The Kiwis (1)

Born in Christchurch in 1906, Frank Brewer began racing midgets in 1938 in Auckland when he purchased #72 of George Smith. The car had previously been brought out from USA by a visiting American driver. During the winter of 1939, Frank travelled to the USA and raced with great success. He already had the nickname “satan” before he left NZ because people said he drove like the devil! While in America he purchased the ex-Ken Hupp V8-60 which he renumbered as #99 and when he returned to NZ he brought it with him. He won the 1939-40 and 1940-41 NZ Midget Championship in the car. He returned to USA and became an American citizen. During the Second World War he joined the US Air Force and worked in flight maintenance based in Florida. After the war he returned to Californian midget racing, again with great success. He returned to NZ again in 1946-47 in a new V8-60 car initially carrying #3 but this was soon changed to #99. The livery was cream with red flames emanating from the nose. He won the 1946-47 NZ midget Championship and at the end of the season returned to USA with the car. While racing in US he purchased the ex-Eddie Meyer Kurtis Kraft midget which was in blue livery and numbered #10 and then #99. During his time in the US he won 30 feature races and was 1946 Western States Champion. Frank emigrated to Australia in 1948 with two midgets (the flame car and the Kurtis Kraft). He based himself in Sydney and his brother-in-law, Andy McGavin, drove the flame car while he drove the Kurtis Kraft. Frank raced extremely successfully in Australia until his retirement in 1955, after which he ran an earthmoving business in the Sydney suburb of Cambeltown. He won the NSW Speedcar Championship in 1952, 53 and 54 as well as the 1954 Queensland Speedcar Championship, the 1954 World Quarter Mile Speedcar Championship at the Ekka and various versions of the Australian Speedcar Championship in 1950, 53 and 54. He had a successful trip to NZ in the 1953-54 season winning races at both Western Springs and Waiwakaiho Speedways. He made a comeback in the 1962-63 season at Western Springs driving Skip Eade’s midget #3 (renumbered as #99). It was a short-lived return as he caught an outside wheel of a competitor and crashed heavily into the safety fence sustaining 5 broken ribs, a broken sternum and a punctured lung. Frank ran his earthmoving business in Sydney for many years before eventually returning to the USA. He resided in Phoenix during his later years and died in 2001 at the age of 95.

The careers of Satan and Barry B barely overlapped although Barry was already racing midgets in 1962-63 when Brewer made his short-lived comeback at Western Springs. Brewer also drove both Leo Vercoe’s and Merv Neil’s midgets (in the livery of his Kurtis Kraft as #99 and #10 respectively) in warm up one night in the 1965-66 season when Barry was racing the F&C Offy at Western Springs.

Drivers line up for some midget racing at Western Springs in 1938. From L to R, Gerry Mathieson (#17), Ken Wylie (Australia), Frank Brewer (#72) and Charles Segedin (Car obscured)
(From http://www.historicspeedway.co.nz/westsprings1.htm)

Here is Frank in 1940 after another race win in the USA. He became a star in the midget division in California.
(From http://speedwayroyale.homestead.com/Satan2.html)

Johnny Muir (21), Bill Sheffler (#15), Johnny Parsons and Frank Brewer (#99) line up for a start at Southern Ascot Speedway (USA) in 1940. The #99 is the ex-Ken Hupp midget that Frank purchased during his first trip to America.
(From The Mighty Midgets by Jack Fox. Carl Hungness Publishing, Indiana, 1985)

Frank smiles for the camera in the ex-Ken Hupp V8-60 in the USA.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

In 1940 Frank returned from the USA to race the ex-Ken Hupp V8-60 in New Zealand. He won the 1939-40 and 1940-41 NZ Midget Championship in the car.
(From Cinders to Clay. The pioneer Years 1935-1950 by Harry Chambers. Harry Chambers, Auckland, 2011)

Another hand-coloured photo, this time of Frank Brewer (#99) lined up on the infield beside Australian George Beavis (#18). The two competed in a match race series at Western Springs during the 1940-1941 season.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Here is the car with the nose caved in after Frank had something more than a little shunt.
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/midgetsevolution.html)

Frank (in the centre of the picture) poses after an accident in which Don Farmer spun, Frank hit him and then Walt Faulkner went over the top of Frank’s car. Frank’s bent car is on the right.
(From http://speedwayroyale.homestead.com/Satan.html)

A great shot of Frank posing in the flame car while racing in the USA.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Frank in the car and ready to race #99 like the devil!
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Californian midget star, Frank Satan Brewer, ready to be pushed off in V8-60 #99.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/681001231955661/)

Frank sitting in the flame car – back in New Zealand and ready to race.
(From Waiwakaiho Speedway. The Early Years Vol 1 by Max Rutherford. Taranaki Historic Speedway Association, New Plymouth, 2013)

Frank Brewer (#99) on his way to the 1946-47 New Zealand Midget Championship as he leads Roly Crowther in #3.
(From https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.202582899785945.51766.157452800965622&type=3)

Frank running the midget flat out on the Seagrove aerodrome in 1947. He won the 10 mile NZ Open Airstrip Championship in the midget.
(From Cinders to Clay. The pioneer Years 1935-1950 by Harry Chambers. Harry Chambers, Auckland, 2011)

While back in the USA, Frank purchased the ex-Eddie Meyer Kurtis Kurtis Kraft V8-60-powered midget off Leonard Fass. It was variously numbered as #10 or #99. It was in blue livery with white flecks.
(From http://midgetcarpanorama.proboards.com/thread/466)

Frank Brewer, along with other American drivers and an assortment of movie stars from Hollywood, was part of a 1948 tour to London to try to introduce midget car racing to Britain. Frank on the left, Gene Tierney in the car and Inky “Cowboy” Ingram on the right.
(From http://midgetcarpanorama.proboards.com/thread/466/frank-satan-brewer)

In 1949, Frank emigrated to Australia. Here is Frank posing in Sydney in his Kurtis Kraft V8-60 (#10) with his brother-in-law Andy McGavin in (#48) which is Frank’s ex-flame car.
(http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Evolution-2.html)

Frank wearing a long-sleeved shirt and tie poses for the camera.
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Evolution-2.html)

An unusual angle of Frank which shows his characteristic driving style of leaning out of the left side of the car.
(http://justmidgets.homestead.com/classicphotos.html)

Frank Brewer in the Sydney Sportsground pits with his Kurtis Kraft V8-60 – now with the familiar #99 on the tail.
(http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Evolution-2.html)

Frank Brewer (#99) rim riding around Sel Payne (#20) at the Sydney Sportsgrond track.
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/)

Frank posing in the car on the infield of the Sydney Sportsground.
(http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Evolution-2.html)

Frank Brewer (#99) taking the outside line around Neil Hair at the Sydney Showgrounds.
(http://midgetcarpanorama.proboards.com/thread/466/frank-satan-brewer)

Frank with what he called his “five Ms”. Margaret (his wife), his daughters Maureen and Marilyn, his Midget and his Mercury (tow car)!
(From ://speedwayroyale.homestead.com/Satan.html)

The beginning of a match race in late 1949 between two great rivals (and good mates off-track) Ray Revell in his Offenhauser and Frank Satan Brewer in his V8-60.
(http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Revell-Offy.html)

Two Kiwis in action in Australia! Frank Satan Brewer (#99) and Reece Discombe (#35) race at Windsor Speedway in 1950.
(From http://www.vintagespeedway.com/Graham-Howard-P3.html)

Frank Brewer (#99) racing against his fierce Kiwi rival, Roly Crowther.
(From http://www.speedwayclub.co.nz/history.php)

A great shot of Frank man-handling #99 around the Sydney Showground.
(http://www.vintagespeedway.com/Glasson.html)

In 1955 Hedley McGee helped Frank install a grey Holden motor into the car. This involved lengthening the chassis. Here he is waving to the crowd at Rowley Park. The car was run mainly as #13 by Werner Greive before being sold to Harry Neale in South Australia. The car ended up as the “Big” Berco Holden #2 in Sydney.
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Evolution-2.html)

Frank running the McGee Holden (racing as #1) at the Sydney Royale on the outside of Dallas James (#15).
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Evolution-2.html)

Frank brought the McGee Holden-powered car to New Zealand to race. Here Frank (#1) goes on the inside of Ron Ross (#6) as Ian Holden in #76 chases him.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Frank returned to racing in 1962-63 at Western Springs in the Harry Thompson V8-60 (normally raced as #3 by Skip Eade). The car was renumbered as #99 (see above). Frank caught a wheel and crashed into the fence breaking his sternum and five ribs as well as puncturing a lung. That was the end of his racing career.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Frank poses alongside Brisbane sprintcar star Todd Wanless at Parramatta Raceway in 1996.
(Tony Loxley photo, from Full Throttle. Images of Australian Speedway 1970-2009 by Tony Loxley, Renniks Publications, Banksmeadow, NSW, 2009)

Frank and his daughter Marilyn at the Sydney Showgrounds Speedway on Press Day before the last two meetings were held in April 1996. Both were keen photographers.
(From http://speedwayroyale.homestead.com/Satan2.html)

