Early 1980s

Midgets - Early 1980s

The Danny Lendich LTC Autocraft VW # 21

The Alach coil-over V4 Chev #21

The Gennetten V4 Chev/VW #21

The Ray Alach Chevy II #35

The Danny Lendich LTC Autocraft VW # 21

Back at Western Springs for the 1979-80 season, Barry became embroiled in a legal battle with Speedway New Zealand over the right to carry #21 on this car. In the end he did carry #21 on the tail of his car!
(From https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21)

For the 1979-80 season, Danny Lendich purchased a new LTC Autocraft midget which raced with VHT sponsorship (and as #21!). Here Barry is being pushed off in the Lendich LTC at Western Springs.
(From https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21)

A newspaper report by Jon Addison after official practice for the 1979-80 season. This was immediately after Barry had returned from his successful visit to the USA.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

The Lendich car in the pits at Kihikihi during 1979-80.Barry B, remained a superstar in Auckland running the Lendich-owned, VHT-sponsored LTC Autocraft.
(From https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21)

Barry was in particularly competitive form having just completed a winter of racing on the USAC circuit.Here he has the Lendich car at full pace at Kihikihi
(Russell Luke photo from the Allan Batt Collection)

The inside front wheel is hiking high in the air as Barry pours it on at Western Springs.
(From the Allan Batt collection)

Barry B, running the Lendich-owned, VHT-sponsored LTC Autocraft. Barry was on top form in 1979-80 and his main opposition came from Ted Tracey and his brother Max.
(From the Des Harris collection)

Barry at speed in the Lendich LTC at Western Springs (1980-81) while his partisan fans look on! Ted Tracey fans were equally as partisan and that made for controversy on and off the track.
(Dion Mayson photo, from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch, NZ)

Barry with his two young sons Brendon (L) and Dale (R ) posing next to the Lendich LTC (1980-81)
(From http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.120671578010445.23574.100002028119128&type=3)

Barry being interviewed for TVNZ at Western Springs by motor racing commentator Tony Palmer at a televised international meeting over Christmas
(https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21)

A close-up shot of the 1979-80 NZ midget captain being interviewed on TVNZ.
(https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21)

The winning NZ Midget team. From L to R: Barry Butterworth, Bill Peart (Wynn’s representative), Ted Tracey, wild Bill Roberts (flagman) and Owen Shaw.(#78).
(From the Owen Shaw collection)

Barry is pushed into the pits after another win during the 1979-80 international series. Barry was on top form and more than a match for the American visitors.
(https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21)

Barry at speed in the Lendich LTC. The 1979-80 season was the first that Barry had VHT sponsorship.
(From the Des Harris collection)

Barry has the Lendich LTC crossed up as he charges through the corner.
(From the Des Harris collection)

Here is Barry running the Lendich VW at Bay Park Speedway in the 1979-80 season.
(From the Matt Sefont collection)

Barry Butterworth and Warwick Keene share the spoils at Bay Park 1979-80.
(From the Matt Sefont collection)

Barry at Bay Park on the outside of the second row with #47 Paul Rollinson at the front, Bruce Drinkrow inside him and Owen Shaw at the back.
(From the Matt Sefont collection)

Barry coming back from Bay Park towing the Lendich VW during 1979-80.
(From the Matt Sefont collection)

Barry at the Springs ready to be pushed off in the Lendich LTC in its new 1980-81 livery. The car of course still carried #21 and kept its VHT sponsorship.
(From https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21)

Barry captained the 1980-81 NZ Midget team and along with Owen Shaw and Max Butterworth they were highly competitive. In the end they finished second (three points behind) to the USA (Vogler, Tripp and Olivero).
(Colin Irwin photo purchased from http://www.sap.net.nz/))

Barry in the pits at Western Springs in the Lendich LTC in 1980-81.
(From https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21)

Barry and helpers working on the motor of the Lendich LTC in the pits.
(From https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21)

Barry leads arch rival Ted Tracey down the front straight at Western Springs. By this time Ted Tracey was a top-line driver and major competition for Barry.
(From the Des Harris collection)

Barry on the infield of Western Springs ready for action on the track. Owen Shaw, in the yellow track suit, is chatting to Barry.
(From https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21)

Barry and long-time fan, Wendy Luke, show off her Barry B banner in the pits during 1980-81.
(From https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21))

