HOT RACING IN STATE INVITATIONALS – posted 11 April 2013

South Australia State’s top riders competed for the prestigious Allan Staunton 20inch and the Mick Harley 26inch Invitationals held at Findon.  The weather was a perfect 28 with a slight breeze and the racing in both sections was hot.

The 20-heat 16-man formula was used but with a difference. The three top scorers were directly seeded to the sudden death Grand Final with fourth,fifth, sixth and seventh having a qualifying final with the winner only proceeding to the Grand Final.  The highest point scorer had first choice of grid positions followed by second etc etc. 

The reason for the qualifying final is to give a rider who suffers a spill or an exclusion the chance to still win the championship and it also encourages all riders to get into the top seven. In effect, spectators are treated to two sudden death finals.

Prizemoney in both sections was 1^st $50, 2^nd $30, 3^rd $ 20, 4^th $10

along with trophies and a special racing top for the winner.

ZADOW TAKES OUT STAUNTON INVITATIONAL – posted 11 April 2013

Cameron Zadow (Murraylands) dominated the Allan Staunton 20inch formula and went through to the Grand Final undefeated. Adan Thompson (Le Fevre) only dropped one point and that was to Zadow.  Darnell Miller (Le Fevre) dropped two points, one to Zadow and the other to Thompson. 

The four riders to compete in the qualifying sudden death were Cooper Osborne (Salisbury) 16, Blade Blatchford (Findon) and Holly Greenhalgh (Salisbsury) both on 15 and Kyle Osborne (Salisbury) on 14.  Cooper Osborne was in third but took advantage of a spill and won the event to progress to the Grand Final.

In the Grand Final Cameron Zadow bounced out easily from gate one but slid out on the first of the three laps. He kept his cool, quickly remounted and put all his power to the pedals to pass everyone just before the finishing line.

Allan Staunton 20inch Invitational

1st Cameron Zadow (Murraylands), 2nd Darnell Miller (Le Fevre), 3rd Cooper Osborne (Salisbury), 4th: Adan Thompson (Le Fevre) 

FITZPATRICK LANDS HARLEY INVITATIONAL – posted 11 April 2013

No doubt many have seen the video of the Mick Harley 20inch final on Facebook which was a humdinger and a bobby dazzler.  Bobby McMillan, Cody Chadwick and Joel Chadwick top scored in the formula on 18 points to secure their spot in the sudden death Grand Final. 

The qualifying final was Daniel Robb 16, Robert Fitzpatrick 15, Ryan Greenhalgh 14, Daniel Thompson 14.  Fitzpatrick had a fall during the formula and Greenhalgh suffered a gate exclusion but the Qualifying Final gave them that extra chance to get into the Grand Final.

Once again, just like the 20inch, the qualifier was very exciting to watch with Robert Fitzpatrick earning himself a place in the Grand Final.  Ryan Greenhalgh deserves a special mention as he is one of the juniors who performed equally as good as his senior mentors.

In the Grand Final, Bobby McMillan, Joel and Cody Chadwick had to have a marble draw as they all finished on 18 points.  Joel won the draw and elected to go on grid one, Cody on two with Bobby on three and Robert Fitzpatrick took what was left, grid four. 

Joel bounced out first with  brother Cody hot on his heels, Fitzy in third and Bobby in fourth.   Cody managed a great dive on turn one of lap two and led his brother out of the corner but Joel regains the lead going down the back straight.  With 1½ laps to go Bobby Mac takes the inside line and moves into third place relegating Fitzy to fourth.

Coming out of turn two on the final lap Joel Chadwick slides and takes Cody Chadwick with him this enables Fitzy to take the lead and win the event by a couple of lengths from Bobby McMillan.  Cody and Joel are shattered wondering ‘what in hell happened there?”.  All of a sudden Cody realises that third place is worth $20 and fourth is $10 so he is quickly on his bike to get the extra ten bucks.

Once again we were treated to not one but two very exciting sudden death finals.  

