12.12.2015: WSRC Awards Evening, Rosettenville"A good time was had by all" at the WSRC's 2015 End-of-Season party night, held this year at the Regents Hill Bowling Club in Rosettenville. Formal presentations were made of trophies won on the race track during the course of the year, plus club awards to the top point scorers of each race Class, (see list, rt.) Special meritorious awards for 'Commitment to Speedway', 'Most Improved Rider' and 'Sportsman of the Year' were presented to Lance Curtis, Kian Lawrenson and The Flat Track Team respectively. The thanks of everyone are given for the work of Bobby, Donna and Clyde Devine for their work in making a success of the evening. Photography by Gizmo Snaps
Blake Levey (PeeWees) Marcus v.d. Merwe (Speedway) Lance Curtis (Flat Track) .jpg?timestamp=1450426727869)
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6.12.2015 Walkerville: SA Sidecar National Final
Konrad Britz and jockey Kosie Botha are the 2015 South African Dirt Oval Sidecar Speedway Champions. In this third and final round they had to concede 2 of the 3 races to Derrick Hilliar, whose absence from the initial round in March cost him the accolade. In the solo speedway support events Neil Pettit (photo rt.) was unbeaten and took both the Henry Long Flying Lap Challenge and the Buddy Fuller Memorial Trophy, while John Sullivan took the Henry Long Trophy as the top 'Speedway Star 'B' class' rider.
In the Flying Lap event, where riders individually race against the clock on their second lap, Mario van der Merwe lost control in corner 1 and went into the wall back first. He was checked out at hospital where bad bruising to his back was confirmed but no serious damage done. On the 315 metre circuit Byron Bekker's time was just 0.11sec. behind that of Pettit's. Mario's injury and other riders' equipment issues reduced the field in subsequent heats where handicapping was applied.
A low turn out in the Flat Track and Quad classes reduced the field but not the expected results as Lyle Kotz again was unbeaten, with Mssrs Farrell and Whiting close behind. Justin and Angeline Swanepoel scooped the Mens and the Womens Quad prizes respectively, and in festive spirit, a good time was had by all, especially thanks to the appearance of Santa. CCJ FULL RESULTS
Below: L>R: Lyle Kotz, Kallie Britz, Konrad Brits leading. (Photography by Gizmo Snaps.)
.jpg?timestamp=1450011104918)
6.12.2015 Walkerville: SA Sidecar National Final
Konrad Britz and jockey Kosie Botha are the 2015 South African Dirt Oval Sidecar Speedway Champions. In this third and final round they had to concede 2 of the 3 races to Derrick Hilliar, whose absence from the initial round in March cost him the accolade. In the solo speedway support events Neil Pettit (photo rt.) was unbeaten and took both the Henry Long Flying Lap Challenge and the Buddy Fuller Memorial Trophy, while John Sullivan took the Henry Long Trophy as the top 'Speedway Star 'B' class' rider. In the Flying Lap event, where riders individually race against the clock on their second lap, Mario van der Merwe lost control in corner 1 and went into the wall back first. He was checked out at hospital where bad bruising to his back was confirmed but no serious damage done. On the 315 metre circuit Byron Bekker's time was just 0.11sec. behind that of Pettit's. Mario's injury and other riders' equipment issues reduced the field in subsequent heats where handicapping was applied.
A low turn out in the Flat Track and Quad classes reduced the field but not the expected results as Lyle Kotz again was unbeaten, with Mssrs Farrell and Whiting close behind. Justin and Angeline Swanepoel scooped the Mens and the Womens Quad prizes respectively, and in festive spirit, a good time was had by all, especially thanks to the appearance of Santa. CCJ FULL RESULTS
Below: L>R: Lyle Kotz, Kallie Britz, Konrad Brits leading. (Photography by Gizmo Snaps.)
Next Sunday DECEMBER 6th
Race meeting:
- South African National
Sidecar Speedway Championship,
( - Final round. )
Race meeting:
- South African National
Sidecar Speedway Championship,
( - Final round. )
Saturday DECEMBER 12th
Annual Speedway Year-End Function,
Regent Hill Bowling Club,
12.12.2015
Annual Speedway Year-End Function,
Regent Hill Bowling Club,
12.12.2015
The WSRC's annual
End-of-Season function will be held this year at the Regent Hill
Bowling Club, 5th Avenue, The Hill, on SATURDAY 12th December. The event will include dinner and
entertainment, and the cost of tickets is R100 per head, with free
admittance for children under 3 years of age. A cash bar will
operate. Dress style: your favourite Christmas attire !
For tickets email Donna at
donnadevine04@live.com They will also be on sale at the track at the
upcoming 'Legends of the Past' race day being held on 29
November. For any further information, please don't hesitate to
contact
Donna Devine on
078 668 5816 or donnadevine04@live.com .