Frank posing in Gordon McIsaac’s vintage midget #9 at Gordon’s Speedway Museum in 1997.
(Colin Irwin photo sourced from http://www.sap.net.nz/)

Roly Crowther was born in 1922 and was beach racing in 1944 when he was introduced to midget car racing. He purchased a Rugby-powered midget (#3) brought into NZ before the Second World War by American Paul Lindskog and raced it at Huntly and then Western Springs. In his first season (1944-45) he won the NZ Junior Midget Championship (for first-year drivers) and later in the season won the NZ Midget Championship. He had the Rugby motor rebuilt and the high-revving motor provided a characteristic exhaust note easily recognized by the spectators. He won the 1945-46 NZ Championship in the car and for the 1946-47 season it was in its well-known blue and white, Tip Top ice cream, livery. At the end of the season he sold the car to Snow Morris and then drove midgets for promoter Jack Cormack at Olympic Speedway mainly in car #65 but also in other cars. By the 1950-51 season Roly was behind the wheel of the ex-Ken Hupp/Frank Brewer/Ivan Brewer V8-60 now numbered as #2. He had rebuilt the car for owner Jack Lough (after Bill Cosgrove crashed it) and then procured the drive. The V8-60 motor was very quick and was prepared by legendary mechanic (and V8-60 specialist) Cyril Goldfinch. Roly also drove the car in 1951-52 and 1952-53 and he won his third NZ Championship in 1951-52. During this period his stouches with promoter Jack Cormack were well-known mainly because Jack liked drivers to drive for him in his own cars. Roly purchased #2 for the 1954-55 season, rebuilt it and won the Australasian midget Championship held in Christchurch and the next season he finished second in the 1955-56 NZ Midget Championship. He came out of semi-retirement in 1960 and raced #2 in Australia where he won the Australian Match Race Championship. In 1965-66 he came out of retirement again for one night when he raced the same car (now the Garry Roberts V8-60 #27) at meeting No 10 in a match race series against Barry Valentina (which he lost 2:1). He also drove the car in the feature.

Roly won 24 feature races at Western Springs with 15 seconds and 14 thirds. He was inducted into the NZ Speedway Hall of Fame in 2008. Roly also tried his hand at circuit racing in the mid-50s in a Lotus 11 as well as hill climbing from time to time. He was a successful businessman in Auckland owning Roly Crowther Motors and later Lotus Manufacturing. He died in Auckland in 2011 at the age of 88. The careers of Roly and Barry B hardly overlapped except that the night in 1965-66 when Roly ran the Garry Roberts V8-60, Barry was dominating the midget events in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser.

Roly sitting in the pits at Western Springs in the 1946-47 season in #3. It now has its famous Tip Top ice cream sponsorship and livery.
(From http://dtc-wsuv.org/apeterson/narrative/newzealand7.html)

Roly Crowther in the #3 Tip Top Special waiting with the crew for the next race.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly during 1947-48 sitting in another one of Jack Cormack’s midgets (#66) normally driven by Des Herrick.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly warming up #65 on the concrete banking at Western Springs.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly Crowther on the infield at Western Springs helping wheel his car back to the pits.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly drove # 9 during the 1949-50 season when it was owned by Jack Cormack
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly Crowther with the ex-Ken Hupp/Brewer, Johnny Lough-owned car #2 at Western Springs.
(From The Mighty Midgets by Jack Fox. Carl Hungness Publishing, Indiana, 1985)

In 1954 Roly tried his hand in Cyril Goldfinch’s #4 for three nights but like many other drivers he disliked the way it handled.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly Crowther out wide and rim riding at Waiwakaiho as David Holmes is leading and Jack Harwood is down on the pole line.
(From http://www.historicspeedway.co.nz/photoGalleryMidgets.htm)

Roly Crowther with the #2 V8-60 in the pits at Waiwakaiho Speedway.
(From Waiwakaiho Speedway. The Early Years Vol 1 by Max Rutherford. Taranaki Historic Speedway Association, New Plymouth, 2013)

Roly leads a Cooper Bristol and a rear engined Cooper 500.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Here is #2 after Roly had re-fashioned the bodywork to make it into a modern midget.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Roly in #2 in the pits at Western Springs now with the more modern bodywork.
(From Cinders to Clay. The pioneer Years 1935-1950 by Harry Chambers. Harry Chambers, Auckland, 2011)

Roly in the Gary Roberts V8-60 #27 (his old car #2) on the infield of Western Springs in 1965-66. He raced the car in a match race series against Queenslander Barry Valentina.
(Bruce Kent photo from 1965-66 Western Springs Programme)

Roly seated in the restored “Tip Top Special” #2 in Gordon McIsaac’s Speedway Museum.
(From http://dtc-wsuv.org/apeterson/narrative/newzealand8.html)

Roly posing in his home in Mount Eden in 2008 with some of the trophies he earned driving on the Speedway.
(http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/central-leader/310760/Driver-enters-hall-of-fame)

Ross Goonan was born in 1923 and first started racing midgets at Western Springs in the 1948-49 season. He drove a car he built himself (# 74) powered by a Rugby motor and won the Auckland Junior Championship in his first year and the New Zealand Midget Championship in the 1949-50 season. In 1951, Ross was offered the drive in the Cyril Goldfinch-owned # 4. Cyril was a legendary engine tuner who’s specialty was V8-60 motors. Number 4 had a custom-built V8-60 motor capable of 7,000 revs and 130 bhp. After early handling problems, Ross settled down in # 4 and won three consecutive NZ Championships (1953-54, 54-55 and 55-56). He also won the NZ Champs in 1961-62 and 1962-63 in # 4. Ross took the car to Australia in 1958 and won the 20 lap Australasian Championship at Rowley Park, Adelaide. The car was sold to promoter Kym Bonython and left in Adelaide. As a result, Ross didn’t drive in 1959 and 1960. However, for the 1961-62 season, Harry Thomson took over promotion of Western Springs. Harry purchased # 4 back from Kym and shipped it back to Auckland for Ross to drive. As well as seven NZ Midget Championships, Ross won nine Auckland Championships and 19 feature races at Western Springs. Throughout Ross’ career, his major rival was Ian Holden. The two were close friends, as were their families, and during the 1964-65 season Ian drove # 4 for Ross who was suffering from throat cancer. After Ross Goonan’s death, in 1965 at the age of only 42, Ian temporarily retired from driving. Ross’ son, Bing Goonan, became a competitive midget and sprintcar driver and was second equal in the 1978-79 NZ Sprintcar Championship. Bing was badly burnt in a sprintcar when it caught fire. He has since settled in Adelaide and drove V8 Dirt Modifieds successfully in Adelaide in the 1994-95 season.
Ross took great pride in the appearance of # 4 which was always immaculately turned out in red with white flashes. He was a spectacular driver who didn’t mind driving wide on the track to get traction off the cushion. Ross was involved in several spectacular crashes during his career but, fortunately, was never seriously injured. His driving style complimented that of Ian Holden who characteristically stayed down on the pole line. When Barry B first started driving midgets, it was Ross Goonan that he most admired and looked up to.

Ross ready to be pushed out onto the track in #74 in 1949-50.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ross Goonan drove #3 for Jack Cormack during the 1951-52 season. He only drove it for the one season.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ross Goonan was a top-line driver in #4 and won three consecutive NZ Midget Championships in the car in 1953-54, 54-55 and 55-56. He also took the car to victory in the 1961-62 and 1962-63 NZ Championship.

(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ross Goonan (R) posing with Australian Ray Revell (L) at Aranui in 1954-55. Ray Revell had trouble with his Offy motor and borrowed the Cyril Goldfinch #4 leaving Ross to crew. Revell won several races in #4 at Aranui and here he holds the trophy after another win.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Ross about to roll #4 at Aranui after catching the rear wheel of local driver, Earl Wilde.
(From The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

Ross with his goggles and face mask off circulating the track before race-start.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

The two top New Zealand drivers race wheel-to-wheel. Ross Goonan (#4) is in his preferred outside line while his main rival, and friend, Ian Holden (#76) characteristically hugs the pole line. Throughout the 1950s and early 60s these two race wheel to wheel.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ross Goonan’s trip to Australia was very successful. Here he is posing with the trophy after winning the 1958 South Australian Midget Championship at Rowley Park.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

A rare early colour shot of #4. It is seen here in a suburban garden in Adelaide following repairs after a shunt.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/)

Another shot of Ross at Rowley Park in 1959 – this time taken from the outside of the track.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussie.speedwaymemories/)

Six times NZ Midget Champion Ross Goonan in the pits in #4.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ross Goonan (#4) is on the inside as Ian Holden (#76) sneaks a peak across to see where he is.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ross Goonan in the pits posing for the camera.
(From https://www.facebook.com/julianne.goonan)

Ross Goonan (R) is seen here chatting with Barry Butterworth(C) at the trophy ceremony for the 1963-64 New Zealand Midget Car Championship. He finished second equal with his friend, Ian Holden (L), while Barry B won in his offenhauser-powered midget. Bill Mudgway is in the foreground chatting to the crowd.
(From the John Stanley collection)

