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iris123

Strikes, bans and protests

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Seems there were quite a few problems in speedway in the pre-war days

One such incident took place just before the first Australia v England test of 1939 in Sydney

Riders were informed that heats were to be run over 4 laps instead of the usual 3. Riders of both teams protested to officials of N.S.W  A.C.U, but were told the instructions came from Melbourne and there was nothing they could do. 'Bluey' Wilkinson, the Australian captain stated the additional lap would increase the risk of machine failure. 3 laps produce harder and closer races. Jack Parker, the England captain was also worried about mechanical failure, but stated big meetings like tests had a bearing on what riders could earn from signing contracts and poor performances could cost them.

Riders started the first heat not knowing whether it would be concluded after 3 or 4 heats. In the end they got their way and all heats were run over 3 laps !!!

 

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Riders trying to dictate to the authorities? Whatever next? Good thing that doesn't happen now... :rofl:

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The funny bit about the incident that at the end of one report it stated there would be a 10 lap race at one meeting, but Parker wouldn't compete because he had hurt his back !!!

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1926 and maybe the first ever speedway strike !!!

Before a crowd of 35,000 4 riders went on strike for more money. The management refused their demands and had them escorted from the track

It seems that a Jones a rider from the south was promised he could make 70 pounds from the meeting, but on arrival it was discovered only 45 was possible. So with his father who was manager he asked for a match race with Frank Pearce for a sum of 60 pounds to be split 40-20 or 30-30. The management refused the request. He then refused to race in the meeting.

Shortly after a written request for substantially more money was handed in from Charlie Spinks and Frank Pearce, who then refused to ride after a rise of 20 pounds was given on account that they had given their word to stand by Jones and his fellow rider from the south Leo Melville. According to the management the total demands came to a sum of 240 pounds !! In another account all the riders were brought together for a conference and one, Yenson was heard to be arguing with the strikers, but they couldn't be convinced to back down and were even joined by another, Bob Gream also from the south

In an interview Spinks, Pearce and Melville said they was offered money, but wouldn't 'scab' on fellow rider Jones. It seems the crowd were voiciferously behind the strikers and shouted 'scabs' at the others and were booing the announcer and cheered a couple of riders they mistakenly thought were joining the strike

A letter from one of the spectators reads

' Sir- as a spectator of saturday night's upheaval in the Speedway's hitherto well arranged programme. I was one of a crowd of spectators loyal to the local riders, who I see in the mornings paper have been expelled from the track for good. I for one, will not be a spectator again until these boys are re-instated....'

Another wrote

' Sir,- I wish to express my admiration of the speedway riders who went on strike last saturday night. As one who has attended every meeting held and noted the steady increase in the number attending (17,000 to 35,000) I imagine the money receipts must make the thing a huge financial success. I have often thought how ill repaid the riders were for the risks they run in order to give the public a comparatively cheap thrill....'

The management held a meeting on the Monday night with all the riders apart from those banned and gave them a bonus for their loyalty and set out their financial case on all the costs they had to pay out in keeping the speedway running. They also stated that one of the strikers had actually received 4 weeks pay for an injury not involving the speedway. They also announced a rise in prize money for the holder of the Golden Helmet etc. It stated the total prize money would be 300 pounds, which was almost double what the Speedway Royal in Sydney was paying out(160)

Frank Pearce also sent a letter admitting it was a mistake and so the management lifted the ban on him, as did Leo Melville. I guess Charlie Spinks took a while longer as he spent a month riding in Sydney before his return

 

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On 1/3/2020 at 5:55 PM, iris123 said:

Seems there were quite a few problems in speedway in the pre-war days

One such incident took place just before the first Australia v England test of 1939 in Sydney

Riders were informed that heats were to be run over 4 laps instead of the usual 3. Riders of both teams protested to officials of N.S.W  A.C.U, but were told the instructions came from Melbourne and there was nothing they could do. 'Bluey' Wilkinson, the Australian captain stated the additional lap would increase the risk of machine failure. 3 laps produce harder and closer races. Jack Parker, the England captain was also worried about mechanical failure, but stated big meetings like tests had a bearing on what riders could earn from signing contracts and poor performances could cost them.

Riders started the first heat not knowing whether it would be concluded after 3 or 4 heats. In the end they got their way and all heats were run over 3 laps !!!

 

Interesting. When did 4 laps become the standard?

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29 minutes ago, Sotonian said:

Interesting. When did 4 laps become the standard?

