Maroubra Speedway - wow!

Paramount

Lucky Devil

Cup

Maroubra Speedway

Five mile all power motor car

.... scratch races ....

Obverse:

WINNERS

2.1.1926 A. E. COOPER

6.1.1926 PHIL GARLICK

15.3.1926 PHIL GARLICK

22.5.1926 PHIL GARLICK

Edited by 275 GTB-4, 21 March 2014 - 00:08.

Provenance?

The cup is real


The car is real, even if just the remains.


For people like me, January 2012 was the first sighting of a car which had long ago become a legend: in original form it ceased to exist in 1926, but was rebuilt in various forms and with various engines until its racing ceased by about 1960.
All credit to David Manson, Lester Thearle, the late Fred Heming, and Peter who have got it this far.

Photoshop? What happened to the aeroscreen?

Ha ha! One of those silly coincidences that happen sometimes, but it does look odd! In fact there are several slightly disturbing elements in that shot...

If you think that's disturbing, you should see the bloke taking the photo.

Ha ha! One of those silly coincidences that happen sometimes, but it does look odd! In fact there are several slightly disturbing elements in that shot...

http://www.aetv.com....s/episode4.html

On this week (Aussie Pickers ) show they came across a property that had a FIAT 502 race car 1923, that he thought was an ex Maroubar Speedway racer however he was unsure of its providence .
The red racer sure looked in good condition and i was wondering if TNFers know its history.

Edited by eldougo, 07 May 2014 - 06:08.

I was unable to find photos on line so i got this off the flat screen ,just to give you some idea of the vehicle.

Edited by eldougo, 10 May 2014 - 23:14.

Edited by 275 GTB-4, 05 May 2014 - 02:26.

Highly unlikely...

Spit Hill is a place, Stan Hill is a name.

Just have a copy of the cover in a picture frame in my office Daren

Originally posted by seldo
Ray I'm afraid that there is a Spit Hill Garage (still there) although it is now just a sales outlet for prestige used cars. I was under the impression that it was where Ray Eldershaw, or someone of similar ilk, operated from back in the day...

Anyone know when Maroubra Speedway was demolished ? It was in the early '50s when I saw it, partly demolished, and remember the steep concrete banking.

A family friend had a tip-truck, and I would often ride in the truck in the school holidays. One day we went into the speedway for 'Botany sand' [used by plasterers], and while the truck was being loaded, I went for a walk along the concrete track.

Ray I'm afraid that there is a Spit Hill Garage (still there) although it is now just a sales outlet for prestige used cars. I was under the impression that it was where Ray Eldershaw, or someone of similar ilk, operated from back in the day...

Edited by 275 GTB-4, 06 May 2014 - 22:43.

Anyone know when Maroubra Speedway was demolished ? It was in the early '50s when I saw it, partly demolished, and remember the steep concrete banking.
 
A family friend had a tip-truck, and I would often ride in the truck in the school holidays. One day we went into the speedway for 'Botany sand' [used by plasterers], and while the truck was being loaded, I went for a walk along the concrete track.

It was after 1947 that I saw the remainder of the concrete track.

[
 
Photos Vintage speedway  .[/url]
 
 
]

Edited by eldougo, 18 January 2017 - 22:06.

Found another photo ,list the cars .

Looks like a Amilcar [2nd from left], Cleveland Six [easy, 'cause the name is on the bonnet ;) ], Paige or Jewett, then what looks like Boyd Edkins' Vauxhall 'A' type, known as '50 bob'.

The first car on the left looks a little small compared to the rest of the field .Iam guessing they waiting on a 6 cars to line up.

And how about the crowd they must have packed the Maroubra Speedway in those days.

Thanks Greg for info so far.

I think Robbie Rowe still has 50 Bob in his shed.

Dale.

The late Peter Adams owned 50 bob for years, and regularly drove it on VSCCA events. Peter also had a Paige the competed at Maroubra Speedway.

