john legend 735 Report post Posted April 16, 2018 What agreat hero on the dirt track . He was such a great guy that he convinced us at hutt park to allow an evening of speedway on our track back in the early 90s. Being desperate for funds we agreed with his assurance of muffled bikes, special tyres to avoid any track damage and a big profit. Ivan was not riding himself but we proceeded because of his charisma. on the night I think noise control were run off their feet all over Wellington and Hutt ! On the sunday the track looked like a mini grand canyon with ruts about a sulky wheel deep.! We were racing in a week so Ron Cunningham and writer got heavy machinery from local contractors free as long as we woulddrive them. I had a 5 minute instruction on a large Roller and Ron was grading .After a days hard work we had track ready to race some horsemen even commented on how the track seemed to have been improved. Suffice to say it was a one off for Hutt Park.! Gordy55, chelseacol and tasman man 11 2 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelseacol 2,488 Report post Posted April 16, 2018 1 hour ago, john legend said: What agreat hero on the dirt track . He was such a great guy that he convinced us at hutt park to allow an evening of speedway on our track back in the early 90s. Being desperate for funds we agreed with his assurance of muffled bikes, special tyres to avoid any track damage and a big profit. Ivan was not riding himself but we proceeded because of his charisma. on the night I think noise control were run off their feet all over Wellington and Hutt ! On the sunday the track looked like a mini grand canyon with ruts about a sulky wheel deep.! We were racing in a week so Ron Cunningham and writer got heavy machinery from local contractors free as long as we woulddrive them. I had a 5 minute instruction on a large Roller and Ron was grading .After a days hard work we had track ready to race some horsemen even commented on how the track seemed to have been improved. Suffice to say it was a one off for Hutt Park.! Great story John - I think Ivan did a demonstration or something at Addington too ?? sadly I never got to Hutt Park but have fond memories of listening to the races on the radio etc. Amazing that Wgn doesnt have a track for harness (or dogs too I guess) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheHorseman 22 Report post Posted April 17, 2018 1 hour ago, chelseacol said: Great story John - I think Ivan did a demonstration or something at Addington too ?? sadly I never got to Hutt Park but have fond memories of listening to the races on the radio etc. Amazing that Wgn doesnt have a track for harness (or dogs too I guess) Yeah I remember the speedway at Addington too. It was a great spectacle. Not sure of the impact on the track, but it was a good initiative bringing the speedway to town. Imagine trying to pull that one now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Value Bell 246 Report post Posted April 17, 2018 Addington and Forbury Park and Taranaki were long track racing series. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patiti 274 Report post Posted April 17, 2018 A thought for Barry Briggs as well. Both greats at the sport............... Fartoomuch 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Value Bell 246 Report post Posted April 17, 2018 Four heroes. Ivan in front. Barry Briggs left at rear, Ove Fundin and Ronnie Moore. Patiti, Overcheck and elbow 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
One more lap 91 Report post Posted April 18, 2018 10 hours ago, Value Bell said: Four heroes. Ivan in front. Barry Briggs left at rear, Ove Fundin and Ronnie Moore. Those boys had balls as big as a stallion to ride those bikes at full noise. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoHarness 33 Report post Posted April 19, 2018 Some great footage of Ivan tearing around Alexandra Park at full speed in the first 3mins of this doco https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/circuits-of-gold-1987 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...