Barry still on the hammer. Towards the end of the season Barry rolled the car at Western Springs while trying to make an inside pass. The following heated argument with a Speedway Control Board Steward resulting in him getting a three week suspension – that ended his season!
(Colin Irwin photo purchased from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Barry retuned to the USA in 1981 with the Lendich LTC VW. He raced in selected USAC and non-USAC events and acquitted himself well. Here he is in the dirt at Terre Haute in the Stan Brown-sponsored car.
(John Mahoney photo, purchased from jmahoneypix@yahoo.com)

Barry B in the LTC at Kokomo, Indiana, 1981.
(From the Des Harris Collection)

Barry in the Lendich LTC VW at the Indianapolis Speedrome trying to hold out Lonnie Caruthers (#78).
(John Mahoney photo, purchased from jmahoneypix@yahoo.com)

Barry holds the inside line on an opponent while racing hard in American..
(From the Des Harris collection)

For the 1981-82 season, the Lendich LTC had a new sprintcar-style hood. Barry had returned to NZ after mediocre success in the USA and was keen to put on a good showing.
(From https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21)

Barry out practicing in the spring sunshine at Western Springs in the Lendich VW.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

On the third meeting of the 1981-82 season, Barry was rim riding in the feature when he caught a wheel and the car was thrown into a spectacular series of flips down the front straight. He was taken to hospital with a broken arm. A pin was inserted in the arm and he was out for a month. He came back to captain the NZ team in the international series with his arm in plaster and on pain killers.
(Alan Clark photo, from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch, NZ)

Barry posing with the Lendich VW as the crew work on the car in the Western Springs pits.
(From One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch)

Barry back on the track and about to be pushed off – broken arm and all!
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Fierce VW-mounted rivals during the late 70s and early 80s – Barry B leads Cyclone Ted Tracey at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Up on the Western Springs banking celebrating yet another win in the Lendich midget #21.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Barry is in the power and has the inside front wheel lifting in a characteristic pose for a VW-powered midget of the day.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Another great Colin Irwin shot of Barry about to be pushed off during 1981-82.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

The New Zealand Midget team for 1981-82. (L) Ted Tracey, (M) Barry Butterworth and (R) Max Butterworth. Barry and Max were out to beat Ted as much as they were the Americans! Barry has a cast on his left arm.
(Alan Clark photo from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch)

Barry charges through on the inside of USAC veteran Bob Wente. Barry was highly competitive in the international events despite having to take painkillers because he was driving with a broken arm.
(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=509895639054668&set
=a.202582899785945.51766.157452800965622&type=3&theater)

Crossed up and honkin – Barry has his foot to the floor. A broken arm didn’t slow him down much!
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Barry, with his inside left front wheel hiking high in the air, leads Sleepy Tripp (#3).
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Barry (L) chats with USAC star Lonnie Caruthers between races while Pat Johnson is in the foreground looking the other way.
(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=509894602388105&set=a.202582899785945.51766.
157452800965622&type=3&theater)

In the 1981-82 season Barry captained the NZ midget team (driving with a broken arm) to a win over USA and Australia. Here he receives the winner’s trophy.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

The winning 1981-82 NZ Midget Car Team. From L to R, Bill Peart (Wynn’s representative), Barry Butterworth (captain), Ted Tracey and Max Butterworth. Ted suggested that Barry and Max were racing as a team against him at least as much as against the visitors!
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Barry has the Lendich LTC VW hiking with the left front wheel high in the air.
(From https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21)

Barry Butterworth being pushed though the pit gates back into the pits.
(From https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21)

Barry poses on the infield at western Springs 1981-82. Standing (L to R) are Rick Marmont, car owner Danny Lendich, Ray Alach and Kerry Morris.
(Alan Clark photo from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch)

Barry on the gas in the LTC Autocraft at Ruapuna Park Speedway.
(Brian Hopping photo from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch)

The Alach coil-over V4 Chev #21

In 1982-83 Barry split with Danny Lendich and asked Ray Alach to build a new coil-spring chassis powered by a V4 Chev motor (a V8 cut in half). He ran it during the 82-83 season with considerable success.
(From the Allan Batt collection)

A happy Barry B in the pits readying himself for battle in the V4 Chevy at Western Springs.
(Allan Clark photo from the Allan Batt collection)

Barry (L) and Ray Alach (R) make final adjustments to the V4 on the infield.
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150260794348084
&set=t.100002028119128&type=3&theater)