Mick Harley 26inch Invitational

1st Robert Fitzpatrick (Le Fevre), 2nd Bobby McMillan (Findon), 3rd Cody Chadwick (Salisbury), 4th Joel Chadwick (Salisbury)

BOOST FOR COFFS HARBOUR PROJECT – posted 22 March 2013

Within minutes of the article appearing on Spokesman about the exciting development at Coffs Harbour in New South Wales, former cycle speedway administrator and more than useful rider Trevor Butcher, contacted Aussie supremo Mick Harley to offer his assistance in developing the new facility.

“Trevor Butcher has contacted me after reading the article in Spokesman” said Mick Harley.  “He is living in that area and is keen to help Kieren get a club going and pass on valuable experience.  I have passed on Kieren's phone number for Trevor to contact.”

Butcher’s involvement will come as a welcome boost for Kieren Cameron, the driving force behind the Coffs Harbour project.  Watch this space for further developments.

NEW TRACK FOR AUSTRALIA? – posted 21 March 2013

There is growing speculation that a cycle speedway track could be built at Coff Harbour in New South Wales.  Coff Harbour is situated half way between Sydney

and Brisbane. 

The man behind the exciting new venture is former Findon Skid Kid Kieren Cameron, a close friend of former Aussie track and cycle speedway star Jobe Dajka,

“My family have been involved in cycling for years and can’t believe cycle speedway  has never been seen up our way” said 31-year-old Kieren who would like to built the track in the centre of a velodrome.

“I think it could also bring many clubs together like BMX, MTB and track” he added.

SHANE AND TRENT ON THE MEND – posted 6 March 2013

Both Shane Bentley and Trent Forrester had further hospital appointments earlier this week to ascertain if additional treatment was necessary following the Findon fire jump accident.

In the case of Shane it was a welcome "all clear" whilst Trent will need another assessment on the possibility of a skin graft to the major injury next week.

As always best wishes to Shane and Trent for a complete recovery and an early return to racing

FIRE JUMP LATEST – posted 3 March 2013

Gutsy teenager Kayleigh Clarke is recovering well after the shock of being involved in the Findon fire jump accident – so much so that she will be able to join family and friends for her sixteenth birthday celebration tomorrow (Monday 4 March).  Meanwhile Trent Forrester, Shane Bentley are due to visit the hospital on Tuesday for a further update on their burns treatment.

FIRE JUMP DECISION – posted 3 March 2013

A meeting was held today to decide the fate of the fire jump. It was well attended by committee and past members who unanimously voted in favour of retaining it.

A risk assessment and check-list will be drawn up on Sunday 17th March. The next fire jump will be on Brian O'Neill Memorial Day which is on 16th June.

“The media will be notified and it will be interesting to see if they come to film it” a Findon club representative told Spokesman..

SALISBURY BOOST – posted 3 March 2013

South Australian based Salisbury Cycle Speedway has had 50 plus riders throughout the last five weeks of normal club meetings since the racing season has started.

“It’s a good feeling having such good turn outs since the 2013 cycle speedway season has started and we hope to continue this streak” said a club spokesman.

WE WERE LUCKY TO ESCAPE – posted 26 February 2013

The remaining two riders involved in the horrendous fire jump accident at Findon have been released from hospital.

Teenagers Trent Forester and Shane Bentley admit they are lucky to escape the fiery stunt with only burns to their arms.  But despite the pain and a night in hospital, the pair, both 15, plan to rider on.

 “I wouldn’t do this thing again but I am still going to do some stunts and race” a sore Trent said yesterday after being released from Finders Medical Centre.  The pair were attempting the feat for the first time.

“All our friends have done it.  They’ve all done it fine, so we thought it would be fine” added Trent.

Shame, who has burns on his arms and back, said “It was really hot, so hot.  Heading into it I was fine but i didn’t think it would be that bad.  I took the cardboard with me and that’s what burned me” explained Shane.

The pair said that do not blame anyone for the accident.  “We do it at our own risk” said Shane.

It appears that the riders tried to jump through the cardboard too early, not allowing it to burn properly.  It is also suggested that the stunt have been set up incorrectly without a slit down the middle.  Spectators used blankets to douse the flames on the riders’ protective clothing before they were taken to hospital. 