For those who do not know, the '50 bob' nickname came from its chassis number...A 210.

Originally posted by eldougo
.....how about the crowd they must have packed the Maroubra Speedway in those days.....

I do hope the crowd is actually further away than it looks. It seems [from the pic] that a car could get in the crowd quite easily.

The cars [with hindsight] look so primitive. Yet reputedly they had very good speed.

That would be very strange place to see watch ,and just as unsafe as outside on the wooden fence.

Just have a copy of the cover in a picture frame in my office Daren

Edited by TerryS, 24 January 2017 - 01:20.

THERE was no little speculation as to the number of the crowd which was likely to be- present at Maroubra on the occasion of the second meeting, for it was 'generally felt that the first gathering-in point of numbers could hardly be taken as a fair criterion. However, the public interest in the Speedway continued, and; although totals were not so great, as in the first instance, there was a highly satisfactory 'roll-up.'

One noteworthy feature of this meeting was, the increase shown in some of the speeds achieved. On the first occasion neither motor-cycle nor car had been able to reach a lap speed of 100 m.p.h., but on Boxing Day it was the luck of that clever and intrepid driver Cecil Brown to achieve this.

During the Gold Helmet race Brown covered one lap at a speed which, when it is remembered that he drove well up on track, was a little higher than 100 m.p.h. There was general satisfaction that H. Cooper, who had not had good fortune with his Ballot either during early practices or at the first meeting, was seen to have his machine in splendid running order, without a trace of that faltering which was apparent before.

A. E. Cooper, in another Ballot, treated the crowd to a spectacular and involuntary performance. The wear and tear and heat of the race caused one of his tyres virtually to fly to pieces, the tread separating into a number of fragments.

This happened in the last lap of the All Powers Car Handicap heat. Nothing daunted, he still drove on, and, although the tube burst towards the close of the lap, he charged ahead on the rim and came in third, a very sporting and able example of good driving.


A SAD accident occurred on the speedway on December 30. Mr. Leo J. Salmon and Mr. Albert V. Vaughan, directors of the firm of Salmon's Motors, Ltd., were killed while practising. Mr. Salmon had been practising at intervals during the afternoon in his Jewett car for the races to be held next Saturday, and was having a final spin round the track when the accident occurred. Vaughan had not previously been in the car, but for the final rounds he joined his partner as mechanic.

The car, which appeared to be going well, had attained a very high speed, approximating 80 miles an hour. As the car was rounding a bend near a wooden platform at the entrance to the back straight. The spectators were horrified to observe that it was running along the steep banking of the track, apparently out of the control of the driver. Then, as it reached the top of the embankment, it leapt into space, crashed over, turned several somersaults, and came to rest smashed to pieces against a guy rope.

Mr. Vaughan was killed instantly; Mr. Salmon died soon after his admission to the Coast Hospital. The funeral of the victims of the terrible accident was very numerously attended, fully 400 motor-cars being in the procession'. Messrs. Salmon (36) and Vaughan (33) were very popular in motor circles, and were regarded as thorough sportsmen and good citizens. Both were married, and Mr. Salmon leaves two children.


THE NEW YEAR'S Day meeting drew a large attendance, and the competition was close and exciting. Unfortunately the day's sport was marred by a serious accident.

Travelling at a speed estimated at 90 miles an hour in the final of the five miles handicap for cars 2000 c.c. and over, a 38-h.p. car. driven by Allan E. Cooper (who had earlier won the scratch race for all-power cars at a speed of 89½ miles an hour), crashed into the fence surrounding the track. He escaped with slight injuries, but his mechanic, William McCormack, was seriously injured, both thighs being fractured and the machine — a very valuable Ballot— was wrecked. But for the safety fence the results would undoubtedly have been much more serious.
'.
A feature of the meeting was the success of a ladv driver in the handicap for cars 1250 c.c. and under 2000 c.c., capable of a speed of 75 miles an hour and over. Miss Marie Jenkins, the well-known Melbourne driver, showed to great advantage in this event, and won both heat and final in good time; averaging 75 miles an hour in the final. This is the first occasion on which a lady driver has won a race on the speedway, although Miss Jenkins has previously won heats.

