Defunct Speedway Tracks

 
 

Miscellaneous
Part 1

 
 
Lee Richardson  Ray Taylor  Norrie Isbister   Digging at the Starting Gate   Early Americans   NZ Smokey Stratton   Speedway Toy Riders   The 2 Stroke Scott Machine  Scott's Red Devil Frank Varey   Billy Lamont   Harley Davidsons  American Board Tracks   Oldest Riders   Lady Riders   Ice Speedway  Slider Shuttleworth   Swindon's Red Devil Mike Broadbanks  The History of the Sport  Cec Warren's 1928 Scrapbook
 
 
 
 

 
 
History of
Dirt Track Speedway

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.                                                                                                                                                                             

 
 

 
 
6 Riders USA
 
Courtesy of John Spoor
 
 

 
 
1939 Book Cover
 
Courtesy of Lyndsey Skinner
 
 

 
 
1938 Test Match At Harringay
 
England & Australia
v
America & Canada
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This meeting was dominated by the USA's Milne Brothers who both notched 6 ride 18 point maximums.  The England/ Australia side had no-one to trouble the Milnes or Wilbur Lamoreaux who notched 16 points
 
 

 
 
 
Letter From The BBC
 
Courtesy of Tom Roe
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Tasmanian
Reginald Aldgate West
 
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
The rider pictured above is Reg West. His daughter Colleen has been in touch as follows: -

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.

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.

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.

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!
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.
 
 

 
 
 
Ray "Broadside" Taylor
 
 
Robert Crich has sent me this lengthy document mapping the career of Australian Ray Taylor although I did chip in with some photos

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

 

Ray Taylor: Newspaper articles. Speedway year

1930

Month: January 1930

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

27

Adelaide SA(Mon)

Royale

A Grade Handicap

Month: March 1930

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

7

National Advocate
Bathurst(Fri)

Bathurst

Scratch Race


Month: April 1930

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

21

Evening News Sydney(Mon)

Penrith. NSW

Riding a BT Special

22

Newcastle Times(Tue)

Penrith. NSW

Attempt Flying Speed Record on 350cc BT Special bike

26

Nepean Times(Sat)

Penrith. NSW

10 seconds behind world Record at 55. 2-5 seconds. (-world- 45. Sec on 490cc Harley Davidson)

  

Month: November 1930

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

28

The Labour Daily Sydney(Fri)

Wentworth Park. NSW

Advax Gold Helmet
Handicap and Teams Race

 

 

Month: December 1930

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

5

Evening News Sydney(Fri)

Speeway Royal

Advax Gold Helmet heats

5

Sydney Morning Herald(Fri)

Speedway Royal

Advax Gold Helmet heats

18

The Sun. Sydney(Thur)

Speedway Royal

Advax Gold Helmet
Handicap race

21

The Truth. Sydney(Sun)

 

Consolation Scratch race. Ray won  1st Place.

Ray Taylor: Newspaper articles. Speedway year
1931

Month: January 1931

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

10

Evening News Sydney, NSW

Wentworth park

1st Heat. Advanx Gold Helmet

13

The Newcastle Sun

Newcastle Speedway

First appearance in Newcastle

14

The New Castle Sun

Newcastle Speedway

Upcoming Match Race

15

The New Castle Sun

Newcastle Speedway

Upcoming Match Race

16

The New Castle Sun

Newcastle Speedway

Appearance advert

23

The New Castle Sun

Newcastle Speedway

Appearance advert. For 1 Mile Championship

29

The Labor Daily Sydney

Wentworth Park

“Taylor gets his chance”  proved himself for the track championship next Saturday

 

Month: March 1931

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

4

The Labor Daily Sydney

 

Handicap Race

 

 

 

 


Month: April 1931

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

5

Truth Sydney

Parramatta Speedway

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.

15

Referee Sydney

Parramatta

Grand Final Thrilling event


Month: May 1931

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

22

Labor Daily

 

Looking around bike shops with Manager Norm Williams. Will be remembered for stunning performances at Parramatta speedway.


Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

20

The Sun

Paramatta Speedway

Heat 5. Riding an Indian. Time 2 seconds.

 

 

 

 


Month: October 1931

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

6

The Daily Telegraph Sydney

Parramatta Speedway

Spills frequent. Needed ambulance attendance for abrasions to his knee. Lost Gold Star final.

7

Referee Sydney

Paramatta Speedway

Narrowly defeated in Parramatta Handicap over 4 laps.

24

 

Paramatta Speedway

Parramatta Team Vrs Sydney Team. Selected for Parramatta Team

25

Truth Sydney

Paramatta Speedway

Paramatta Handicap. 2nd heat 1st place. 3rdsemi final 1st place. A grade teams race 2nd place in dead heat with Les Roy.

26

The Labor Daily

Paramatta Speedway

Paramatta Handicap 2nd heat 2nd place.3rdsemi final 1st place.


Month: November 1931

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

5

The Cumberland Argus and Fruit Growers Advocate. Parramatta

Parramatta Speedway

Race cancelled due to wet weather will be brought forward to next Saturday.

8

Truth Sydney

Parramatta Speedway

Third semi final for the Parramatta Handicap. 1st place.

16

The Cumberland Argus and Fruit Growers Advocate. Parramatta

Parramatta Speedway

As below(both newspapers reported same race and placings.

17

Newcastle Sun

Parramatta Speedway

Final Paramatta Handicap won by Len Roy with Ray in second place.

Flying scratch race. Heat 4. 1st place.

22

Truth Sydney

Parramatta Speedway

Big Twelve Scratch Race. 1st place

26

The Cumberland Argus and Fruit Growers Advocate. Parramatta

Parramatta Speedway

Big Twelve Scratch Race. 1st place


Month: December 1931

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

15

Daily Telegraph Sydney

Wentworth Speedway

To race next Saturday for the Track Championship

16

Labor Daily

Wentworth Speedway

As above

18

The Sun Sydney

Wentworth Speedway

Flying nine scratch race

18

Daily Telegraph

Wentworth Speedway

Flying nine scratch race. Heat 3.

19

Daily Telegraph

Wentworth Speedway

Advert for the above race on Saturday night

20

Truth Sydney

Wentworth Speedway

Speedway season opened. Showed he was a real broardside artist 1 second outside the record Wentworth Handicap 3rd heat. 1st place.


Month: December 1931 continued

20

Truth Sydney

Wentworth Speedway

Covered 4 laps in 1 min 18 seconds. Just 3-5 of a second short of track record

21

Sydney Morning Herald

Wentworth Speedway

Crowd of 6000 applauded his handling of his bike when the back tyre came off to win as above

24

The Sun Sydney

Wentworth Speedway

Advertisement. 3 heat match next Saturday

26

The Daily Telegraph Sydney

Wentworth Speedway

Advertisement. 3 heat match next tonight.

27

Sun Sydney

Wentworth Speedway

Flying nine scratch race final. 1st place. Broke Van Praag’s record by 4-5 seconds.

28

National Advocate Bathurst

Wentworth Speedway

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.

29

Labor Daily Sydney

Wentworth Speedway

Clipped 1 3-5 of a second from a rolling start

30

The Sun Sydney

Wentworth Speedway

Proved himself and a new track star. Will compete for the best 3 heats of 2 laps from a standing start.

31

Brisbane Courier Qld

Wentworth Speedway

As above. Proved a star with 17 second average per lap and thought to have broken other records-not stated.

31

Sydney Morning Herald-Sydney

Wentworth Speedway

Australian Motor Cyclists Union impressed with his performance.To contest the scratch mark and compete against Van Praag in Championship Trophy.


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.

 

 

 

 


Month: December  1933

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

7

Referee Sydney(Thurs)

Parramatta Speedway

Ray to race at Parramatta with photo

8

Unknown(Fri)

Parramatta Speedway

Ray to race tomorrow night. Mentioned his performance and his record travel time between Sydney and Qld as 18 hours.

8

Windsor and Richmond Gazette NSW (Fri)

Parramatta Speedway

Ray to meet Charlie Pegarbo

In a match race over 2 laps. 2 copies.

 

 

 

 

Ray Taylor : Newspaper articles. Speedway  year

1934

24

Worker Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. As above

24

Daily Standard Brisbane (Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. As above

Month: January continued 1934

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

24

The Telegraph Brisbane

Exhibition Speedway

Details as above

24

Courier Mail Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Details as above.

24

Daily Standard Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Details as above.

25

Daily Standard Brisbane(Thurs)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. As above

25

The Courier Mail Brisbane (Thurs)

Exhibition Speedway

Details as above.

25

The Telegraph Brisbane

Exhibition Speedway

Details as above.

26

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

More information as above.

26

The Telegraph(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. As above.

26

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. As above. Photo of George Greenwood.

26

Daily Standard(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. As above. Photos of Bill Jefferies and Bill Lamont.

26

Labor Daily

Goggles comment (Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Complementary words about Rays time in Brisbane.

27

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. As above.

27

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above with details.

28

Truth Brisbane (Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray in 3rd heat and was second to Len Langedon. George Greenwood’s team won. 28-23

29

Daily Standard(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above Ray had to be content with 5 second places in the team heats.

29

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. In race with George Greenwood Ray was behind and when ready to gain ground he hit a bump near the pits.


Month: February 1934

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

8

Daily Telegraph Brisbane(Thurs)

Sydney Royale

Clem Mitchell to meet Dick Sulway in duel match. Dick Sulway in dispute over fine of one pound which he says is injust. Ray will ride in his place if the matter is not settled.

11

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Ray 3rd place in Australian scratch race.

Month: February 1934

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

24

The Daily Telegraph(Sat)

Sydney Royale

Tigar Stevenson to make farewell appearance tonight. NSW vrs the rest.

Month: February continued 1934

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

25

Truth Sydney (Sun)

Sydney Royale

Ray was top scorer but beaten by Wally Little.

 

 

 

Tiger Stevenson broke several records on the night and was awarded an opel studded silver sash.

25

Sun Sydney (Sun)

Sydney Royale

As above Ray run close seconds to Wally Little and Tiger Stevenson.

 

 

 

 


Month: March 1934

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

4

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Speedway accidents. Ray 2nd place in his heat.

4

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Sydney Royale

As above. Ray rode well and won his heat and 2nd place in the final a gruling race with Iron Mitchel and Ken Kirkham.

5

The Daily Telegraph(Sydney)(Mon)

Sydney Royale

As above.

10

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Royale

Fireworks and battle displaysRay to race.

11

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

As above.Farewell speedway meeting of the season.  Interstate match race (3 laps)Clem Mitchel beat Ray by half a wheel.

17

Labor Daily Sydney(Sat)

Wentworth Park

Ray to race.

21

Labor Daily Sydney(Wed)

Wentworth Park

Ray mentioned.

 

 

 

 


Month: September 1934

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

7

Labor Daily Sydney(Fri)

News item only

Ray interested to start dirt track training school. Clem Mitchill also interested. Friends as they toured England together.

7

Labor Daily Sydney(Fri)

News item only

Ray left to race in New Zealand.

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

2

The Labor Daily(Tue)

Parramatta Speedway

Item only

Noel Terry is interested in the scheme of Ray and Clem Mitchell for a training school.

4

The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate Parramatta(Thurs)

Item only

Ray was thinking of leaving the sport and as he had an auctioneering with a weekly market at Ryde resisted offers from Melbourne for the centenary celebrations and offer for a trip to England in March 1935.

He is leaving for Melbourne on the weekend.

22

Argus Melbourne(Mon)

Melbourne Exhibition Speedway

Ray won 6th heat of the Contenent scratch race. Photo

 

 

 

 


Month: November 1934

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

2

The Herald Melbourne(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to compete in an International scratch race tomorrow night.

7

Sporting Globe Melbourne(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray did well race unknown.

13

The Argus Melbourne(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

Match race heats. Ray,s placing not clear.

14

Sporting Globe Melbourne(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

As above though stated Bill Rogers outmaneuvered Ray.

15

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Thurs)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Bill Rogers defeated Ray 2 heats to 1.

15

The Advertiser Adeliade (Thurs)

Exhibition Speedway

England vrs Australia. Teams to be selected and Ray will be considered.

22

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Thurs)

Sydney Royale

Ray to be included in NSW team vrs England on December 8.

29

The Cumberland and Fruitgrowers Advocate Parramatta(Thur)

Paramatta Speedway

Ray vrs Jack Hollis to race on Saturday.

29

The Cumberland and Fruitgrowers Advocate Parramatta(Thur)

Paramatta Speedway

Advertisement. Ray vrs Jack Hollis to race on Saturday. 1st December.

 

 

 

 



Month: December 1934

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

1

Labor Daily Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Royale

Comment that Ray is returning from Melbourne.

2

The Sun Sydney(Sun)

Parramatta Speedway.

As above unfortunately Jack Hollis’s back wheel toughed Rays bike and he crashed and was taken to hospital. Ray won heats and final for the Big nine scratch race.

2

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Ray chosen for the NSW team between England.

3

Maitland Dailey Sydney(Mon)

Sydney Royale

As above the English team to arrive on Tuesday.

3

The Age Melbourne(Mon)

Sydney Royale

As above.

3

The Labor Daily(Mon)

Sydney Royale

As above

3

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Mon)

Sydney Royale

As above. To be graded on Tuesday.

3

The Sydney Morning Herald (Mon)

Sydney Royale

As above and previously mentioned.

9

Truth Sydney (Sun)

Sydney Royale

England vrs NSW no mention of Ray.

10

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Mon)

Sydney Royale

As above. Several falls and crashes In heat 4 of the all commers race. Ray who finished in 3rd place  (NSW) was cheered when he crashed to avoid fallen rider in front of him.

11

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Tue)

Sydney Royale

Australian team to be chosen Ray is considered.

16

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Ray 2nd place in semi final.

20

Daily Telegraph Sydney

Sydney Royale

Ray to ride for Australia vrs England next Saturday.

21

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

Ray to ride tomorrow night. Committee working on big international tests including American teams.

24

The Courier Mail Brisbane

Sydney Royale

1 Mile Championship -heat 5. Bluey Wilkinson beat Ray who finished 2nd.

26

West Australian Perth(Wed)

Sydney Royale

Details of 1 mile championship.

 

 

 

 

Ray Taylor: Newspaper articles. Speedway year

1935

Month: January 1935

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

4

The Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

Paring of riders. Ray to compete tomorrow night.

5

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Royale

Joe Abbot and Les Gregory -England will compete against Bluey Wilkinson and Ray -Australia. Best pairs Championship

6

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Second washout due to rain. Compete tomorrow night.

8

The Daily Telegraph(Tue)

Sydney Royale

Best pairs Championship.Heat 1.  Bluey Wilkinson 1st. Joe Abbott 2nd and Ray 3rd place. Heat8. Bluey Wilkinson 1st Cliff Parkinson 2nd Ray 3rd. Heat 14 Bluey Wilkinson and Ray dead heat 1st.

8

Labor Daily Sydney (Tue)

Sydney Showground(Royale)

As above.Ray rode the best race of the season in heat 14.

8

The Labor Daily Sydney(Tue)

Sydney Royale

As above.

11

The Labour Daily(Fri)

Sydney Royale

As above. Ray has an offer for a contract in England and the terms of such have him well covered. Likely he will accept.

13

Sun Sydney( Sun)

Sydney Royale.

Heat 1 -Scratch race Ray 2nd. Yesterday night.

 

 

 

 


Month: February 1935

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

13

Sporting Globe Melbourne(Wed)

Item only

Ray negotiating for an American offer. Namely a team of Dirt Track Riders to race in USA.