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29.11.2015, Walkerville: “Legends of the Past”
It was a day for renewing old friendships as former riders turned out en masse for the 'Legends of the Past' meeting. John Robertson, Bradley Zeeman, Wayne Boltman, Johnno v Wyk, Owen Botha, Colin Aiken, John Alsopp amongst others had a field day, but it was Grant Foley, runner-up in the SA National championship of 1993, that found it all to irresistible, - he took his Yamaha out in the Flat Track events, he lapped the track on a GM speedway machine, and he competed in the Sidecar races as chair-man to 2Dogz Hilliar!
In the serious stuff of speedway racing Neil Pettit took top honours, beaten only by brother-in-law Gio Nunes, whilst Irishman John Sullivan on his annual visit to the Republic took the 'B' Division prize. Kallie Britz, partnered by JP Botha was unbeaten in the sidecar events, while Lyle Kotz triumphed in the Flat-Track class with 2 wins from three rides after the aforementioned 53-year old Mr. Foley won Ht.11.
Bryan Herbst and Michael Bosman took the Banshee and men's 450 Quads prize money respectively though Jackie Ferreira showed MB the way home as the unchallenged and unbeaten 450s winner. CCJ FULL RESULTS
Photography by Artphil.com, and others.
29.11.2015, Walkerville: “Legends of the Past”It was a day for renewing old friendships as former riders turned out en masse for the 'Legends of the Past' meeting. John Robertson, Bradley Zeeman, Wayne Boltman, Johnno v Wyk, Owen Botha, Colin Aiken, John Alsopp amongst others had a field day, but it was Grant Foley, runner-up in the SA National championship of 1993, that found it all to irresistible, - he took his Yamaha out in the Flat Track events, he lapped the track on a GM speedway machine, and he competed in the Sidecar races as chair-man to 2Dogz Hilliar!
In the serious stuff of speedway racing Neil Pettit took top honours, beaten only by brother-in-law Gio Nunes, whilst Irishman John Sullivan on his annual visit to the Republic took the 'B' Division prize. Kallie Britz, partnered by JP Botha was unbeaten in the sidecar events, while Lyle Kotz triumphed in the Flat-Track class with 2 wins from three rides after the aforementioned 53-year old Mr. Foley won Ht.11.
Bryan Herbst and Michael Bosman took the Banshee and men's 450 Quads prize money respectively though Jackie Ferreira showed MB the way home as the unchallenged and unbeaten 450s winner. CCJ FULL RESULTS
Photography by Artphil.com, and others.
Next Meeting at Walkerville Raceway
Sunday, Nov. 29th 2015, from 1pm.
'LEGENDS of the PAST
featuring
Speedway, Sidecars,
Flat Tracks, Quads
and PeeWees
- R20.00 gets you entrance to a day filled with
adrenalin pumping racing and a well priced bar
and fast food service.
- Gates open from 10H30, Tapes up at 13H00
- We look forward to seeing you there.
GPS co-ordinates : S26 24 17, E27 57 48.
7.11.2015 Walkerville, Gauteng, - Syndicate Sidewinders Bash:
- Walkerville Wizards v. SSRC Rebels
 , Brandon Coughlan ,Robin Brill.jpg?timestamp=1448040701473)
The extreme weather being experienced in the Jo'burg area of late, - a daily 30-35C in this city, 39C in Pretoria, and no respite forecast until next Friday - , brought a premature end to Saturday's special Syndicate team race meeting, compounded by the failure of the water tanker, such that the extremely dusty conditions that developed made it unwise to continue the solo speedway heats. The re-appearance of former SA champs Martin Bekker and Brendan Coughlan in the 'SSRC Rebels' team promised much, pitched up against the stars of today, cousin Byron B. and Neil Pettit, but it was unfortunate that racing had to be curtailed before the resurgents had chance to find their old pace once more. After the forth heat of team racing had to be awarded with the score standing at 14-10 to the 'Walkerville Wizards', the winners were declared, Wizards recipients of the Syndicate's prize.
Below: Byron Bekker leads Neil Pettit; Pettit emerges from the dust: Flat-Trackers use headlights !
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Six sidecar teams battled for the day's combo prize. Young Konrad Britz took a nasty tumble on lap 2 of the 'cars first race, and was nailed by dad Kallie, (see video below.) Both riders and jockeys were okay but Kallie's damaged bike meant he couldn't come out again. Derrick '2Dogz' Hilliar and Edwin Butler took a race win each and in the the final deciding match race between the two it was 2Dogz who experience showed.
Shawn Nell claimed the Flat-Track prize money with 2 wins from 3 races, with Rob Whiting again in the placings: only once this season has he not been placed on the day. RESULTS CCJ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
He's ridden 2-wheels, Speedway and Flat Track, with success as well as chairing for sidecars, but today, having less success piloting a 3-wheel combo Lyle Kotze (Rt,) turned his hand to the 1-wheel class to demonstrate his wide range of abilities !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEXT MEETING
.
