League) Coventry 34 defeated Plymouth 18.
Ray (Plymouth) 3rd in heat 4 and 3rd
in heat 7.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20
|
Recorded National League
|
Pennycross, Plymouth
|
Saturday 20 August 1932. Bellevue vrs
Plymouth. (National League) Bellevue 35
defeated Plymouth 15.
Ray (Plymouth) excluded from heat 4 for false
start and 3rd place in heat 5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: August continued 1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
29
|
Recorded National League
|
Pennycross, Plymouth
|
Monday 29 August 1932. Wimbledon 33.5 defeated
Plymouth 22.5. (National League)
Ray(Plymouth) 4th place heat 1.
Eric Collins was a real star for Plymouth at
this time and was at the top of his form. He
beat Dick 4 Jack Jackson 0 0 1 1 Case on his
own track in heat 2. His battle with Vic
Huxley in heat 8 was brilliant speedway 5 Bert
Spencer E 2 2 4 and Eric only lost out on the
last lap after leading all the way
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: September 1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
Recorded
Challenge Match
|
Pennycross, Plymouth
|
Thursday 1st September 1932 Pennycross,
Plymouth
Plymouth 21 West were defeated by West Ham
Hammers 32 (Challenge) Ray (Plymouth) 1st
in Heat 1, 4th in heat 4 and 3rd
in heat 7.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
Arrow Sydney
|
Item. Great Season Promised.
|
Australians played a big part in the English
season. Frank Auther, Vic Huxley, Max
Groskrents. Billy Lemont who has been away for
some years. Another success was Ray Taylor who
rose from obscurity last year and finished by
being one of the finest drawcards in the game.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
Labor Daily Sydney (additional enlarged copies
attached)
|
Plymouth Speedway and Lea Bridge
|
Due to leave England in early October to
compete for the Ashes against England. He has
done extremely well. Annexed Gold helmet at
Plymouth defeating Frank Varey in the final
and Eric Langdon, the English test team
Captain.
Beat Jack Parker, the British Champion.
Reported to be bringing home one of the
fastest machines in England. This together
with one of the latest racing outfits.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13
|
Recorded National League
|
Pennycross, Plymouth
|
Tuesday 13 September 1932. Plymouth 19 was
defeated by Crystal Palace 32. (National
League) Ray (Plymouth) 3rd in
heat 9.Eric Collins was right off form
suffering from tonsilitis. A big blow for
Plymouth. This meeting was rained off from the
previous Tuesday.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14
|
Recorded National League
|
Pennycross, Plymouth
|
Wednesday 14th September 1932 Clapton, London
Clapton 36 defeated Plymouth 18 (National
League)
Ray (Plymouth) 3rd in heat 3, 3rd
in heat 6 and 2nd in heat 9.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20
|
Recorded National League
|
Pennycross, Plymouth
|
Tuesday 20th September 1932.
Plymouth 22 lost to 32 Wimbledon. (National
League)
Ray (Plymouth) in 4th place in heat
3 after fall. 4th in heat 5 Lamont
and Jackson also fell. Lamont, Jackson and Ray
were in a 3 way pile up in heat 3. Bill
injured his chin. Ray was back on and tried
for second but Dick Case lapped him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27
|
Recorded National League
|
Pennycross, Plymouth
|
Tuesday 27 September 1932. Plymouth 30
defeated Stamford Bridge 22. (National
League)
Ray
scored 1 point and no place.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: *October 1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Records for this English season month are
unknown. Ongoing
|
|
|
|
Month: November 1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
4
|
Arrow Sydney
|
Item only
|
Ray on way back to Australia. Had a good year
but did not get into the Australian Test Team.
He is bringing back a JAP Machine and several
fast motors.