14

Referee Sydney (Thur)

Item only

Ray in New Zealand and has been engaged to ride for Wembley this English season.

14

Daily Telegraph Sydney (Thur)

Item only

Ashes to be renamed Cinders.

 

 

 

 


Month: March 1935

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

21

The Daily Telegraph Sydney

Western Springs New Zealand

Ray had a successful season in New Zealand and left for America and England. He established records in NEW Zealand with a new record for 3 laps on the Western Springs Track . Ray has been offered a contract in NZ when he returns from England. (3 extracts on single copies.)

 

 

 

 



Month: May 1935

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

 

 

 

 

9

Records from England

Empire Stadium. London

Thursday. Ray rode for the Wembley Cubs against the West Ham Hawks. National League. 3rd in heat 1. First in heat 3.

16

Records from England

Empire Stadium. London

Thursday. Junior Race. Ray Heat 1. First and first in Final. Scratch race. 2nd in heat 2.

23

Records from England

Empire Stadium. London

Thursday. Ray rode for Wembley against West Ham. 3rd in heat 2. 2nd in heat 3.

23

Advertiser Adelaide(Thurs)

Wimberley England

Start of English Season and Wembley is making an effort to gain Dick Smythe, Billy Lamont and Ray,(3 copies attached)

27

Records from England

Wimbledon, London

Ray Wimbledon. Junior challenge match. 4th in heat 2. 3rd in heat 4.

27

The Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Item abt England season

Monday. Ray and Billy Lamont are signed up and on their way over to UK.(3 copies attached)

28

Courier Mail Brisbane(Tues)

Item abt England season

As above.

30

Records from England

Empire Stadium. London.

Thursday.Ray Wembley Cubs.  2nd heat 1. 4th in heat 4.



Month: June 1935

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

 

 

 

 

12

Records from England

Seaforth Stadium, Liverpool.

Wednesday. Ray rode for Australians against Seaforth. 3rd in heat 4. And 3rd in heat 9. Seaforth defeated Australians 33-20.

20

Records from England

Empire Stadium, London

Thursday. Scratch Race. 4th in heat 4.



Month:July 1935

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

4

Records from England

Empire Stadium, London

Thursday. Ray rode for Wembley. DNR Code(to be researched)

11

Records from England

Empire Stadium, London

Thursday. Ray Wembley. As above.

13

Records from England

Empire Stadium, London

Saturday. Ray 4th in heat 15. Reserve.

16

Records from England

Pennycross Stadium, Plymouth

Tuesday. Raven Trophy race. First in heat 1. 2nd in heat 1 sf. 2nd in Final. Challenge Match race. Lewis beat Ray. Flying nine. 2nd heat 3. 2nd in final.

23

Records from England

Pennycross Stadium, Plymouth

Tuesday. Ray rode for Plymouth.  1st in heat 7. Jones replaced Ray in heat 3. Challenge Match race Ray beat Dick Wise. Plymouth Distance Handicap.  1st in heat 4. And 4th in final.

25

Records from England

Empire Stadium, London

Thursday. Preliminary scratch race. 4th. Scratch race 4th in heat 1.

27

Records from England

Wimbledon, London

Satursday. Handicap race. 3rd in heat 2. 5 yards handicap.

29

Records from England

Seaforth Stadium, Liverpool

Monday. Ray rode for the South team vrs North. 3rd heat 2. 2nd Heat 9.


Ray Taylor
On Daisy at
Wimbledon



Month:August 1935

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

1

Referee Sydney(Thur)

Wembley UK

Ray reserve for Wembley. Established a track record in Paris and scored 14 points out od 15 in a teams match.(Believed to be the Buffalo Velodrome. Paris)


Month:August continued  1935

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

12

Record from England

Seaforth Stadium, Liverpool

Monday. Ray was due to ride for Australians vrs Seaforth but replaced by Ernie Price.

26

Record from England

Seaforth Stadium, Liverpool

Monday. Ray rode Wimbledon. Vrs Seaforth. 3rd heat 3. 3rd heat 7.

27

Western Morning News

Pennycross Stadium, Plymouth

Tuesday. Ray rode for Eastbourne vrs Plymouth. 2nd heat 6. 1st heat 8.  Ray was returning after injury and was appearing as the “Mystery Rider”. One lap record attempt was cancelled due to weather. Billy Lamont beat Ray in the Match race.

 

 

 

 


Month:September 1935

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

3

Western Morning News

Pennycross Stadium, Plymouth

Tuesday. Ray riding for London vrs Plymouth.

2nd heat 3. 1st heat 6. Ray beat Eric Collins in Match race. Plymouth Distance Handicap.heat 3. 2nd.

 

4

Western Mail England(Wed)

White City Stadium. Cardiff. UK.

Wednesday. Ray in Cardiff team. 2nd place in Heat 7.

7

Record of England

Wimbledon, London

Ray 4th Heat 1. Handicap race (5 yards)

10

Western Morning News

Pennycross Stadium, Plymouth

Tuesday. Plymouth Trophy Heat 4. 3rd. Heat 8. 3rd.

21

Records of England

Wimbledon, London

Saturday. Graded Scratch race. Heat 1 3rd. Wimbledon Distance Handicap. Heat 4. 4th.

23

The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate(Mon)

Item only. England.

Victor Pope RAN on board HMAS Brisbane went to the track at Plymouth and felt a slap on the back from his Ryde friend Ray.2 copies.

 

 

 

 


13

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Opening season. Overseas riders from England and America and interstate. Ray on way back from England.

18

Labor Dailey Sydney(Fri)

Item only

Ray due to arrive this week. Racing for Wembley and flew over to Paris,Germany and other countries. He has been offered a contract to return. Also bringing latest racing equipment.

 

 

 

 


Month: November 1935

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

28

Herald Melbourne

Exhiibition Speedway

Ray and Clem Thomas to contest 3 heat 3 lap race.

15

Labor Daily Sydney(Fri)

Item only

Ray will return from England on Thursday on board the Oronsay.

16

News Adelaide(Sat)

Item only

As above. Riders break records in England and Ray and others will take part in Sydney Carnivals .

19

Herald Melbourne(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

Riders returned from America and Ray from England will appear next Saturday. Ray said to be going to New Zealand.

20

The Argus Melbourne(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray arrived in Melbourne on the Oronsay. Will make his first appearance in Melbourne.

20

Sporting Globe

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to attend as above. The paper stated that Ray was struck by a steel toe cap while in England at the Liverpool track and was in hospital for 3 weeks with injury to his right cheek and when he was discharged he broke all records at the Buffalo trach in Paris. Bringing a ton of spare parts back with him

21

The Herald Melbourne(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

As previously. Ray to make his debut on Saturday. Entry into the Exhibition scratch race.

22

The Labor Daily Sydney(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray returned to Melbourne for 5 weeks as the offer was too good to turn away. Photo.

23

Sporting Globe Melbourne(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

Month: November continued 1935

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

23

Speedway Record(Sat)

Article

Ray returned home with a new JAP Special and spareparts. A deep scar covering a fracture on his right cheek bone an inch below his eye luck to escape permanent injury or death. He was unconscious for 3 days and in hospital for 2 weeks.  A week after hospital he crashed a record at the Buffalo track, Paris.

27

The Sporting Globe Melbourne(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray did not appear in usual form as his new machine and fuel requirements led to tuning problems.2 copies attached.

28

Herald Melbourne(Thurs)

Exhibition Speedway

Main attraction next Saturday night is a  Challenge match between Ray and Clem Thomas. 3 laps and 3 heats.

29

Herald Melbourne(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. For above.

29

The Age Melbourne(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

29

Herald Melbourne(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

30

The Herald Melbourne(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above tonight.

 

 

 

 


Month: December 1935

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

4

Sporting Globe Melbourne(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray and Clem Thomas provided highlights of the night. In a special 3 lap 3 heats match race there was some exceptional riding. Ray was the winner.

5

Referee Sydney(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Ray won decisively over 2 heats.

7

Sproting Globe Melbourne(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray tp be in match race tonight.

10

The Herald Melbourne(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray amd Jack Bibby to race in a special match and th winner to rave against Danish speedster Morian Hansen.

11

Sporting Globe Melbourne(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Details.


 

Month: December 1935

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

13

The Herald Melbourne(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Details.

13

The Herald Melbourne(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement for above.

1

Sporting Globe Melbourne(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Details.

15

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Jack Bibby defeated Ray. Hansen fell in both races.

18

Sporting Globe Melbourne(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Ray to compete in 12 Aces scratch race on Saturday.

31

The Advertiser Adelaide

Exhibition Speedway

Special Challenge race between Clem Thomas and Ray over 3 heats. Ray was the winner.

 

 

 

 


Comments: It may be considered that between  29th July and when Ray returned to the track on 27th August1935 that he sustained  his injury when he was hit by a steel toe plate of another rider which came off and flew up into his face during a race. It was reported on 23rd November by  Speedway Record. Cinder Siftings.  Quote ” It is a reminder to Ray Taylor of the lucky escape he had from permanent injury or death on the Liverpool track. Struck by a steel toe plate dropped by another rider Ray was knocked unconscious sustaining a severe fracture extending from an inch below the eye to the upper jaw bone. Unconscious as a result of a severe concussion for three days he was out of hospital in two weeks and a week later crashed a record on the Buffalo track in Paris”.

Ray Taylor :
Newspaper articles. Speedway  year

1936

Contents:

Month: January 1936

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

8

Herald Melbourne(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

American riders to be introduced. Ray to meet Jack Milne.( 2copies unreadable)

9

Referee Sydney(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

Cordy Milne (brother of Jack) In second heat of the 3 lap scratch race Ray and Cordy had a wheel to wheel race and finished in a dead heat. Ray had a wheel wobble in the final heat and was beaten by Cordy.(2 copies)

9

The Herald Melbourne(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. The track has a new innovation as ‘electronically controlled” and the above”dead heat” determined by this system.

10

The Herald Melbourne(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to meet Cordy Milne the American National Champion.

11

The Age Melbourne(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Best 2 out of 3 heats.

13

Age Melbourne(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Cordy Milne beat Ray in two heats and dead heat in the third.

16

Referee Sydney(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Stated that Cordy Milne wins every start in Melbourne. Note Rays dead heat.

18

The Age Melbourne(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Jack Milne to meet Ray.

19

The Herald Melbourne(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. Cordy Milne vrs Ray.

22

Sporting Globe Melbourne(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Continental Handicap. Ray disqualified although after his appeal his false start was due to mechanical trouble. Ray finished third.  (2 copies)                                

23

The Herald Melbourne(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray (NSW TEAM) to compete against Dane-Morian Hansen.



Month: January continued 1936

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

23

Referee Sydney(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

Continental Handicap. Ray crashed through a barrier and was disqualified but upon appeal as his clutch was faulty he was allowed to compete.

 

 

 

 


Month: February 1936

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

5

Sporting Globe Melbourne(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Crowd of 9000 came to see the American Milnes brothers and were hard pressed by Ray and Clem Thomas.

7

The Herald Melbourne(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. Cordy Milne USA vrs Ray.

7

The Herald Melbourne(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Challenge Match(International Match Race) on Saturday as above.

8

The Age Melbourne(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray best on dry track. Also in Pairs Championship.

11

The Herald Melbourne(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

Meeting postphoned. Cordy will be substituted by Cordy’s brother Jack.  In a 3 heat match over 3 laps.

13

The Age Melbourne(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

Cordy to appear against Ray.

14

The Herald Melbourne(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

14

The Herald Melbourne(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Advertisement. Tomorrow night.

14

The Age Melbourne(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

17

Argus Melbourne(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Cordy Milne defeated Ray in 2 straight matches and Ray won third.

18

The Age Melbourne

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

 

 

 

 


Month: March 1936

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

4

Sporting Globe Melbourne(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. Jack Bibby, Clem Thomas and Ray to contest in a triangular race on Saturday. 2 pages

4

The Herald Melbourne(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

As above . Race to be run over 3 laps and decided on a point basis.

6

The Herald Melbourne(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. As above.

6

The Age Melbourne(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

 

 

 

 

Month: March 1936

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

9

Argus Melbourne

Exhibition Speedway

False report. Jack Bibby did not win. See below

11

Sporting Globe Melbourne

Exhibition Speedway

Season at Exhibition Speedway closes. Ray won the 3 heats with record best time.

19

Advertiser Adelaide (Thurs)

Camden Motordrome

Ray to compete with Arnold Hansen in a special match race.

20

News Adelaide(Fri)

Camden Motordrome

Advertisement. As above

21

Mail Adelaide(Sat)

Camden Motordrome

Ray won the special match race over Arnold Hansen. He also won the Championship scratch race. 2 pages.

23

Advertiser Adelaide(Mon)

Camden Motordrome

More details 2nd page. Ray also won the Motordrome Championship.

28

Mail Adelaide (Sat)

Camden Motordrome

As above. More details of team race etc. Thrilling races.

29

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Camden Motordrome

Ray mentioned as winning a trebble.

 

 

 

 


Month: April 1936

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

2

The Advertiser(Thur)

Camden Motordrome

Ray has returned to Melbourne

3

The Herald Melbourne(Fri)

Olympic Park Speedway

Ray will compete with Ray Hay the Tasmanian champion.

4

The Age Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park Speedway

Advertisement. As above.

4

The Argus Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park Speedway

Advertisement. As above.

 

 

 

 


Month: May1936

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

7

The Age Melbourne(Thur)

Advertisement

Ray‘s advertisement for bike inspection services. Phone: B9617

 

 

 

 

Month: November 1936

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

7

The Age Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park Speedway

American and English top riders imported to race. Ray has decided to remain in Melbourne for its season.

11

News Adelaide(Wed)

Camden Motordrome

Advertisement. Ray to have a return match with Les Fredricks and Bill Madden.

12

News Adelaide(Thur)

Camden Motordrome

Advertisement. As above.

12

The Advertiser Adelaide(Thur)

Camden Motordrome

Article. As above.

13

Sport Adelaide(Fri)

Camden Motordrome

Advertisement. As above.

19

Sporting Globe Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park Speedway

USA vre Australia first team competition in a series of Tests. USA Captain Jack Minle and team;  Cordy Milne, Artie Fenn, Pete Coleman, Byrd McKinney, Wilbur Lamoreaux, Earl Farrand and Garland Johnson. Australia:  Vic Huxley(Capt) Clem Mitchell, Artie Fenn, Jack Bibby, Ray Taylor, Bill Rogers and Bert Spencer.

 

 

 

 


Month: December 1936

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

3

The Herald MELBOURNE(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

USA Team at speedway. Ray to compete.

3

The Argus Melbourne(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

3

Referee Sydney(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.(2 copies)

4

The Argus Melbourne(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray will form part of the Victorian team against USA.

5

The Age(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. As above tonight.

5

Unknown

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

10

The Age Melbourne(Thur)

Olympic Park

Ray to compete in International test on Saturday.


Month: December 1936

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

19

The Age Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park

(Empire speedway)

America vrs Australia. Match over 9 heats of 3 laps . Vic Huxley Captain and USA Jack Milne Captain.

19

Sporting Globe(Sat)

Olympic Park

As above. A strong surporting program of 24 events.

19

Weekly Times Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park

As above.

21

The Herald Melbourne(Mon)

Item only

Ray bashed in his shop at Victoria St. Abbortsford by 3 thugs. Ray left bleeding on floor.

21

The Herald Melbourne(Mon

Item only

As above with more details.