Sidewinders Syndicate.
Speedway Team Match,
'Walkerville Wizards'
versus
'Southern Speedway Riders Club Rebels'.
plus Australian Sidecar speedway
SATURDAY NOV. 7th 2015
Gates open 09H00, Tapes up 13H00
GPS co-ordinates : S26 24 17, E27 57 48.
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.
Sidewinders Syndicate.
Speedway Team Match,
'Walkerville Wizards'
versus
'Southern Speedway Riders Club Rebels'.
plus Australian Sidecar speedway
SATURDAY NOV. 7th 2015
Gates open 09H00, Tapes up 13H00
GPS co-ordinates : S26 24 17, E27 57 48.
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25.10.2015 Walkerville, Gauteng: Quads & Flat Track Day
It was 'Quads & Flat Track Day' at Walkerville this week-end, which saw Rocco Bauman and Andries Ferreira take First prizes in their respective Quad classes and Rob Whiting the Flat Track money after conceding his first ride to eventual runner-up Hennie Human. Lance Curtis took third prize.
Neil Pettit was unbeaten in the Speedway class with 3 race wins, with Grant Frank in second spot with a win and two second places. Husband and wife Edwin & Estelle Butler made a welcome return to the Raceway and took the Sidecar prize money with 2 wins, conceding one race to the Britz crews, dad Kallie and son Konrad, as they struggled with their Kawasaki combo. CCJ FULL RESULTS
.
....................................................................................
Racing returns to the Walkerville dirt oval in just 2 weeks time, on SATURDAY Nov. 7th with an all-speedway meeting, - solos and sidecars - , for the Syndicate Sidewinders Bash, staging an ever-popular speedway team match, when 'Walkerville Wizards' take on the 'Southern Speedway Riders Club Rebels', plus demos by V8 Sprint Cars. Don't miss it; gates open at 09H00, tapes up at 13H00, - a SATURDAY, remember !
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25.10.2015 Walkerville, Gauteng: Quads & Flat Track Day
It was 'Quads & Flat Track Day' at Walkerville this week-end, which saw Rocco Bauman and Andries Ferreira take First prizes in their respective Quad classes and Rob Whiting the Flat Track money after conceding his first ride to eventual runner-up Hennie Human. Lance Curtis took third prize.
Neil Pettit was unbeaten in the Speedway class with 3 race wins, with Grant Frank in second spot with a win and two second places. Husband and wife Edwin & Estelle Butler made a welcome return to the Raceway and took the Sidecar prize money with 2 wins, conceding one race to the Britz crews, dad Kallie and son Konrad, as they struggled with their Kawasaki combo. CCJ FULL RESULTS
.
....................................................................................
Racing returns to the Walkerville dirt oval in just 2 weeks time, on SATURDAY Nov. 7th with an all-speedway meeting, - solos and sidecars - , for the Syndicate Sidewinders Bash, staging an ever-popular speedway team match, when 'Walkerville Wizards' take on the 'Southern Speedway Riders Club Rebels', plus demos by V8 Sprint Cars. Don't miss it; gates open at 09H00, tapes up at 13H00, - a SATURDAY, remember !
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Next Meeting at Walkerville Oval,
Sunday, Oct. 25th 2015,
from 1pm.
QUADS & FLAT TRACK DAY
supported by
Speedway,
Sidecars
and
PeeWees
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Next Meeting at Walkerville Oval,Sunday, Oct. 25th 2015,
from 1pm.
QUADS & FLAT TRACK DAY
supported by
Speedway,
Sidecars
and
PeeWees
...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
27.9.2015 Walkerville, Gauteng: Returning Cole Takes the Golden Helmet
27.9.2015 Walkerville, Gauteng: Returning Cole Takes the Golden Helmet
Jason Cole, on a return home visit made a rare one-off appearance at the Walkerville Raceway and on a hot and dusty Sunday afternoon the former U21 champ capped his day by winning the Danie Fourie Golden Helmet. Grant Frank took the 'B' Class Speedway Final for the Silver Sash.
In the heats after 3 rides each holder Neil Pettit was unbeaten, with Mario van der Merwe one point behind, but in the deciding Final both fell in turn. Pettit, down in lap 2, was able to race down the remounted Mario, (down in lap 1,) and in turn brother Marcus van der Merwe, but he couldn't retrieve the lead from Cole.
In the Sidecar Class, Derrek '2Dogz' Hilliar scored 3 wins and a second, coming in behind Konrad Britz in his final ride for 11pts. Lyle Kotz won 2 of the Flat Track races to top score with 50pts, the other heat winners being Lance Curtis and Rinus Landberg, and brothers Dylan and Bryan Herbst took their respective Quad classes' prize money. CCJ FULL RESULTS t.b.c.