He became a flying enthusiast while away and
has a pilot’s ticket.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5
|
Labor Daily
|
Item only
|
As above. Bringing back a motor used in his
winning the gold and silver gauntlets in
England. Ray has been taking flying lessons
while down in Plymouth and hope to continue
flying at Mascot. He was asked to sign up for
a new speedway just opened in America but
turned it down due to commitments in
Australia.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8
|
The Daily Telegraph (Thurs)
|
Photo Only
|
Ray pictured on bike
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12
|
West Australian (Sat)
|
Item only
|
Ray arrived in Perth yesterday on the Lars Bay
from London. Details of English team races on
attached sheet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12
|
Labor Daily
|
Item only
|
Ray had seven weeks consecutive riding at
Wentworth speedway this season his most
impressive performances however were at the
Paramatta track.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18
|
Arrow Sydney (Fri)
|
Item only
|
Ray had a successful season in England winning
the Golden helmet and Silver Gauntlet. 22
riders competed in the English Championship in
which Ray finished 3rd.He is
bringing back the latest JAP machine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: November continued1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
18
|
As above
|
As above
|
Ray returned on 11 November of that year on
the ship Balranald. Also on board were dirt
track riders, Bert Spencer, Maurice Bradshaw,
S.W. Lipton, Eric Collins, Charlie Spinks and
S.C. Stratton. Ray showed wonderful
improvement since he went abroad and played no
small part in the Test matches in which he was
a member of the Australian team.
|
|
19
|
The Labor Daily Sydney (Sat)
|
Item only
|
Ray arrives home next Monday. He is bringing
something very “Hot” in the way of a motor.
|
|
21
|
Age Melbourne (Mon)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Much interest was taken in the “Mystery Rider”
|
|
22
|
The Daily Telegraph (Sydney Tue)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Ray who returned from England this week will
compete for the first time this season.
|
|
23
|
Sporting Globe (Melbourne Wed)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Ray to made his debut in the presence of
several thousand onlookers. He was announced
as the “Mystery Rider” Defeated by Ernie Evans
in two straight heats who gave a good display.
Ray had engine trouble in both heats.
|
|
24
|
The Advertiser Adelaide (Thurs)
|
Item only
|
Ray and Jack holis will feature at the
speedway on Saturday night
|
|
25
|
The Sun (Sydney Fri)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Taylor vrs Hollis
|
|
26
|
The Daily Telegraph (Sydney Sat)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Advertisement. Ray vrs Jack Hollis tonight.
Ray just returned from England where he
defeated Eric Langdon winner of the British
individual championship in straight heats at
Pyymouth.Ray also won the Golden Helmet and
Silver Gauntlet on the same track.
|
|
Month: November continued 1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
26
|
The Sydney Morning Herald
|
Wentworth Park
|
Rays first appearance when he meets Hollis.
|
|
27
|
The Sun Sydney
|
Wentworth Park
|
Large attendance and good riding in the
international event
|
|
28
|
The Labor Daily
|
Wentworth Park
|
Ray defeated by Jack Hollis in straight heats.
|
|
28
|
National Advocate (Bathurst Mon)
|
Wentworth Park
|
As above. Jack Hollis defeated Ray by half a
wheel. (1 metre ?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: December 1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
2
|
Arrow Sydney (Fri)
|
Remarks only as written in article “Cinders
from the dirt track”
|
Rays remarks to the Lads.”
InEngland
the JAPs are the only things on the Tracks. I
took a fast motor of a different make to
Plymouth and the boys came across and enquired
kindly where I thought I would get the speed
from. Dirt Track racing in England is an
absolute business. Every day riders who are
permanently attached to a track go through a
physical culture drill for an hour or two, and
then put in some solid practice on the course.
England is no place for an ordinary class
rider. Stars can make good money, but there
are so many of the average quality men in
England that outsiders cannot make a crust”.
Quite an unassuming chap Taylor, and he thinks
that local Lads have a good chance with the
Champions coming along with Jack Hoskins. We
sincerely hope your right, Ray.
|
|
Month: December continued 1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
2
|
Arrow Sydney (Fri)
|
As above
|
Rays defeat by Jack Hollis was partly due to
engine trouble. Dave Brewster his mechanic
said his motor was not performing up to JAP
standards. Gone is the wild man who didn’t
care about fences or crashes a year or two
years ago. Who also answered to the name
Taylor in his place is a heady rider who, on a
speedy track should be well worth seeing?
|
|
7
|
The Daily Telegraph Sydney (Wed)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Ray will be seen in action in the Gold Helmet
scratch race which includes all local stars.
|
|
9
|
Arrow Sydney (Fri)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Possible team match Royale and Wentworth being
arranged. Ray is a member of the Wentworth
quartet team
|
|
9
|
The Daily Telegraph (Sydney Fri)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Ray to compete in the Golden Helmet scratch
race on Saturday offering the biggest prize
money.