22

Barrier Miner Broken Hill.NSW.

Item only

As above and details how Ray had defended a boy at the track the night before. They said they had” come to settle an account”.

22

The Age Melbourne(Tue)

Item only

As above.

23

Sporting Globe(Wed)

Olympic Park

Australia vrs America match was won by Australia by 8 points. Ray scored one 2nd and two 3rd places in his heats.(2 copies)

28

The Sydney Morning Herald(Mon)

Olympic Park

Victoria vrs England Teams match race. Ray was severely shaken in a heavy fall. His machine struck Parkinson  in the last heat.

 

 

 

 

Ray Taylor : Newspaper articles. Speedway  year

1937

Contents:

Month: January 1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

1

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway Melbourne

Australia vrs England 2nd Test. Ray is one of the outstanding riders. Saturday night.

1

Herald Melbourne(Fri)

Olympic Park

Advertisement . As above

*2

The Argus Melbourne(Sat)

Empire Speedway Olympic Park

Two Reserves(Ray and Les Wotton Eng) will meet in a special international match race over 3 laps.

2

The Age Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park

As above

8

The Age Melbourne(Fri)

Olympic Park

Ray reserve for the Consolation race on Saturday

12

The Age Melbourne(Fri)

Olympic Park

Quadrilateral race of 3 laps. Dick Case Captain of Hackney Wick England, Ray, Karl Ferrand America, and Pete Colman America.

15

Herald Melbourne(Fri)

Olympic Park

Advertisement. Pete Coleman USA and co vrs Ray.

16

The Herald Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park

Ray to be reserve.

 

 

 

 

16

Sporting Globe Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park

As above.

18

Argus Melbourne(Mon)

Olympic Park

Ray defeated Pete Coleman UAS in 2 lap match race.


Month: January continued 1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

21

The Age Melbourne(Thur)

Olympic Park

Australia vrs America. Ray in Australian team. On Saturday.

21

Referee Sydney(Thurs)

Olympic Park

Highlights of the night was Rays defeat of Jack Milne in the 3rd heat of the open scratch race and Pete Coleman in a special 2 lap match.

23

The Argus Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park

3rd test match tonight (as above) Ray also in heat 3 of the “Flying Nine” match race.

30

The Argus Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park

Ray in “White” mixed team (Aust and USA) TONIGHT.


Month: February 1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

5

Hearld Melbourne(Fri)

Olympic Park

Advertisement. America vrs Victoria -Saturday.

12

Herald Melbourne (Fri)

Olympic Park

Advertisement. Quadrilateral Match. Dick Case Captain of Hackney Wick Eng, Pete Coleman USA, Earl Farrand USA, Ray Victoria. Saturday.

12

The Age Melbourne(Fri)

Olympic Park

As above

13

The Argus Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park

As above. Ray to compete in heat 1.

 

 

 

 



 

Month: September1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

2

The Advertiser Adelaide(Thur)

Item only

Ray is interested in the proposal of Port Melbourne Ground as a Speedway.

13

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Frank Arthur may appear at the opening in Brisbane on October 16. Ray has been booked to race.

14

Worker Old.(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway QLD

Ray and other riders preparing to arrive for the Brisbane season.

18

The Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray will race on October 16.

19

Truth Brisbane

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Fifty riders are willing to participate. From Australia, England and USA.

 Month: September continued1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

21

Worker Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

The public will be admitted free on weekday practice nights which begins tonight. 2 copies

21

The Telegraph Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

Thirty thousand medallions to school children for admission to the speedway.

26

Truth Brisbane

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Ray to attend on October 16.

30

The Advertiser Adelaide (Thur)

Nelson Park Geelong

Speedway is being constructed. Ray to organize racing co-operation.

 

 

 

 


Month: October1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

3

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to compete in a special match with Vic Huxley on 16th October.

4

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above including Ray’s photo.

5

Worker Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Overseas riders on their way. Practice nights have attracted crowds of over 3000.

6

The Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Jack Bibby to compete.

7

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

Riders arriving from England and Ray at the weekend.

9

Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Details.

10

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Opening next Saturday night.

10

Sunday Mail Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

11

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Riders trials and some travelled 400 miles to attend.

12

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

12

Worker Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Vic Huxley and Ray to be in a special race.

13

Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. 3 copies.

13

The Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Photo of visiting Riders at the track last night. L-RT. Jim Geran, Ray Duggan,Ray Taylor, Jack Bibby, Putt Mossman,Dick Kirwan and Bob Hill.

13

The Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

As above Advertisement. Ray vrs Vic Huxley with photo.

14

Telegraph Brisbane(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Rehearsals  rides. Photos of competitors.

15

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Photos.

Month: October continued 1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

15

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Advertisment.

15

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Photos.

15

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Advertisment.

 

 

 

 

16

Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Advertisment.

16

Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Program for the night. Ray to ride in heat 1 for the Golden Helmet and Last match race against Vic Huxley.

16

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Advertisment (Page 10)

18

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Photo of Hill climb. Ray not included. Big disappointment of postphonement due to rain.

20

Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Practice at speedway.

21

Telegraph Brisbane(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

22

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above previously for tomorrow night. Ray to ride in heat 1 for the Golden Helmet and Last match race against Vic Huxley.2 copies

22

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Program for the night as published on 16th prior to postponement . Ray to ride in heat 1 for the Golden Helmet and Last match race against Vic Huxley. Photo of Ray.

23

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above for tonight 38 riders to compete at opening.

24

Sunday Mail Brisbane

Exhibition Speedway

Vic Huxley won Golden Helmet. Vic Huxley beat Ray in the match race by inches. Ray ahead in first 2 laps with Huxley gaining ground in the 3rd. Neck and neck to the finish line with a tremendous ovation from the crowd.

24

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

25

Queensland times(Ipswich Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

25

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Ray won the 1st heat for the golden Helmet but placed 2nd in the semi final.

25

The Courier Mail(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

26

Worker Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

As above with details.

26

Telegraph Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray described as being struck by the organization on Saturday night.

27

The Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to compete on Saturday night. Handicap guidelines in place.

Month: October continued 1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

28

The Telegraph Brisbane(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

Extract “Some of the younger riders were inspired by the manner in which the crowd rose last week to the blood-stirring finish at the match race between Vic Huxley and Ray Taylor. There is nothing half as encouraging as public applause”.

28

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Thurs)

Exhibition Speedway

Riders (including Ray) will be paid 5 pounds in machine maintenance.

28

Referee Sydney

Exhibition Speedway

Ray and others pleased critics on last Saturdays performances. Crown of 23000.

29

The Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Photo of a section of the crowd last Saturday night. Machine money distributed. Silver Gauntlet race and Vic Huxley and Ray return match. 3 copies.

30

The Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Photo of Ray in action. Plus program. White sash handicap,

30

Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

30

Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Advertisement and photos.

31

Sunday Mail Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray defeated by Huxley in rematch by a length and a half.

31

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

As above in detail.

 

 

 

 


Month: November 1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

1

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Silver Gauntlet race. Ray 1st place in heat4. But failed to place in the semi final.

1

Queensland Times Ipswich Qld.(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Ray 2nd place in Match Race.

1

Courier Mail Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

2

Worker Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Further detail -Ray broked his bike forkes in the Silver Gauntlet race although repaired in time for the match race with Vic Huxley in which Huxley won.

2

Telegraph Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Detail hard to read.

Month: November continued  1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

4

Tee Advertiser Adelaide(Thurs)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray has accepted a contract to ride for Exhibition Speedway Brisbane.

5

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

26 event programme. Ray to ride on Saturday night.

5

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

6

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above tonight.

7

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Event postponed due to heavy rain.

11

Telegraph Brisbane(Thurs)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to race next Saturday.

12

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

13

The Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Part programme.

14

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray possibly broke the record over 3 laps.

15

Queensland Times(Mon0

Exhibition Speedway

Ray did not break record as he was 1.8 seconds below/

15

Courier Mail Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

16

The Telegraph Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to compete in a match race of 3 and Challenge final.

18

Telegraph Brisbane

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. Next Saturday.Ray in International Match Race.

18

The Courier Mail(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Ray will also compete for the Silver Sash race.

18

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.Also official Programme.

22

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Official Programme tonight. Ray to compete for the  Silver Sash.

23

Telegraph Brisbane

Exhibition Speedway

Ray did not place.

23

Labor Daily Sydney

Royale Speedway

Ray to represent Queensland againt NSW Colts.

23

Worker Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

As previously.Silver Sash. Ray 2nd in 1stheat.Ray in 3rd place in the final.

23

Courier Mail Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

23

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Tues)

Royale Speedway

As previously Ray to team with Queensland against NSW Colts.

25

Catholic Freeman’s Journal Sydney(Thurs)

Royale Speedway

As above for Saturday night.

25

Referee Sydney(Thurs)

Royale Speedway

As above.

25

Telegraph Brisbane(Thurs)

Royale Speedway

As above.

27

Labor Daily(Sat)

Royale Speedway

As above. Note no results known)

30

Telegraph Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to compete Saturday night.

 

 

 

 


Month: December 1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

1

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Senior Match Race next Saturday. Ray to compete.

3

The Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. Ray to compete in Silver Gauntlet race.

3

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

4

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above tonight.

4

The Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

4

Courier Mail Brisbane (Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Page advertisement for above and other entertainment.

4

Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Official Speedway programme. Shows Ray to compete in Heat 1 of the Senior match race and heat 2 of the Silver Gauntlet race.

5

Sunday Mail Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

4 Riders were involved in a crash during the Senior teams match. Ray placed 2nd. He was 3rd place in the Silver Gauntlet final.

6

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

6

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Details as above.

6

Daily Mercury Mackay Qld.(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

6

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

7

Worker Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

8

Telegraph Brisbane(Thur)

Exhibition speedway

Ray cited as one of the “permanent” Brisbane riders.

9

Courier Mail Brisbane(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

Queensland vrs NSW teams race. Ray will represent Queensland on Saturday.

10

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. As above-3 copies.

11

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above tonight. 2 copies.


Month: December continued  1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

11

The Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Official speedway programme for tonight. Teams race Ray-1st and 4th heats. Silver wings 3rd heat.

12

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Races postponed due to rain. To be held Monday night.

13

The Courier Mail(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As previously mentioned on 11th. December.

13

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Official speedway programme for tonight. Teams race Ray-1st and 4th heats. Silver wings 3rd heat.

14

Telegraph Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray forced to retire while leading in the final lap of the teams race.

15

Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray among other riders were fined for “false starts”.

16

Telegraph Brisbane(Thurs)

Exhibition Speedway

Vic Huxley’s wins against Ray were mentioned in article.

17

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Tomorrow night’s pre Christmas meeting. Ray to join Vic Huxley’s team against Bill Lamont’s Team.

18

Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Official speedway programme.

Ray to race in 3rd, 5th and 7th heats.

27

Courier Mail Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to compete in Golden Helmet race next Friday night.

28

Telegraph Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

30

Referee Sydney(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray will ride a racing 0.K. Supreme or Cotton J.A.P.

31

Courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Program will continue until after mid night New Years Eve. Ray to compete in Golden Helmet.

 

 

 

 

Comments.

2nd January Ray was Reserve for the 2nd Test between Australia and England. Australia won 33-21. Ray did not ride  Note: The results of some races are unknown as information is, as yet unavailable.

Ray Taylor: Newspaper articles. Speedway year

1937

Contents:

Month: January 1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

1

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway Melbourne

Australia vrs England 2nd Test. Ray is one of the outstanding riders. Saturday night.

1

Herald Melbourne(Fri)

Olympic Park

Advertisement . As above

*2

The Argus Melbourne(Sat)

Empire Speedway Olympic Park

Two Reserves(Ray and Les Wotton Eng) will meet in a special international match race over 3 laps.

2

The Age Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park

As above

8

The Age Melbourne(Fri)

Olympic Park

Ray reserve for the Consolation race on Saturday

12

The Age Melbourne(Fri)

Olympic Park

Quadrilateral race of 3 laps. Dick Case Captain of Hackney Wick England, Ray, Karl Ferrand America, and Pete Colman America.

15

Herald Melbourne(Fri)

Olympic Park

Advertisement. Pete Coleman USA and co vrs Ray.

16

The Herald Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park

Ray to be reserve.

 

 

 

 

16

Sporting Globe Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park

As above.

18

Argus Melbourne(Mon)

Olympic Park

Ray defeated Pete Coleman UAS in 2 lap match race.


 

Month: January continued 1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

21

The Age Melbourne(Thur)

Olympic Park

Australia vrs America. Ray in Australian team. On Saturday.

21

Referee Sydney(Thurs)

Olympic Park

Highlights of the night was Rays defeat of Jack Milne in the 3rd heat of the open scratch race and Pete Coleman in a special 2 lap match.

23

The Argus Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park

3rd test match tonight (as above) Ray also in heat 3 of the “Flying Nine” match race.

30

The Argus Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park

Ray in “White” mixed team (Aust and USA) TONIGHT.


Month: February 1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

5

Hearld Melbourne(Fri)

Olympic Park

Advertisement. America vrs Victoria -Saturday.

12

Herald Melbourne (Fri)

Olympic Park

Advertisement. Quadrilateral Match. Dick Case Captain of Hackney Wick Eng, Pete Coleman USA, Earl Farrand USA, Ray Victoria. Saturday.

12

The Age Melbourne(Fri)

Olympic Park

As above

13

The Argus Melbourne(Sat)

Olympic Park

As above. Ray to compete in heat 1.

 

 

 

 


 Month: September1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

2

The Advertiser Adelaide(Thur)

Item only

Ray is interested in the proposal of Port Melbourne Ground as a Speedway.

13

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Frank Arthur may appear at the opening in Brisbane on October 16. Ray has been booked to race.

14

Worker Old.(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway QLD

Ray and other riders preparing to arrive for the Brisbane season.

18

The Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray will race on October 16.

19

Truth Brisbane

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Fifty riders are willing to participate. From Australia, England and USA.

 Month: September continued 1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

21

Worker Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

The public will be admitted free on weekday practice nights which begins tonight. 2 copies

21

The Telegraph Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

Thirty thousand medallions to school children for admission to the speedway.

26

Truth Brisbane

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Ray to attend on October 16.

30

The Advertiser Adelaide (Thur)

Nelson Park Geelong

Speedway is being constructed. Ray to organize racing co-operation.

 

 

 

 


Month: October1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

3

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to compete in a special match with Vic Huxley on 16th October.

4

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above including Ray’s photo.

5

Worker Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Overseas riders on their way. Practice nights have attracted crowds of over 3000.

6

The Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Jack Bibby to compete.

7

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

Riders arriving from England and Ray at the weekend.

9

Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Details.

10

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Opening next Saturday night.

10

Sunday Mail Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

11

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Riders trials and some travelled 400 miles to attend.

12

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

12

Worker Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Vic Huxley and Ray to be in a special race.

13

Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. 3 copies.

13

The Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Photo of visiting Riders at the track last night. L-RT. Jim Geran, Ray Duggan,Ray Taylor, Jack Bibby, Putt Mossman,Dick Kirwan and Bob Hill.

13

The Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

As above Advertisement. Ray vrs Vic Huxley with photo.

14

Telegraph Brisbane(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Rehearsals  rides. Photos of competitors.

15

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Photos.

Month: October continued 1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

15

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Advertisment.

15

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Photos.

15

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Advertisment.

 

 

 

 

16

Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Advertisment.

16

Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Program for the night. Ray to ride in heat 1 for the Golden Helmet and Last match race against Vic Huxley.