Ross Goonan near the end of his career. He died at only 42 years of age and as six times New Zealand Midget Champion.
(From Western Springs Speedway Year Book 1965-66 by Alan Clark)

The restored #4 next to the restored #76. These were the two dominant cars of the 1950s and early 60s as raced by friends Ross Goonan and Ian Holden.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Ian Holden was born in 1926 and first drove at Blandford Park Speedway in the 1945-46 season in midget # 33 powered by a Rugby motor. He raced in the 1946-47 season (and through until 1951) at Western Springs in # 38 powered by a Model A. For the 1951-52 season he raced the Jack Cormack # 9 Model A and in 1952-53 he won his first NZ Midget Championship in the ex-Brewer V8-60 #2. He continued with this car through 1953-54 before running the Ron Hogan V8-60 #7 in 1954-55. He then got the coveted drive in the Gordon Watson-owned imported Kurtis Kraft V8-60 # 76.He won the 1956-57, 58-59, 59-60 and 60-61 in # 76. At the end of 1964, # 76 was sold and Ian drove Ross Goonan’s # 4 in the 1964-65 season finishing second to Ron Ross in the NZ Champs before retiring. He was lured out of retirement for the 1966-67 season to drive the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser # 7. That season he won the NZ Championship for a sixth time. He had four feature wins in the car in the 1967-68 season before retiring again leaving Trevor Morris to drive # 7. Towards the end of the season, Ian came out of retirement to drive the Roberts V8-60 (the ex-Mintex V8-60/offy) to win a feature. He drove the same car in a one-off appearance as the Roberts Offy in a following season. As well as six New Zealand Championships, Ian also won four Auckland Championships and 39 midget feature wins at Western Springs. After retiring, Ian served as Speedway NZ steward at both Waikaraka Park and Western Springs. He passed away in Jan 1994. His son, Brent, became an A grade midget driver and even drove # 76 (with a holden motor) for a season. Brent is a noted speedway artist.

Ian Holden was not involved in many major accidents and never ended up on his head in a midget. He kept down on the pole line much of the time and characteristically threw the car sideways on full opposite lock as he entered the corners. Ian and Barry B were from different generations and not close. Nevertheless, the two shared a certain mutual respect and although Barry would bang wheels with many of his competitors, Ian wasn’t one of them. During the 1966-67 season, Barry B (in the Johnny Peers Chevy II) and Ian were great rivals. Ian was near the end of his career and pretty relaxed about it all but the younger, highly competitive, Barry B was really out to beat Ian in the F&C Offy. There was some amusing banter in the pits with Ian referring to Barry as “the apprentice” and Barry, in turn, calling Ian “baldy”!

Ian about to be pushed off in midget #33 at Blandford Park.
(From the Brent Holden collection))

Ian Holden in the second car he drove (#18) during the 1945-46 season. The car was owned by ex-driver George Morgan.
(From the Brent Holden collection)

Ian Holden racing hard in #38.
(From Cinders to Clay. The Pioneer Years 1935-1950 by Harry Chambers)

Ian Holden In the pits in #38 at Western Springs in 1948.
(From the Brent Holden collection)

Ian poses in the Western Springs pits in Model A-powered #9 in 1953.
(From http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Gordon-McIsaac.html)

Ian Holden won his first New Zealand Midget Car Championship in 1953-54 in the Jock Lough-owned #2. This car is the ex-Frank Brewer #99 later driven with much success by Roly Crowther.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

During 1954-55 Ian ran the Ron Hogan V8-60 (#7). From L to R, Brent Holden, Ian Holden, Ron Hogan and Garth Hogan.
(http://in.zinio.com/sitemap/Automotive-magazines/NZ-Hot-Rod/September-2011/cat1960016 /is-416185819/pg-69)

A fine portait of Ian sitting in the Ron Hogan midget.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

In 1955 Auckland businessman, Gordon Watson imported a Kurtis Kraft V8-60 (#76) from the USA and gave Ian Holden the drive in the car. Ian is sitting in the car which is being pushed by Pat Houlahan (L) and Gordon Watson (R).
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

Here is Ian racing the Gordon Watson car at Waiwakaiho Speedway in 1955. Ian raced #76 for Gordon Watson between 1955 and 1959 and for Harry Thompson between 1962 and 1964.
(From Waiwakaiho Speedway. The Early Years. Vol. 1 by M Rutherford and D Gifford, New Plymouth, 2013)

Ian at Aranui in good company. From L to R: Roly Crowther, Ian Holden, Des Wild (Promoter), Australian Ray Revell and Ross Goonan.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection

Ian poses in #76. Next to him is the Skip Eade car #3.
(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=202719683105600&set=a.202582899785945.51766.
157452800965622&type=3&theater)

Ian has the Gordon Watson-owned #76 flying at a daylight meeting.
(From: http://modelpetrolhead.proboards.com/index.cgi?
board=modelreferencephotos&action=print&thread=272)

Throughout Ian’s career Ross Goonan was his major rival and friend. Ian and Ross began driving their iconic V8-60-powered midget cars (#76 and #4 respectively) at about the same time (1954-1955) and their rivalry continued up until the end of 1964 when Ross was forced to retire due to ill-health.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Here is #76 being pushed out of the pits ready for racing. Ian can be seen behind the crew.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ian Holden and Ross Goonan battled each other right up until the end of 1964. They finished second equal in the 1963-64 NZ Midget Championships (to Barry Butterworth). Ian drove Ross’s car #4 during the 1964-65 season since Ross was too ill to drive. At the end of the season Ian Holden retired (for the first time!)
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

In the 1965-66 season Ian made only one appearance at Western Springs. At the eleventh meeting he participated in a match race series against Queenslander (advertised as Mexican!) Barry Valentina. Ian drove the Harry Thompson-owned V8-60 #3.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

In the second heat Ian borrowed Leo Vercoe’s car #99 and beat Valentina.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

After some hard talking, Fussell and Cartwright lost patience with Barry B and persuaded Ian Holden to come out of retirement and drive #7.Here Ian tries out #7 for size!
(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008766300736))

Ian Holden looks really old-school-retro in his leather jacket and old-style crash helmet with leather sides. Nonetheless, he was still very fast and It turned out to be Ian’s best season ever.
(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008766300736)

Ian in the pits posing with the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser.
(From the John Stanley collection)

Trevor Morris in the Linklater Holden (#1) leads as Ian Holden takes the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7) out wide to pass.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ian Holden holds down the pole line as he goes under up-and-coming young driver John Stanley in the Revell Offenhauser.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley collection)

Two veterans racing together! Ian Holden in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7) forces his way through on the inside of Ron Ross in the Cliff North/Harley Arthur McGee Holden (#72).
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ian at speed in the F&C Offy, this time on the back straight at Western Springs in the 1966-67 season.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Programme,1967)

Ian looks smart in his new helmet he used for the 1967-68 season.
(From Cinders to Clay by Harry Chambers, Harry Chambers, Auckland)

Backmarker, Ian Holden (#7) chases the pack. From L to R are Leo Vercoe (#99) Garry Roberts (#27 – obscured), Bill Jarden (#32) and Trevor Carnell (#76).Ian looks smart in his new helmet he used for the 1967-68 season.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Placegetters in the 1967-68 Australasian Midget Car Championship held at Western Springs. First American Don Meacham, second Queenslander Bill Goode and third Ian Holden.
(From: http://justmidgets.homestead.com/Meacham.html)

The beautifully prepared, restored Gordon Watson Kurtis Kraft V8-60 #76 as driven by Ian Holden.
(From http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?
action=display&board=stockcarmia&thread=11321&page=2)

Born in 1927, Ron Ross began racing a midget at Western Springs in the 1949-50 season driving the ex-Trevor Tindall, ex-Frank Clark blue #72 model A-powered car. He finished third in the NZ Midget Championship in his first season and fourth in 1951-52. Ron raced the car through to 1954. From 1955 until 1962 he drove a yellow V8-60 powered midget #6 with success and remained a back-marker.in the car he finished fourth in the NZ Championship in both 1955-56 and 58-59. For 1963-64 and 64-65 he ran the Cliff North prepared Holden midget #72 which was owned by Western Springs promotor Harley Arthur. During the 1964-65 season, Ron won both the Auckland and New Zealand Midget Championship in the car and also finished second in the Waiwakaiho Championships. During the winter of 1966, Cliff North built a new Holden-powered midget (also numbered #72) and the old #72 became Leo Vercoe’s #99. Ron remained a backmarker in the new #72 and finished second in the NZ Midget Championships in the car in 1965-66 (to Barry Butterworth) and 1967-68 (to Edwin Murray). He raced in Australian at the end of the 1965-66 season as travelling partner to Barry Butterworth in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser. Ron was the more successful since Barry had motor problems and Ron won the 100 lap Golden Fleece midget feature at the Ekka in Brisbane. In the 1966-67 season Ron won the Auckland Midget Championship for a second time. He retired at the end of the 1967-68 season. He became the official machine examiner at Western Springs and during the 1969-70 season he was persuaded to have a one-off drive in a supermodified after the usual driver was unable to compete. The race decided the Auckland Supermodified championship and Ron won. Despite encouragement from Harley Arthur to the contrary, he then retired again after only the one race! In his retirement Ron became a well-known speedway historian and died at the relatively young age of 69 in 1997. Ron had a clean, no frills, driving style and was consistently fast throughout his career.