“We have been doing the fire jump since 1961 and this would be the worst accident at Findon” explained Australian official Mick Harley.

“Normally someone will get a little burn but nothing serious.  We will be holding a special meeting to consider whether to continue with the fire jump or not. However Facebook messages are overwhelmingly in support of retaining the jump.  If it continues the committee will review very strict safety guidelines” Mick added.

TEENAGERS STILL HOSPITALISED AFTER FIRE-JUMP HORROR – posted 25 February 2013

Two of the three teenagers who suffered burns after attempting the famous Findon fire-jump are expected to leave hospital later today (Monday).

Shane Bentley and Trent Forester were detained in hospital overnight with significant burns, predominantly to their arms.  Both riders are expected to be discharged later today.  Kayleigh Clarke was released last night (Sunday) after suffering minor burns. 

The fire-jump has been a feature of Findon Skidkids’ shows for years.  A metal frame is in-filled with corrugated cardboard, doused in petrol and then set fire to, creating a spectacular blaze.  Four riders, suitably attired in protective fire-proof clothing, gloves and face protection, then ride through the flames.  As they lay down their bikes after exiting, a team of fire marshals, equipped with fire extinguishers, spray the riders with foam.  

It is not yet clear why the spectacular stunt went horribly wrong.  It is believed this is the most serious accident the team have ever experienced.

We hope to bring you more news of the accident soon.

RIDERS BURNT IN FIRE JUMP ACCIDENT – posted 24 February 2013

The spectacular Findon fire jump, filmed by the local Channel 7 news and staged as a climax to the club’s 55th birthday event today, went horribly wrong when three participants received burns that required hospital treatment.

While at present we do not have further information regarding the full extent of their injuries, the Spokesman editorial team wish the three teenagers involved, Kayleigh Clarke, Shane Bentley and Trent Forester, a complete and early recovery.

FINDON CELEBRATES 55 YEARS – posted 24 February 2013

 

A capacity attendance at Findon today witnessed more than three hours of racing that ranged from present day competitors to 60-year-olds trying to emulate their early days on sidecar-style cycles.
 

An impressive display of early day cycles were on show, some resplendent with the more than valuable "Trellie" tyres for a upgrade exercise.  Even club founder Mick Harley was "encouraged" to complete a few laps of the circuit.
 

However, despite the previously reported fire jump incident, it was still a day to remember for the total commitment of the clubs members over the past 55 years.

CRISP IN TOP FORM – posted 24 February 2013

The initial Closed Championship of the season at Le Fevre on Saturday saw in excess of forty riders contest the six divisions.

However it was the senior grade that proved the most eventful when the controversial "six on the gate" format resulted in an opening heat first bend incident leaving Ty Geertsen a little worse for wear.  

Cameron Crisp, again in top form, took the major award from local based Robert Fitzpatrick.

Scorers

Cameron Crisp 18, Robert Fitzpatrick 11, Ty Geertsen 8, Nash Manoel 7, Paul White 6, Robert Fleming 0, Andrew Wilkie 0

HEAT WAVE AT FINDON – posted 17 February 2013

Top official Tim Jarvis is enjoying a well-deserved holiday Down Under but couldn’t resist the temptation of popping along to the Findon cycle speedway at Reserve Parade in Adelaide to take in some early season racing.

With half-an-eye on the 2013 World championship in Oz in November, Tim reported back that Nicky Kinross already looks in good form and will prove a handful for our women racers.

“So hot at Findon, so not a lot happening - 39 degrees Celsius saw to that!” Tim told Spokesman.

“Nicky Kinross looked good again, on the pace of the top junior boys, so should be a match for our women. Next week it’s their club champs.  Hope the heat is a little kinder to them. We gave up early today and did the only sensible thing - get in sea!” said Tim - but not before snapping this pic on his mobile phone and sending it to the Spokesman office.