16

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Advertisment (Page 10)Article P12

Vic Huxley vrs Ray -Special match

18

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Photo of Hill climb. Ray not included. Big disappointment of postphonement due to rain.

20

Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Practice at speedway.

21

Telegraph Brisbane(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

22

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above previously for tomorrow night. Ray to ride in heat 1 for the Golden Helmet and Last match race against Vic Huxley.2 copies

22

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Program for the night as published on 16th prior to postponement . Ray to ride in heat 1 for the Golden Helmet and Last match race against Vic Huxley. Photo of Ray.

23

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above for tonight 38 riders to compete at opening.

24

Sunday Mail Brisbane

Exhibition Speedway

Vic Huxley won Golden Helmet. Vic Huxley beat Ray in the match race by inches. Ray ahead in first 2 laps with Huxley gaining ground in the 3rd. Neck and neck to the finish line with a tremendous ovation from the crowd.

24

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

25

Queensland times(Ipswich Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

25

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Ray won the 1st heat for the golden Helmet but placed 2nd in the semi final.

25

The Courier Mail(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

26

Worker Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

As above with details.

26

Telegraph Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray described as being struck by the organization on Saturday night.

27

The Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to compete on Saturday night. Handicap guidelines in place.


Month: October continued 1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

28

The Telegraph Brisbane(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

Extract “Some of the younger riders were inspired by the manner in which the crowd rose last week to the blood-stirring finish at the match race between Vic Huxley and Ray Taylor. There is nothing half as encouraging as public applause”.

28

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Thurs)

Exhibition Speedway

Riders (including Ray) will be paid 5 pounds in machine maintenance.

28

Referee Sydney

Exhibition Speedway

Ray and others pleased critics on last Saturdays performances. Crown of 23000.

29

The Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Photo of a section of the crowd last Saturday night. Machine money distributed. Silver Gauntlet race and Vic Huxley and Ray return match. 3 copies.

30

The Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Photo of Ray in action. Plus program. White sash handicap,

30

Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

30

Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Advertisement and photos.

31

Sunday Mail Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray defeated by Huxley in rematch by a length and a half.

31

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

As above in detail.

 

 

 

 


Month: November 1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

1

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Silver Gauntlet race. Ray 1st place in heat4. But failed to place in the semi final.

1

Queensland Times Ipswich Qld.(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Ray 2nd place in Match Race.

1

Courier Mail Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

2

Worker Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Further detail -Ray broked his bike forkes in the Silver Gauntlet race although repaired in time for the match race with Vic Huxley in which Huxley won.

2

Telegraph Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Detail hard to read.

Month: November continued  1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

4

Tee Advertiser Adelaide(Thurs)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray has accepted a contract to ride for Exhibition Speedway Brisbane.

5

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

26 event programme. Ray to ride on Saturday night.

5

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

6

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above tonight.

7

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Event postponed due to heavy rain.

11

Telegraph Brisbane(Thurs)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to race next Saturday.

12

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

13

The Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Part programme.

14

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray possibly broke the record over 3 laps.

15

Queensland Times(Mon0

Exhibition Speedway

Ray did not break record as he was 1.8 seconds below/

15

Courier Mail Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

16

The Telegraph Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to compete in a match race of 3 and Challenge final.

18

Telegraph Brisbane

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. Next Saturday.Ray in International Match Race.

18

The Courier Mail(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Ray will also compete for the Silver Sash race.

18

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.Also official Programme.

22

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Official Programme tonight. Ray to compete for the  Silver Sash.

23

Telegraph Brisbane

Exhibition Speedway

Ray did not place.

23

Labor Daily Sydney

Royale Speedway

Ray to represent Queensland againt NSW Colts.

23

Worker Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

As previously.Silver Sash. Ray 2nd in 1stheat.Ray in 3rd place in the final.

23

Courier Mail Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

23

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Tues)

Royale Speedway

As previously Ray to team with Queensland against NSW Colts.

25

Catholic Freeman’s Journal Sydney(Thurs)

Royale Speedway

As above for Saturday night.

25

Referee Sydney(Thurs)

Royale Speedway

As above.

25

Telegraph Brisbane(Thurs)

Royale Speedway

As above.

27

Labor Daily(Sat)

Royale Speedway

As above. Note no results known)

30

Telegraph Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to compete Saturday night.

 

 

 

 


Month: December 1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

1

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Senior Match Race next Saturday. Ray to compete.

3

The Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. Ray to compete in Silver Gauntlet race.

3

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

4

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above tonight.

4

The Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

4

Courier Mail Brisbane (Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Page advertisement for above and other entertainment.

4

Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Official Speedway programme. Shows Ray to compete in Heat 1 of the Senior match race and heat 2 of the Silver Gauntlet race.

5

Sunday Mail Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

4 Riders were involved in a crash during the Senior teams match. Ray placed 2nd. He was 3rd place in the Silver Gauntlet final.

6

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

6

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Details as above.

6

Daily Mercury Mackay Qld.(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

6

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

7

Worker Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

8

Telegraph Brisbane(Thur)

Exhibition speedway

Ray cited as one of the “permanent” Brisbane riders.

9

Courier Mail Brisbane(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

Queensland vrs NSW teams race. Ray will represent Queensland on Saturday.

10

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. As above-3 copies.

11

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above tonight. 2 copies.


Month: December continued  1937

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

11

The Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Official speedway programme for tonight. Teams race Ray-1st and 4th heats. Silver wings 3rd heat.

12

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Races postponed due to rain. To be held Monday night.

13

The Courier Mail(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As previously mentioned on 11th. December.

13

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Official speedway programme for tonight. Teams race Ray-1st and 4th heats. Silver wings 3rd heat.

14

Telegraph Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray forced to retire while leading in the final lap of the teams race.

15

Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray among other riders were fined for “false starts”.

16

Telegraph Brisbane(Thurs)

Exhibition Speedway

Vic Huxley’s wins against Ray were mentioned in article.

17

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Tomorrow night’s pre Christmas meeting. Ray to join Vic Huxley’s team against Bill Lamont’s Team.

18

Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Official speedway programme.

Ray to race in 3rd, 5th and 7th heats.

27

Courier Mail Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to compete in Golden Helmet race next Friday night.

28

Telegraph Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

30

Referee Sydney(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray will ride a racing 0.K. Supreme or Cotton J.A.P.

31

Courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Program will continue until after mid night New Years Eve. Ray to compete in Golden Helmet.

 

 

 

 

Comments.

2nd January Ray was Reserve for the 2nd Test between Australia and England. Australia won 33-21. Ray did not ride.

Note: The results of some races are unknown as information is,  as yet unavailable.

Ray Taylor : Newspaper articles. Speedway  year

1938

Contents:

Month: January 1938

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

1

Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray won 1st heat for the Golden Helmet but placed 2nd to Vic Huxley in the final.

1

Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

4

Worker Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

5

Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to compete for the Silver Sash race on Saturday night.

6

The Courier Mail(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to compete in Silver Sash and Senior Handicap races on Saturday.

6

Referee Sydney(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray mentioned in Golden Helmet race last Saturday.

7

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Silver Sash next Saturday.

8

Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Official programme for Saturday night. Ray to compete in Silver Sash race heat 1.

9

Sunday Mail(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray won 1st heat and 1stplave in the final for the Silver Sash.

9

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Ray was using Vick Huxley’s bike to win.

10

Courier Mail Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

10

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Ray described as being in dashing form.

11

Worker Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

11

The Telegraph Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisment. Teams match race on Saturday.

11

Worker Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

Silver Sash mentioned.

12

Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray performed well on Vic Huxley’s machine and is back in form. Big 8 match coming up soon.

13

Courier Mail Brisbane(Thurs)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to ride in big 8 scratch race on Saturday.

14

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Photo of Ray on bike.

Month: January continued 1938

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

15

Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Official Programme. Ray to compete in 4 heats over 3 laps for the Big Eight Scratch Race,

15

Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

16

The Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray lost Senior handicap and then washout due to heavy rain.

16

Sunday Mail(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

16

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

17

Courier Mail Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

18

Telegraph Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

18

Worker Brisbane(Tues)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

19

Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Promotor to Back Collins against Ray. Electronic starting gate installed.

21

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Big Eight Race rescheduled for Saturday night.

21

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

22

Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Official Speedway Programme. Ray scheduled to race as previously mentioned for last Saturday. Ray will ride Vic Huxley’s new bike again.

23

Sunday Mail Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Eric Collins defeated Ray.

24

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Ray was 2nd place.

24

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray had purchased Vic Huxley’s bike and in this instant did not seen to have the “Horses” needed. He also boke a chain.

24

Worker Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Ray came 2nd place in the Big Eight race.

25

Telegraph Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to meet Eric Collins again as a return match has been arranged.

27

Telegraph Brisbane(Thurs)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Details of mechanical problems with newly acquired bike from Huxley. Ray and old friend Cecil……have arranged to have a cycle and dirt tract race . One lap bicycle and the second lap motor bike.

28

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to compete for the Sash

Month: January continued  1938

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

29

Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Official Speedway Programme. Ray to compete in the Big Match Scratch Race in heats 4 and 6.

29

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

 

As above.

29

Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

30

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray did not appear as he did not agree with the conditions under which the management requested.

30

Sunday Mail Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray did not appear on the night as he was unable to come to terms with the management.

31

Courier Mail Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

31

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Section of the crowd voiced disappointment that Ray did not appear.

 

 

 

 


Month: February 1938

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

1

Worker Brisbane(Tue0

Exhibition Speedway

The crowd were disappointed that Ray was not in attendance on Saturday. Ray provided details to the press regarding the problem. His position on the disagreement with management and his proposal seems fair but as yet not accepted. Read attachment.

2

Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

11

The Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Cecil Cleg donated a trophy for riders who break his record of 33 seconds for a flying start lap which he made in his match against Ray.

18

Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Saturday night will feature a Sash race last held by Ray.

27

Truth Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray is still discussing his appearance fee etc. He appeared on 5 February and has not been paid under the conditions of his contract which he states is still current.

 

 

 

 


 Month: May1938

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

21

England Record

 

Saturday. Bellivue was defeated by Wimbledon 12-34. National League Div 1. Ray 4th in heat 8 and  3rd in heat 13.

 

 

 

 


 Month: August1938

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

5

The Telegraph

Advertisement believed to be Rays

“Sale.Two and one quarter horsepower B.S.A. Motor Cycle reconditioned. 12 pounds. R Taylor. Vardon Street. Wilston”.

 

 

 

 


Month: September continued1938

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

x

Website

To be determined

Ray was part of the Wimbledon team defeating Wembley for the Nation Trophy in 1938. Pictured. On going.

       
  Ray With His 1938 Wimbledon Teamates
       
 
       
  Ray is 4th from the left
       

21

Daily Telegraph Sydney

Sydney Showground

Ray has returned from the UK and has competed in France and Italy and being on the Wimbledon team in England. He has been involved in trials this week at the Showground.

21

The Sun Sydney (Wed)

Sydney Showground

North, south, east and west teams are to compete. The first match being East vrs South on Saturday. Ray has offered his services to all teams but this will not be decided until after the race this Saturday.

21

The Daily Telegraph(Wed)

Sydney Showground

The season starts this Saturday with Ray riding for the League team Norths,

21

Labor Daily(Wed)

Sydney Showground

As previously mentioned Ray is anxiously sort by the League teams.

24

The Labor Daily(Sat)

Sydney Showground

Ray to appear on opening tonight. He will compete in handicap and scratch races.He will ride in heat 1 with a 30 yard handicap.

25

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

Ray placed first in heat 1 and 2nd place in the semi final. Winning the final.

26

The Labor Daily Sydney(Mon)

Sydney Showground

As above.

27

The Labor Daily Sydney (Tue)

Sydney Showground

Ray considered an outstanding rider and hiss nominated team will be announced shortly.

28

The Labor DailySydney  (Wed)

Sydney Showground

Ray nominated as Captain of the North Team of the speedway league and will race on Saturday.

29

The Labor Daily Sydney (Thurs)

Sydney Showground

Ray will have a 35 yard handicap on Saturday

 Month: September continued1938

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

29

Referee Sydney

Sydney Showground

Ray won his 1st heat and was 2nd place in the final. He showed fine style and demonstrated the finer points of cutting in and broardsiding.

30

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

Ray will race next Saturday for Norths against Western Districts.

30

The Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

Ray to pair with E Phelps for Norths in the Speedway League on Saturday night.

 

 

 

 


Month: October1938

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

8

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Showground

Ray’s team Norths will compete against South Sydney and he will also race in the handicap and scratch race which is over 30 laps.

11

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

Advertisement. As above

12

The Labor Daily Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Showground

As above. 2 attached advertisements.

12

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Showground

As above.

23

The Sun Sydney(Wed)

Sydney Showground

Ray to compete in the Flying Nine race next Saturday.

 

 

 

 


Month: November 1938

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

11

Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

Advertisement. Norths vrs East. Ray representing Norths.Also a special event Ray vrs Frank Dolan.

12

Sun Sydney (Fri)

Sydney Showground

As above.

13

Sunday Mail Brisbane (Sun)

Sydney Showground

Ray/Norths beat Easts 33-35. Ray 1st  place in the 1st heat of the Big Scratch race. 3rd in the Final.

13

Sun Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

As above. Ray and C Garland bumped together and Garland fell although not seriously hurt.

13

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

As above.

15

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Tues)

Sydney Showground

Next Saturday Ray will compete for Norths against Easts. Also in a Special Match race.

16

Labor Daily Sydney(Wed)

Sydney Showground

As above.

17

Referee Sydney(Thurs)

Sydney Showground

As above.

18

Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

Advertisement for Saturday night. As above.

19

Labor Daily Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Showground

As above.

20

Sun Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

Ray and Aub Lawson crashed and a decision was made to disqualify Ray.

23

The Sun Sydney(Wed)

Sydney Showground

Ray to compete in the flying nine scratch race on Saturday night.

23

Labor Daily Sydney(Wed0

Sydney Showground

As above. Also Match race between Doug Mac Lachlan and Ray.

25

Labor Daily Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

As above.

26

Sun Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Showground

As above.

27

Sun Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

Andy Menzies beat Ray in the Challenge Race.

27

Truth Sydney (Sun)

Sydney Showground

Ray scored 2ndplave in the Flying Nine Scratch race on Saturday night

 

 

 

 


Month: December 1938

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

1

The Labor Daily(Thur)

Sydney Showground

Ray offered”Big chance” (not sure of meaning)

9

The Sun(Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

Ray will pair with Bluey Wilkinson in the local team vrs International team Jack and Cordy Milne.

10

Daily News Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Showground

Sydneys strongest pair will be Bluey Wilkinson and Ray.

Comments. Note: The results of some races are unknown as information is,  as yet unavailable.

 Ray Taylor : Newspaper articles. Speedway  year

1939

Month: January 1939

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

12

The Telegraph Brisbane(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway Brisbane

Speedway practice in preparation for next Saturday. Ray who arrived in Brisbane is expected tonight.                                                                                                                                                         

12

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

As above for Saturday night.

12

The Telegraph Brisbane(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway Brisbane

Big Program arranged for Saturday of 25 races.Ray has returned from a successful season in England.He will compete against Steve Langdon in a special race and will Captain the Tigers team against Langdon Caption of the Lions Team.They will also compete in the Dr Grey First Class Handicap. (2 copies)

13

The Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Ray to appear after season abroad.(2 copies) Advertisement also. Photo.

14

Courier Mail Brisbane(Saturday)

Exhibition Speedway

As avove. Detail-Ray arrived in Brisbane after tour in England, Italy, France and America. Will ride new J.A.P. motor.