Match race between Bobbie Blake the unbeaten
match Champion of the season and Ray.
|
|
10
|
The Sydney Morning Herald (Sat)
|
Wentworth Park
|
As above.
|
|
10
|
The Daily Telegraph
|
Wentworth Park
|
As above
|
|
11
|
Truth (Sydney)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Ray mentioned previously beating Bobbie Blake
in the gold star match race
|
|
12
|
The Sydney Morning Herald (Mon)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Bobbie Blake won from Ray in the first heat
but Ray beat him in the second and third heats
|
|
15
|
The Daily Telegraph (Thurs)
|
Royale
|
Mention of Blakes defeat of Ray. (but no
mention of Ray’s wins)
|
|
20
|
The Sun (Sydney Thurs)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Wentworth and Royale teams match should
provide some excitement on Saturday.
|
|
Month: December continued 1932
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
21
|
The Daily Telegraph (Wed)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Artie Fenn who won the Gold Helmet will oppose
Ray. Fenn is riding at the top of his form and
Ray is reproducing his best.
|
|
22
|
The Daily Telegraph (Thurs)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Ray to race as part of the “Flying Twelve”
|
|
23
|
The Sun (Sydney Fri)
|
Wentworth Park
|
As Above
|
|
24
|
The Sydney Morning Herald (Sat)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Improved arrangement at the Track. Ray and
Arnie Fenn to match race.
|
|
24
|
The Daily Telegraph (Sat)
|
Wentworth Park
|
As above tonight
|
|
27
|
The Sydney Morning Herald
|
Wentworth Park
|
The gold star match was won by Ray. His
opponent Arnie Fenn fell in the final heat.
|
|
28
|
National Advocate (Bathurst Wed)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Arnie Fenn beat Ray in the match race and Ray
challenged for a rerun but Fenn beat him again
in the final heat.
|
|
29
|
The Sun (Sydney Thurs)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Good line up of Riders. Considered one of the
best on Saturday
|
|
31
|
The Daily Telegraph (Sat)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Benefit Carnival for the family of Bert
Brenman popular rider of the Wentworth Team.
Flying Fifteen to contest as well as country
and International riders. Ray to ride.
|
Ray left for England boarding the ship, Morton Bay
during the evening of the 4th April 1932
just ten days before his 23rd birthday and
returned on 11 November of that year on the ship
Balranald. Also on board were dirt track riders, Bert
Spencer, Maurice Bradshaw, S.W. Lipton, Eric Collins,
Charlie Spinks and S.C. Stratton.
National League Averages 1932
| Rider |
Team |
M |
Mx |
Pa |
Ra |
Pts |
Bon |
Ave |
| Ray Taylor |
Plymouth |
12 |
|
|
24 |
14 |
2 |
2.67 |
| Ray Taylor |
Southampton Saints |
3 |
|
|
8 |
2 |
0 |
1.00 |
| Ray Taylor |
Lea Bridge |
5 |
|
|
11 |
2 |
0 |
0.73 |
The above table is copied from the internet although sources
from 1932 records the dates were not listed and other
details defined.
Rays Bike "Daisy"
Ray Taylor:
Newspaper articles.
Speedway year
1933
|
Month: January 1933
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments/ Article
|
|
1
|
The Sun (Sydney Sun)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Gold Helmet scratch race. 3 Laps . Heat 1. Ray
1st. Second semi final Ray 2nd
place.
|
|
2
|
The Sydney Morning Herald(Mon)
|
Wentworth Park
|
As Above. Ray riding 495cc Rudge Withworth.
|
|
4
|
Referee (Sydney Wed)
|
Wentworth Park
|
As above. Ray showed plenty of dash and gave
the winner Blake a great ride.
|
|
5
|
The Labor Daily (Thurs)
|
Wentworth Park
|
International Match Race Ray mentioned.