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Updated fixtures for the remainder of the 2015 season can be seen on the Fixtures & Results page.
The next raceday at Walkerville on October 25th will be the 'Quads & Flat Track Day', which will primarily feature these classes, with speedway solos and sidecars in programme support roles.
Two weeks later, on SATURDAY Nov. 7th, the Sidewinders' Syndicate Bash will be for Speedway and Sidecar classes only, when a team match, with Walkerville Wizards versus SSRC Rebels as the main feature, plus V8 Sprint Car demos.
Make a note in your diary for these special events, which are sure to thrill.
Tapes up at 13H00. See you there!
......................................................................
Dennis Newton:
In retrospect, it is now possible to factually confirm the passing of
Dennis Newton, 5-times South African speedway champion of the 'Sixties,
and Open Champion 1973/74, a record title count, never bettered. After
suffering a stroke in Spain in 2012 (reported concurrently on this
site,) he returned to South Africa, his adopted homeland but just 6
months later, while waiting at the airport to board a flight to the UK
he collapsed and died in the terminal building, aged 84.
Born in
London, Dennis first rode in the Union in 1956 and became a regular
visitor, one of the few riders to continue here after the difficulties
of the early '60s, taking naturalization and winning his first SA
Championship in the '63/'64 season. After a season in Britain in 1966 he
returned to stay in the new Republic, accumulating his 5 titles in 7
years. With the Open title of '73/'74 as a sixth, won at Hoy Park,
Durban, he then retired from racing at the age of 44. CCJ
Dennis Newton, London 2.3.1929 – Johannesburg 9.5.2013
Next Meeting at Walkerville Oval,
. . Sunday, Sept. 27 2015,
from 1pm.
from 1pm.
- The Danie Fourie GOLDEN HELMET,
and
The SILVER SASH
and
The SILVER SASH
30.8.2015, Walkerville, Gauteng: Boet Strydom Best Pairs Exciting racing and a few hefty crashes are what brought the Walkerville speedway track alive on a fine Sunday afternoon in a challenge between Walkerville Speedway Club (WSC) and the Southern Speedway Riders Club - Rebels (SSRC). Six 2-man teams in two separate groups contested a qualifying round of races with the two top teams from each group progressing through to the semi finals with the winners of the semi finals going head to head in the final.
Group A was made up of the following teams;
'Toms Alley Cats': - Lyle Kotze / Robin Brill ( SSRC)
Neil Petit / Peter Buck (WSC)
Gio Nunes / Marco v.d. Merwe (WSC)
Group B was made up of the following teams;
'Team Assured Freight Services': - Byron Bekker / Justin Steyn (SSRC)
Mario v.d. Merwe / Grant Frank (WSC)
'Mondeor Veterinary Clinic': - Mac Magill / Jannie de Jager (SSRC).
.
The teams qualifying from the Group stage and into the semi finals were:
# 1) Kotze / Brill, # 2) Petit / Buck, # 4) Bekker / Steyn, # 5) Mario v.d. Merwe / Grant.
SEMI FINAL 1
Kotze / Brill vs. Bekker / Steyn. Steyn crashed out bringing the race to a halt and forcing a re run. Bekker won the race for 'Team Assured Freight Services' but the 2nd and 3rd places for 'Team - Toms Alley Cats' was enough to see the into the final.
SEMI FINAL 2
Mario v.d. Merwe / Frank vs. Petit / Buck. Petit won the race but again as in the 1st semi the 2nd and 3rd places were enough to get v.d. Merwe / Grant through to the final with Buck finishing in 4th.
FINALKotze / Brill vs. v.d.Merwe / Frank. Young Robin Brill who normally races a 250 cc speedway bike in the future stars class stepped up to the challenge in his first ever race meeting on the 500cc speedway bike and held the lead for just over 2 laps forcing the best out of v.d.Merwe who had to use all his experience to eventually pass the fast Brill and take the win with Grant finishing behind Brill for the 3rd place . Kotze who was challenging slid off but managed to re mount only to finish 4th. This handed 1st and 3rd to Mario v.d Merwe / Frank and the Boet Strydom Best Pairs speedway title, 2015, ( photo above.)
Robin Brill was nominated as “Man of The Meeting” and Best Pairs Champion Mario v.d. Merwe even handed his 1st place Gold medal to Brill for his excellent riding, (photo, rt.) DB.
FULL HEAT DETAILS
In the Sidecar Class Derrick '2Dogz' Hilliar and partner Gordon Raath were unbeaten; Rob Whiting's consistency earned him top prize though conceding to second place to Flat-Tracker Lance Curtis in their final encounter, and Dylan Herbst, Stephan Swanepoel and Jackie Ferreira were the top Quad riders.