15

Sunday Mail(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray beat Langdon in the special race although his team (the Lions) were defeated by Langdons team(the Tigers) by one point.  Ray failed to place in the handicap race.

15

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Ray met with mixed luck.

16

The Daily Mercury(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

16

Maryborough Chronical. Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser. Qld. (Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

16

Cains Post. Qld(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.


Month: January continued 1939

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

16

Courier Mail Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway Brisbane

Ray beat Steve Langdon in exciting race deemed to be the best of the season. Ray finishing 5 yards ahead. Photo.

16

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Photo of Ray.

17

The Sun Sydney

Sydney Showground

Ray selected as Reserve for the 2nd Test team against England.

17

Worker Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

As previously mentioned.

18

The Sun Sydney (Wed)

Sydney Showground

Changes to the Test team and Ray now emergency Reserve. Ray in junior team competion which ended in a tie.

 

 

 

 

Month: February 1939

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

8

Daily News Sydney(Wed)

Sydney Showground

Ray to trial for the 4th test match against England.

9

The Sun Sydney

Sydney Showground

Charlie Spinks has poisoned arm. Reshuffle of test team. Ray paired with Andy Menzies.

10

The Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

Ray to race in match race and will be test team reserve.

10

 The Sydney Morning Herald(Fri)

Sydney Showground

Police Carnival will be held Saturday Ray to ride in Police Derby.

11

Record. Brian Darby

Sydney Sportsground

Australia vrs England. 4th Test.  Australia defeated England 28-24. Ray 2nd in heat 8. Ray replaced Dolan.

13

Daily News Sydney(Mon)

Sydney Showground

Ray paired with Bluey Wilkinson and scored well. England suffered a fall which prevented them from a victory.

15

Daily News Sydney(Wed)

Sydney Showground

Team pair changes are certain for the 5th Test and Ray has earned the right to be paired with Bluey Wilkinson.

16

Referee Sydney(Thurs)

Sydney Showground

Comments on 4th test victory. Ray and Aub Lawson did what was required of them.

17

Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

Ray was reserve in 4th Test will be partner to Kangaroo Captain Bluey Wilkinson in the 5th Test.

Month: February continued1939

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

18

Record from Brian Darby

Sydney Showground

Australia vrs England. 5th Test. Australia defeated England 35-18. Ray 3rd in heat 1. 2nd in heat 5.Fell in heat 8.

21

Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

Ray to provide good opposition (rest unreadable) As above.

25

Daily News Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Showground

Australia won Ashes. Ray to pair again with Bluey Wilkinson against the rest of the world.

25

Program front cover

Sydney Showground

Race. Australia vrs The Rest of the World.

 

 

 

 


Month: April 1939

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Articles

18

The Sun Sydney(Tue)

Penrith Raceway

Ray has entered for the 500cc motor cycle championship.

21

The Sun Sydney(Fri)

Penrith Raceway

Unreadable. Ray to race.

21

Daily News Sydney(Fr)

Penrith Raceway

As above.

23

The Sun Sydney(Sun)

Penrith Raceway

As above.

28

South Coast Times(Fri)

Wollongong

Members of the Wollongong Motor cycle club have been given permission to run speedway meetings on Wollongong speedway. Ray amongst others are interested and signified their intention of competing,


 Month: May1939

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

25

Referee Sydney(Thur)

Wollongong Speedway

Wollongong speedway opens Sunday week. It is 320 yards in circumference with short sharp bends. Its is nearly 40 feet in width and will enable 6 to 8 riders to compete in each event from scratch. Meetings to be held on Sunday afternoons. Ray and other riders to appear.

Month: May1939

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

26

Illawwarra Mercury Wollongong(Fri)

Wollongong Speedway

Ray to compete.

Month: May continued 1939

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

26

South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus(Fri)

Wollongong Speedway

As above.

 

 

 

 


Month: November 1939

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

26

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Sun)

? Speedway

Advertisement. Ray to ride on 2nd December.

29

Daily News Sydney(Wed)

Sydney Showground

Ray to ride in Flying nine handicap.

 

 

 

 


Month: December 1939

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

1

Daily News Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

Ray and Wally Little annoyed that they have not been alotted the match against Englishman Cliff Parkinson. Ray is anxious to meet tomorrow nights winner.

2

Daily News Sydney (Sat)

Sydney Showground

Ray be in more than one final tonight.

2

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Showground

Ray to ride in the Big Nine.

3

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

Ray 1st in Eastern Suburbs Handicap.Ray 1st in Heat 1 of Big nine and 3rd in the final.

4

Daily News Sydney

Sydney Showground

As above.

8

Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

Ray to compete in Big nine scratch race on Saturday night. Also advertisement.

9

The Sun Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Showground

Ray will be part of the Australian tean to contest the American team.

14

The Sun Sydney(Thurs)

Sydney Showground

Ray will pair up with Linoel Van Praag as pert of the Wembley Lions against the Rest. It was noted that riders are becoming light weight types.

Month: December continued  1939

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

15

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

Advertisement. Saturday night.

22

The Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

Advertisement for this Saturday Night.

24

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Showground

Ray will pair again with Linoel Van Praag for the Police motor cycle derby.

29

The Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

Senior team vrs Junior Team. Juniors have a 50 yard handicap. Saturday night.

31

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

Overseas speedway team won by 43 points to 29. Ray put up a spectacular ride in no 2 scratch race heat 3 but fell in the final.

 

 

 

 

Comments.  Note: The results of some races are unknown as information is,  as yet unavailable.

Ray Taylor : Newspaper articles. Speedway year

(WW2 YEARS)

1940

Month: January 1940

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

5

The Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

Ray to join the league for team wests.

6

Daily News Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Showground

As above. Ray scored as 4th best.

13

The Daily Telegraph(Sat)

Sydney Showground

Inter district league football is established and the same format is taking plave in dirt track racing. Ray is part of the West team.

 

 

 

 

Month: February1940

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

1

The Sun Sydney(Thur)

Sydney Showground

Ray will ride for league wests team and has a new machine, his third this year.

2

The Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

Ray will pair with Bob Hill as favorites on Saturday,

24

The Daily Telegraph(Sat)

Sydney Showground

Ray to face Van Praag in the Police motor cycle Derby.

 

 

 

 

Month: April 1940

 

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Articles

25

The Sun Sydney(Thur)

Penrith Raceway

In the final of the Open handicap race;injuries to 4 riders. Ray had abrasions to his leg and right thigh .  He was hurled 15 feet in the air and flung across the track.

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Articles

26

Daily News Sydney(Fri)

Penrith Raceway

As above. A member of the crowd also  died while watching the event.

       
29

The Sun Sydney(Mon)

Sydney Showground

The Anzac events were washed out on Saturday night.

30

The Daily Telegraph Sydney

Sydney Showground

The Anzac events were washed out again on Saturday night.

 

 

 

 


Month: May1940

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

3

Daily News Sydney(Fri)

Penrith Raceway

Eddie Wannick who crashed on 26th will be in hospital for 3 months. When ray fell in the race Eddie struck his machine.

 

 

 

 


 Month: October 1940

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

16

The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate Parramatta(Wed)

Parramatta Speedway

Advertisement.

18

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Parramatta Speedway

Speedway has had a 15,000 pound renovation. Ray attends opening races.

19

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Showgrownd

Opening season and Ray to vrs Max Neale.

20

Sun Sydney(Sun)

Parramatta Speedway

Ray won the 1st heat against Max but his chain broke in the next 2 heats of the Paramatta Match race. Ray gashed twice but remounted each time.


 Month: October continued 1940

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

23

The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate Parramatta(Wed)

Parramatta Speedway

As above.

24

Truth Sydney(Sun

Paramatta Speedway

As above

30

The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate Parramatta(Wed)

Sydney Showground

On Saturday night Ray could not

 race as his entry had been received

 too late and the crowd chanted

“We want Ray Taylor”when they discovered he was not racing.


Month: November1940

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

3

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Sun)

Parramatta Speedway

Ray in teams race. Ray fell in the 3rd heat and his fellow competitors, Max Neale and Frank Dolan, put their machines down to avoid hitting him.Dolan in doing so skidded as he crashed into Rays machine and somersaulted just escaping serious injury. Ray fell again in the 5th heat.

3

Sun Sydney(Sun)

Paramatta Speedway.

As above.Ray had his 4th fall in the big scratch race.

6

The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate Parramatta(Wed)

Paramatta Speedway.

As above.

12

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Tue)

Paramatta Speedway

Ray will compete with Wally Little the Paramatta Champion on Saturday night.

12

The Sun Sydney(Tue)

Paramatta Speedway

As above.

13

The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate Parramatta(Wed)

Paramatta Speedway

As above they will meet in a special match race of the night.

13

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Wed)

Paramatta Speedway

As above.

16

The Newcastle Sun(Thur)

Parramatta Speedway

As above.

16

The Sun Sydney(Sat)

Parramatta Speedway

Ray to race Little as above in a 3 heat match race..

Month: November1940

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

20

The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate Parramatta(Wed)

Parramatta Speedway

Above Postponement due to rain.

21

The Advertiser Adelaide

Parramatta Speedway

Wally Little and Ray to race.

24

Sun Sydney(Sun)

Parramatta Speedway

Ray won the Richmond Match Race in 3 straight Heats.

27

The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate Parramatta(Wed)

Parramatta Speedway

As above.

 

 

 

 


Month: December1940

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

4

The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate Parramatta(Wed)

Paramatta Speedway

Ray in a novelty event with Brian Howard 2KY Announcer. Ray will give Brian 1 lap handicap as Brian on a bicycle will compete on a his JAP motor cycle.

5

The Sun Sydney(Thur)

Paramatta Speedway

Ray and Jack Rydstrom of the Parramatta team will compete against Wally Little’s Sydney Team on Saturday night.

7

The Sun Sydney(Sat)

Paramatta Speedway

Teams of Paramatta and Sydney will compete

 

 

 

In a 9 heat race on Saturday. Ray is Captain of the Paramatta team.

8

The Sun Sydney(Sun)

Paramatta Speedway

Paramatta team defeated Sudney . Ray broke the one lap clutch start record and later crashed into a fence but not seriously hurt. Ray won heats 1 and 4 of the teams race.

11

The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate Parramatta(Wed)

Parramatta Speedway

The competion previously arranged on 4th December had an earth shattering finish between Ray on his motor bike and 2KYs Announcer on bicycle as Brian crossed the finish line a few yards in front of Ray to the roar of the crowd.

14

The Sun Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Showground

Rays district team Wests will meet Souths on Saturday night.

19

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Thurs)

Sydney Showground

Ray, Ken Blair,Noel Thompson and and Max Neal will meet for a challenge race on Saturday night.

Month: December continued 1940

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

20

The Sydney Morning Herald

Sydney Showground

Ray to compete in Western District against undefeated Eastern Suburbs and he will partner R Hill(USA)

22

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

In the percentage scratch race on Saturday night Ray fell and Max Neal rode over him. Both were not seriously injured but their bikes were twisted wreckage.

 

 

 

 

Ray Taylor : Newspaper articles. Speedway year

(WW2 YEARS)

1941

Month: January 1941

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

4

The Daily Telegraph Dydney (Sat)

Sydney Showground

Ray to compete in scratch race

6

The Sydney Morning Herald Sydney(Mon)

Sydney Showground

Rays team, Western Sydney beat Souths team 1-10 in the District competition.

16

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

Ray had 2nd place in heat 1 of the Police speedway derby.

19

Sun Sydney (Sun)

Sydney Showground

Hard to read

23

The Sun Sydney(Thur)

Sydney Showground

Bob Hill to partner Ray in the District teams competition for Wests on Saturday night.

 

 

 

 


Month: February1941

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

2

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

Norths beat Wests 1-10. Ray 2nd place in heat 2.

8

Sydney Sports Ground Speedway Program

Sydney Showground

Ray listed among top solos.

9

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

Arta Scratch Race Ray 3rd place in heat 2.

District team race uncertain.

16

Sun Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

Ray 2nd place in heat 2. Police Derby.

 

 

 

 

Month: March  1941

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

20

Nepean Times Penrith

Penrith Speedway

5 mile solo championship planned and Ray expressed interest.

16

Truth Sydney (Sun)

Sydney Showground

Wests beat Easts. Ray 2nd place in heat 2.

21

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground

East Wests to meet south norths  in District on Saturday.

23

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

As above -dead heat 27 points each. Ray  2nd place in heat.

23

Sun Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

As above

30

Sun Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

East wasts beat souths north. Ray 2nd place in heat 2.

 

 

 

 


Month: April 1941

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

3

The Sun Sydney(Thur)

Sydney Showground

Ray in Flying nine race.

12

Sydney Morning Herald(Sat)

Sydney Showground

Ray 3rd place in World Derby.

 

 

 

 



 Month: May1941

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

7

The Sun Sydney(Wed)

Sydney Showground

Vic Duggan to oppose Ray on Saturday night

8

The Daily Telegraph(Thur)

Sydney Showground

Speedway night will close on Saturday. Ray to meet Vic Duggan.


Month: November1941

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

12

The Sun Sydney

Sydney Showground

Several changes to the inter district competition. Western Suburbs team members Cecil Garland and Noel Thompson will replace Bob Hill(USA) who is unavailable and Ray who is now a member of the RAAF.

 

 

 

 

Note: The results of some races are unknown as information is,  as yet unavailable. This is the last season until after hostilities in World War Two.

Ray Taylor : Newspaper articles. Speedway year

(WW2 YEARS)

1944

 Month: August 1944

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

30

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Wed)

Article

Ray is to compete in the Goulburn to Sydney cycle race. He is a member of the RAAF. He contested it in 1928.

 

 

 

 


Note: The results of some races are unknown as information is,  as yet unavailable. This is the only information found for the war years from 1942 to 1945.

Ray Taylor : Newspaper articles. Speedway year

(WW2 YEARS)

1945

Month: September 1944

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

30

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

The Best Pairs Championship. Aub Menzies paired with Ray. Score 6 points.

Note: The results of some races are unknown as information is, as yet unavailable. This is the only information found for the war years from 1942 to 1945.

 

Ray Taylor : Newspaper articles. Speedway year

(Post WW2 YEARS)

1946

Month: February 1946

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

6

The Sun Sydney(Wed)

Sydney Showground

Advertisement.

6

The Daily TelegraphSydney(Wed)

Sydney Showground

Advertisement. Fred Tracey vrs Ray in solo match race.Team series led by Fred and Ray.

12

The Daily Telegraph(Tue)

Sydney Showground

As above 2 copies.

13

The Daily Telegraph(Wed)

Sydney Showground

Advertisement . As above.

14

The Daily Telegraph(Thurs)

Sydney Showground

Advertisement . As above tonight.

17

The Sun Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

Sydneys team could be Ray, Harry Green, K Gurtner and one other.

19

The Sun Sydney(Tue)

Sydney Showground

Ray to match winner of the Main Match Race.

20

The Sun Sydney(Wed)

Sydney Showground

Ray will give a handicap to opponent of up to 190 yards.

26

The Sun Sydney(Tue)

Sydney Showground

Advertisement. Challenge solo match. Ray  vrs Keith Gurtner.

26

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Tue)

Sydney Showground

Advertisement. As above.

27

The Newcastle Sun(Wed)

Broardmeadow Speedway

Ray will appear in special match vrs Bill Rogers.

27

The Sun Sydney

Sydney Showground

As previously mentioned. A Challenge match. Ray has one of the lightest machines here. Tonight.

27

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Wed)

Sydney Showground

As above. Advertisement.