50 PLUS RIDERS ATTEND OZ OPENERS – posted 12 February 2013

New season opening individual meetings at Salisbury and Findon attracted in excess of fifty competitors at each venue.  With November’s 2013 World Championships in mind, it gave senior riders Daniel Robb, Matt Gentle, Ryan Edson and Cody Chadwick the opportunity to recover from the annual six week mid-summer

break. 

In the junior category Shane Bentley and Trent Forester in addition to newcomer Jay McCarthy indicated their undoubted ability for selection in the Australian junior test team squad for the series versus Great Britain while Letitia Collins and Sarah Clee impressed in the women’s event.  Collins plus Clee and Nicole and Jackie Kinross will no doubt form the basis of the Australian Women’s test team squad.

LEFEVRE OPEN 2013 SEASON – posted 10 February 2013

Despite the Friday evening staging, a club individual event at LeFevre attracted close on 30 competitors over various age levels.

In the senior category Cameron Crisp, Ty Geertsen, Rob Fleming, Robert Fitzpatrick, Daniel Robb and Paul White headed the field in the early heats but the lengthy Xmas festive break soon took its toll on the majority. The overall impressive performance by Daniel Robb will, without doubt, capture the attention of the Australian team management prior to the World championships later this year.

In the minor events Jack Norman again indicated his outstanding potential and a more than successful future in the sport.

TAPES UP ON NEW SEASON DOWN UNDER – posted 
3 February 2013

The Le Fevre club have their opening meeting next Friday evening.  Spokesman’s special reporter Down Under reporter will be on hand to bring you all the views and gossip from Oz.  Watch this space!

AUSTRALIAN PROVISONAL DATES 2013 – posted 4 December 2012

The Australian Cycle Speedway Council has announced its provisional dates for the 2013 season as follows:

Saturday 2 March

Memorial Open Championship at LeFevre

Monday 11 March

Adelaide Cup Holiday

Sunday 24 March

Annual Memorial Open Championship  at Findon

Sunday 7 April

Allan Staunton and Mick Harley Invitationals at Findon

Saturday 13 April

Leagues Round One at LeFevre - LeFevre v Findon v Salisbury

Saturday 4 May

South Australian Titles at Salisbury

Saturday 18 May

Leagues Round Two  at Salisbury - Salisbury v Murraylands v Findon

Saturday 25 May

Interclub No One at LeFevre

Saturday 1 June

Pat St Clair Dixon Open Championship at Salisbury

Sunday 16 June

Brian O'Neill Memorial Championship at Findon

Sunday 23 June

Leagues Round Three at Murraylands – Murraylands v Salisbury v LeFevre

Sunday 30  June

Interclub No Two at Findon

Saturday 27 July

Patrons Open Championship at Salisbury

Sunday 11 August

Leagues Round Four at Findon – Findon v LeFevre v Murraylands

Saturday 17 August

Interclub No Three at Salisbury

Saturday 24 August

City of Port Adelaide Enfield Open Championship at LeFevre

Sunday 7 September

Aussie Titles at Murraylands

Saturday 14 September

Trevor Dutton/Brian Herd Invitationals at Salisbury

Sunday 22 September

City of Charles Sturt Open Championship  at Findon

Saturday 5 October

City of Salisbury Open Championship

Sunday 20 October

Murraylands - Individual Interclub

Saturday 26 October

Open Championship at LeFevre

Monday 4 November

International Tourists strat to arrive

Thursday 7 November

International matches begin

Sunday 24 November

Internationals finish at Salisbury

LE FEVRE TO HOST FEDERATION CUP - posted 5 March 2012

The progressive Le Fevre club are celebrating the news that
they have been selected to host the inaugural Federation Cup
event during the 2013 World Championships in South Australia.

The club, now being driven by enthusiastic committtee members
Fay Fitzpatrick, Rob Fleming and Paul White, will without doubt be
more than eager to prove that they can stage an event of this stature.

AUSSIES ALREADY UP FOR 2013 - posted 5 March 2012

In preparation for the 2013 World Championships to be staged
in Adelaide, the Australian Cycle Speedway Council have now indicated that the World Senior and Junior Team Cup events will staged at Findon (pictured above) whilst Salisbury will host both Individual events at the same level.