More Photographs from Sunday's meeting on Gallery p.1, courtesy of Tammy Smuts and Gizmo Snaps..
NEXT MEETING AT WALKERVILLE OVAL, GAUTENG Sunday, Aug. 30th
GPS co-ordinates : S26 24 17, E27 57 48. n.b: Race Start Time 12H30 ! !
Speedway Best Pairs plus Rd.2 of Sidecars SA National.
Speedway racing will return to the Walkerville speedway track on Sunday 30th August with the challenge laid down between selected teams from the hosts Walkerville Speedway Club and the challengers from the Southern Speedway Riders Club - Rebels.
The format of racing will see at least six 2-man teams racing each other in two groups on a knock-out basis with the two top teams eventually meeting in the final with the winner being crowned
the Boet Strydom Best Pairs Champions.
- Backing up the Speedway will be races for the
Flattrackers , 4 wheel quad bikes, Pee wee’s
and possibly the fast and loud sidecar outfits.
- R20.00 gets you entrance to a day filled with
adrenalin pumping racing and a well priced bar
and fast food service.
- Gates open from 10H30, Tapes up at 12H30
- We look forward to seeing you there.
- GPS co-ordinates : S26 24 17, E27 57 48.
The format of racing will see at least six 2-man teams racing each other in two groups on a knock-out basis with the two top teams eventually meeting in the final with the winner being crowned
the Boet Strydom Best Pairs Champions.
- Backing up the Speedway will be races for the
Flattrackers , 4 wheel quad bikes, Pee wee’s
and possibly the fast and loud sidecar outfits.
- R20.00 gets you entrance to a day filled with
adrenalin pumping racing and a well priced bar
and fast food service.
- Gates open from 10H30, Tapes up at 12H30
- We look forward to seeing you there.
- GPS co-ordinates : S26 24 17, E27 57 48.
................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
22.8.2015: The Dave Collins Saga, by John Hyam
An article on Dave Collins by British speedway journalist John
Hyam can now be read on the History page of this website. Corresponding photos are also included on Gallery p.4.
Dave Collins has the rare distinction of having ridden in speedway Test Matches for both South Africa and for England, having started riding speedway in the Union but being UK-born. These included both sides of the 1956/'57 series after England lost Alan Hunt and he was re-allocated from the SA squad to the visitors team. He had winter spells in Europe during the '50s and '60s, riding in Holland, France, Spain and Gt.Britain, and he captained the winning England side in an unofficial 3-match series at Goodwood Showgrounds, Cape Town, in 1967. Now at 88, Dave Collins lives in Munster, KwaZulu-Natal.
22.8.2015: The Dave Collins Saga, by John Hyam
An article on Dave Collins by British speedway journalist John
Hyam can now be read on the History page of this website. Corresponding photos are also included on Gallery p.4.Dave Collins has the rare distinction of having ridden in speedway Test Matches for both South Africa and for England, having started riding speedway in the Union but being UK-born. These included both sides of the 1956/'57 series after England lost Alan Hunt and he was re-allocated from the SA squad to the visitors team. He had winter spells in Europe during the '50s and '60s, riding in Holland, France, Spain and Gt.Britain, and he captained the winning England side in an unofficial 3-match series at Goodwood Showgrounds, Cape Town, in 1967. Now at 88, Dave Collins lives in Munster, KwaZulu-Natal.
26.7.2015, Walkerville, Gauteng: Bekker returns to the track to lead his team to victory
Team Des Bekker 32 - Team Mike Carson 10Making one of his infrequent appearances on the track, the first of 2015, Byron Bekker and a team of returning speedway riders on their methanol-fuelled GMs took to the track again against 'Team Spider Mike Carson'.
The event was staged in memory of sidecar racers Mike Carson (of Monarchs MCC,) and Des Bekker (of the Wild Bunch, uncle of Byron and father of 2005 SA Speedway Champ Martin Bekker,) who were both lost to the fraternity at the Impala Rally of '98. Respective team managers for the day were Bobby Devine and Deon Swart.
Byron Bekker rode as if he'd never been away to score maximum points and his squad of Walkerville 'Past' took every heat win from the Pettit-led Walkerville 'Present' riders. Former SA champ of 2008 and 2010 Mac Magill was unbeaten by an opposition rider, as was one-time U21 champ Lyle Kotze until suffering an exclusion in the final speedway heat.