|
|
6
|
The Daily Telegraph (Fri)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Ray riding in scratch race.
|
|
7
|
The Sydney Morning Herald
|
Wentworth Park
|
Preliminary to selection of Australian Test
Team to meet England decided tonight. Ray to
ride. Additional match race will include Ray.
|
|
8
|
The Sun (Sydney Sun)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Ray beaten in Gold Star race.
|
|
9
|
Sydney Morning Herald (Mon)
|
Wentworth Park
|
As above. Ray 2nd place to Jack
Hollis
|
|
12
|
The Daily Telegraph (Thurs)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Ray will be a starter for the Gold Helmet on
Saturday night.
|
|
14
|
The Lobor Daily (Sat)
|
Wentworth Park
|
As above.
|
|
15
|
Truth Sydney
|
Wentworth Park
|
As above. Ray in 2nd place in the
Wentworth Handicap run 4 laps in final heat.
|
|
16
|
The Sydney Morning Herald(Mon)
|
Wentworth Park
|
As above.
|
|
20
|
Arrow (Sydney Fri)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Ray having a bad spin. His motor is not
performing up to the standard he presented on
his return from England. His riding is up to
standard but the “horses” are not there. He
fell on Saturday but lucky not hurt.
|
|
21
|
The Sydney Morning Herald (Sat)
|
Sydney Royale
|
England team vrs NSW. Ray reserve and will
contest the scratch race.
|
|
25
|
Referee Sydney(Wed)
|
Item only
|
Ray visited boxers Carnera and O’Malley
|
|
26
|
The Brisbane Courier(Thurs)
|
Sydney Royale
|
As on 21st.
|
|
Month: January continued 1933
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments/ Article
|
|
27
|
Arrow Sydney(Fri0
|
Sydney Royale
|
As 21st.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: February 1933
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments/Atticles
|
|
|
Arrow Sydney (Fri)
|
Sydney Royale
|
London to meet NSW Team but Ray not included.
|
|
9
|
New Castle Sun (Thurs)
|
Sydney Royale
|
England vrs Australia. Ray 2nd
place in heat 16.
|
|
10
|
Arrow Sydney
|
Sydney Royale
|
Ray not mentioned
|
|
|
Truth Sydney (Sun)
|
Sydney Royale
|
4th Test England and Australia.
Bobbie Blake seriously suffering head
injuries. International scratch race Ray only
rider to finish. Final heat Ray won 1st
place.
|
|
13
|
Sydney Morning Herald (Mon)
|
Sydney Royale
|
As above more detail.
|
|
15
|
The Sun Sydney (Wed)
|
Sydney Royale
|
World Championship.EnglandVrs Australia.
Ray team member alongside Van Praag,
Wilkinson, Frank Arther, Bill Lamont, Max
Grosskreutz and Dick Smythe.
|
|
19
|
Truth Sydney(Sun)
|
Sydney Royale
|
Ray had a lucky escape in the 12th
heat. He fell opposite the grand stand and his
machine was in front of him. He was not hurt,
|
|
24
|
Northern Star Lismore NSW(Fri)
|
Local item
|
Ray referenced only
|
|
Month: March 1933
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
5
|
Truth Sydney (Sun)
|
Sydney Royale
|
Jack Hollis unconscious after crash. World
Speedway Championship. NSW Vrs The Rest Heat
1. Ray in NSW Team 1st place. Heat
1 (second heats) 3rd place. Final
score. 38-21 NSW Team defeated
|
|
6
|
Sydney Morning Herald (Mon)
|
Sydney Royale
|
Hard to read but detailed account of Saturdays
NSW Vrs The Rest and Rays point score.
|
Month: March 1933 continued
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
7
|
National Advocate Bathurst (Tue)
|
Not sure
Bathurst?
|
Ray mentioned for previous nights point score
and will be riding tonight.
|
|
8
|
National Advocate Bathurst (Wed)
|
Bathurst?
|
Ray Champions Scratch Race. Ray second to
Bluey Wilsenson in 1st heat.
|
|
8
|
Labor Daily Sydney(Wed)
|
Sydney Royale
|
Ray reserve foe the Australian Team vrs
England.
|
|
10
|
Arrow Sydney(Fri)
|
Sydney Royale
|
The Rest beat NSW Team. 29 to 23. Ray ticked
up 4 points for NSW.
|
|
11
|
The Sydney Morning Herald(Sat)
|
Sydney Royale
|
Fifth and final test between England and
Australia tonight. Also a 3 corner
international race Ray Australia, D Lloyd
England and Ray Tauser USA.
|
|
12
|
The Sun Sydney (Sun)
|
Sydney Royale
|
England defeated Australia in the final test.
