The 13th California-in-England Speedway Reunion
By Stuart Towner

Despite all that the weather gods threw at us, the hardy band of supporters who attended didn't have their spirits dampened at all and although wet, all who were there enjoyed themselves.

The Friends of Speedway stall was set up in readiness to do business but was kept covered for much of the day to save damaging their wares. When it stopped raining for the first time people appeared from their cars and vans and bikes were unloaded. With a line-up of a dozen or more machines some of these were started which bought even more folk out to see what was going on. Some were even standing behind the un-silenced machines to savour not only the sound but the smell of Methanol mixed with Castrol R oil - pure heaven.

Unfortunately, due to the inclement weather no former riders attended this time. It was remarked on that 13 is my lucky number and race number but didn't work well for the weather!

One attendee, Andy Flack turned up on his father's old BSA combination with a JAP speedway bike on the side of it. His father, Arthur, had raced there back in the 1950s. He also rode for Oxford and Rye House in the late 1930s early 1940s.

A presentation was made to Laura, (Miss Strimmer 2017/18) for her hard efforts in helping with track undergrowth management.

Our thanks to all who attended and left home in terrible conditions to be there. Your presence was very much appreciated.

The California stalwarts

Arthur Flack's BSA combination transporter

The general line-up of machines

A recently restored 2-valve Jawa with a 4-valve Street conversion

This article was first published on 31st October 2018

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