MAY 2005 NEWS ARCHIVE

27th May 2005

The Sky Is Crying...

...and so was everyone that converged on Paris Speedway this Friday night for the scheduled 2005 season opener.

Gorgeous weather for four days prior, unfortunately gave way to a band of thunderstorms, torrential rain and very high winds which moved through just after 6:00 pm.

The erratic weather came and went in fits and starts keeping everyone guessing as to the eventual outcome.

Previously very dry, the track took an amazing amount of water. However, after the final storm moved though just before 7:15, the racing surface had soaked up all it could and the officiating CMA referee made the decision to cancel the nights proceedings.

Desperately disappointing for all in attendance, and for all our internet fans from around the globe but I'm afraid we are always at the mercy of mother nature.

Many thanks to everyone that showed up tonight, especially to a good number of our friends who travelled many hours from the USA.

Let's hope next Friday sees the start proper of the 2005 Canadian Speedway Season!

23rd May 2005

Final Practice Goes Well

The Paris tack played host to its final pre-season practice session under glorious sunshine Sunday.

Extensive track work was required throughout the week by Dave Havill with help from long time Paris volunteer Alex, in order to prepare for this weekend. The track surface was all but completely removed the previous weekend to enable the Andy Harris Speedway Training School to take place amidst poor weather.

Considering the scale of the task, the track Sunday was really quite consistent and rideable. Some work may still be required to smooth the undulations, particularly noticeable at speed entering turn three, but all in all I think we are in good shape for the start of the 2005 Canadian Speedway Season. Bravo and thankyou Dave!

Sunday saw a massive rider turnout, but this time I think riders were looking for opportunities to hit the track at "more quiet" times, resulting in a day where there were never too many riders on the track at once.

Of the Division 1 turnout Nick Fafard, "Jumpin'" Jeff Orosz and Joe Heye looked equally comfortable and fast. I think if I had to pick the most impressive looking it would have to be Joe Heye, trying for the first time a different type of carburettor on his Jawa machine, he seemed to revel in the resultant smooth, crisp running and extra pulling power.

As for Team Small, this was the first time this year I personally concentrated on doing four sessions of four hard laps. I felt tired by the end of the day, but the fact that I made it through unscathed and felt comfortable on the bike was very encouraging.

Michael looked good but not before a few uncharacteristic "get-offs". This was largely due to a different bike set up we were trying for the first time. We have moved the rear wheel forwards considerably, in fact it is now ahead of center in the adjustment slots.

We felt it was time to get Michael used to having the possibility of more traction, up until now we have set the bike up to run very slick, which makes it easier to slide in the turns.

Now, by using body language he is able to straighten the bike up mid turn if required by easing his weight back. By the end of the day he was very enthusiastic about the new set-up and was putting in some good laps on what was by now a "choppy" track surface. Very encouraging!

The importance of being able to "lay the bike down" was demonstrated superbly by my good friend Rob Dixon, when Michael slid off in turn two just ahead of him. Rob's professionalism is unquestionable and this showed when he immediately dumped his bike to scub off speed and avoid what could have been a nasty collsion. Thanks Rob.

In contrast, I have witnessed on a number of occasions where this should have taken place but didn't. All riders should take notice of this tactic and in my opinion should demonstrate their ability to carry it out before being allowed to race on a track. Far too often, riders seem either unwilling (or unable) to err on the side of caution. This is paramount to the safety of everyone on the track.

Well, practice is done and the tapes are set to rise for the season opener at Paris this coming Friday 27th May at 8:00 pm.

Hope to see you all there!

14th May 2005

Joan Luke Photo's

The new look front page to the website is possible because of one person special to Canadian Speedway.

Joan Luke, wife of CSRA Seceratary/Treasurer Duncan can often be found at speedway events and practice sessions pointing her telephoto lens at us very grateful riders.

Over the years she has taken some fantastic action shots of riders on the track, and other wonderful pictures of the Canadian Speedway scene, riders, supporters, team members, sponsors, the list goes on.

I would personally like to thank Joan for her latest delivery, a few shots of Michael and I at a recent practice session. I have been waiting for some pictures of the two of us riding together and now, thanks to Joan, it has finally happened.

The shots on the home page, together with the one here below are certainly pictures I will cherish for evermore, as there's not many father and son speedway riders that get this opportunity to be captured together.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Joan, and I'm sure I echo the sentiments of all riders and Canadian Speedway enthusiasts that have been priveleged to fall into her viewfinder.

Thanks Joan, and keep up the good work!

14th May 2005

Andy Harris Training School

It was absolutely astonishing that this event even took place today with heavy overnight rain turning the Paris track into a swamp.

Almost four hours of hard work by Dave Havill, later joined by "Lightning" Len Dillon gave us approximately 2/3 of the usual racing surface. All the top gloop was scraped off with two heavy blades and pushed to the inside rendering the tight line "out of bounds".

Amazingly, after a few tentative laps, the outside line came around and was really quite rideable. Full credit must go to Dave and Len for all their hard work.

Of the eight riders initially booked onto the course, six showed up. The bad weather obviously deterring the other two. The day started with an hour-long talk given by Andy Harris on everything from bike preparation, to self preparation and preservation, to rider behaviour and etiquette.

Thereafter saw a lenghty wait while the final track preparation took place. This was a great opportunity for many people to get to talk to Kyle Legault, home in Canada for a visit whilst recovering from his broken foot. Great to see Kyle back at Paris.

The first rider eventually took to the track at about 1:30. Each rider had one-on-one time with Andy and track time to themselves, all in all culminating in about six sessions each.

By the end of the day there was noteable improvement in every rider. Some of the students got quicker, others their body position on the bike improved dramatically. It was quite remarkable the change in every rider by the day's end.