52 to 43. Ray 2nd place in the
International match race Heat 1. Ray 1st
place in heat2. Ray International Match Race
Champion.
|
|
13
|
Labor Daily Sydney. (Mon)
|
Sydney Royale
|
As above. Ray showed better form than when
called for reserve for the above test. Winning
as above.
|
|
15
|
Sporting GlobeMelbourne (Wed)
|
Sydney Royale
|
As above. Ray stood in for Van Pragg and
finished a fine 2nd to Wally Little
in the fifth Australia/England Test match
heat.
|
|
16
|
Labor Daily Sydney(Thurs)
|
Wentworth Park
|
No mention of Ray
|
|
17
|
The Daily Telegraph Sydney
|
Wentworth Park
|
Ray in Conten…… Scratch Race tomorrow night.
|
|
19
|
The Sun Sydney (Sun)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Ray 1stplace Heat 5. Wentworth
Handicap and 2nd place in the Ares
Handicap. Heat 2 with Van Praag win.
|
|
22
|
The Sun Sydney (Wed)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Principal event a 3 corned match race with Ken
Kirkman, Artie Fenn and Ray.
|
|
22
|
Sporting Globe Melbourne (Wed)
|
Wentworth Park
|
As above Acres Scratch Race -Ray beaten by
Wally Little by a wheel.
|
|
24
|
The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Match racing will feature tomorrow night.
Wally Little to match Ray Again. Winners to
meet following Saturday.
|
|
24
|
The Sun Sydney(Fri)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Advertisement. Ray vrs Wally Little
|
|
25
|
The Sun Sydney(Sat)
|
Wentworth Park
|
As above.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: March continued 1933
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
26
|
The Sun Sydney(Mon)
|
Wentworth Park
|
Wentworth Handicap. Heat 1.Little beat Ray for
second place. Semi Final Heat 2 A Fenn beat
Ray for second place. Final Ray scored 1st
place. Ray was overall winner. Ray also won
the Match race against Wally Little.
|
|
27
|
Labor Daily Sydney(Mon)
|
Wentworth Park
|
As above. Ray and Wally Little showed great
performance. Little had fastest time overall
and had mechanical trouble.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: April 1933
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
22
|
The Labor Daily Sydney(Sat)
|
Item Only
|
Ray manufacturing Jackets
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: July 1933
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
1
|
The Labor Daily Sydney (Sat)
|
Item
|
Ray featured in “Great Riders”
|
|
15
|
The Labor Daily Sydney (Sat)
|
Item
|
Ray featured in “Great Riders”
|
|
15
|
The Labor Daily Sydney (Sat)
|
Item
|
Ray featured in “Great Riders”
|
|
29
|
The Labor Daily Sydney (Sat)
|
Item
|
Rays outstand Tuning Mechanic-Jonny Horwood
married(Brother of Daisy?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: August
1933
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
29
|
Daily Standard Brisbane
|
Brisbane Exhibition
|
Ray, Wally Little and Dick Sulway all signed
to ride at Exhibition Track in Brisbane when
ready.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| Ray Taylor |
| |
|
 |
|
Month: September
1933
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
2
|
Daily Standard Brisbane (Sat)
|
Exhibition Speedway(QLD)
|
Racing carnival will be conducted on Oct 14.
Will be the finest speed riders in the
commonwealth. 3/and a half hours each evening.