Digitisation generously supported by more info, State Library of NSW Digital Excellence Program

If you are in the mood for reading lots, and lots, about Maroubra Speedway have a look at this link.

http://trove.nla.gov...South Wales&s=0

This is Trove summary of newspaper articles of the times.

There are over 6,000 items of which 4,200 relate to the 1920's, and 1,200 relate to the 1930's.

Some are very short but great reading from the times.

Happy reading

Thanks TerryS for that trove link.ist amazing.    

in addition to the stories on Maroubra Speedway, if you pan around the page you will find stories on cars and interesting ads.

For example, on the first story referenced if you open that and pan around there are ads for Vulcan trucks and Douglas motor cycles (who has ever heard of those), plus Citroen and Fiat.

Real time capsules and fascinating.

My fathers first bike was a Douglas, about mid 30s.

My fathers first bike was a Douglas, about mid 30s.

As was my Dad's first [motor]bike. It was a belt drive Douglas.

Dad raced push-bikes in the '20s, and won enough money in the Goulburn-to-Sydney to buy the Douglas.

As was my Dad's first [motor]bike. It was a belt drive Douglas.

 

Dad raced push-bikes in the '20s, and won enough money in the Goulburn-to-Sydney to buy the Douglas.

The belt drive that slipped when wet and the engine that needed to be pushed about half a mile to get started. After that he was NOT a fan.

During the successful afternoon's sport at Maroubra Speedway, held by the Sydney Bicycle and Motor Club on Saturday, when slow running car championships and a speed judging test attracted quite a fleet of cars to the fastest racing track in Australia at present, many expressions of regret were heard that the expensive track has been practically abandoned.

No important meeting of the character for which the track was specially designed and constructed has been held on it for a long time, and it not only represents unproductive capital spent, but it is steadily becoming less usable owing to detrioration and the encroachment of the pond water in the arena.

Very little of the official and competitors' enclosures, and the parking area within the track is now usable owing to the spread of the water, which, in places, is within a few yards of the concrete, while the scoring board, the long garage, and other buildings inside the track are flooded.

Considerable pumping and drainage will be necessary to make the interior of the track really accessible if it is again brought into use. It is regrettable that this fate should have overtaken the track after so brief a career, considering the expense involved in its construction, but there are rumours that even yet a vigorous effort may be made to replace it in the position it occupied for a brief period after its first construction.

There are still supporters of motor sport whose faith in the attractions of the speedway is strong enough to make them believe that it can be made at least to pay its way. Various ideas have been suggested for making it a paying proposition, among them being the abortive effort to hold night trotting races on a special course inside the concrete; to construct a golf links and general games area around and inside the track; and recently, to clear out the reeds which are growing thickly in the pond, and promote outboard motor boat racing in conjunction with motor car and motor cycle race meetings.

A tentative test of the track as a motor-paced bicycle race track was attended with a certain degree of success, which would merit a repetition only for the fact that it is impossible under present conditions to secure the presence of the best riders and pacemakers, who are members of the League of New South Wales Wheelmen, and, as such, bound by contract only to appear at one track in the metropolitan area.

Another suggestion was that a dirt track for motor cycle racing should be constructed within the concrete track on which the small speedway exponents could provide a variety of sport. Both these suggestions seem to be practical, and likely to assist in attracting good attendances to Maroubra.

A DIFFICULT PROPOSITION

Concrete speedways have proved a difficult proposition in every part of the world where they have been tried, however, and it has only been the support of a strong manufacturing industry in both England and France which has made it possible to continue the existence of the famous Brooklands and Montl'hery tracks.