Ron ran against Barry Butterworth between 1961 through to 1968. Ron was usually in an inferior car but always acquitted himself well. He finished second to Barry B in the 1965-66 NZ Midget Championship. Ron won 17 midget feature races at Western Springs. Ron was inducted into the New Zealand Speedway Hall of Fame in 2012.

Ron Ross at speed at Olympic Stadium in his first season in #72. Ron learnt fast and finished third in the New Zealand Midget Championship in his rookie season.
(From the Gordon McIsaac Collection)

In the winter of 1955 Ron Ross built a new V8-60-powered midget that was numbered as #6. He raced to car with some success through until 1962.
(Brian Overton photo from https://www.facebook.com/groups/642607519153649/?fref=nf)

Ron Ross in car #6 in the Western Springs pits – now with sponsorship from Indianapolis Piston Rings.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413821385528211/)

Ron Ross (#72) is on the outside as Bob Tattersall in the Mattoon Offy (#3) drives underneath him at Western Springs during the 1963-64 season.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ron in #72 about to be passed by Bob Tattersall who is driving Barry Handlin’s V8-60 (#72) in a one-off appearance at Western Springs on his way from Australia back to the USA at the end of his 1963-64 Australasian tour in the Mattoon Offy. Tatts went on to win the Luxury Liners 30 lap feature.
(From the John Stanley collection)

Ron Ross (#72) on the outside while on the pole line is rookie Trevor Morris (#99) (in his first season) and Merv Neil in the Rothmans Offenhauser threads the needle.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

1964-65 was Ron’s best season. He won both the Auckland and New Zealand Midget car Championships in the one season. Here he poses with the car with Cliff North on the left. During the winter of 1966 Cliff North built a new #72 and the above car was resprayed blue and renumbered #99 and was driven by Leo Vercoe for a number of years.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ron Ross looks happy as he sits in the newly-built #72 in the pits at Western Springs at the beginning of the 1965-66 season.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Speedway Year Book 1965-66 by Alan Clark)

Ron Ross in #72, with his car and helmet covered in Western Spring mud, leads Barry Butterworth in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7).
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Programme 1965-66)

A portrait of a happy-looking Ron Ross wearing his new blue helmet he used first in the 1965-66 season.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ron Ross leads Queensland Midget driver Barry Valentina (who is about to spin out). Barry (in the ex-Hollywood Spring and Axle Offenhauser) raced for several meetings at Western Springs during 1965-66. In a 3-race match series Ron in his less powerful Holden-powered midget beat him 2:1.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Speedway Year Book 1965-66 by Alan Clark)

Placegetters in the 1965-66 NZ Midget Championship held at Western Springs Stadium. From L to R, Ron Ross (second), Barry Butterworth (first) and Merv Neal (third).
(Bruce Kent photo, from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch)

Ron Ross takes a big hit from local Brisbane driver Mr Sneaky (Barry Watt) in #3 at the Ekka during his trip to Australia in 1966.
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/ekkaspeedway/)

Ron Ross (#72) chasing Trevor Morris in the Linklater Holden (#1) during the 1966-67 season.
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Sensation of the 1966-67 season Barry Butterworth in the Midland Motors Chevy II (#91) goes through on the inside of Ron Ross (#72).Butterworth was disqualified several times for rough driving during during the season at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Winner of the 1966-67 Auckland Midget Championship, Ron Ross is flanked by second place getter John Stanley (L) and third place getter Ian Holden(R).
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Here is Ron racing car #72 at Templeton Speedway (Christchurch) during the 1967-68 New Zealand Midget Championships. He is seen here slipping through on the inside of Trevor Grey of New Plymouth.
(Brian Hopping photo from The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

Ron Ross and crew posing with #72 at the end of the 1968-69 season (Cliff North in the middle). Ron retired from driving at the end of the season.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Ron Ross driving the restored #72 in 1967. The car was restored by Lance Elliott back to the way it was when it came into New Zealand, from the USA, in 1938. This is the first car Ron raced in 1949 and in which he finished third in the Auckland Championship in 1949-50.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Trevor Carnell was born in 1932 and during the late 1940s he became a crewman for midget driver Aub Highstead. By 1951 Trevor had purchased the ex-Ray Mitchell midget #62 from Ray Rolf. He raced this car with its original Willy’s Jeep motor and later replaced it with a Ford Model A motor. He won the 1952-53 and 1954-55 Auckland Midget Championships in the car. In 1955 he raced at Aranui (Christchurch) in a borrowed midget and hit the fence hard rolling the car. Fortunately he was not badly hurt. He continued racing his Model A-powered #62 through until the end of the 1958-59 season. He raced at Palmerston North during the 1959-60 and 60-61 seasons in the Lloyd Nutt-owned #85 and then in 1961-62 he was back racing in Auckland in a new Model A-powered midget #17. From 1962-63 through to 1964-65 Trevor was a top-line driver in the TQ section. He raced the Don Mullins TQ #9 and finished third in the 1964-65 NZ TQ Championship held at Meeanee. He also ran the Doug Kennedy and Trevor Hunter owned Vauxhall-powered midgets during this period. At practice for the 1964-65 season a drain cover came adrift on the track and Lloyd Nutt in his Solar V8-60 (#2) drove over it causing major damage to one of his feet which later had to be amputated. Lloyd then called on his friend Trevor Carnell to drive his car. Trevor drove #2 for the next 3 seasons. For the 1966-67 season the V8-60 motor was replaced with a Holden and the car was very much more competitive. In international company, Trevor, in the Solar Holden, placed second in the Australasian Championship. At the end of 1967 Lloyd Nutt sold #2 and purchased the iconic #76 (ex-Ian Holden car) from George Tervit and fitted a Holden motor. The “Durabuilt Holden”, as it was known, was very quick and Trevor began to show his true potential in a midget. He won the 1967-68 Tappenden Motors Fifty Lap feature and during the 1968-69 season he won five midget features, was placed second four times and finished third in the NZ Midget Championship. In both 1967-68 and 68-69 Trevor finished second on cumulative points gathered in midget features. For 1969-70 Trevor drove Roy Perkinson’s Holden-powered midget # 98. Towards the end of the season it was fitted with a new motor and Trevor finished second in both the Auckland and NZ Midget Championships. For 1970-71 Trevor ran the Cliff North/Alby Hellriegel #72 (vacated by Eddie James) and finished third in the NZ Midget Championship. For the 1971-72 through to 1973-74 seasons Trevor drove the #72 Hellriegel Chevy II which was newly built by Cliff North during the winter of 1971. For 1974-75 he was in the Hellriegel Holden #79. Trevor won a total of eight feature races during that period and was second in the 1971-72 NZ Midget Championship. At the end of 1974-75 Trevor retired from driving although he had a few drives in a Holden-powered midget (#24) during 1975.Trevor purchased his old midget #62 back in 1999 and restored it. He has since been seen out at both Rosebank Speedway and at Meremere displaying and driving #62 at Auckland Vintage Speedway Club meetings.

Trevor Carnell (#62) out in front of the pack at Waiwakaiho Speedway.
(From Waiwakaiho Speedway. The Early Years Vol. 1 by M Rutherford and D Gifford, New Plymouth, 2013)

Trevor looks happy in #62. He won the 1952-53 Auckland Midget Championships in the car.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Trevor Carnell (#62) is on the outside as backmarker Ross Goonan (#4) goes through on the inside.
(From the Max Rutherford collection)

During the early 1960s Trevor was a top-line TQ driver. He drove for Don Mullins in TQ #9.He also drove midgets sporadically when he was offered a drive.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

During practice for the 1964-65 season Lloyd Nutt in his yellow Solar V8-60 (#2) ran over a loose drain cover causing extreme damage to one of his feet (which had to be amputated). He then called on his friend Trevor Carnell to drive the car. Here is Trevor sitting in the car with Lloyd on crutches standing behind #2.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Speedway Programme 1964-65)

For the 1965-66 season the Solar V8-60 had a new red and yellow livery. Here he poses with the crew at practice before the season started.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

Trevor at practice for the 1965-66 season.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Speedway programme 1965-66)

Trevor Carnell (#2) holds the lead as Barry Butterworth in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7) comes through on the inside and Ron Ross (#72) is out wide
. (Bruce Kent photo, from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch, NZ)

For the 1966-67 season the V8-60 motor was replaced with a faster Holden motor. Trevor was noticeably faster in the Solar Holden.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)/td>

Ian Holden in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7) out wide leads Trevor Carnell in the Solar Holden #2 at Western Springs. Ian Holden came out of retirement in 1966-67 to drive #7.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