BB took an early lead in the first heat with Pettit in second place until he overdid it on lap 3 and slid off, allowing Magill to slip past for a 5-1. The next heat saw another 5-1 for Team Bekker with Lyle Kotze taking the win, backed by Ashley Brill. Ht.11: BB gated and held Pettit at bay in 2nd place with Brill in 3rd, making the score 14-4. Ht.12 was the race of the day with all 4 riders rubbing shoulders in the opening laps. Kotze did a great job at running Mario v.d.Merwe wide to allow Magill to make a superb pass up the inside and a well-earned 5-1. In the next heat Brill rode a great race to lead from team-mate Jannie de Jagger with the opposition's Brad Devine and Marcus v.d.Merwe only managing the minor placings. Next out saw Mac Magill's ride of the day, as he led from start to finish for a paid max. Mario v.d.M was unlucky to take a tumble, allowing de Jagger into 2nd spot and Marcus v.d.M to collect a single point. Score, 29-7.
By the final speedway heat of the day slick conditions made for difficult racing as BB took the lead from Pettit and DJ Devine. Kotze made a bold move on Devine and it seems contact was made resulting in an exclusion for Kotze. Jannie de Jagger was brought in as the replacement in the re-run and from the gate it was Bekker, Pettit, Devine, de Jagger, - a 3-3 and a final score of 32-10 to Team Des Bekker.
The meeting also saw a good field of sidecar entries including Edwin & Estelle Butler who had proved so unbeatable in 2014. They were straight back to winning way in their first 2015 event, taking the prize money with 2 wins from 3 races, Deon Kruger pipping them to the flag in Ht.24. Rob Whiting again took the Flat-Tracks' prize after the winner of their first race, busy boy Lyle Kotze, took tumbles in his subsequent heats. In the Quad classes Jolandi Raubenheimer, Steve Swanepoel and Jaco Enslin topped their respective points table. Full scores and heat details. CCJ/DB
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Next Meeting at Walkerville:- Sunday July 26th,
- "Race to Remember"
- Team Bekker v. Team 'Spider' Mike
The Walkerville Speedway Riders Club, in conjunction with The Monarch's motorcycle club, will hold their 'Race To Remember' meeting in memory of Des Bekker and, "Spider" Mike Carson and other fallen riders at the Walkerville Agricultural Showgrounds on Sunday the 26th July, - racing to start at the earlier time of 12md. It will be a 5-man team event between 'Team Bekker' and 'Team Spider Mike'.
The day will not only be a day for fallen bikers, but a day where grudges will be settled. Heading up the team Des Bekker will be Bekker's nephew Byron Bekker, one of the most successful South African speedway riders to date, who rode in the UK for the past 10 years captaining teams and breaking British speedway records. His biggest competition on the day will be the captain of the Mike Carson team, multiple SA Champion, Neil Pettit.
Rt: Pettit & Bekker in action.
There will also be a welcome return of the popular and talented Mac Magill, teaming with Lyle Kotze and Ashley Brill, to face the skilled DJ Devine, Brandon Devine and Mario v.d. Merwe.
Sidecars, flat track, quads and peewee bikes will also be racing on the day. Herewith the agenda for the day:
- Riders sign in by 11:00
- Riders briefing will be held at 11:30
- Riders Parade commences at 11:45
- Racing will start at 12:00.
Cash bars, food and stalls are all available at the track.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
GPS co-ordinates : S26 24 17, E27 57 48.
.
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15.7.2015: Good-bye to Wembley, and Memories of Buddy Fuller.
Wembley Raceway is to be sold off for redevelopment as the property owner prepares himself for a rest in retirement. The original Wembley Stadium, as seen in the b/w shots of the Wheels24 article and forever associated with the halcyon days of dirt-track speedway in the Union and the likes of Buddy Fuller, Henry Long and Fred Wills, was demolished in 1978 and Wembley Raceway, shown below, was later constructed a couple of hundred metres away on the opposite side of the road. Though mainly used as a venue for oval car racing, the track initially had a dirt surface and speedway bikes were part of composite meetings in the '90s and early '00s before being tarmac'd. After an auction of Wembley Raceway earlier this month two potential buyers are currently in serious discussions with a view to redevelopment of the prime 7 acre site, below. CCJ
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Wembley Raceway is to be sold off for redevelopment as the property owner prepares himself for a rest in retirement. The original Wembley Stadium, as seen in the b/w shots of the Wheels24 article and forever associated with the halcyon days of dirt-track speedway in the Union and the likes of Buddy Fuller, Henry Long and Fred Wills, was demolished in 1978 and Wembley Raceway, shown below, was later constructed a couple of hundred metres away on the opposite side of the road. Though mainly used as a venue for oval car racing, the track initially had a dirt surface and speedway bikes were part of composite meetings in the '90s and early '00s before being tarmac'd. After an auction of Wembley Raceway earlier this month two potential buyers are currently in serious discussions with a view to redevelopment of the prime 7 acre site, below. CCJ
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FIXTURE CHANGE
The next race meeting at the Walkerville Oval on Sunday July 26th 2015
will be the Monarch's "Race to Remember."