Both these tracks are considerably larger than Maroubra, which is only five-sixths of a mile to the lap, and is narrow compared with the great tracks in other parts of the world. Brooklands is about 2½ miles to the lap, and Montl'hery a mile and a half, and both of them are wider than Maroubra, permitting the attainment of far higher speeds than were possible on the Sydney track.

That, however, is not an overwhelming drawback, as the many excellent races witnessed on the Maroubra Speedway indicated. It only involves the necessity for more strictly limiting the size and power of the cars and motor cycles to ensure that their speed shall not exceed the safety limit
of the course.

On several occasions the opinion was expressed that the track was eminently suitable for racing cars of the type of the Austin Seven, Morris Minor, Singer, Triumph, Riley Nine, and similar small vehicles. The old Brescia model four-cylinder Bugattis provided excellent sport there.
Supercharged

cars like the Alvis need careful and restrained handling on the track as was most unfortunately proved. Sports' type cars also could be used and provide both their drivers and the public with a great deal of pleasure, but the most powerful out and out racing cars were better off the track than on it.

WOODEN TRACKS

So far the history of motor racing as a sport in this country has indicated that the construction of tracks of a permanent character must be proceeded with with the utmost caution, however, and the American idea of constructing temporary wooden speedways similar to the bicycle Velodrome at Canterbury, but, of course on a bigger scale, is advisable if the highest possible speeds are aimed at.

So far the most successful motor speedway for car as well as motor cycle racing in Australia is that at Penrith, the construction of which involved the minimum of expense. Many followers of motor sport who have watched the exciting bicycle and motor paced racing on the Velodrome have expressed their belief that the same idea could be applied with success to motor racing, and this has been done in America in a number of instances of which the Atlantic City, Laurel City, Altoona, and one or two others.

These highly-banked wooden tracks are on a grand scale, being from a mile to two miles to the lap, and as far as can be gathered, about 75 to 100 feet in width. They are banked even then to such an extent that speeds of more than two miles a minute are possible on them. Races of from 200 to 250 miles have been run in less than two hours on them.

The same idea is incorporated in their construction as is evidence at the Canterbury Velodrome, the banking being continued upwards from the outer edge of the racing course to provide space for public accommodation, and every person present being provided with a seat from which an uninterrupted view of the whole of each race is obtained.

It was on a track of this sort that the famous protracted records of the Studebaker team, when more than 30,000 miles were covered in as many minutes by fully equipped sedan cars, were made a couple of years ago. This feat, of course, may be taken as evidence that much of the support for track racing in the United States, as well as in Europe, comes from the motor manufacturers.

Support of a similar kind in Australia cannot be expected until a manufacturing industry has been established here. Consequently, all who consider the possibility of establishing as a profit-making proposition an up-to-date wooden speedway must be sure to provide other means of raising a corresponding revenue from some other source.

MAROUBRA SPEEDWAY.

The Lands Department has finished the survey of the outside 'boundaries of the land leased from them at Maroubra. The surveyor for the Olympia Motor Speedway, Ltd., started work on the contour and spot survey last week.

This work, which is preparatory to the engineers finalising their plans, is expected to take about three weeks.

The company was registered on May 8 with a capital of £40,000, Already over £33,000 has been disposed of.

It Is expected that the track will be ready for the general public and' for racing within 12 months, and will be one of the finest in the world.

If you are in the mood for reading lots, and lots, about Maroubra Speedway have a look at this link.

http://trove.nla.gov...South Wales&s=0

This is Trove summary of newspaper articles of the times.

Very interesting link, Terry. Is this an archived search that you did or was it by the NLA? If they did it why I wonder? If you did it then it is fascinating that it can be saved and the url circulated. Non Aussies should note that the newspapers here carried heaps of overseas news and this makes Trove at the National Library of Australia a most useful resource for anyone anywhere.

Edited by tsrwright, 03 February 2017 - 11:35.