The rain started falling heavily again at about 5:00 pm so the barbeque was lit and good food was enjoyed by all in attendance. Many thanks to Andy for laying on the food and to John Bennett for bringing the BBQ and doing the job of chef.

Andy Harris School

As far as Team Small Racing's participation in todays events, Michael listened intently to the advice given by both Andy and Aaron Hesmer, who also stepped in to help out. He looked super smooth and super fast throughout the day, but his last session was his best, really gassing the bike and using plenty of body language to manipulate the bike mid-turn. He say's this was the best he's ever felt on the bike. Look out division 3!

I was happy to help out with manning one of the three video cameras on the day and spent much of my time on the center green, filming riders progress. I tried to do some commentary, offering my opioins into the bargain! Please, take them with a pinch of salt when you see the tape as I don't really know what I'm talking about!

Now, moving onto tomorrow, it was scheduled to be our annual BBQ, Swap Meet and Practice session but I have been informed that this has been officially cancelled due to unsuitable track conditions. The CSRA meeting however scheduled for 12:00 noon will still go ahead at the track as planned.

One other point, Duncan Luke has copies of the 2004 season stats available at $12.00 each. I can tell you that they are well worth the read with loads of great colour pictures taken by Joan Luke throughout the season. These stats are worth their weight in gold and are real "keepers" for memories sake. Good job Duncan and Joan, thanks.

Please try to make it to the track for the meeting tomorrow, if not, we'll se you all next Sunday for the last official practice session before the start of our Canadian Speedway Season 2005!

Lastly, a huge thankyou to Andy Harris for making today happen. I'm sure I echo the feelings of everyone in attendance today.

Phil #21 & Michael #2.

8th May 2005

What a Scorcher!

Red hot weather and a red hot rider turnout ensured a great practice session at the Paris track today.

24 Degrees of heat brought out almost as many bikes. A quick count showed 22 in attendance for the second practice session of the 2005 pre-season. This must be a record.

Firstly, us riders owe a big debt of thanks to all the Mothers who gave up their Mothering Sunday. I'm sure many of them would rather have been at home relaxing and basking in the sunshine. Instead, they allow us crazy speedway fanatics to drag them to a noisy, dusty track for the best part of the day.

Of the riders in attendance, we got the first glimpse this season of Division 1 star Joe Heye, who looked on the pace right off the bat.

Rob Dixon, with a GPS (Global Positioning System) mounted on his bike, just about equalled his top speed ever aroung the Paris track and looked super smooth into the bargain.

This was also Michael's first time out this season. He looked as though he had never had a winter break, smooth, fast and well in control of his GM Laydown. He was in agreement that the new frame diamond on his bike has made a huge difference to the handling.

Yours truly felt more comfortable on my Weslake than last week and bike fitness is quickly starting to return. I feel there is considerably more in the bag and the old Weslake machine certainly won't be the limiting factor in my riding this coming season.

Veteran star Graham Wale, opting to ride his trusty two valve Jawa looked improved and has to take credit for his ability and fitness. He really is enjoying his involvement in speedway at this comaparitively "later" stage in maturity. Fantastic to see.

Whilst on the subject of veterans, Tiger Tom Marriott can not go without a mention. Very happy at the news young Bart Moskala has agreed to give Tom his trusty #13 back before the start of the season, he looked to have renewed enthusiasm and seemed to really enjoy his outings on his Weslake machine. Amazing how much a race number can mean to a long standing rider.

So a great day was had by all. Next Saturday see's the Andy Harris Training School, with the annual Practice, Swap Meet and Barbeque on the Sunday. A busy week of bike preparation ahead!

Hope to see you all next weekend,

Regards,

Phil #21 and Michael #2.

5th May 2005

First Practice

This past Sunday saw the opening of the Paris track for the first Canadian Speedway action of the summer season.

I attended with both Michael's GM Laydown and my Weslake, my race bike for this season. Unfortunately, Michael was unable to attend as he had prior commitments.

I opened with a few laps on the GM as the goal was to break a new set of piston rings in. I felt very comfotable (if not very bike fit!) and put in a few good quick laps. The new double backbone Jawa frame diamond made the bike feel nice and rigid and it seemed to handle the best it ever has done.

For the rest of the afternoon, I focussed my attention on dialling in my Weslake as this was the very first opportunity I had gotten to ride it.

I still need to work on a few set-up issues, but the "old girl" pulled strong and showed a great deal of promise.

Michael will be at the track for his first outing next Sunday (weather permitting) and I can tell you he is extremely keen.

As for last Sunday in general, there follows a report I wrote for the CSRA website:

Good practice session, good turnout, bloody awful weather! In between the hail, sleet and rain showers there was enough respite to allow a good number of riders the chance to blow the cobwebs out for the first time this year. The Paris track was in excellent shape and a whole bunch of new faces were in attendance on the Canadian speedway scene for the first time. Of the more established riders, Nick Fafard, “Hit Man” Gary Hesmer, Aaron Hesmer and Rob Dixon looked smooth and on the pace, (closely followed by some burk on a Weslake!) Big John Perry looked at home on his “ex Andy Harris” Jawa, even though he was nursing a very sore injury on his posterior! The previous day whilst warming his bike up at home, it threw the final drive chain, whipping up and catching him right on the butt! Corrine Franic was exceptionally smooth on her laydown Jawa and looked a real class act (in more ways than one)! The new Polish contingent attached to the Hesmer Racing Team, were certainly enthusiastic, noisy and entertaining! More seat time will surely result in success. A big, big thank you to is due Dave Havill who, with Alex’s help had the track in great shape after the long Canadian Winter.

Hope to see you all at the Paris track this coming Sunday!