For the 1967-68 season Lloyd Nutt purchased the iconic ex-Ian Holden #76 from George Tervit and fitted a Holden motor. Trevor was very competitive in the “Durabuilt Holden”.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Trevor Carnell in the Durabuilt Holden (#76) spins to avoid hitting Australian Bill Goode in the Mulcahy Offenhauser (#5) and Trevor Morris in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7) collects Trevor. American, Don Meacham in the Myron Caves Offenhauser (#3) passes by.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

For the 1968-69 season, the Durabuilt Holden was painted red. Here he goes through on the inside of Leo Vercoe in Trackburner #99. Trevor had a very good season winning five midget features (and was placed second four times). He again finished second on cumulative points gathered in midget features. He also finished third in the NZ Midget Championships.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Trevor looks happy after a stellar season in the Durabuilt Holden. At the end of 1969, Lloyd Nutt sold #76 leaving Trevor to find another ride.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Trevor Morris in the Fussell and Cartwright Offy (#7) tries for an inside pass on Trevor Carnell in the Roy Perkinson Holden (#98).
(Bruce Kent photo from the Max Rutherford collection)

Trevor Carnell (#72) leads Eddie James (#79) and Brian Tracey (#7) with Dave Harding (#66) out wide.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

During the winter of 1971 Cliff North built a new midget #72 powered by a Chevy II motor. The car was owned by Alby Hellriegel and Trevor drove it through the 1971-72, 72-73 and 73-74 seasons.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Speedway programme, 1971-72)

Trevor Carnell (#72) leads Barry Butterworth in the Phoenix Motors Offenhauser (#26) and Ray Alach is out wide in #35. During the early 70s Trevor always started near the back of the field and mixed it with the “big boys’.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley collection)

Placegetters in the 1971-72 New Zealand Midget Championship. From L to R, Trevor Carnell (second), Trevor Morris (first) and Graeme Hartnell (third).
(Bruce Kent photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

Bob Cheak (#31) leads a fast closing Trevor Carnell in the Hellreigel Chevy II.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Dave Jolly in the Hellreigel Holden (#79) leads his team mate Trevor Carnell in the Hellreigel Chevy II (#72) at Western Springs during the 1973-74.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

Bob Cheak (#31) leads Trevor Carnell (#72), who is down on the pole line, with VW-mounted Mel Kenyon on the outside (#61) and Western Australian Johnny Fenton bringing up the rear during the 1974-75 season at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

In 1999 Trevor located his old midget #62 and purchased it. He restored the car and ran it at Auckland Vintage Speedway Club meetings for many years thereafter.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

For the 2017 Barry Butterworth Memorial Midget feature at Western Springs Trevor (now in his mid-80s) drove the restored Ron Hogan V8-60 (the first midget driven by Barry Butterworth) as the pace car.
. (From https://www.facebook.com/SpringsSpeedway/)

Son of two-time NZ Midget Champion (1947-48 and 50-51) Snow Morris, Trevor was born in 1937 and was brought up around speedway. Trevor took up the sport of cycling at the age of 16 since cycle racing was conducted on the cycle track around the outside of the Western Springs Speedway track. In fact, he won the NZ Junior National Sprint Championship on the Western Springs velodrome and also raced on the road, winning the Auckland 100-mile Championship. At the age of 27 he began his speedway career driving a holden-powered midget #99 in the “B grade”. He had talent and won an A-grade midget feature at the 13th meeting. In the 1965-66 and 66-67 seasons Trevor ran the Linklater Holden #1 finishing second in the Auckland Champs in 65-66 and third in the World 30 laps Championship in 66-67. In the 1967-68 season, he dropped a lotus ford motor in the car and looked more competitive and aggressive. He was offered the drive in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser #7 mid-way through the season after Ian Holden vacated the seat. He took some time to adapt to the additional power of the offy but managed to win a feature race in the car. By the 1968-69 season he had got to grips with the offy and won the NZ, Auckland and Australasian Midget Championship. In 1969-70 he won the Auckland Championship again. During the winter of 1970 he, and mechanic Willie Kay, travelled to the USA and ran the Bob Lockhart Chevy II (# 58) on the USAC circuit. He raced the car back at the Springs between 1970 and 1976 in a variety of liveries – most famously as the Jim Beam Chevy II. He won the NZ Champs in 1971-72, 73-74, 74-75, was second in 75-76 and won the World 30 lap Championship in 72-73. For the 1976-77 season Trevor and his mechanic, Bob Leikis, built up a new VW-powered car and for the 77-78 season the car was rebuilt and was very competitive. However, just before Christmas 1977, tragedy struck when Trevor was killed in a road car accident at the age of only 40.

Trevor and Barry were arch-rivals throughout the 70s. Although of a similar age, they had completely different physiques, personalities and driving styles and were never more than acquaintances. Barry needed someone to beat and Trevor was that driver most of the time. The Jim Beam Chevy II was a very fast car and Trevor a quick driver so Barry had his work cut out. Barry was very quick and decisive through the traffic so in the bunched fields of the international events he could get the upper hand but when cars could be picked off one at a time Trevor often beat him.

Trevor Morris began his speedway career at the third meeting of the 1964-65 Western Springs season in a Holden powered midget #99. Here a young Trevor poses proudly in the car.
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Action from 1964-65 with Trevor Morris in Holden #99 on the inside of Merv Neil in the Rothmans Offenhauser #10 with Ron Ross in Holden #72 on the outside. Trevor became highly competitive and he won the Midget Feature at the thirteenth meeting.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

During the mid-1960s Trevor began a radiator repair shop in Onehunga which still bears his name today. Here is a rather sexist advertisement (by today’s PC standards)for his business published in a Speedway magazine in 1966!
(From Western Springs Speedway Year Book 1965-66 by Alan Clark)

Practice day for the 1966-67 season at the Springs and Trevor Morris (#1) runs around the pole line inside his friend Lynn Wyman (#6) on the outside.
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor practicing in the Linklater Holden with his dad, Snow Morris, in the background in Holden-powered #8. It was the second time Snow had come out of retirement!
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor on a trip down-south running at Templeton Speedway in the 1966-67 season.
(John Williams photo from The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

Trevor Morris posing on the infield at Western Springs in the Linklater Holden #1.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor Morris (#1) leads Ron Ross (#72) onto the back straight at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor began the 1967-68 season in the Linklater Holden in black and gold livery and as #3 (https://www.facebook.com/157452800965622/photos/a.766254966752066.
1073741833.157452800965622/784213361622893/?type=3&theater)

A lotus Ford motor out of Jack Nazer’s crashed Lotus Cortina was soon installed in the car. This seemed to give the car some extra zip.
(Photo from https://www.facebook.com/alan.morris.980)

Trevor Morris at full nose really putting the Lotus Ford motor through its paces.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)

Trevor looks extremely happy in his new ride. The Fussell and Cartwright car was the prestige drive in NZ at the time! Trevor took over driving chores in the F&C Offy #7 half way through the 1967-68 season after a disagreement between Ian Holden and Messers Fussell and Cartwright.
(From https://www.facebook.com/xlisamariemorris49)

Trevor running the Fussell and Cartwright Offy. Trevor took some time to adapt to the extra power of an Offenhuaser motor and at first had some trouble coming through the field from the backmark.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58))

Trevor has the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser haulin at Western Springs in 1968-69. For the 1968-69 and 69-70 seasons the car had a new nose cone at the request of Trevor. Barry Butterworth raced against him both seasons in Auckland over Christmas period in the Capitol Motors Chevy II.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Outcome of Meeting No. 5 Speedcar Feature Incident as reported in the Meeting No.6 1968-69 Western Springs program. This notice defused the situation a little but many in the crowd still booed Trevor each time he came out on the track.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Back-marker Trevor Morris in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7) coming through the field during 1968-69 with Eddie James (#72) and Leo Vercoe (#99) ahead.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Placegetters in the 1968-69 Australasian Championship. From L to R Blair Shepherd second, Trevor Morris first, Fiona Kay (Miss Speedway) sitting on Trevor’s knee and Barry Butterworth third.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Steamin John Stanley getting the better of Morrisey again? During the 1969-70 season John Stanley in the Revell Holden (#75) was unbelievably fast and often had the better of Trevor. Their clashes were a highlight of the 69-70 season.
(Bruce Kent photo from http://www.speedwayclub.co.nz/history.php)

The top three drivers for 1969-70. Trevor Morris (#7) on the inside of John Stanley (#75) and Eddie James (#72).
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Trevor running hard in #7 and about to make an inside pass on Eddie James in the McGee Holden #72.Trevor won the 1969-70 Auckland Midget Championship in #7.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Programme,1969)

The “dream team” – from L to R: Trevor Morris, Bill Cartwright, ace mechanic Bob Leikis and Lionell Fussell – and the “fabulous Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser” as it was called in the advertisements for Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Programme,1969)