Barry in the car on the infield at Western Springs warming up the motor.
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150302752088084&
set=t.100002028119128&type=3&theater)

Barry at speed in the V4 Chev at Western Springs. Barry was often highly competitive in the car and as fast as the top VW-powered cars.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Barry running extremely hard to get around the outside of Mel Kenyon in the Pat Johnson-owned Westpac VW. Barry has just ridden the rear wheel of Kenyon's car and was lucky not to flip.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Placegetters in the Goog Clark Memorial midget race in 1982-83 - Max Butterworth (C) winner, and second and third Jack Nazer (L) and Barry Butterworth in the V4 Chev (R). The difference in stature and build between Barry and his younger brother Max is clearly evident!
(Colin Irwin photo from https://www.facebook.com/greg.parsloe?
hc_location=timeline)

Barry testing the V4 Chev at Rosebank Park wearing jeans and a jumper - but at least he is wearing his crash helmet!
(Colin Irwin photo from https://www.facebook.com/greg.parsloe?
hc_location=timeline)

Barry B starting from the back of the field at Kihikihi with Pat Johnson (outside) and Grant Wilkes (inside) directly ahead of Barry.
(Mungo Lloyd photo from https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

Barry has the V4 Chev cranking at Kihikihi as he leads Pat Johnson (obscured) and Maurice Cowling.
(Mungo Lloyd photo from https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

Sleepy Tripp in the Lendich VW makes an inside pass on Barry in the V4 Chev at Western Springs.
(From the Des Harris collection)

Barry burning up the dirt at Western Springs in the V4.
(From the Des Harris collection)

Charging hard in the V4 Chev. The car stayed with the VW-powered midgets and at times beat them.
(From the Des Harris collection)

Barry at full speed at Kihikihi as he passes a flag marshal on the infield.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

VW-powered Pat Johnson leading Barry B at Kihikihi.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection) )

Here is another Alan Clark shot from Kihikihi as Barry unleashes the power of the V4 Chev down the back straight.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Back at Western Springs and Barry has the car out wide looking for the cushion.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Barry won a round of the Coca Cola series against all-comers driving his V4 Chev.
(https://www.facebook.com/barry.butterworth.21?fref=ts)

Running the V4 Chevy at Western Springs up wide on the cushion. The car had plenty of power but teething problems sometimes limited its performance.
(Photo from Speedway Spectacular by Ian Abrahams and Colin Irwin, Lodestar Press, Auckland, New Zealand, 1983)

Sleepy Tripp won the 1ZB-sponsored 50 Lap Midget Car Classic in the Lendich VW. Barry came home a strong second (with a smoking V4 Chev motor) and Maurice Cowling finished third in another VW-powered midget.
(Colin Irwin photo purchased from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

The New Zealand team for the International Tests in 1982-83. Barry sits by himself smoking a cigarette (as usual) while Maurice Cowling (L) and Ted Tracey (R) sit at the tail of the ute.
(Colin Irwin photo purchased from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Another, more formal, shot of the NZ team taken on the front straight at Western Springs Stadium. Ted Tracey, Barry B and Maurice Cowling.
(From the Allan Batt collection)

Barry in the V4 Chev in 1982-83, at Ruapuna Park, holding the outside line while dicing with Sleepy Tripp in the Lendich LTC VW (the car formerly driven by Barry).
(Brian Hopping photo, from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch, NZ)

(L) Two icons of the sport in conversation. Western Spring commentator Bill Mudgeway interviews Barry. Both are inductees into the New Zealand Speedway Hall of Fame. (R) Barry sitting on the bonnet of a truck at Ruapuna Park on an introductory lap in front of the crowd on his 1982-83 visit to Christchurch.
(Photos from the Allan Batt collection)

Barry ready for action in the Alach coil-over V4 as he sits on the infield at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Barry had a reasonable successful season in the Alach V4 and most observers expected to see him back the next season in the same car.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

The Gennetten V4 Chev/VW #21

For 1983-84 season Barry replaced the Ray Alach-built coil-over chassis with a stronger, sprintcar-based, Gennetten chassis. The V4 Chevy was installed in the car. However, the combination was not always competitive and it proved a frustrating season for Barry.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Team Butterworth 1983-84 ready in the pits before a meeting early in the season. The Gennetten V4 is in pristine condition and ready to race.
(From http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.120671578010445.23574.100002028119128&type=3)