Good question which I really don't know the answer to in Test matches, but at least in the Australian Solo Championship there was a 3 lap champion into the 1950's

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Solo_Championship

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11 hours ago, iris123 said:

Good question which I really don't know the answer to in Test matches, but at least in the Australian Solo Championship there was a 3 lap champion into the 1950's

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Solo_Championship

I'm pretty sure it was dictated by the length of track; you will see how the Sydney Showground was a 3-lap track.

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3 hours ago, chunky said:

I'm pretty sure it was dictated by the length of track; you will see how the Sydney Showground was a 3-lap track.

That could be right. I got the impression it only applied in that State and not others. But it could well be specific to that track. I tried looking on Brian Collins international site , but saw no mention of this and there weren’t many race times to see if there was a sudden jump in the times

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After the strike in December 1926 things rumbled on into the new year, despite the apology from Pearce. The management elected Yenson to be spokesman for the riders. But it seems the money promised the riders after the strike wasn't paid and so a Union was formed. The Racing Motorcycle Rider's Association of Queensland' and Frank Pearce was elected chairman.

Pearce said that after the dispute the officials had submitted a schedule of prize money. The riders hadn't asked for it, but the company had presented it of its own free will. On the next Saturday night Mr Hunting came to them a few minutes before the meeting was to start and asked if they were willing to be paid in bonus money. Pearce said it was all done in a rush and without knowing what it meant the riders said 'yes', but after thinking it over and realising what it meant didn't agree to it. The Dick Smythe had a problem with his money for winning the handicap, seemingly getting less than agreed and one of the officials said 'We don't want men who win by half a mile. If you want the money you must ride to suit the public ' When it was heard the riders were holding a meeting the officials gave Smythe the correct money. This was thought to be good justification of having an association.

When officials got wind of the meeting to form the association they sent letters to all the riders requesting them to attend a meeting with officlas the night before the association meeting. They were all advised not to attend and seems they stuck together. There was also a rumour put into the press that Pearce would be leaving to ride in the south, which Pearce strongly denied and called it foul play from the management, who of course denied this

Hunting also tried to call their bluff by saying riders from the south would be willing to ride instead, but Pearce had received a letter from the President of the N.S.W riders assoc. saying they were behind them and he would advise his riders not to 'scab' Mr Ernie Odlum (the rider Norbold pointed to as riding in a 1916 motorcycle meeting I think) advised the riders not to sign any contracts with the management without representation as some f the clauses were trying to tie them up and also stop them being members of the riders assoc. Including

'I agree to give my entire services to your company for a period of 6 calendar months from even date as a motorcycle racing rider, and to compete when, and if called upon, so to do'

A motion was then carried giving the committee authority to negoiate

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Very interesting, iris, and also very interesting to see Ernie Odlum's name turn up again.

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In more modern times  I recall the British Final at West Ham in 1965 where the riders refused to go out and race unless they got an increase for the meeting. Start was delayed but eventually went ahead after the promoters agreed to ante up.

 Also the 1963 Provincial League Riders Final at Belle Vue-there was a beef about who qualified for the four man Grand Final  and there was  a mutiny led by that famous pirate Jim Squibb--the promoters agreed and there was , I think, a five rider run off to determine the final 2 places in the Grand Final-won inevitably by Ivan Mauger. Any forumlanders remember these incidents?

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39 minutes ago, BOBBATH said:

In more modern times  I recall the British Final at West Ham in 1965 where the riders refused to go out and race unless they got an increase for the meeting. Start was delayed but eventually went ahead after the promoters agreed to ante up.

 Also the 1963 Provincial League Riders Final at Belle Vue-there was a beef about who qualified for the four man Grand Final  and there was  a mutiny led by that famous pirate Jim Squibb--the promoters agreed and there was , I think, a five rider run off to determine the final 2 places in the Grand Final-won inevitably by Ivan Mauger. Any forumlanders remember these incidents?

Remember both, at least read about the '63 but I don't think the West Ham one was in '65 think it was '67? Anyone?

And yes, I was there in '65 and '67!

Edited by andout
change

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6 hours ago, andout said:

Remember both, at least read about the '63 but I don't think the West Ham one was in '65 think it was '67? Anyone?

And yes, I was there in '65 and '67!

It was the 1965 final. I have a note in my programme that says, "Meeting started 8.35. Rain started 8.36" and then another note at the end that says "Meeting finished 11:10".

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5 hours ago, norbold said:

It was the 1965 final. I have a note in my programme that says, "Meeting started 8.35. Rain started 8.36" and then another note at the end that says "Meeting finished 11:10".

Thanks norbold....time play's tricks!

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Wasn't Barry Briggs, who at the time I think was world champion, threatened with a ban from the world championship if he didn't ride for Wimbledon by Ronnie Greene ?

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