Ray not mentioned but will race -interesting
reading.
|
|
12
|
The Courier Mail(Brisbane(Tue)
|
Exhibition Speedway(QLD)
|
Riders engaged. Ray to race.
|
|
13
|
Daily Standard Brisbane(Wed)
|
Exhibition Speedway(QLD)
|
Star riders engaged. Ray included.
|
|
14
|
The Telegraph Brisbane (Thurs)
|
Exhibition Speedway(QLD)
|
Highly successful season is promised. Ray will
race.
|
|
17
|
Truth Brisbane(Sun0
|
Exhibition Speedway(QLD)
|
Arrival of motors already for reopening.
Training will begin 1st October.
|
|
20
|
(Unknown)
|
Exhibition Speedway(QLD)
|
Ray mentioned among other outstanding riders.
His training of recruits and clothing
manufacturing.
|
|
20
|
Daily Standard Brisbane(Wed)
|
Exhibition Speedway(QLD)
|
As above.
|
|
21
|
Referee Sydney(Thurs)
|
Exhibition Speedway(QLD)
|
Suggested England vrs Australia tests and Qld
hoping for two matches.
|
|
28
|
The Courier Mail Brisbane(Thurs)
|
Exhibition Speedway(QLD)
|
To open 14 October. Main race will be the
Golden Helmet.
|
|
30
|
Daily Standard Brisbane(Sat)
|
Exhibition Speedway(QLD)
|
Only 2 weeks away. Speedway opening. Ray
matched with Pearce. Model plane exhipition.
|
Month: October 1933
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
4
|
Daily Standard Brisbane (Wed)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Riders interchanged between venues for Grand
Opening. Ray to race Frank Pearce in Match
race at Grand opening. Golden Helmet match
race to be held.
|
Month: October 1933
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
5
|
Courier Mail Brisbane (Thur)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Several southern riders have arrived. Program
to comprise of Golden Helmet scratch race,
First class riders handicap, special “B” grade
scratch race, Model planes contest,
two match races on attempt for Lap
record
|
|
6
|
Telegraph Brisbane (Fri)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Opening riders are of “High” reputation.
|
|
6
|
As above
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Advertisement for opening on 14th
October.
|
|
10
|
Daily Standard Brisbane (Tue)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Advertisment-as above.
|
|
11
|
Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Details as previously for Grand Opening.
|
|
13
|
Daily Standard Brisbane (Fri)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Advertisement for Opening tomorrow night.
|
|
13
|
The Courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
The Golden Scratch race will have 16 riders in
4 heatsan d 2 seminal and Grand final. First
class handicap in 5 heats B grade scratch race
3 heats and final.
|
|
14
|
The Courier MailBrisbane(Sat)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
As above.
|
|
15
|
Truth Brisbane (Sun)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Details of events.
Golden Helmet-Ray won 3rd heat.
Final -Ray broke away by ten lengths to win.
|
|
16
|
The Telegraph Melbourne
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
As above. Frank Pearce defeated Ray in
Interstate Match Race.
|
|
16
|
Daily Standard Brisbane (Mon)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
As above with added detail.
|
|
16
|
Courier Mail Brisbane (Mon)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
As above.
|
|
16
|
Daily Standard Brisbane(Mon)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
As above with photo.(2 copies)
|
|
16
|
The Courier Mail Brisbane(Mon)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
As above. Helmet to Taylor.
|
|
16
|
The Telegraph Brisbane (Mon
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
As above Taylor Wins Helmet. 2 copies Ray
photo described as “Lucky”
|
|
Month: October 1933
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
17
|
The Courier Mail Brisbane (Tues)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
As above.
|
|
18
|
Daily Standard Brisbane(Wed)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
As above. Ray anxious to race for the Bulimba
Gauntlet.
|
|
19
|
Referee Sydney(Thurs)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
As above with detail.
|
|
21
|
The Northern Herald Cairns Qld.
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
As above.
|
|
22
|
Sunday Mail Brisbane
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
As above. Detail.
|
|
22
|
Truth Brisbane(Sun)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
As above.
|
|
22
|
Sunday Mail Brisbane
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Golden Gauntlet Final.