Two teams will compete against each other,
- there can only be one winning team at the end of the day!
(Round 2 of the SA National championship will be re-scheduled
and a revised date announced as soon as agreed.)
FIXTURE CHANGE The next race meeting at the Walkerville Oval on Sunday July 26th 2015
will be the Monarch's "Race to Remember."
Two teams will compete against each other,
- there can only be one winning team at the end of the day!
(Round 2 of the SA National championship will be re-scheduled
and a revised date announced as soon as agreed.)
2015, - A NEW YEAR AND A NEW SPEEDWAY SEASON
WSRC Walkerville 2015 Fixtures;
The full list of WSRC's 2015 meetings is given on the Fixtures page. These meetings constitute the Walkerville events, but look out for possible additional race days elsewhere in the RSA.
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28.6.2015, Walkerville: Boet's Golden Boot won by Pettit.
With an unbeaten 9pts Neil Pettit claimed the Boet Strydom Golden Boot, 4 years after his only previous success in this event. The improving Mario van der Merwe was second, whilst the 'B' class Speedway Stars final was taken by Bobby Devine. The meeting saw a return to the track after 3 years of former U21 Silver Sash holder Justin Steyn, though it took until his last ride to find the old habit when he finally completed 4 laps and took the chequered flag in Ht.24.
The Flat-Track heats saw a spread of winners but Rob Whiting with 49 points claimed the cheque, while Rocco Bosman was unbeaten in the 450 Quad races. FULL RESULTS CCJ
With an unbeaten 9pts Neil Pettit claimed the Boet Strydom Golden Boot, 4 years after his only previous success in this event. The improving Mario van der Merwe was second, whilst the 'B' class Speedway Stars final was taken by Bobby Devine. The meeting saw a return to the track after 3 years of former U21 Silver Sash holder Justin Steyn, though it took until his last ride to find the old habit when he finally completed 4 laps and took the chequered flag in Ht.24.
The Flat-Track heats saw a spread of winners but Rob Whiting with 49 points claimed the cheque, while Rocco Bosman was unbeaten in the 450 Quad races. FULL RESULTS CCJ
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Next Meeting at Walkerville:
- Sunday June 28th,
- The Boet Strydom's Golden Boot
The 'Boet Strydom's Golden Boot' speedway race event will take place at the Walkerville Agricultural Show Grounds on Sunday, 28 June, with racing starting at 1pm. For quality racing of Speedway, Flat Track, Quads and Pee Wees on an oval dirt track!
Next Meeting at Walkerville: - Sunday June 28th,
- The Boet Strydom's Golden Boot
The 'Boet Strydom's Golden Boot' speedway race event will take place at the Walkerville Agricultural Show Grounds on Sunday, 28 June, with racing starting at 1pm.
For quality racing of Speedway, Flat Track, Quads and Pee Wees on an oval dirt track!
Get your friends and families together and come for a great day’s racing.
Entrance fee at only R20-00 per person with ample free parking available.
Braai facilities are available, 2 cash bars, food and stalls can all be found at the track.
GPS co-ordinates : S26 24 17, E27 57 48. For more info contact Bobby 0738081913.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
"SPREAD THE WORD AND BRING A CROWD"
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31.5.2015, Walkerville, Gauteng: Gallons Select 33 - Gearbox Select 20
The 5-man speedway team match between Willie Zurich's 'Action Gearbox' Select and Gallons 'Pub & Grub' Select saw the Gallons squad emerge victorious 33-20. Lead by an undefeated Neil Pettit (left,) and ably supported by Bobby Devine, the Gallons team never looked troubled, never loosing a heat: only in Hts. 11 & 25 did they fail to take the chequered flag when Damien 'DJ' Devine took the honours for the Gearbox Select, but even then the Gallons' bonus point carried then forward to an increased lead
In the Flat-Track races Rob Whiting was undefeated, whilst the Quads classes once again saw the Swanepoels triumph: Steven in the Banshee class and Justin in the 450s both conceded just one race, to each finish the day on 42 points. CCJ.
FULL RESULTS and a few photoshots (below), incl'g the V8's demo, from 'TGT Photos' and James MacFayden.
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- The Willie Zurich 'Action Gearbox' Select vs. Gallons 'Pub & Grill' Select
Two Speedway teams, selected by Willie ("Willie Zurich Action Gearbox") and Joe ("Gallons Pub & Diner") will compete against each other at the Walkerville Agricultural Showgrounds this Sunday, 31st of May, - There can only be one winning team at the end of the day ! Racing to start at 1pm.
PLUS, FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, . . . . . .
V8 Sprint Cars, driven by Willie Zurich and Co. will form part of the program of events.
Pee wees, Quads and Flat Track bikes will also feature.
Braai facilities are available, 2 cash bars, food and stalls are all available at the track.