 

 

 

 


Month: March1946

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

2

The Newcastle Sun

Newcastle Speedway

Photo of Ray practicing at Newcastle speedway for his match race with Bill Rogers.

 

 

 

 

 Month: April1946

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

8

Unknown

Sydney Showground

Ray lost race to Keith Guertner.

 

 

 

 


 Month: September1946

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

9

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Mon)

Windsor Circuit

Ray appointed Manager of Windsor Circuit.

Granite track and designed by Ray.

 

 

 

 

 

Month: November1946

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

10

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Showground

Golden Helmet scratch race. Ray 1st place. Last night.

13

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale(Showground)

Archie Neal to race Ray.

14

The Sun Sydney(Thur)

Sydney Royale

Ray won the Golden Helmet on Saturday 9 Nov.

15

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Showground(Royale)

Advertisement. Ray to race next Saturday.

17

The Sun Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Ray outstanding in the Solo match race.Final 1st place.

17

The Sydney Morning Herald

Sydney Royale

As above.

 Month: November continued1946

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

21

The Sun Sydney(Thur)

Sydney Royale

As above. Ray will again star next Saturday and retain his unbeaten record.

22

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement. Ray a record Golden Helmet winner. 2 copies.

28

The Sun Sydney(Thurs)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement.

29

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement. 2 copies.

 

 

 

 


Month: December 1946

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

1

Unknown(possibly Sun Sydney)

Sydney Royale

Ray wins Speed solo handicap.

5

Sun Sydney(Thurs)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement. Ray to race again for Golden Helmet on Saturday night.

5

Unknown(Thurs)

Sydney Royale

As above.

5

The Sun Sydney(Thurs)

Sydney Royale

As above.

5

Sydney Morning Herald (Thur)

Sydney Royale

As above.

6

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

As above. 2 copies with photo of Ray on bike.

7

The Sun  Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Royale

As above. Tonight.

17

Sydney Morning Herald (Tues)

Sydney Royale

Ray won 2nd heat and Final of the open solo handicap on Saturday night.

22

Unknown (Sun)

Sydney Royale

Sole scratch race was rerun because Ray had his head caught in the starting tapes suffering burns on the throat. He won and was treated afterwards for his injuries.

29

The Sun Sudney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Ray won the Solo scratch race again last night and registered his 8th consecutive victory. Headline”Taylor shines at Speedway”.

 

 

 

 


Comments.Note: The results of some races are unknown as information is,  as yet unavailable.

Ray Taylor : Newspaper articles. Speedway year

(Post WW2 YEARS)

1947

Contents:

Month: January 1947

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

 

 

 

 

9

Unknown(Thurs)

Sydney Royale

Ray won Golden Helmet last Saturday will have handicaps of up to 140 yards.

9

Unknown(Thurs)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement.

10

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement. Saturday. Can Ray maintain his unbroken record?

12

The Sun Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Crowd of 20,000. Ray placed 3rd in the Final solo race

16

The Sun Sydney (Thurs)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement. Next Saturday.

17

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

As above.

17

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)

Sydney Royale

Ray has been unbeaten in 10 starts and he will challenge the winner of the Charlie Spinks and Andy Menzies race next Saturday,

18

The Sydney Morning Herald(Sat)

Item only

Photo of Ray. Ray has been offered 500 pounds to ride in England.

18

The Telegraph Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray raced at this track in the 1930s.

18

The Sun Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Royale

Ray will attack some existing records tonight.

18

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Sydney Royale

Winner of tonights match race will meet Ray on 26th.

18

Unknown

Sydney Royale

Ray will compete with Bill Reynolds in a car and Ray on a bike.

Month: January continued 1947

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

20

Truth Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway Brisbane

Ray will make first appearance since 1939. To compete with Andy Menzies, Archie Neal, Charlie Spinks and co.

21

The Telegraph Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

As above

22

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray has claimed a record for his last 19 rides.

23

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Ray took a second the 3 laps clutch start record when he covered the distance in 1.3   3-5. Last night.

22

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray refused an offer to go to England for 500 pounds when he could stay in Australia and have a signing on offer for at least 650 pounds with return fares to England with one mechanic.Ray scored his nineteenth successive win. He failed in his attempt for the worlds third of a mile record by 1-5 second,

22

The Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. Ray will ride a match race with Andy Menzies.

23

The Telegraph Brisbane(Thurs)

Exhibition Speedway

As above. Test riders will compete in events on Saturday. Ray to meet strong competition from locals.

23

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

As previously. Ray took one second off the 3 lap clutch start record last night.

24

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

25

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement. Ray to meet Andy Menzies. Photo.

25

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Despite heavy rain the track will be in good order for Saturday night. Ray confident that he will match Andy Menzies. Rays JAP motor has special alloy which has enabled him a top performance.

26

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Race postponed until tomorrow night.

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

29

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray rode a bicycle to get in shape after coming out of the services. Firm believer in physical fittnes and non drinker and smoker and often goes to the gym. Ray will compete in the Qld mile motor cycle championship on Saturday he will compete with winners of two events.

30

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

England after young Aussie Riders. This comes after their offer to Ray which he refused. Tommy Trinder will present the Trophy for the 4 lap Queensland Championship.

30

The Telegraph Brisbane(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

Advertisement.

31

The Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

The special fuel used in motor cycles cost more than 10 shillings a gallon. British comedian Tommy Trinder will appeal at the speedway for the British food appeal.

31

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray will ride to break the worlds record for a mile on a quarter mile track. Current record is held by Andy Menzies at 72 secs. Will race in a triangular match race and the mile solo handicap.

 

 

 

 

 

Month: February continued1947

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

1

The Northern Star Lismore NSW(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray will attack the worlds record for a mile on the quarter mile track tonight. Ray will not risk his motor in the record attempt and would have to wait a year for another attempt. The record is currently held by Andy Menzes at 73 secs.

1

Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above

2

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Archie Neal won the solo championship over Ray in the final.

2

The Sunday Mail Brisbane  (Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

As above

6

Sun Sydney (Thurs)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement. Ray to appear.

7

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

As above

7

The Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray was first to come to the ground and is now followed by other international and interstate riders.

14

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement. Ray to ride in solo handicap on Saturday.

23

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Ray won scratch race over 3 laps.

23

Sun Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

As above. Ray lowered the previous record by one second.

25

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

As above. Ray covered the distance in 1.3  3-5.(3 laps)

 

 

 

 


Month: March1947

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

11

The Telegraph Brisbane(Tue)

Exhibition Speedway

Queensland vrs The Rest places will be filled to include Ray.

12

The Telegraph Brisbane(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray will be in the Rest team and will come by plane on Friday.

14

The Telegraph Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray arrives today.

14

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

The above event will be nine heats over a 3 quarter mile (3 laps)

15

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

16

Sunday Mail Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Rest defeated Queensland 2-1 Rays motor was low performance.

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

22

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Competitors are keeping an eye on their bikes as Rays was tampered with.

23

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

It is suspected that Rays bike was sabotaged on its way from Sydney. The bike has been examined under police supervision in Sydney and found to be damaged by “foreign matter” It appears the machine was tampered with on its way to Brisbane.

23

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Ray 2nd place in Solo Handicap.

23

The Sun Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

As above. Ray also won a heat in the solo cucle scratch race. He was placed 3rd in the open solo handicap final.

24

Telegraph Brisbane(Mon)

Sydney Royale

Bill Rogers is keeping an eye on his bike after Rays experience.


Month: April1947

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

1

National Advocate Bathurst(Tue)

Bathurst Speedway

Ray has expressed his interest in attending next Mondays Event.

12

Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Item mentions Rays defeat of Ray in scratch race in Sydney by Jack Chignell who is riding at the speedway on Saturday night.

18

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement. Ray is competing on Saturday night

7

Program Easter Monday

Bathurst Speedway

Ray included in Program.



Month: May1947

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

1

The Sun Sydney(Thur)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement. Ray vrs Andy Menzies in interstate solo. Saturday

2

The Sydney Morning Herald(Fri)

Sydney Royale

As above.

3

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Royale

As above. Tonight.

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

4

The Sun Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Interstate match race. Andy Menzies beat Ray 2 heats to one.

4

Truth Brisbane(Sun)

Sydney Royale

As above.

7

Unknown(Tue)

Sydney Royale

As above.

7

Unknown(Tue)

Sydney Royale

As above.

18

The Sun Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Photo of Ray receiving his Thophy from Miss Australia at the Showground last night. Betty Orme.

18

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Rays 3 lap record was broken by Ken Blair.


Month: September1947

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

10

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Wed)

Sydney Royale

Doug McLachlan will oppose Ray on Saturday night.

14

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Ray 2nd place in the Solo scratch race.

18

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Thurs)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement. Ray in Solo Handicap on Saturday,

21

The Sun Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Ray had 2 wins and a 2nd place. Fian scratch race.

26

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement.

26

The Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

As above.

26

The Sydney Morning Herald(Fri)

Sydney Royale

Ray mentioned.


Month: October 1947

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

3

Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement.

3

Daily Telegraph (Fri)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement.

4

The Sun Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement. Match between Ray and Ken Blair.

5

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Solo Challenge Match Ray 1stplave.Senior solo scratch race Ray 2nd place.

10

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement. Saturday night. Match races.

10

The Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement and detail.

Month: October continued1947

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

11

The Sydney Morning Herald(Sat)

Sydney Royale

Jack Chignell to meet Ray on Saturday night.

 

 

 

 


Month: November1947

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

5

The Sun Sydney(Wed)

Sydney Royale

Riders will compete for the test teams. Ray will captain one. Team mates being Dave Hynes, Art Davies, Eddie Phelps, Jack Chignell.

6

Sydney Morning Herald(Thurs)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement. Teams competition Saturday night.

7

Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

As above.

8

The Sun Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Royale

As above.

9

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Three crashes in the teams race last night. Ray 1st place in Solo race.

10

Sydney Morning Herald(Mon)

Sydney Royale

English test team will ride against American and Australians. Ray included.

12

Daily Telegraph Sydney(Wed)

Sydney Royale

As above details.

14

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

English and American teams will compete against Speedway Royale team of Ray, Jack Chignell, Ken Blair and Dave Hynes.

14

The Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

Demonstration of an Autogyro. First triangular teams race since 1938. Ray to compete on Saturday night.

16

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

American team won.

17

The Newcastle Sun NSW(Mon)

Maitland Speedway

Ray to race on Wednesday night. 19th Nov.

18

The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder NSW(Tue)

Maitland Speedway

Overseas riders and Australia will meet in special match races on Wednesday.

20

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners Advocate NSW(Thur)

Maitland Speedway

Ray 2nd place in International match race.

20

Sun Sydney(Thurs)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement. Alex Stratham English Team to meet Ray on Saturday Night.

21

Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

Advertisement. As above.

       

Month: November continued1947

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

22

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners Advocate NSW(Sat)

Maitland Speedway

Advertisement. Ray to race with internationals etc on Wednesday next.

28

Sun Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

S advertised on 20th. Saturday night.

30

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Ray 2nd place in the Challenge match race.

 

 

 

 


Month: December1947

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

3

Unknown(Wed)

Sydney Royale

4 countries will be represented in the best pairs race at the Sydney Showground on Saturday night. Ray included.

3

The Sydney Morning Herald(Wed)

Sydney Royale

Ray will race in a pairs match next Saturday with Jack Milne.

3

Sun Sydney(Wed)

Sydney Royale

As above.

5

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Fri)

Sydney Royale

As above.

6

The Daily Telegraph Sydney(Sat)

Sydney Royale

As above. Jack Milne is now 40 will be making his first appearance this season.

14

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Sydney Royale

Pair team Bill Lamareaux and Ken Ryan beat Ray and Jack Milne by 1 point.


Note: The results of some races are unknown as information is, as yet unavailable.

Ray Taylor : Newspaper articles. Speedway year

(Post WW2 YEARS)

1948

Month: January 1948

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

 

 

 

 

13

The Sydney Morning Herald(Tue)

Sydney Royale

Ray is included in 16 riders who will compete in the Australian Solo Championship over 18 heats.

14

Brisbane Telegraph (Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray racing next Saturday. Photo.

17

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to compete in the Golden Helmet event

18

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray was a reserve and did not win Australian Solo Championship . Winner Vic Duggan.

19

Program

Sydney Royale

Program

 

 

 

 


Month: February1948

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/ Article

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note:

Information to be sighted.

On going

 


Month: March1948

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments/Atticles

7

Truth Sydney(Sun)

Exhibition Speedway

Feature Solo Scratch Race. Ray 2nd place.

 

Month: August1948

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

22

Brisbane Telegraph(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Seasons opens Saturday night. Ray to appear.

27

Brisbane telegraph(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to appear  at the Exhibition ground in Brisbane for the “Food for Britain program”

28

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to be here to practice for the opening night on September 11.


 Month: September1948

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

1

Brisbane Telegraph(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to appear at the opening.

4

Brisbane Telegraph(Sat)

Exhibition Speedway

Rays photo.

6

Brisbane Telegraph(Mon)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray at practice and trials on Wednesday night.

8

Brisbane Telegraph(Wed)

Exhibition Speedway

As above.

10

Brisbane Telegraph(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

Match race winner to meet Ray Saturday night.

16

Brisbane Telegraph(Thur)

Exhibition Speedway

Ray to be Back marker  Saturday night.

17

The Courier Mail Brisbane(Fri)

Exhibition Speedway

As previously mentioned.

21

The Sydney Morning Herald(Tue)

Sydney Royale

Riders have been selected for solo races on Saturday night which includes Ray. More than 100 applications have been received.

 

 

 

 

25

Program(Sat)

Sydney Royale

Ray in Solo Scratch race. Handicap of 110 yards behind.

 Month: September continued1948

Date

Source News Article

track

Comments

9

Official programme for Sydney Royale (Sat)

Sydney Royale

 

Note: The results of some races are unknown as a considerable amount of information is, as yet unavailable. Below Newspaper clippings from 1949 and 1950  

 
 
 
Robert Crich has sent me this lengthy document mapping the career of Australian Ray Taylor although I did chip in with some photos
says:y

Hello John

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

s
 
 

 
 
Lee Richardson
 
 
This picture and report are courtesy of the Reading Chronicle: READING speedway fans have been stunned by the death of former rider Lee Richardson. The 33-year-old crashed while riding for PGE Marma Rzeszow against Betard Sparta Wroclaw in Poland on Sunday 13th May 2012.The father-of-three was rushed to hospital but died of his injuries.
 
His death has sent shockwaves throughout the sport and a minute's silence was held before last night's televised Elite League meeting between Belle Vue Aces and Birmingham Brummies. Hastings-born Richardson was fondly remembered by supports of the Reading Racers, having started his career at Smallmead as a 15-year-old.
 
Former Chronicle speedway correspondent Nick Dyer said: "I felt really close to Lee having been with him in his earliest rookie season with Tim Sugar (ex-Racers manager) at Reading. I remember travelling to his debut meeting in Tim's van."I also worked with Lee's mum on the TV commentaries that used to run on local cable and I can't even think what his wife is going through."
 
Richardson made his debut for the Racers in 1995 and was part of the team that won league and cup honours the following year. He was crowned World Under 21 Champion in 1999 and rode for a variety of clubs after Reading including Peterborough, Swindon, Eastbourne and Poole. He was the current captain of Lakeside Hammers when he died.
 
