customhouseregular 1,651 Posted October 30, 2014 London fans of a certain age may remember Japan's "Jimmy" Ogisu putting in an appearance at Wimbledon back in the 60's.I recall seeing photos and some film footage of a type of speedway in Japan, held on hard surface tracks. I don't know if speedway as we know it has ever been held in Japan though. Asia is well known for motor sports, both 2 and 4 wheel with many Asian countries holding major events. Does anyone know if "proper" speedway has ever been held in Japan?. As the home of the motorcycle on would feel it could be viable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
britmet 233 Posted October 30, 2014 . . held in Japan. As the home of the motorcycle . . .. Yes, I saw Jimmy O. at the Wimbledon Internationale too, - got his autograph, - can remember the mouthful of gold teeth, . BUT . . . "Japan, THE HOME OF MOTORCYCLE" , - ? - ? - ? - ? . You're obviously very young and haven't read any history. . It's the West Midlands, - Birmingham & Coventry ! . Triumph, BSA, Ariel, Norton, Velocette, Royal Enfield, (Warks.), AJS & Villiers (both Wolverhampton), . . etc, etc . Where do I stop ? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
customhouseregular 1,651 Posted October 30, 2014 I am very old and had a BSA Bantam in the 60's. Of course, the West Midlands is the true home of Motorcycles but sadly Japan has taken over, hence my comment. I wish it was not so. Purists and discerning motorcycle buyers should look to the traditional British marques...I am on your side on this one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grachan 7,362 Posted October 30, 2014 Japan did normal speedway until the mid 60s. It was then apparently banned because they saw the sliding as too dangerous. I've been to a couple of meetings in Japan. Must be about 10 years ago now. It's called Autorace and is raced, as you say, on tarmac. The racing is individual and it is very much a gambling sport there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bream 29 Posted October 30, 2014 I remember something that speedway was banned because of the dust in Japan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
customhouseregular 1,651 Posted October 31, 2014 Japan did normal speedway until the mid 60s. It was then apparently banned because they saw the sliding as too dangerous. I've been to a couple of meetings in Japan. Must be about 10 years ago now. It's called Autorace and is raced, as you say, on tarmac. The racing is individual and it is very much a gambling sport there. Thanks from the info. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P T Preece 262 Posted November 1, 2014 Im not sure but the film "on any sunday 2" showed some of japanese speedway and it looked very boring. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iris123 20,997 Posted November 2, 2014 Sure i saw some film on it at one London motorbike show in the 70s and it looked very dramatic.The guys were like gladiators in the back of a wagon that drove them out on the track to their bikes.But i guess in a film you can make things more dramatic and exciting than they are at the track.From later stuff on here it seemed to be more for the betting than anything else Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Triple.H. 1,986 Posted November 9, 2014 Didn't Briggo have a go at it I'm fairly sure I saw a photo in one of his books back when I was a boy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