Spectators entry only R20 per adult,
Don't miss it, - Come along early and make a day of it ! Plenty of secure parking. Restaurant & Pub on site, as well as take-away outlets for drinks & food, - Please note the premises are licensed.
Walkerville Showgrounds, GPS co-ordinates : S26 24 17, E27 57 48.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
26.4.2015, Walkerville: SA Nat'l Championship, Rd.1
In the first round of the S.A. National Speedway Championship at Walkerville, sponsored by Dot Engineering, it was 2 wins each to Mario van der Merwe and Neil Pettit and the former who claimed first prize on the day as Pettit suffered a fall in their first clash to nett him just 8pts against Mario v.d.M.'s score of 10. These points are aggregated towards a 3-round total for the championship. Young Brad Devine had to stand down from his races because of motor problems, but Grant Frank had perhaps his best day to date in taking the 'B' class 'Speedway Stars' event with 10 points. (The Sidecar Speedway's National Round 1 was held at the WSRC's previous meeting of March 29th.)
The Flat Track races saw 3 different winners of the 3 races, but Raubenheimer and Justin Swanepoel proved to be unbeatable in their respective 450 and Banshee Quad classes. All the action is captured in the shots below. CCJ. RESULTS
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Two great action shots from Hannes Bronkhurst:
Bobby Devine leads Grant Frank; Mario v.d.Merwe powers inside Neil Pettit.
and more from photographers Hannes, Jason MacFayden and A.N.Other in these slideshows, . . . . . . .
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Next Meeting at Walkerville:
Sunday April 26th, 2015.
Rd.1 of the DOT Engineering
S.A. National Championship
The DOT Engineering SA National Championship (Round One) will be held on Sunday, 26 April 2015 at the Walkerville Oval. Racing will start at
1 pm. Spectators entry only R20 per adult, - U12's admitted free..
Fees for riders and members:
Pee Wees: R100 per rider (R80 if a member)
Speedway, Quads and Flat Track: R120 per rider (R100 if a member)
Membership Fees: R150 per rider (this is now due)
Don't miss it, - Come along early and make a day of it ! Plenty of secure parking.
Restaurant & Pub on site, as well as take-away outlets for drinks & food, - Please note the premises are licensed.
Walkerville Showgrounds, GPS co-ordinates : S26 24 17, E27 57 48.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
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Next Meeting at Walkerville:Sunday April 26th, 2015.
Rd.1 of the DOT Engineering
S.A. National Championship
The DOT Engineering SA National Championship (Round One) will be held on Sunday, 26 April 2015 at the Walkerville Oval. Racing will start at
1 pm. Spectators entry only R20 per adult, - U12's admitted free..
Fees for riders and members:
Pee Wees: R100 per rider (R80 if a member)
Speedway, Quads and Flat Track: R120 per rider (R100 if a member)
Membership Fees: R150 per rider (this is now due)
Don't miss it, - Come along early and make a day of it ! Plenty of secure parking.
Restaurant & Pub on site, as well as take-away outlets for drinks & food, - Please note the premises are licensed.
Walkerville Showgrounds, GPS co-ordinates : S26 24 17, E27 57 48.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
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29.3.2015 Walkerville, Gauteng: Easter ChallengeNeil Pettit topped the score chart at the WSRC's Easter Challenge race meeting on Sunday, (the Challenge replacing the advertised National event for Solo speedway,) with Bobby Devine taking the 'Speedway Stars' B-class Final. The Sidecars' National was upheld and concluded with Kallie Britz securing first position in this initial round from son Konrad.
In the Quad events Michael Bosnam was unbeaten in the Blasters class, but conceded to the Swanepoels in the 450s, first to Justin then to Steven S, these 3 taking the podium positions, 1,2,3: - Steve, Michael, Justin. SCORES
1.3.2015, Walkerville, Gauteng: Rd.1 SA Regional Championship
Racing returned in earnest to the Walkerville Oval on Sunday after a period of re-assessment, though a number of machine problems dampened the proceedings. Round One of the Northern Regions speedway championship was won by Neil Pettit who went through the afternoon unbeaten, but with no challenge in the Premier's class 'A' Final, when first Nunes failed to start and then Damien Devine took a fall. The 'B' Final for the 'Speedway Stars' class riders was won by Bobby Devine, having taken maximum Class points and led over the line in heats only by the senior class.
Racing in the Sidecar class was affected by the absence of any Butler brothers involvement in the wake of their loss last December, and we must wait patiently to see what their decisions are to be about future racing. Today it was Britz Sr. who took the flag from Britz Jr. for max points.
Steve Swanepoel dominated the Quads in both Banshee and 450 classes, missing the chequered flag just once in his 6 races in the meeting, coming home 3rd in Ht.7. FULL RESULTS
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