A classic Bruce Kent action shot of the two standout midget drivers of 1969-70 hard at it. John Stanley in the Ian Holden Motors Revell Holden (#75) is on the outside trying to squeeze Trevor Morris down lower whilst Trevor tries to force John out wider!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley collection)

Trevor Morris posing in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser #7 with chief mechanic Bob Leikis and Bob’s helper and daughter Sue. It was a very successful 2.5 years of racing for Trevor as can be seen by the trophies and sashes won. At the end of the 1969-70 season the car was sold to Brian Tracey.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor at speed in the Lockard Chevy II. It took him a while to get used to driving the new car and driving on many different tracks – but he did manage to win a heat race while in the USA.
(From http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets
_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor down low in the Chevy II chasing Sonny Ates (#69) at Kokomo Speedway, Indiana.
(From http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets
_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor Morris doing a few shake down laps on the Western Springs banking at the beginning of the 1970-71 season.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58))

Action from 1970-71 at Western Springs as Trevor Carnell in the Cliff North/ Hellreigel Holden #72 leads Trevor Morris in his newly acquired American Lockhard Chevy II (#58).
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Top American USAC star Merle Bettenhausen (#9) shows who is the boss and pushes Trevor “all the way” during the 1970-71 international racing at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley collection)

Brent Holden (#76) and Trevor in some more close action at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Action from Templeton Speedway as American visitor Merle Bettenhausen in the Loniewski-owned Wynn’s Offenhauser (#9) leads Trevor in the Chevy II (#58).
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor looks pleased with his Jim Beam sponsorship. The car was known as the Jim Beam Chevy II for much of the 1970’s.This photo was taken in 1971-72 when the car was in white livery.
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

A photo of 1971-72 Western Springs action which made several of the daily newspapers. Hostile Hippy Garry Patterson spun his ill-handling Sesco. George Tatnell in the Midford Offy spun to avoid him and Trevor (#58) ploughed into George.
(Bruce Kent photo from Speedway International 1971-72, Autoworld Publications)

Another shot of the Jim Beam team in 1971-72. Trevor in the Chevy II (#58) is on the inside of his team mate, and friend, Graham Hartnell in his Holden-powered #57.
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor down low on the pole line goes for an inside pass on John Stanley in the Radio i Offenhauser (#7) and Trevor Carnell in the Hellriegel Chevy II #72.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Even the best make a mistake sometimes! Trevor has the Jim Beam Chevy II facing the wrong way at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor Morris won the 1971-72 NZ Midget Car Championship. From L to R: Trevor Carnell (2nd) Trevor Morris (1st) Graeme Hartnell (3rd).
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

A beautiful colour shot of Trevor in full cry in the Jim Beam Chevy II during the 1972-73 season.
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

At Western Springs in 1972-73 on the inside of Trevor Carnell in the Hellriegel Chevy II.
(Bruce Kent photo from Western Springs Programme,1973)

A bit of a shunt for the Jim Beam team at Mystery Creek Speedway (Hamilton). Graham Hartnell (#57) was involved in a bingle and spun and Trevor (#58) ran into him at speed.
(http://www.historicspeedway.co.nz/mystery_creek_speedway.htm)

Trevor racing during the international series at Western Springs.The car close in behind is American Dave Strickland in the Roger Mauro Sesco.
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

The Jim Beam Chevy II leaving a trail of smoke. This was a very unusual occurrence as the car was beautifully prepared by Bob Leikis and extremely reliable. This picture was taken earlier in the night of the 1972-73 World 30 Laps Championship meeting after the head gasket blew on the Chevy II motor.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

Chief Stipendary Steward, Don Tomkins stresses a point with Trevor.
(Bruce Kent photo from Stockcar and Speedway Sport January 1973)

Trevor Morris and Barry Butterworth were great rivals throughout the early 1970s. Here Barry (#26) goes for an inside pass!
(Bruce Kent photo from Stockcar and Speedway Sport Nos 5, Fourman Holdings, Petone))

Trevor poses in the Jim Beam Chevy II in its 1973-74 “flame” livery (ace mechanic Bob Leikis on the right).
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

Two greats of the sport hard at it in 1973-74. Barry Butterworth in the Doug Cook Offenhauser (#1) leads Trevor Morris in the Jim Beam Chevy II (#58).
(From the John Stanley collection)

A superb action shot of Trevor racing at the Sydney Royale at the end of the 1973-74 season..
(Bill Meyer photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

A great color photo of Trevor in the Jim Beam Chevy II at practice day for the 1974-75 season. The car retained a flame paint scheme for 74-75.
(From https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor (#58) looks behind as he gets pushed “all the way” by middle-marker Mark Hassen (#33) during the 1974-75 season.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

A great shot of Trevor in full flight in the Jim Beam Chevy II in 1974-75 at Templeton Speedway in Christchurch.
(Brian Hopping photo from The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

For the 1975-76 season the Chevy II was in black livery and Radio Hauraki was the major sponsor. Here is Trevor thundering down the back straight at Western Springs.
(From: http://www.oocities.org/kssz2/mighty_midgets_speedway_racing001.htm)

Trevor in the Radio Hauraki Chevy II running on the outside of veteran Leo Vercoe in the Ray Alach Chevy II (#99) at Western Springs.

The Radio Hauraki Chevy II in the Western Springs pits during the 1975-76 season.
(From the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Trevor spins the Radio Hauraki Chevy II at Mystery Creek in 1975-76 after a bump from Barry Butterworth (obscured) in the newly-acquired Lendich VW.
(From http://macgor.proboards.com/thread/30344/
mystery-creek-1970s-auckland-midgets)

Over the winter of 1976 Trevor Morris and Bob Leikis built up a new VW-powered midget to counter Barry Butterworth’s dominance in late 1975-76 in the Danny Lendich VW. The car was initially numbered #85 and sponsored by Crazy Shirts.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor takes the low line to get underneath American visitor Johnny Rutherford (#1) during the 1976-77 season at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)
mighty_midgets_speedway_racing003.htm)

Trevor Morris (#85) chasing Barry Butterworth (#1) in their VW-powered cars. They remained the two top-liners in NZ for the 1976-77 season.
(Bruce Kent photo, Willie Kay Collection, from One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Alan Batt, Speedway Classics, Alan Batt, Christchurch, NZ)

Half way through the 1976-77 season the livery and number were changed on the VW car. It became predominantly white and was re-numbered with his old number from the Chevy II (i.e. #58). It retained sponsorship from Crazy Shirts.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor ready for action on the Western Springs infield before the start of a meeting.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

International speedway action from Western Springs during 1976-77. Trevor Morris in the Crazy Shirts VW (#58) leads Sleepy Tripp (#1) (on his first trip to NZ) and ex-pat Kiwi Kevin Gormly in the Wells Volvo #40.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Trevor at speed in the Gardner VW #58.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

VW-mounted Trevor (Morris #58) and Kerry Morris in the Phil Horrobin-owned car (#14) collide as Trevor drives up over the front end of Kerry’s car.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58))

Born in 1947, John Stanley began his racing career in the 1965-66 season at Western Springs in an old V8-60-powered midget (#30) owned by his employer Gordon Johns. Part way through the season, he fronted in the ex-Ray Revell midget (#30) fitted with a V8-60 motor and his performances began to improve. For the 1966-67 season he ran #30 with an Offenhauser motor. John improved progressively moving from the middle-mark to a back-mark over the season and finished second in the Auckland Championship. At the end of the season he moved to Sydney where he drove an imported Chevy II-powered roadster for American Walt Land and then the same car for Johnny Peers. He won a feature at Liverpool Raceway in the Ron Ward supercharged Peugeot. On his return to Auckland in the 1968-69 season John drove various cars while he built up a Holden motor for the ex-Ray Revell car. The car was fast and he was co-opted onto the Australian midget test team after Bob Morgan struck motor troubles.At the end of the season, he drove the Garry Roberts Offenhauser at Waiwakaiho and had agreed terms to race the car for the next season. The deal fell through and for 1969-70 John was back in his old car renumbered as #75 and sponsored by his current employer Ian Holden Motors. John was exceptionally quick in the car and won 5 features and was chosen for the NZ test team. During the winter of 1970 John and his team set about building a brand new car (#3) which was powered by a Chevy II motor. On the last of the international meetings, John was involved in an horrific crash on the front straight when he rode the left front wheel of Bill Reid’s car and the Chevy II was thrown into a frightening series of cartwheels. After John was extricated from the car he spent a week in hospital with head and spinal injuries. This put pay to his plans to race in the USA during the winter of 1971. For the 1971-72 season, John drove for Brian Tracey in the ex-Fussell and Cartwright Offy #7 while Brian drove a second Offy #2. John was fast and chosen in the NZ midget team (along with Barry Butterworth and Trevor Morris). Toward the end of the season, the motor in #7 dropped a valve ending his season. However,for the inaugural Bob Tattersall Memorial feature, John borrowed Brian’s #2 and won the race handsomely with Trevor Morris a fighting second. John then retired from the sport although he raced again in the 1984 Kumeu meeting in his vintage Chevy II and at Parramatta in 1986 in an Australian VW midget.