Hammers owner Stuart Douglas said: "Lee's death is a truly shocking piece of news. Sometimes the dangers the riders face in this sport are sidelined in the competitive spirit, but this proves just how brave speedway riders are."Lee is a magnificent rider, and our club, and the speedway family around the world, are left totally bereft by this tragedy."The news is a second blow for Racers fans following the death of ex-rider and co-promoter Malcolm Holloway from a heart attack last week.
 

The following pictures and sentiments were sent to me by Reg Fearman

 
 
 
Robert Rogers says: A strange place was Arena Essex tonight, it was nearly 19.45 pm and the normally noisy mad house that is the pits was strangely quite, the bikes stood in rows in silent homage. Riders, Staff and Officials stood in little groups quietly chatting, whilst some found a quite corner for their thoughts.
 
On the terraces, some fans could not believe it, some would not believe it. They threw their couple of bob and £10 notes in to the collecting bins ably organised by Linda and George, although there was some happiness, the latest Member of the Barclays clan could not believe, so made the most of, all the fuss they were receiving. Some fans laid flowers at the corner of the Tavern, some gave in sympathy cards, all seemed to want to sign the remembrance book, many bought a Rico Tee-shirt, all the more money for the collection.
 
Most stood in groups, still shocked, but remembering the good times, one fan said `He stood with my boy last week to have his photo taken, he was a good guy like that, must get it framed now`. The normal start time of the match saw, insisted of 14 noisy bikes, a silent procession coming out of the pits, and along the concrete road that is the Banger track, headed by Lakeside Manager pushing a Speedway bike, followed by Riders, Family, Friends and Officials, and marching in a group the St Johns Ambulance Brigade in their brightly coloured jackets, they walk around to the starting tapes, where a wreath in Lakeside colours was placed on the bike.
 
Oh no! It was true, Lee had ridden his last race. Brave words from the manager trying to hold back the tears, also the fans, although for some it was too much. But by fare the bravest of all Emma, and her boys. A minutes silence, ended by the warning Klaxon, then a minutes applauds, Speedway had paid its respect to a Racing Legend, Lee Richardson, Lakeside Captain, killed while racing in Poland last Sunday . RIP Lee the Hammers will NEVER forget you, the show must go on, and Lakeside beat Swindon 50-40, but a little bit of our hearts will never be the same again.
 
 

 
 

Norrie Isbister

 

Claire Nielson (Nee Isbister) says: My uncle, Norrie Isbister, was one of Scotland's greats from the early years of the sport in the UK

 
 
John Says: The above photo is one of my favourites out of the many thousands of images on my websites
Norrie Isbister and Drew McQueen.  The crazy cornering angles were due to the Douglas Dirt Track bikes they are racing.  The bikes had a  long wheel base to accommodate the longitudal flat twin engine and a very low centre of gravity because of the engines weight slung along the bottom of the bikes frame, this resulted in spectacular "leg trailing"
 
 
Above left is a painting by Sir Somerville Shanks, of my uncle Norrie, (says Claire) at the height of his popularity and above right is him in 1917 at an army training camp
 
 

Claire continues:  The man in the homburg hat 2nd from right is my father, Jack Isbister who was the doctor at the Speedway then

 
 

Claire says: A line-up of riders with my uncle Norrie at extreme left.

 
 
Norrie With Other Veterans 
 
 
Norrie Isbister, Fred Rogers, Merv Hannam, Ove Fundin, Willie Templeton and Bert Harkins.
 
Alan Charles says: Hello John,
Sorry long time no hear! I am always having a sniff around your wonderful website, and the other night noticed a photo of Norrie Isbister laying a Douglas almost flat. Terrific photo, but what caught my eye was the fact that a comment had been made by a Claire Nielson. Now, my wife is a nurse and over 20 years ago cared for a Doctor Jack Isbister at a home in Stratford upon Avon. I commented on the name being that of a rider turned promoter but obviously never mentioned it to him which is a huge shame as I see Claire Nielson herself identifies her father in one of the photos as the track doctor. I would have loved to have met with the fellow but sadly never did.
 
There was another reason Claire Nielson is firmly and fondly stuck in my mind. That is because the place my wife worked at, did an Easter bonnet parade one year for the amusement of the residents and Miss Nielson came along to add a touch of glamour and judge the entries. The lady excelled herself as she awarded first prize in both age groups to my two daughters!!!
 
You may wonder why I say glamour, well as well as being extremely attractive. Claire Nielson is a hugely accomplished actress. If you ever saw Fawlty Towers I need only mention Waldorf Salad. The striking blonde lady who accompanied the American gent who was rightly outraged at Basil’s standards? She has also appeared in numerous dramas such as Taggart where she turned Jim down on the offer of a date preferring as she said “the company of her own sex”!!! I think she did a Rab C Nesbitt too. My wife met her many times as she was a very regular visitor along with her husband fellow actor Paul Greenwood, and she always said she was a lovely woman. How much more the lovely for her to share her knowledge of such an illustrious figure from Scottish speedway with you. I wonder how she found your site?
Kindest regards, Alan
 
 

 
 

Digging At The
Starting Gate

 
Many riders go through what looks like little more than ritual digging and stamping with their boots before coming under starters orders.  I presume they are looking to create extra grip!, but does it work?  There is also the kick aimed with the heel of the right foot towards the engine, what does that achieve?  If you are/were a rider could you please throw some light on these matters.  John
 
My mate giffy says:  Things are ok here, well sort of Ok, I had a bloody heart attack a couple of months ago and the place I worked for closed down, so now I am full time old person.
I only rode at one track that had a concrete starting pad and that was Middlesbrough and I think that was 1965 in a non league side.
Regarding the digging at the gate. I always looked for a bit of the gate that had not been used before and had no ruts in it but if that was not possible I looked for a straight rut to use. The idea of using a rut that is already there is that the sides of the tyre will pick up a bit of grip on the sides of the rut too.  I have no idea why riders mess about as much as they do. I think if they were honest they wouldn't know either, they just do it because they have seen someone else do it!!!
I always thought the best way was to drop the clutch before the other blokes!!!!.
My best wishes to you, mate, giffy 
 
John says: Take it easy giffy mate.  I dunno why your heart decided to "attack you" :-(  I am a full time old and infirm person too. Great isn't it?  Any more riders eye views of starting techniques?  John
Col Greenwell says: Hi John, I was looking through Miscellaneous 1 and you have an item from Dave Gifford...Digging At The Gate. He says the only track he rode at with a concrete start was at Middlesbrough in 1965..!!!...Maybe Dave means 1966 when we had open meetings.....There were only 3 meetings at Middlesbrough in 1965. I just cannot remember what the start was like....
John says: Ah well giffy may have got it wrong but it was 47 yrs ago.  Bloody hell! I cannot remember what I had for tea yesterday!
 
 

 
 

Danny Dunton

 
 

Danny Dunton (right), Chairman of SRA presents a greeting to Igor Plechanov 1964

 

 
 

Danny Is A Dutchman

 
 
 
 
 

Dutch Programme from 1963 Danny was Captain of Holland, he won the Golden Hemet which he still has at home.

Ok I will ask Lee "How come your dad, Danny was riding for Holland"

John says: Ah well Lee may not have seen the above request from me
 
 

 
 
Speedway In Brazil
 
 
Y
 
John Says: 4 bikes going around an oval track. Yes I would call that Speedway.  The bikes are heavy looking road machines but that was common in 1928 in Australia and Europe.  Pity speedway is not a popular form of motor sport in Brazil, well let's face it speedway isn't that popular anywhere!
 

 
 
1929 Motor Cycling Magazine Speedway Advert
 

Courtesy of Jim Henry

 
 

 
 
England Team
 

Courtesy of the Eric Williams Collection

 
John says: The eight smiling Englishmen are (standing from left to right) Derrick Tailby, My Mate Reg Fearman, Eddie Rigg, Bob Fletcher, Fred Yates. Kneeling (from left to right) are Eric Williams, Jack Parker and Tommy Miller.
 

 
 
Motorcycle Football
& Sidecar Polo
 
 

From Crystal Palace.  Motorcycle Football  (Top) and Sidecar Polo below. looks like a lot of fun

 

 
 

Two Early USA Riders

 
Lloyd "Sprouts" Elder
 
 
1929 Sprouts Elder, at 6ft 3ins the American's left leg had to trail when he rode on the low slung Douglas machine.  He wasn't hampered at all by his height.  I have read that he could earn an appearance fee of £500.00.  I have my doubts as that seems a colossal sum for the first era 1929 to 1930!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sprouts Elder on a Douglas
 
 
 
Sprouts Elder, late 1920's mister speedway.  He was speedways greatest showman and had there been a world championship he would likely have won it. 
 

 
 

Early USA Riders

 

Byrd McKinney

 
 
John says: One of the best photographs on my website and there are many great pictures.  Here is Byrd McKinney in 1933. A USA rider mounted on a Twin Port Harley Davidson.  Byrd was obviously a leg trailer as his left leg shows padding to help him ride the bends. He was a Los Angeles rider. The photographer must have been lying down to capture this shot.
 
 

 
 
 
1937 American Team
 
 
 

 
 
Harley Davidson
 
Purpose Made & Rare
 
 
A potent looking Harley Davidson.  The picture shows the exposed Primary and rear chains, no front mudguard and a small rear mudguard.  The bike looks as lightened as possible with even the clutch and rear sprocket drilled out to lighten the load.  In 1934 this bike was state of the art but it wasn't capable of competing with the British JAP machine.  Perhaps American speedway needed Harley Davidson to seriously compete with the JAPS and at that stage they could have easily done so, but decided to pull out of being a speedway bike manufacturer.  The British Bike maker JAP continued most successfully, from that point alone until the mid 1960's.  
 
 

 
 
Sig Schlam
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Jack Sharp
 
 

Courtesy of Colin Greenwell

 
 

 
 

New Zealander
Spencer "Smokey" Stratton

 
 

Courtesy of Susan Webb, a relative of Spencer

 
My mate, Dave Gifford has been in touch and has supplied the following text about Smokey:   
 
New Zealander Smokey Stratton was a pioneer in the truest sense of the word, a free spirit forever looking for new challenges and new horizons. He left his homeland to race on the grass, dirt and concrete tracks in Australia at the age of nineteen in 1923, the following year he travelled to the USA to try his luck on the American tracks and returned to Australia later the same year.  
 
At this stage of his career Smokey had a pair of Indians, one a 350cc and the other a 990cc. He survived an horrific crash at the Hamilton Speedway in Newcastle NSW, promoted incidentally by our old friend Johnny Hoskins. Spencer recovered and resumed his riding career setting track records at a number of venues in Australia with the odd visit home to race in NZ. In 1926 it was back to the United States to ride as a member of the official Indian Works team, with several meetings on the incredible board tracks at Altoona, Rockingham and Fresno.  
 
After that he returned to Australia but when Johnny Hoskins travelled to the UK in 1928 Smokey was a fellow passenger as the flood of Aussie riders began to make their way to Britain. He switched to Dirt Track Douglas bikes when he rode in the UK and in 1931 was a partner in the company that built the Sheffield Speedway at Owlerton. 
 
During his time in Britain he continued to look for new challenges and made several trips to the Continent to race. He made a brief visit to New Zealand in 1933 but it appears he never actually rode on a New Zealand speedway at any time in his career.
 
 
1938 Tragedy 
 

 In 1938 Smokey was appointed Manager at Newcastle Brough Park Speedway.  He was tragically killed in a car crash at Cockermouth when returning from a Newcastle league match at Workington.
Susan Webb

Dave Gifford says: This is only a very condensed summary of a fascinating character and a great Kiwi. If anyone can help with information on the life and career of Spencer Stratton I would love to hear from them, particularly regarding his trips to Germany, Austria etc.       
Giffy.       
giffords@xtra.co.nz 
 
The following info about Smokey comes via my Newcastle History Website
 

An Indian With A BSA
In The Background

 
 
Dave Gifford has been in touch about the Indian shown above he says:   Now on page 4 of your Bikes site is a picture of a 20's Indian and is it the bike once used by Kiwi Spencer "Smokey" Stratton? I understand that Stratton became Promoter or team manager at Newcastle after he quit riding and was killed in a road crash coming back from a meeting at Workington? Can you verify or give me any additional info?    So! can anyone shed any light email me John
 
Smokey, along with Stewie St George were probably our very first riders, they rode for Johnnie Hoskins at West Maitland where it all started and I have an idea they came to England with Johnnie but we know very little about them.  Cheers The Noo Giffy
I will ask around Giffy and let you know if we come up with anything John
 
An Unamed Writer says: There was an obituary in The Speedway News of 11th June 1938.  Basically confirms what you have written but doesn't specify the town where he crashed.  He was team manager of Johnnie Hoskins Newcastle Diamonds Div 2 track.  Before coming to England in 1928 he had crashed at Newcastle NSW and been unconscious for 23 days.  The article mentions his love of "Indian" Bikes. Unknown writer says: I have a newspaper report from Monday 6th June 1938 which says that Spencer Charles Stratton, aged 33, was killed in a head-on collision between two cars at Brigham, near Cockermouth (Cumberland) on Saturday night (4th June 1938). Unknown writer says: Three companions, Canadian riders were travelling with Stratton, were seriously injured, as were the occupants of the other car (John Roan, of Cockermouth, and G.O Smith, of Whitehaven), Stratton's injured companions were Ellwood Stillwell (28) Bruce Venier (21) and Robert Sparks (23), The five injured men were taken to Cockermouth hospital with severe head and face wounds.
John says: Yes Canadians Ellwood Stilwell, Bruce Venier and Bob Sparks all rode for Spencer "Smokey" Stratton at Newcastle in 1938.
 
 

 
 
Speedway Models 
 
 
 
These 3 pictures are from Bill. He bought these for around 20p each in Ireland during the 1960's. Bill says the engines on the models are all JAP and the detail is quite good.  Thought!! have you any model speedway rider that is worthy of showing on the website. John  
 
 
Cary Cotteman's "Toys"  
 
 

Pics of "Toy" bikes.  From Cary Cotteman (USA)

 
As I was looking at your 'Miscellaneous' page I saw some photos of toy speedway riders that were sent to you by 'Bill'. I happen to have had that same set, which I bought in 1970. There were originally four bikes and four riders with different helmet colours. The set came with a sheet of tiny stickers that could be peeled off and stuck on the riders' race jackets. You could choose from all of the British League Division One teams, or a national body colour of England, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, etc. I have attached two photos of the one remaining bike I still have (I don't know what ever happened to the little riders--retired, I suppose). It has an amazing amount of accuracy for something that is only 2.5 inches (6 cm) long. You can make out the pushrod and valve covers, oil pump, girder forks, the shallow horizontal fins on the JAP crank case, and many other details. The tyres are rubber, and the rear one has 'BRITAINS LTD." and 'ENGLAND" written on the sides. The bikes came plain silver metal, but at some point in my youth I painted this one.
Cheers, Cary
 
John says: Great stuff Cary, the JAP bikes are really excellent reproductions of the real thing.  Keep them safe and some antique dealer may one day, pay you big dollars for them, or maybe they will gather dust in your house until your grandchildren chuck them out. Who knows?  Wish I had them though. 
 
And just when I thought it safe to get back to the full size stuff, along came Bob Andrews with "his" toy bikes:- 
 
 

Courtesy of Bob Andrews

 

Detail is pretty good, the oil tank and air intake look right but the race track looks very slick!! So it cannot be Brough Park!!

 
 

Courtesy of Bob Andrews

Courtesy of Bob Andrews

 

This rider looks like Berwick's Rob Grant! Was Granty a body double for the little chap!