Ray gave furious race. Won.Details.
|
|
22
|
Unknown)Sun)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Taylor wins Golden Gauntlet.2nd
detail copy.
|
|
23
|
Daily Standard Brisbane(Mon)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Quote: “ Taylor to win Gauntlet”
|
|
23
|
Daily Standard Brisbane(Mon)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Says Ray should have been disqualified for”
boring Frank Arthur out”
|
|
23
|
The Telegraph Brisbane
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
As previously mentioned for the Golden
Gauntlet and no mention of disqualification.
|
|
24
|
The Telegraph Brisbane
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Ray gave the Bulimba sign shortly after
winning the Bulimba Golden Gauntlet. Photo.
|
|
27
|
The Courier Mail Brisbane (Fri)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Ray to Captain
the NSW TEST match
against Qld Interstate Match race on Saturday.
Also race in the “Black Cat ‘ Pennant .
|
|
28
|
The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
As above. Ray won the
pennant.
|
|
29
|
Truth Brisbane(Sun)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
As above.
|
|
30
|
Daily Standard Brisbane(Mon)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Taylor wins third big tital. Ray now achieved
a “Hat trick” after taking out the “Black Cat”
pennant on Saturday night.(2 pages)
|
|
Month: November 1933
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
1
|
Daily Standard Brisbane(Wed)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Ray heads Winners in prize money 64 pounds
total. (Aust dollars to 2019-($45,00 labour
cost-$174,100 economic value )
Ray topped in Trophies with Wally little
topped in overall value track wise. Crowds
favored Frank Arthur , a Queenslander ,over
Ray.
|
|
2
|
Referee Sydney (Thurs)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Ray won the Black Cat Silver Pennant making
his total a “Hat Trick”. 2 copies attached.
|
|
3
|
Daily Standard Brisbane (Fri)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
As above. Can Ray win the Silver Pennant?
|
|
3
|
TheTelegraph Brisbane(Fri)
|
Exhibition
Speedway
|
Advertisement for Silver Pennant. 2 attached
copies.
|
|
6
|
The Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)
|
Exhibition
Speedway
|
Ray may compete? Indian Cup.
|
|
8
|
Unknown
|
Parramatta Speedway
|
Event to be held on 9th Nov.
Outstanding feature is Ray to meet Charlie
Pegabo In a match race of 2 laps. 2 copies
attached.
|
|
8
|
Daily Standard Brisbane (Wed)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Ray may ride in the Indian cup.
|
|
9
|
Referee Sydney(Thur)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Meeting postphoned due to wet weather last
Saturday.
|
|
10
|
The Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Ray out to win the Silver Sash.
|
|
10
|
Daily Standard Brisbane (Fri)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Advertisement Interstate teams test and Silver
Sash tomorrow night.
|
|
11
|
The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
After 3 postponements the teams test will be
run tonight.
|
|
14
|
The Telegraph Brisbane(Thur)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Prise money for the new 33-34 season will be
150 pounds per week divided.
|
|
15
|
Courier Mail Brisbane(Wed)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
After many postponements the Silver Sash will
be run tonight.
|
|
Month: November 1933
|
|
Date
|
Source News Article
|
track
|
Comments
|
|
17
|
Courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
|
|
|
|
|
Criticism of inexperienced riders for false
starts.2 copies attached.
|
|
19
|
Truth Brisbane(Sun)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Ray won his heat by a full lap in the Silver
Sash but his chain broke in the semi final.
The winner was Frank Pearce.
|
|
20
|
Telegraph Brisbane(Sun)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Frank Pearce won Silver Sash. Ray suffered a
broken chain.
|
|
22
|
The Courier Mail Brisbane(Wed)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Ray is paired with Clem Mitchel for a special
match 2 lap race on Saturday
|
|
22
|
The Courier Mail Brisbane(Wed)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Advertisement for above.
|
|
23
|
Referee Sydney(Thur)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Ray lost match race but won as part of the
NSW team comp. Rough track although
skillfully negotiated by Frank Pearce and Ray.
Both run a record time of 74.3 seconds.
|
|
24
|
The courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Castrol Gold helmet and NSW vrs Qld to be held
on Saturday.
|
|
25
|
Unknown
|
Exhibition Speedway
|
Ray wins Castrol Gold Helmet.
|
|
| | |