Following his retirement, John maintained his interest in speedway building motors for several drivers (including Owen Shaw and Barry Butterworth) and crewing for,and helping a variety of drivers (e.g. A J Foyt, Steve Millen). Over the last 35 years he has restored nine vintage midgets and one sprintcar and is often seen at vintage speedway events driving cars for pleasure. John was both a competitor and friend of Barry Butterworth and he always refers to Barry with great respect.

John’s first car in the pits at Western Springs. John spun the car in practice and on his first two nights racing and was told by officials to give it away and try something else! However, the car was found to have a broken left rear axle which was causing it to spin. After it was repaired John’s performances improved greatly!
(From the John Stanley Collection)

The Revell car #30 in the B-grade pits at Western Springs. John was gaining valuable experience driving the car.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

By the end of the season John was running in A-grade events. He won the trophy for the most improved driver for 1965-66 (see above). John still jokes that since he was officially told to give up driving after his first night, an improvement was not difficult!
(From https://www.facebook.com/Kevin-J-McIvor-Poetry-and-Motor-Sports-Page-157894084253548/?fref=photo)

Terry Jones, crew chief for John Stanley, working on the rear end of the Revell Offenhauser in the pits at Western Springs. Terry had been a friend of John’s since high school.
(From the John Stanley collection))

Here is an extremely rare colour shot of John at speed in the Revell Offenhauser during practice. The car is essentially in the same livery that it had when Ray Revell drove it (and when it previously had an Offenhauser motor installed).
(Gavin Evitt photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley is a picture of concentration – Improving all the time in the Offy. John broke the 6 lap track record at Western Springs on his fifth night out in the car.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Trevor Carnell in the Solar Holden (#2) leads John Stanley (#30) as double USAC Champion Mike McGreevy (#1) looks for an inside pass on John.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

During the season, the Offenhauser motor suffered a cracked block and while it was being replaced John drove Harry Thompson’s V8-60-powered midget (#3).
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John capped off a fine season with second place in the Auckland Midget Championship. Here are the placegetters on their victory lap. From L to R John Stanley second, Ron Ross first, Ian Holden third.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

During 1966 and 1967 John used to spend his Sundays racing this old Dodge V8-powered midget at the Kopuku Drag Strip (situated on a dirt road next to the old Meremere coal-fired power station). The car was built from discarded parts from Barry Butterworth’s Mintex V8-60 car. John is sitting in the car and Terry Jones is standing at the back.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

For the 1967-68 season John raced in Sydney. Here he is at the Sydney Royale in the first car he drove there-the Walt Land-owned Chevy II roadster midget (#9).
(From https://www.facebook.com/groups/184768618290981/)

John Stanley posing in the Chevy II roadster with owner Walt Land beside him.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

The trials of a young driver. John borrowed an old Holden road car of Kevin Gormly to go and race in Victoria (notice the “air scoop” fashioned from a gallon tin under the bonnet)! The car did a timing chain on the way back and John dismantled it at a farmers property 60 miles south of Gundagai! Nevertheless, the experience of racing in a variety of cars on a number of tracks in Australia helped make John a star when he returned to NZ.
(From the John Stanley Collection

There were three Kiwis racing at at Liverpool Raceway in the winter of 1968. From L to R, John Stanley, Barry Butterworth and Kevin Gormly.
(From One Tough Dude, The Barry Butterworth Story by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

John Stanley(# 3) racing at Liverpool Speedway in Sydney (1968) seems oblivious to the fact that Bruce Doolan (#68) is up over his back wheel as Jack Watson (#22) Johnny “super” Stewart (in the famous climax-powered car) engage in their own battle
(From the William Samways collection)

John Stanley (#9) in the Peers Chevy II leads George Tatnell (#25) and Howard Revell (#2) at the Royale.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

For the 1968-69 season John Stanley was back in Auckland. While he was building a new Holden motor for the Revell car (which he had purchased from Gordon Johns) he raced #4 for Ray Alach and #32 for Harley Arthur. First night out in #4, after getting a tap from behind, he spun Trevor Morris in the F&C Offy onto the infield earning himself the nickname in the local papers of “Jostling Johnny”!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection).

John Stanley in the Crystal Holden (#30) (the old Revell car fitted with the Holden motor John built up) leads Leo Vercoe (#99), Trevor Carnell (#76), Brian Tracey (2) with Trevor Morris (#7) at the rear. Early in the season the Revell car was known as the Crystal Holden because it was sponsored by his employer, Crystal Motors. Later in the 1968-69 season John gained sponsorship from Tyre Holdings.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

After Bob Morgan struck engine trouble, John was drafted into the 1968-69 Australian midget team. Here John (#30) races outside his team captain Blair Shepherd (#99).
(From the John Stanley Collection

Heres John hard at work in the Tyre Holdings Holden. He put on some fine performances during the season.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

As the 1968-69 season proceeded, John got the Revell Holden(#75) going faster and faster and he became more and more of a threat to the dominance of Trevor Morris in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7).
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley is down on the pole line in the Roberts Offenhauser #27 with Bill Reid #10 beside him, Bob Cheak #75 in the foreground and Leo Vercoe #99 at the back. Bob Cheak and John were good friends and Bob was driving John’s Revell Holden #75 while John had the ride in the Offy. If John had kept his ride in #27, Bob would have raced #75 for the 1969-70 season.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

During his second weekend racing the car at Waiwhakaiho, John had the misfortune to crash it on the Saturday night (much to Garry Roberts disgust).John and his crew repaired the car for Monday and he finished second in the feature.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

Despite John putting on some high class performances in the car the deal to drive it the following year fell through. Several weeks after the Waiwhakaiho meetings, Garry Roberts sold the rolling chassis to Trevor Morris and the Offenhauser motor to Brian Yates.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John was unbelievably fast during the 1969-70 season in the Ian Holden Motors Holden. He was the standout driver of that season and gained many fans for his aggressive and skilful driving. At the second meeting he won the midget feature and shaved 3.5 secs off the 12 lap record.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Due to his spectacular driving style and great success he gained the nickname “steamin” John Stanley.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

The clashes between John Stanley and Trevor Morris in the F&C Offy were a highlight of the 1969-70 season. Here John fights to keep Trevor (#7) at bay while Tevor Carnell (#98) is on the outside.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Leo Vercoe (#99) leads John Stanley (#75) and an out of shape Trevor Morris in #7.Maybe John gave Trevor a bit of a nudge as he as he went through on the inside!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley (#75) is the meat in the sandwich as Trevor Morris (#7) is on the inside and Eddie James (#72)is on the outside. John was particularly impressive in the “heavy traffic” in handicap racing where his aggressive and decisive driving style often enabled him to get through the field ahead of Trevor Morris.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

On the tail of the car is sign written “Holden Hauser” – a jest to the fact that in John’s hands the old Holden-powered car often beat the #7 Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser! Bob Leikis (mechanic for #7) wasn’t amused!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John out on the track getting ready for the 1969-70 World 30 Laps Championship at Western Springs. John finished fifth after spending most of the race driving with his left hand while he held the broken right rear radius rod in its mounting position with the other. The rod end was broken in a shunt early on in the race.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

An abiding memory of the 1969-70 season. Trevor Morris (inside) and John Stanley fighting it out for racing room. There was a bit of wheel banging on occasions and in one such incident Trevor hit the safety fence resulting in John being put out for the rest of the night by the ACU Referee!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley putting the Ray Allach car through its paces at Western Springs.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John was one of the first to fit a roll cage. As things turned out it was a very wise decision. Here John poses with the car and crew.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Here is John Stanley (#3) during the 1970-71 international midget racing leading Barry Butterworth (#26)who had come over from Australia.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

The crash crew attend to John in the upturned car.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

The car being towed away. During one of the cartwheels the car landed on its tail pushing the tail of the car into John’s back. Peter Bruin, who was a close friend of John’s, and crew member for John during his whole career, is standing to the right.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

After cheating the system a little, John was able to get medical clearance to race #3 on the last night of the season.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Since he was still recovering from his injuries, John was unable to race in America during the off-season. For the Northern Sports Car Club meeting held at Western Springs after the 1970-71 speedway season had finished, Brian Tracey kindly lent John his ex-Fussell and Cartwright Offy #7. Here he passes Nick Carter (#55).
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John at practice day for the 1971-72 season in the Radio i Offenhauser #7.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John looks happy behind the wheel of Offenhauser-powered midget #7.Two years before he was trying so hard to beat the car (then driven by Trevor Morris) and now he was driving it himself!
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

At full nose in the Radio iOffy (#7). John had a frustrating season in #7, but there were still flashes of his driving brilliance so often seen in 1969-70.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John was in the 1971-72 NZ test side along with Barry Butterworth and Trevor Morris. Here he lines up on pole with George Tatnell (AUS) and Les Scott (USA) outside him and Garry Patterson (USA) in behind.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley putting #7 through its paces. In future years he actually purchased the car and restored it back to how it was as the Fussell and Cartwright Offy.
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