 

Courtesy of Bob Andrews

 
This one is obviously of Bob Andrews leading by a mile.  Bob knows how to burn the mahogany, although his right wrist looks a little limp on the throttle!
 
 

 
 
Bob Andrews &
Ole Olsen
 

Courtesy of Bob Andrews

 

Toy riders aside, these two did it for real, Bob couldn't match Ole for world championship success but he was a gritty racer who was hard to predict.  Ole was my hero at Newcastle after Ivan Mauger left.  Ivan? What a hard act to follow eh Mr Olsen?

 

 
 
 
The Star Championship 1933
 
 
1933 Star Championship riders lining up for a heat. L-R Norman Parker, Tom Farndon, Al Wilkinson and Stan Greatorex.  This is considered by speedway historians as the unofficial start of speedways world championship.
 
 

 
 
Frank Arthur
 
 
Frank Arthur 1929: Before the world championships proper started in 1936, we had the Star Championships and Australian Frank Arthur was up there at the top of the Overseas Riders. Frank was the Star 1929 overseas champion.  Do you know what track he belonged to in 1929 John  This picture shows the bigger wheels in use at the time.  I don't know why the wheel diameters were reduced in the 1950s do you? John
 
 
Roger Frogley
 
 
Frank Arthur was the Star 1929 overseas champion and the rider shown above Roger Frogley, won the British rider of the Star Championship. Roger is shown aboard a Harley Peashooter.  Do you know what track he was attached to in 1929. John
 
Jerry Willmott says: I believe Roger Frogley was attached to High Beech in 1929.  He moved to Crystal Palace in 1930.
 

 
 
John "Slider" Shuttleworth
 
 

John "Slider" Shuttleworth mounted on a Rudge

 
 

Text scan is from a John Chaplin book......from 1990....John Chaplin's Speedway Special.  Is the story true?  I hope so!

 
Mike Willig says: John Starkey Shuttleworth was my Grandad, so it's good to see that there's stuff on the web about him he'd be chuffed, always loved being the centre of attention. He used to stand in Stockport's Merseyway precinct and play his accordion, happily collecting any contributions in his cowboy hat (which he often wore) As far as I'm aware, the story about him and the red ink is true.
 

 
 
Alan Hodkinson's Collection
 

Courtesy of Alan Hodkinson

 

Courtesy of Alan Hodkinson

 
Alan Hodkinson says: Ex Army Dispatch Riders boots,  Just after the war Riders could pick these up in Army Surplus stores for about 7 Shillings and 6 pence (35p), And the Gas Goggles were popular too, these would be about 9d for a pack of 10 (about 4p) these items were top quality, good value, those are my boots and are still going strong
 
 

 
 
The 2 Stroke Scott
500cc Watercooled
 
 
Tommy Hatch
 
 

Not much of the bike is visible but Tommy is mounted on a 2 stroke 500cc Scott

 
 
 
Scott Rider
Frank Varey
 
The technologically advanced Scott had it's champion of it's cause in Frank Varey, the Red Devil.  Sadly the Scott, made in Britain, was not to become a speedway success along with all of the other British bikes but British Engine makers JAP took up the baton in the early 1930s  Such a pity that Scott, Norton, Triumph, Velocette, Royal Enfield and BSA etc., didn't follow JAP, as speedway would have been so much better with a variety of manufacturers involved.
 
 
Frank Varey was the most well known Scott rider and the red parts of the bike gained Frank the name The Red Devil.  His showmanship came out and he started wearing red too!  Frank moved on to other bikes to be competitive
 
 
The Red Devil
Frank Varey
 
Frank rode in South America where he gained the nickname El Diablo Rojo (The Red Devil) in Argentina
 

Courtesy of John Whitaker

 
Here is the Red Devil,  (Frank Varey El Diablo Rojo.) on board a Rudge, Frank was no longer a Scott rider as he strove to be competitive.  The Rudge was a potent machine and compared to the Scott and Douglas it was a leap forward until JAP's speedway engine was developed around 1931
 
 

 
 
Cyclone Billy Lamont On A Harley
 
 
Early American Speedway Bike makers Harley Davidson and Indian were recognisable by their dropped handlebars, modelled here by Billy Lamont.  You will notice that Billy is racing his Harley Peashooter without gloves or a proper crash hat. he appears to be wearing a leather head cover not much good if he comes to grief!  But that is the way it was around the beginning in 1929.
 
"Cyclone"
Billy Lamont
On An
AJS
 
 

The "Cyclone" aboard the British made AJS big port

 
 

 
 
Colin Watson 1932 (I Think?)
 
 
This is Colin Watson in, I think, 1932.  The photo is great by anyone's standards.  I assume the photographer wasn't about to be run down by Colin!  I can picture the camera man squatted down on the track, clicked his camera and then dived off to his right onto the centre green!
 
 

 
 
Charlie Pashley On A Sunbeam At Southport Sands
 
 
Not sure what is going on here!  Charlie Pashley on a Sunbeam, apparently going the wrong way!.  He won the first ever UK dirtrack meeting at Droylesden in 1927. His Sunbeam was a stripped down roadster and as can be seen here it had a front brake.  Charlie would have disabled the brakes for the racing as that was a golden rule in the early days.
David Spencer says:  One thing I did notice was the photo of Charlie Pashley apparently broad sliding the “wrong way”. I asked his son about that and it turns out he raced on the sand at Ainsdale and they competed clockwise and that is where the photo is from.
 
Rod Pashley says: Hi, I am delighted to see you have a photo of my Dad (Charlie Pashley), and thought you might like the attached scan to go with it. He also rode at Belle Vue (Hyde Rd) first meeting, it seems that literally hundreds of riders turned up, to have a go, but none seem to have been recorded You may also like to know that the photo you have was taken on Southport sands
 

Courtesy of Rod Pashley

 
This racecard shows C Pashley 600cc So we can assume that the Sunbeam he is pictured riding above is a 600cc bike.
Rod Pashley says: Charlie went on to captain Belle Vue's Midget car team in the thirties
 
 

 
 
Harley Davidson
 
 

The Harley Peashooter in action in 1926 at Claremont Australia, ridden by Charlie Datsun.  Australia had been staging dirt track racing for approximately 3 years and the sport would not be arriving in the UK until 1928

 
 

The Harley Peashooter had distinctive drop handlebars.  The machine was the most successful of the 1920's bikes until the Douglas Dirt Track machine came along in approx. 1928

 
 
Harley Davidson and most British Bike makers had a brief  interest in speedway in the early days, and soon turned their back on the sport.  The bike companies could have developed machines that could have appeared on world wide speedway tracks but they didn't.  So well done JAP of Tottenham England for building speedway engines/bikes and for producing the engines for the Rotrax JAP.  The best ever speedway bike in my opinion.
 
 

 
 
Paddy Dean
 
 

Paddy Dean 1929 Claremont Speedway Australia

 

 
 
The Hoskins Family
 
 

The Hoskins, probably the most influential speedway family of all time Ian, Audrey and Johnnie

 
 

 
 

USA Board Racing

 
We are used to seeing cyclists racing around Velodromes.  A Velodrome is usually a wooden, banked oval race track, for cycles, but not suitable for high powered motorcycles.  In years gone by USA's motorcycle fans could watch stripped down motorcycles racing around Board Tracks which were similar to the Velodrome but larger and outdoors.
 
 
Board Racing started in the USA in the early1900's.  The bikes were mainly Indian and Harley Davidson.  Like speedway they had no brakes and a fixed gear so it is a close cousin to speedway. The bikes have been stripped down in much the same manner that Dirt Track bikes were a few years later.
 
 
 
Outdoor board tracks needed the wooden boards replacing after only 4 or 5 years and the high costs involved signaled the end.  This form of motorcycle racing only lasted from the 1910s until the 1920s and was an American only spectacular.  
 
 

 
 
Kansas USA 1920
At Dodge City
 
 
USA 1920. at Dodge City
Maldwyn Jones, Fred Ludlow, Ralph Hepburn, Jim Davis, Ray Weishaar, OttoWalker, Walter Higley
Maldwyn Jones is said by some to have been the first rider to master the art of broadsiding, if so then he must have had a massive advantage over his rivals
 
 

 
 

Harold
"Tiger" Stevenson

 
 

 
 

1981 Ventura Programme
(California USA)

 
 

 
 
Two Of England's All Time Best
 
 
Dave Jessup leads Michael Lee at the Coventry British Final.  I have included this photo as I think it is a great action picture
 
 


 
 
Barnet Bypass 1930s


This photo is from my Barnet Bypass webpage.  An early 1930s photo from Ann Bellingham (nee Scott)..  her dad Roland Scott is no 69, far left.  The track appears to be on a slope or was the photographer drunk!  Does anyone recognise the other riders John  Ann says her dad won many trophies 1930-1932 at this Barnet Bypass circut.

 

 
 

Australia 1950

 
 

 
1950 Australian team at Kilburn Speedway in Adelaide- (track long since gone.)
The line up from L to R is Bob Leverenz, Bill Bryden, Jack Young, Aub Lawson, Merv Harding, Lindsay Mitchell & Frank Young
 
 

 
 
Anglian Angels
 


I am reminded by Mike Moseley that the Angels staged their home matches at Kings Lynn and Ipswich
 
 

 
 
Northside Arena Workington

 
Mike Moseley says there has only been one meeting under the Northside banner at Workington. So what's gone wrong there, anyone know?  This programme has to be quite rare then?
 
 

 
 
Boris Samorodov's ESO
 
 

Top 1960's Russian Boris Samorodov, ESO mounted, leaving England's best in his wake

 
 

 
 
Mike Broadbanks
 
 
This is Mike Broadbanks, the Red Devil! An Englishman who could match the mighty Russians in the 1960's  Mike's unusual riding style came about by him sitting well forward and gripping the handlebars well away from the ends.  He was great to watch.
 
 

 
 

Who Are the Oldest
Surviving Riders

 
 

Presently the oldest living rider is Newcastle's Gordon Byers he is 96 years young at the time of writing (April 2008).  Gordon still lives in the city, he won the first ever race at Newcastle's Brough Park, way back on 17th May 1929. He started his Career at Middlesbrough in 1928 and Newcastle 1929 then he moved south, Leeds first then Wembley.

 
After Gordon there appears to be quite an age gap which it appears can be measured in terms of was a rider riding Pre war because the only other pre war rider alive today is Riskit Riley shown below
Update: Sadly, Gordon died just before Christmas 2008
 
 
Is Riskit Still With Us?
 
 
Douglas mounted Riskit Riley.  I don't know how old Riskit is now.  If you can help please email me John
 
 
Jack Tidbury
 
 
Norman Jacobs has been in touch he says: There is another pre war rider who is still alive.  He is Jack Tidbury who rode for Hackney in 1938
John says: Many thanks Norman, Jack was also a Middlesbrough Bear in 1939.  here's a picture of Jack (see above).
 
 

 
 

Lady Riders

 
 

Well before the days of women's lib, 1929, here we have 2 ladies mounted on Douglas DT's and below not only a lady rider but a lady wielding a spanner too.

 
 

From Ernie Crusts book "At The Drop Of The Flag." The spanner wielding Anne Whitfield is the sister of Harry Whitfield

 
 
 
 

This is Eva Askquith who came from Bedale in north Yorkshire

 
Col Greenwell says: I have a book that says Eva rode against Gordon Byers in match races at Brough Park, Newcastle. Eva won the first, Gordon the second but before the decider Eva was involved in a triple crash and had to withdraw from the meeting. She did ride at Gosforth the next night against the likes of Charlie Barrett and Smiling Jim Kempster.  At West Ham she beat Tiger Stevenson 2-1 in match races.  She rode as a reserve for Leeds at Sheffield and got a second place.
They should write a book about her.  She rode point to point, played cricket for the local cricket team, not sure if that was a ladies team, she was a dispatch rider for the national fire service during the war and was also a fire engine driver
Col
 
 

Fay Taylour
At The
Douglas Factory

 
 
 
 
Fay v Eva
 
 
 

Other Ladies Of The Early Dirt Tracks

 

Babs Neild & Dot Cowley

 
 
 

 
 
1929 Ron Johnson
& Jack Parker
 
 

1929  Ron Johnson  & Jack Parker mounted on Douglas machines.  Can anyone say what track?

 

 
 

1929 Squib Burton
On His Douglas

 
 
 

 
 
Ice Speedway
 

Ice Racer

Gerrit Schukken

 
 
Gerrit's crazy angle is commonplace, no! he is not falling off!
 
 

Gerrit Schukken

 
John says: Ice Speedway racing takes place in Russia, Scandinavia and Holland (Not sure why Holland?).  If you can add to this shortlist and/or say why Holland has the weather conditions suitable for ice speedway please let me know.  John
 
Gerrit Schukken (pictured above) says: Hi John, I'm from Holland. in the north. Comparing the speedway bike with an ice bike:  I think only the wheel hubs and transmission are the same ( maybe accept the ratio ). the frame is special, wheels are front 23" rear 21"
 
My ice bike has no rear suspension. engine is 500cc 4stroke 2 valve Jawa, 2 valve is max in ice race methanol powered about 55 ps, no titanium allowed on bike. and the minimum weight is 115 kg ( changes sometimes a bit ) interesting to know in about 1990 my friend Tjitte Bootsma, Dutch GP rider than started to improve the java frames. he than came with a own frame with rear suspension, every one laugh at him. but soon they learn that it was the new evolution of ice racing.
 
Java also came with a rear suspension but it was not perfect. A few years later they copied his frame ( almost exact ) but still it wasn't super. This "tibo" frame also was copied by Russian mechanic due to lower quality steel and poor welding also this frames aren't very good. I think 90% of the drivers now in GP drive on this frames, and if there would be ( like F1 GP) a constructors title he would have it for many years now. This is a bit advertising :) the most used engine is still the Jawa 4 stroke 2 valve methanol powered engine.
 
But still, I just started ( I hope to improve ) ice racing last year. Set to learn it on an "oldtimer" Jawa. it is a money issue. I think its a super interesting sport and hope to continue it. Don't know if your interest goes to the sport or only to the bikes but anyway mine is both!
Well if you want to learn more about it I can help you I think, maybe ask some specific questions, if I don't forget I will send you some pictures of my bike, the pics i sent is me on Tjittes old competition bike on which he started.
Greetings Gerrit Schukken Holland
 
John says: Hi Gerrit,  I am fascinated by Ice Racing and would love to see your pictures.  The sport looks much faster than dirt track speedway despite the older engines  John.  If I was wealthier I would make frequent winter trips to watch the sport.
 
Gerrit says: Maybe  this will attract some sponsors for me!  You want to know why Holland has ice racing. Well in early days there was bit more strong winters and we have a lot of lakes, you do the math! and of course we have a lot of crazy ( read fanatic ) speedway riders. there not a lot of riders left, now about 3 of 4 active riders, if we get more winters it will be more. Assen, ( place from TT) has a organisation who organizes a world championship every year still, and the riders who are active are very driven to ride it.
Also check www.renestellingwerf.nl  site of friend of me who, has a good chance qualifying for GP this year
greets Gerrit
 
John says: Ok Gerrit, I would be pleased to hear you have a sponsor after putting this on the website.  Best wishes to your friend on reaching the GP...John
 
1960's
Ice Racing
 
Courtesy of John Spoor
 
 
Assen
Ice Speedway
World Championship
 
Possibly The Last Ever Race Meeting at Assen!
 
 
 
 

 

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