Although Barry raced the car at both Western Springs and Ruapuna Park, he never managed to win a midget feature in the Gennetten car.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Barry B admires his V4 Chev motor on the infield. Despite his constant assertions regarding its superiority over the VW motors he was soon to sell the motor to Christchurch connections!
(Colin Irwin photo, from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch, NZ

Barry up on the banking acknowledging the Western Springs crowd after a rare win in the Gennetten V4 Chev.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Things didn't always go to plan with the V4 Chevy motor. Here Barry runs around Western Springs with a cloud of smoke trailing behind.
(From the Allan Batt collection)

Article from Australian Speedway Star on Barry's brush with officialdom in 1984 while running the Gennetten Chev V4 at Western Springs.
(Australian Speedway Star, January, 1984)

A shot of the Barry Butterworth's Gennetten V4 midget parked next to its bigger brother, Barry's Shores sprintcar, on the infield at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Barry sitting in the V4 midget in the infield at Western Springs smoking a cigarette.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Cigarette in mouth, Barry does repairs to the front end of the Gennetten car in the pits after a shunt at Ruapuna Park.
(From the Allan Batt collection)

Barry in full flight at Ruapuna Park in the Gennetten V4 on his visit to Christchurch.
(Wayne Hopping photo, from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch, NZ)

Barry B with the car on plenty of opposite lock as he punts it into the corner at Ruapuna Park.
(Brian Hopping photo from the Alan Batt collection)

Barry looks spectacular in the V4 back at Western Springs.
(From the Des Harris collection) )

Barry in the Chev tries for an outside pass on Owen Shaw (#43).
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

While rim-riding at Western Springs Barry caught a wheel and his car was thrown into the air.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

The V4 Chev went up the banking and Barry madea hard connection with the safety fence.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Helpers run to the scene as Barry composes hinself after landing back on all four wheels.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Not much brotherly love this evening! Barry in the V4 (#21) and Max in the Mullins VW (#22) come to a stop on the Western Springs track after a bit of a shunt.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Barry takes to the air at Western Springs after a bingle on the track
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150279155928084&
set=a.10150260794243084.378055.722823083&type=3&theater)

Barry had been disqualified and fined $50 for threatening behaviour towards officials the Saturday before but turned up the next week without paying! Here Barry is in the car having a second “discussion” with a speedway NZ official.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Western Springs Promotor George Tervit arrives with a tow truck to remove Barry from the track!
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Barry, still in the car, is forcibly removed from the track!
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Late in the season 1983-84 season Barry confounded the pundits by selling the V4 Chev motor to Christchurch interests and installing a VW in the car.
(From http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2063190975387&
set=pb.1113096960.-2207520000.1358387937&type=3&theater)

Younger brother Max, in the Ken Mullins VW, leads Barry in the VHT VW at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Barry at full nose in the Gennetten VW at Western Springs.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Running at full pace in the VHT Autex Gennetten VW at Western Springs. <br />
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Barry leads “Cyclone” Ted Tracey. Ted was the top NZ driver at the time.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Barry, up on three wheels, holds the pole line as Sleepy Tripp in the Lendich VW ranges up behind.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Barry exits the Gennetten VW on the infield at Western Springs in order to have his say with officialdom.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Barry B in the Gennetten VW at the Easter 1984 Kumeu meeting he promoted.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Barry B leads Ted Tracey at Kumeu. As can be seen in the photo, the crowd was massive.
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection) )

Another Alan Clark shot of Barry at Kumeu. The crowd are lined up leaning against the railing. Safety considerations would preclude such a meeting today!
(Alan Clark photo from the Marcel Facoory collection)

Another great shot of Barry at Kumeu, this time taken from the outside of the track by Colin Irwin.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

The Ray Alach Chevy II #35

Although Barry concentrated on driving his second Shores sprintcar during the 1984-85 season, he also drove Ray Alach's Chevy II midget, #35.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Barry hugs the pole line in the Chevy II. He is being hunted down by Sleepy Tripp in the Lendich VW (#3).
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/

With the Chevy II smoking a little, Barry holds the pole line ahead of a VW-mounted competitor.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Barry in a spot of bother along with two other competitors.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Ray Alach pushing the Chevy II onto the track with Barry already in the cockpit.
(From the Des Harris collection)