Here is John hot-lapping Chevy II #75 on the Western Springs banking (without a helmet!).
(From the Gordon McIsaac Collection)

For the inaugural Bob Tattersall Memorial feature in 1972 John borrowed Brian Tracey’s midget #2 and won with a hard chasing Trevor Morris a close second. As car owner, Brian claimed winners sash but gave it back to John later in the night! From L to R, George Tervit (Promotor), Trevor Morris (2nd), John Stanley (1st) and Leo Vercoe (3rd).
(Bruce Kent photo from the John Stanley Collection)

John Stanley (R) was the NZSCB Referee during the 1973-74 season at Western Springs. Here he and the NZSCB Steward Don Tomkins (L) converse with Barry Butterworth. John took a drivers view of racing and let a bit of argy bargy go on as long as it didn’t get too dangerous. John was also Steward (and the only rules person) for the Outlaws meetings when they raced at Waikaraka Park and during the first season at Meremere..
(From the Allan Batt collection)

In 1974-75 the great A J Foyt came out to NZ to race a midget with travelling partner, Mel Kenyon. John crewed on the car in Auckland and here he is (L) posing with AJ (R).
(From https://www.facebook.com/Kevin-J-McIvor-Writer-Speedway-Memories-157452800965622/?fref=photo)

In 1986 John made a one-off appearance at Parramatta Raceway in an Australian-owned VW-powered car. He drove in the teams racing (driving for NZ along with Barry B in the Higgins Duggan Chevy II) against Australian interstate teams and also competed in the Ray Revell Memorial feature.It was a great way to end his racing career.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

When the vintage speedway scene began in New Zealand in the late 1970s John Stanley restored the iconic Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser#7. The car was driven between 1965 and 1970 by three NZ greats (Barry Butterworth, Ian Holden and Trevor Morris) each of whom won the NZ Midget Championship in it. John is always quick to point out that many others have helped in many ways with the restorations.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

During the early 1980s John also restored his own Chevy II midget #3 which he raced in 1970-71 (and in which he had his big crash) and was subsequently raced by Eddie James. John looks pleased to be reunited with his restored car.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

The ex-Bruce Drinkrow VW was restored by John during the 1990s. The coil-over car was brought into NZ and raced by Sleepy Tripp and then purchased by Bruce. The car is held in the Pine Harbour Motorsport Museum owned by the Drinkrow family.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John restored the Peter Bruin VW in the very early 2000s with the help of Peter Bruin himself (who helped on many of the other restorations as well). The car was raced by Barry Butterworth during 1974-75. After the car was sold, it was driven successfully by Dave Jolly, Max Butterworth and Kerry Morris. It is pictured here at a vintage speedway show in Australia during the early 2000s

During the early 2000s John (standing with his back to the camera) restored the Hollywood Spring and Axle Offenhauser which was owned by Californian Marv Edwards and brought to NZ by Bob Tattersall for the 1964-65 season. The car was subsequently raced in Australia by Barry Valentina, Johnny Stewart, Brian Cunneen and Merle Bettenhausen.
(https://www.facebook.com/Auckland-Vintage-Speedway-Club-308596399296808/?fref=ts)

John started building this replica of the Frank Brewer V8-60 flame car #99 back in the 1990s. The car is a very accurate replica of a car raced in NZ by “Satan” Brewer during the 1946-47 season.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

John trying out Ray Alach’s restored Chevy II-powered midget (#35) at Meremere in 2014. John raced Ray’s midgets in the late 1960s and early 70s and was happy to put the newly restored car through its paces for Ray.
(From the John Stanley Collection)

Steamin John Stanley in 2016 pictured sitting in Dave Harding’s restored Stealth Pontiac midget at Meremere. It was the first time he had driven a late model midget with power steering!
(From the John Stanley Collection)

Eddie James was born in 1942 and began racing on speedway in 1965-66 in a Holden-powered midget #16. He adapted quickly to speedway and three-quarters of the way through the season he was a regular front-marker in the A grade midget events at Western Springs. For the 1966-67 season he purchased the ex-Barry Butterworth, ex-Bert Jones McGee Holden and renumbered it as #16. He put on some high class performances in this car over the next two seasons and at the end of the 1967-68 season, when Ron Ross retired, Cliff North and Harley Arthur offered Eddie the drive in the Holden-powered #72. For the next two seasons Eddie was a back-marker in #72. He won the 1969-70 NZ Midget Car Championship (held at Templeton) in the car. Over the winter of 1970, Cliff North built a new Holden-powered midget #79 which was owned by Alby Hellriegel. Eddie James drove this car in the 1970-71 and 71-72 seasons before retiring. He won a second NZ Midget Championship in the Hellriegel Holden #79 in the 1970-71 season (again held at Templeton) and was also first in the National 50 lap Midget Championship at Western Springs in 1970-71. For 1972-73 he reappeared driving the ex-John Stanley Chevy II renumbered as #97. He drove this car with moderate success through to the end of the 1974-75 season. In the 1975-76 season Cliff North was driving Holden #79 when he flipped it over the pit fence on the back straight and was knocked unconscious. He suffered from headaches for some considerable period after that and Eddie James again took over the controls of #79. He raced #79 until the end of the 1977-78 season when he retired. During the 1976-77 season Eddie finished third equal (with Leo Vercoe) in the NZ Midget Championship driving #79. Eddie became a “speedway entertainer” in the 1980s when American Stan Fox was a regular visitor to NZ. Eddie James would dress up in the fox suit and spur Stan on. For a number of years his antics as “the fox” entertained many kids (and adults) over the Christmas international midget series Eddie renewed his association with midget racing during the 2001-2002 season when he purchased an ex-Graham Standring Harris-Canaday midget which he contracted Tony Elliot to drive over the Christmas international series. Tony helped Eddie and his son Nick get to grips with the setup of a modern midget car and near the end of the season Eddie raced the car at Stratford. During the 2003-04 season, Eddie and Nick shared the drive in the Harris-Canaday with Nick racing it at Kihikihi and Eddie at Stratford. Eddie finished first equal in the 2003-04 Taranaki Midget Car Championship in the car but lost his first place to Ian Laird on a coin-toss! Eddie helped Nick with his racing career from 2006 to 2012. After a battle with cancer, Eddie passed away in June 2014. He was inducted into the New Zealand Hall of Fame in 2016.

Eddie in #16 thundering down the back straight at Western Springs in 1965-66.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Programme 1965-66)

For the 1966-67 season, Eddie purchased the ex-Bert Jones McGee Holden-powered midget and renumbered it as #16.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Nick James collection)

Eddie was fast in the new car and raced it through the 1966-67 and 67-68 seasons.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Programme 1966-67)

A close-up of Eddie James hard at work in Holden-powered #16.
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Programme 1967-68)

For the 1968-69 season Eddie James drove the Cliff North-prepared #72. He was instantly fast and became a backmarker at Western Springs
(Bruce Kent photo, from Western Springs Programme 1967-68)

Action from 1968-69 as Eddie James (#72) leads from Leo Vercoe in Trackburner #99 and Trevor Morris in the Fussell and Cartwright Offenhauser (#7).
(Bruce Kent photo from the Gordon McIsaac collection)

Eddie James (#72) leads the star of the 1969-70 season, John Stanley (#75), who is chasing hard.
(From the Kevin McIvor collection)

During the winter of 1970, Cliff North built a new Holden-powered midget (#79) which was owned by Alby Hellriegel. Eddie drove it in through the 1970-71 and 71-72 seasons.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Nick James collection)

Action at Western Springs in 1970-71. Eddie James is on the pole line (on the grass!) as he tries to pass his Hellriegel team mate Trevor Carnell in his old car #72.In behind are Brian Tracey (#7) and Dave Harding (#66).
(Bruce Kent photo from the Nick James collection)

Eddie at full nose in the Hellriegel Holden at Templeton in 1970-71. He is competing in the New Zealand Midget Championships which were held again in Christchurch.
(Brian Hopping photo from The Dusty Trail by Allan Batt, Speedway Classics, Woolston)

Placegetters in the 1970-71 NZ Midget Championship. From L to R: Johnny McKitteric second, Eddie James first and Trevor Carnell third.
(From the Max Rutherford collection)

Action from 1971-72 at Western Springs. Brian Tracey (#2) has spun and Trevor Morris in the Jim Beam Chevy II (#58) is in the air as Eddie James in #79 arrives on the scene.
(Bruce Kent photo from https://kssz58.wixsite.com/speedway-midgets-58)

Eddie reappeared in the 1972-73 season driving the ex-John Stanley Chevy II which he renumbered as #97. He raced it with moderate success through to the end of the 1974-75 season.
(Bruce Kent photo from the Nick James collection)

Placegetters in the 1976-77 New Zealand Midget Championship. From L to R, Ted Tracey (first), Barry Butterworth (second) and Eddie James in #79 (third).
(Bruce Kent photo from the Nick James collection)

Action from Western Springs as “the fox” gives encouragement to Stan Fox!
(Colin Irwin photo from the Kevin McIvor collection)